Pillows or Table Linens?

I like to check out the linen aisle when I'm at Target. Some of the new designs/patterns in dish towels, napkins and tablecloths can be transformed into great pillows, drapes and valances with a little inspiration. 

I found these napkins.

They worked well with my fall tablescape.

 And, they made a great pillow!

Join me at the following blog parties:

Coastal Charm 

A Stroll Thru Life 

Savvy Southern Style 

(Thanks, ladies, for hosting such great parties at your amazing blogs!)

Dining Room Progress

Do you ever get so far with updating a room and then just let it sit until the next creative idea strikes you?  That's where I am with our dining room.  I've made some changes, but it doesn't quite feel complete.  I think most good designers tell you a room shouldn't look like you pulled it all together at once, a room should look like it was developed over time, right??? 

This is a before (please excuse my daughter's bday decorations)

 And after...

As you can see I went with lighter walls and lighter curtains that I posted about here.  

(Sorry for all the light from the window, but we don't dare complain about sun shining in the NW :)

  This is my moms silver.  I like having it out on display.

 I got this mirror last week at Joann's.  It was on clearance, marked down to $20 from $69.99! 

There's a tiny scratch on it.  Can you see it?  I couldn't either.

 This is the side of the room that's bothering me.  It's a little too plain.

The tablescape needs a little love too.  Since I introduced some blue into the room with 

the curtains, I also want to incorporate some blue into the tablescape eventually.

I bought these plates at the Goodwill for $1 each (set of 8).

Hope you enjoyed the tour of my incomplete dining room.  

My in-laws are coming to visit in a couple of weeks, so I've moved on to sprucing up the guest room. 

Have a great week!

I'm partying with:
Linda at Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays 

Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays

Becca at Blue Cricket Design for Show and Tell

Work in progress ~ the dining room

I've posted over and over about getting rid of the red in my home.  I want more neutral colors.  The last room that had to be addressed was the dining room.

Before -

 During -

 And a glimpse of where 'after' is headed -

This blue fabric is a real stretch for me. I've never been much of a 'blue person', but the greens, tans and browns go great in this room and the adjoining living room.

Kids had 2 extra days off of school last week, prior to their Spring Break this week, which has slowed down my project significantly.  It can wait, but I'm looking forward to finishing to show you the reveal.