“When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.”
Psalms 94:19
Hello my sweet friends. I hope your week is going well and you are staying inside and cool. I wanted to share a little bit of what we have been doing this summer and it has not been vacationing. I am so ready to take a trip somewhere, anywhere. Sorry, I digressed. I have put off forever making a decision about my dining room. I have loved its beautiful Mediterranean spice walls for fifteen years, yes I said fifteen. But when you love something why change just for the sake of change? If you are a long-time reader, you know I love color…my motto has always been why live in black and white when you can live in color. For years my style has been an English country and French country mix. I can appreciate and love the farmhouse look, it just isn’t my personal style. We aren’t all supposed to be the same, God didn’t create us that way! My idea is keep what you love even if it isn’t on trend, hang on it will come back. An example of that is happening right now…I have always loved floral prints, and I have them in my home. They kind of went out of vogue, but they are now everywhere. Trends change so quickly because the industry wants to keep consumers constantly spending their money.
So you probably have guessed by now, in the dining room, we are drastically changing it up! But, I just have to have a moment to reminisce!
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The dining room has hosted countless Tablescape Tuesdays! The pastels of Bunnies & Blessings played well against the red walls.
I loved how the blues and greens looked in the dining room!
The colors of orange and purple in a French Scarf provided a dramatic look!
Christmas tablescapes were my favorites!
Pinkish-Peach hued tulips looked pretty against the red background!
A New Twist for the Dining Room Table was an opportunity to use the dining room as kind-of-a-library.
Different seasons’ light that pours into the bay window often changed the hue of the walls like this spring setting
Valentine’s Day tablescapes had a romantic ambiance!
I always loved blue and white in the morning light of the red dining room.
Just a simple Christmas vignette of fruit and greenery was pretty in the red dining space. So, you might be wondering what color are the walls? I am not saying just yet, but I can tell you we are loving it. The room is not finished, I want window treatments because I happen to love fabric. I can’t believe I took down the custom made silk window treatments! My Renaissance Man said he would like a different table and chairs. The English style is a bit formal for him and neither of us like how heavy the chairs are.
Autumn and Thanksgiving even worked with the red walls.
It will be a couple of months before I share the new look. You all know I use the garden and patio for tablescapes this time of year. I will be excited to share it with you when it is finished. I am taking my time to select the perfect table and chairs for us. I need to seat a minimum of eight people…the current table seats ten. That isn’t the only project we have been working on, most of the interior will have new wall colors when we are finished. Needless to say, I am tired and ready for a vacation!
I always love your comments, what do you think the new wall color is?
Don’t forget to check out all the beautiful alfresco tablescape links below. There is fabulous inspiration to enjoy!
Monday
Friday
Debbee’s buzz • Simple Nature Decor • From My Carolina Home • My French Twist
In case you missed mine, here is a little glimpse!
Wishing you all a beautiful day!
Pieced Pastimes,, Dwellings-Heart of Your Home, Savvy Southern Style, French Country Cottage, Stone Gable, Confessions of a Plate Addict, Worthing Court, Between Naps on the Porch, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, The Charm of Home, Katherines Corner,Petit Haus, Follow The Yellow Brick Home, Vintage Mama’s Cottage, Marilyn’s Treats Eclectic Red Barn, Share Your Cup, Love Of Home, My Soulful Home, Celebrating Everyday Life, Little Farmstead, Starfish Cottage, Rustic & Refined,The Freckled Rose, Life and Linda, DIY 180, Celebrate & Decorate, Sweet Sensations, The Dedicated House, Shabby Fufu, Designthusiasm, Imparting Grace, Calypso in the Country
Carole @ From My Carolina Home says
Remodeling is a ton of work, but it is so exciting to have a fresh new look! I am sure yours will be wonderful.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Carole, you are right – it is a lot of work!
Mary says
Pam, I always enjoy having a virtual seat at your table, whether it’s in your dining room or your garden! Just the thought of painting makes me weary. So fun to reminisce and see a recap of some of my favorite tables in your dining room. I know whatever color or table you end up with will be beautiful. ♥
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Mary!
Alice says
I am in the middle of having the entire upstairs being repainted woodwork and all. AND I’m on vacation and not worrying about it. Have I lost my mind? No, in fact the reason for us to be on vacation is to keep hubby calm. He does’t do well with redecorating. Before he retired he would sometimes be gone for six weeks and that’s when the decorator would come in and by the time he got back it was all done. I am excited to see it and then I get to have fun decorating the rooms however I chose. I am imaging all kinds of things for your dining room. I loved the way you decorated it and can’t wait to see the new unfold.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Alice, being gone while everything is being painted is perfect. You know what you are doing for sure!
Sue says
OH! I so agree with your thoughts about decorating with one’s own style, and yes, things do come back around and yes the merchants want us to spend more money. I am so looking forward to see the changes you are making. Loved all your tablescapes.Thanks for sharing.
Blessings,
Sue
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you for visiting Sue!
jae says
I love the versatility your red walls gave you for stunning tablescapes! I agree, I prefer more formality in the dining room, (and comfortable padded chairs to encourage lingering.) Hopefully you will give us a hint and not make us wait in anticipation for months to see the new color. Am sure it will be just as lovely, and I hope you get a nice break. Decorating is work! even when enjoyed.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Jae. It is definitely work with lots more to finish!
Shannon@Belle Bleu Interiors says
Pam, I have always adored your dining room and decorating style! The photos I have seen of your home are magazine worthy. You and I have similar tastes, and we both love color! I can’t wait to see the new changes! Happy Thursday, sweet friends!!!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Shannon and Happy Sunday!
Nancy says
It was lovely walking down memory lane and seeing all your gorgeous tablescapes in your dining room!
Remodeling takes time! 3 years ago… the LakeHouse was totally gutted down to the 2×4’s. It’s hard but… so worth it!
I am looking forward to your reveal! How exciting for you and for us!
That vacation will be so wonderful when your redo is completed!
Hugs, Nancy
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Nancy, it does take time and I am already exhausted. We definitely need a vacation!
Libby @ Beauty Without Within says
I have always appreciated your traditional style because it is something we share. I have never been able to achieve the magnificent tablescapes that you have, but you have given me inspiration. I have recently repainted my former red foyer and have not regretted it at all. So, I can’t wait to see what major changes you are making in your lovely home. Thank you for the memory lane tour of these inspirational tablescapes.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you sweet Libby. What color did you paint your foyer? It has taken longer than I had hoped! Have a wonderful day!
Sandra at Maison De Jardin says
Pam, I have so enjoyed your red dining room, but I can’t wait to see your new changes. I too, love floral prints. Last summer I made the most beautiful floral chintz drapes for our guest room. As I was sewing them, I thought about the fact that you don’t seem to see this gorgeous fabric too much anymore, but you are right, it is making a return.
Living with the chaos of painting and re-decorating can quickly make one ready for a vacation. You will enjoy your vacation and you will be so happy to return home to your fresh and new space.
Have a lovely day and weekend, my friend!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Sandra. I would love to see those beautiful floral chintz draperies. This has taken much longer than I had hoped. Have a beautiful day!
inspiredbyjoydianne says
Beautiful reminders of your dining room. Change is hard yet exciting. I think you are going with lighter walls maybe in the beige family. Bob guessed eggshell blue. My daughter has linen upholstered chairs and they are so comfortable and beautiful. She bought a wonderful round wood table at West Elm. Bob and I planned an upgrade for guest bathroom and I can’t seem to put a plan together. I know whatever you do will be outstanding.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Dianne, I work much slower in my thought process of decorating than I used to. It is definitely hard work!
Sandi Magle says
I have rich colors in my home and it’s wonderful to see creative uses of traditional space. Amazing what you can do with red, which I have in my kitchen. I find it works all the time.
Had to pin a few of your photos, gorgeous.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you so much Sandi. Red seems to always work!
Christine says
I am like you … I prefer color and prints . You will create more beautiful tablescapes and family memories in your newly decorated space . I have
enjoyed the virtual tours in your present dining room, but I am excited to see the changes ! And we have all those lovely pictures/ posts to refer to !
We just completed “updating” our dining room – new paint color, new chandelier, new rug,new window treatments, new wall decor, dining chairs recovered.
We kept the furniture – but , rearranged pieces – my china cabinet is now happily at home in my living room ! I admit , I felt sadly nostalgic when the process began , but I quickly overcame that feeling as the room began its new life ! There is an excitement when redecorating !
Can’t wait to see your reveal .
You want your blog friends to guess your color choices ? I doubt gray …
Maybe shades of blues,creams and some green ?
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Christine, you have been busy updating. You guessed right, it isn’t gray?
Nicole Roper (previously Waddell) says
I believe it might have a slight grey tint to it with metal decor. Just a guess! Hope you are doing well! Can’t wait to see the final result.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
It is good to hear from you Nicole!
Liz @ Home and Gardening With Liz says
I love color too. You spoke as though I was the one writing the words! I know it will be beautifully done and I am curious what color you went for. For some reason I want to say blue! I have thought about putting my kitchen and little dining area back to a creamy white to let my colors show off from it though. I used to jump right in and make it happen but these days I have to thin on it a long time!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Liz, I find it much harder to jump right in to a project now, also!
sageandivydesigns says
Great idea to use the same table and change it for each season! Great photos too!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thanks so much for your visit!
Chloe Crabtree says
So….am I to anticipate a change in your dining room? I will be anxious to see if that is what is coming, as I have grown comfortable with it, like coming into a familiar room after being away awhile. That being said, I am with you on farmhouse style. What I don’t understand about it is, that very few people actually live on a farm, so why is it so popular? I agree, manufacturers, designers and retailers are behind the changing styles, or what would they sell us?
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thanks Chloe, I am so glad to know that I am not the only one who thinks that way!
Vivian Brossman says
A very pretty English Garden Green. We have similar taste. I also love, English Country and French country. I have been working on some country Farm deco except with traditional primary colors that they used back in the day. I love your color motto, I agree. Happy decorating!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Vivian. I would love to see your finished room that you are working on!
Vivian Brossman says
Thank you Pam, What a nice compliment.
Kari says
I repeat all the sentiment of the commenters above!!! I LOVE Spanish/Mediterranean and refuse to completely give it up just because all the interior decorators from the furniture stores around here keep saying one should. I did go lighter in paint colors in my home and painted the mahogany woodwork lighter and I must say I like it. My next project is the master bath which is still tuscan colors with beige-y woodwork. I’m not a trend setter…I just know what I like. And just for the record….when I lived on a farm and a ranch….my style was NOT considered farmhouse style. LOL Blessings Always
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you sweet Kari. It is sometimes hard to stay true to what you love and not be persuaded by the current trends.
bonnie morgan says
I’m guessing blue or green but it will be great whatever you chose. I look forward to seeing what you do.
I am impressed with all you are doing and you are smart not to rush.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Bonnie, we are tired with still so much left to finish!
Dolores Velasco says
Dear friend, it is said “renew or die” … well, I think it is very drastic but true, you have to renew yourself although when you love a style it is usually renewed but within the same style … hahahahaha
I love the English style and Antonio also liked it very much, so our furniture is English style but with a renewed air that gives a touch of light and more fresh.
I can not wait to see the new image of your dining room that will surely be beautiful.
I am still in Majadahonda, I hope to go to Granada and to the beach before August 9, which is my birthday. I love birthdays because they are the only way to continue living and enjoying all that the Lord gives us each day.
A hug
Dolores
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Hola Dolores, qué interesante que nuestros gustos sean tan similares. Déjame ser el primero en desearte un feliz cumpleaños, mi dulce amigo. ¡Bendiciones y abrazos!
Roxanne says
I have admired your dining room so much and am very excited to see what direction you take! I love color and traditional decor too, so to see an updated version will be inspiring I’m sure. No doubt, you and Butch will need a vacation with a spa day!!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Roxanne, a spa day would be perfect for sure!
Patti Fralix says
Pam, it will be beautiful, as everything you do is! I so enjoyed seeing these tablescapes again. I can’t wait to see the finished project.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you dear friend!
Nancy Brantley says
Give me color! I love the natural look but not in my home. I remember these tablescapes..beautiful. Excited to see how you change an already beautiful home.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Nancy and Happy Sunday!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you so much Nancy. It is taking more time than it used to.
Jann Olson says
I remember so many of these. Your dining room is lovely, but a change will be fun! I’m with you about doing what I love, not what is trendy. I’ve always loved checks, florals, and plaids. I too am a color loving gal! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Jann!
Lea says
I’m thinking something in the gray family. I can’t wait to see the unveiling.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Lea!
the Painted Apron says
Oh Pam, you are such a tease! Of course we are all dying to see what you’re doing!! I loved looking back at your dining room over the years and seasons, it is such a gorgeous room. I am sure whatever you choose will be equally stunning, I can’t wait! By the way, one of my favorites was when you did the library table, staged with beautiful books that lured you in for a lovely afternoon of reading. Redecorating is always a lot of work, but the results can be savored for a long time! I loved what you said about trends, especially farm house, I never could get into that one either. I get so tired of seeing the same things on different blogs, like big white wooden beads spilling out of things…I much prefer seeing a variety of tastes and styles, and yes COLOR!! So tired of white rooms and all neutral spaces, so boring and not very practical for family living!
Jenna
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Jenna, it was hard to let go of the red! This is taking much longer than I had planned. I think I am hard to please and I don’t buy until I find the right one!
marmeladegypsy says
That will be interesting to see! I do love that spice but hmmm. Floral prints, huh? Perhaps a lovely tone of green?
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Jeanie!
Cheryl says
Oh, my word! This is the first time I am seeing inside your beautiful home, and it is just amazing!!! My favorite is the spring one ~ I love the pink and blue. Just gorgeous! I think your new walls are maybe a taupe color, possibly? A soothing shade of tan. That is what we have in our living area, and it constantly makes me sleepy! It makes for a very relaxing homelife. 🙂 Anyhow, I can’t wait to see your finished product and find out what your new color is! God bless you, sweet friend!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Cheryl, and God bless you sweet friend!
Debbie-Dabble says
All of your tablescapes are just so lovely!! I also adore the color of your walls!! Stunning!!Thanks so much for taking the time to visit!!
Hugs,
Debbie
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Debbie, happy Sunday!
Tea With Jennifer says
We too have had the same color for 20 years, we both love it! We have a very, very pale green in the living areas chosen by my husband.
It’s very relaxing & soothing. I’m a shabby chic girl & my husband was conservative but now industrial chic! :-0! So a change may be in the wind for us too!
I will wait for your reveal rather than guess :-D. What exciting anticipation! ♥
Jennifer
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Jennifer, I love the shabby chic look. It is interesting to see how you combine yours and your husband’s style.
Tea With Jennifer says
Still in the planning stages at the moment 😀
Anonymous says
I don’t think I can wait to see your new dining room! How fun, Pam! Whatever you choose I know it will be beautiful with attention to every detail. I think you will choose blue!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you so much, there is still much to finish. Happy Sunday~
Maristella says
Magnificent review! I am looking forward to see your new decoration…Hugs!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Maristella!
Runningonempty says
Cant guess the new wall colour, but I can say the old one, with the paintings on it etc attracted me to your blog initially. It was only later I learned your lovely personality.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Oh know, will you leave since I have changed the color?
Runningonempty says
I bought heavy antique chairs with little wheels on the legs, they have wide padded seats. Then they didn’t all fit under my table! So get the chairs first.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
I will wait until I find the right one.?
Bonnie Brown says
I have mixed feeling about a new look for your dining room. I know it will be wonderful because you have excellent taste but I just love your red dining room and love your window treatments as well. I love color and I had a red living room until recently and it was really hard to give it up but I’m happy with the change. I went with a very bright green and I like it. Of course new wall colors call for new window treatments, etc Once it starts, it seems to get on a roll and one change calls for another. Can’t wait to see the new dining room but sure will miss the old one. It was refreshing to see a blog that was NOT farmhouse and NOT all white or neutrals! Also love your tablescapes!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you so much Bonnie. I have loved my red dining room and never tired of it. I am having trouble finding the perfect fabric for the windows, they might be bare for a while. Your living room sounds lovely with the bright green walls. You are right, one thing always calls for another.
Bobbi Duncan says
Pam, I’m on the same page; I love color and classic design. I am sooo hoping we’ll see more of it in the stores as I am in need of reupholstering several pieces but have put it off as most of the fabrics, other than the Ralph Lauren wool houndstooth I found for the den, has either been too contemporary or neutral in color. I miss having all the choices once afforded us. I adore your present dining room, but I know your new look will also be lovely, and I can’t wait to see it! Hugs!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Bobbi, it is hard to even find fabric. Most of the places I shopped for years have gone out of business. I haven’t been able to find what I want in the dining room. I may have bare windows for a while. Thank you, I know you have exquisite taste.
Debrashoppeno5 says
The tablescapes are so lovely. Whatever color you decide on will be just beautiful.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thanks so much for visiting. Happy Thursday!
Patricia Krank says
Look at all the beautiful tablescapes you’ve created in this room. My all time favorite was when you made a library reading table of your dining table. You inspired me so and I still want to do that in my new house so it becomes a dual use space. I can’t wait to see what color you’ve chosen. Somehow I can’t believe it would be agreeable gray. ? Hugs, Patti
mypie2016 says
… so curious…. can’t you reveal anything? Please…. ??
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Aw you are funny! Soon I hope!