If you notice, I’ve taken the hated lights and pulled them up a bit. Since the casings around the wires were plastic, I thought it okay (Lord, it may not be!) to simply pull them up a bit and tie a twist-tie around them.
I loathe those lights, but am having to take care of the essentials right now. (Still don’t have the bathroom problems fixed!) And yesterday I had to buy two new tires…
Then I put the fixture at the ceiling back up. Hope I don’t burn the house down. This will have to do for now.
Before, I found this space a tad depressing. Now I feel it is finally me…
Thank you, my friend, for my moving-into-the-little-blue-house gift…
Since I can’t seem to put any of my quilts on the wall (due to the cement behind the drywall), I’m using them in other places. Like on this sideboard, above, just for fun.
You can see below through to my living room, where I placed the other red curtains. They too are up with spit and a nail…
Below are the Marshalls dishes everyone seems to love. Successfully transported to Tulsa without incident. Thank goodness…
Yes, I forgot to put the lid to the coffee maker down. Darn it!
My consignment shop chicken tureen made it safely here to the little blue house…
Yes, I’m using every inch of space. And if I can pull it off, my 24 inch Christmas tree will go into that teeny, tiny corner you see above…
So? What do you think?
I LOVE it Brenda. Everything looks so cute and your little blue house is quickly becoming YOUR little blue home. I love to mix and match dishes as well and am happy to see that someone else loves dishes as much as I do.
Danielle
It is lovely, Miss Brenda-just like you! Welcome home!!
It looks great, Brenda! You are settling into your Little Blue House nicely.
Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Barb
Brenda it is so charming and of course cozy. I love how you decorate with abandon the tops of your shelves and cupboards. I am the same. I noticed some little trees up there. Are you sneaking in some early Christmas?
Looks so bright and cheerful! It’s you and it’s absolutely darling!!!!
It really looks like your cozy little house now! The dining room before was cold and austere, but now it’s warm and welcoming and so you! I love all of your warm and cheerful touches. I am so happy to see that you are happily nesting!!!
Big Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
i love it!!! So warm and cozy! Good job of using what you have right where you are.
I love your cheerful and very interesting (lots to look at) dining room. Very glad to see my favorites of your favorites, it is now your cozy little house. The curtains are amazing – they look like you had them made to fit. Well, you did make them fit.
Snow here today (first of the season).
Hope you are feeling somewhat better today, I know it takes time.
-Joy
Looks cozy and inviting. I love the bookcase corner and the way you’ve filled in the corner space above the bookcases.
Very Cute and it does look like you…. so glad you’re doing better with the move..stay warm, have a great weekend… love to you
Brenda, it looks wonderful!! What a great looking room!!
chris
Brenda, you amaze me! You have vastly transformed your space in such a short time! I just have to keep looking at before and after–and I don’t know how you are doing this so quickly–yet I’m glad that you have, and I’m glad that you are sharing–you are definitely an inspiration to me. I love your new rooms, and can’t wait to see the rest of your space. Great job!
Looks amazing! You really transformed the entire house!
Looking good! You are doing a great job personalizing your new home. Not sure about the twist ties on the elec. wires.
Enjoy your weekend.
It looks fantastic Brenda! Very you. Cozy and cottage with lots of cheerfulness. Very nice!
Sherry
I love it, it is so cute and cozy, would love to visit and linger over dessert and coffee.
It is so exciting to see all your neat things in your new space. It all looks so nice, not just saying that it does.
Not crowded at all.
Hope the bathroom problems gets solved. Always something waiting on our money isn’t there.
(((((HUGS)))))
You’ve done it! Cheery cozy cottage!
You’ve done it! Cheery cozy cottage!
I love it! it is you indeed. And the red…gorgeous! Must confess, I have learnt to love red in home decor thanks to you. It does give spaces something special…
)
I’m sure the Christmas tree will look lovely in that corner…very cozy among all your treasures and curious things.
Good work!!
Your dining room looks lovely, very warm and cozy! You are going to celebrate many wonderful meals here with your family!
XO,
Jane
Brenda! Be still my heart! I am serious. I am driving to Tulsa right this minute because I am dying to see that dining room in person, it is so gorgeous, so Brenda, so Cozy Little House, love love love it!!!!! I’m coming, now, I’ll be ringing the doorbell in a few minutes, hours, days, but I’m there, sipping tea and just gazing at the beauty … and talkin’ to you about life in Tulsa, and gazing at the beauty some more – you just totally rock, girl!!!
I’m back … I decided to fly instead, and while the pilot is at the wheel, I’m writing to say that I have pinned your dining room to my Pinterest, and I put this on my description: Cozy Little House! Love it!!!
love Love LOVE it!
When you go to bed at night do you hear the house softly singing with happiness? I’m not sure who is happier: you or the house for you having moved into it!! It’s all so beauitful and inviting looking. Just wish I could come over and have coffee with you!
I haven’t commented all that often but I do keep up with all of your posts and I want to say your new little home is justbeing transformed with your magic touch!~Hugs, Patti
Its perfect. Wish I had just a tiny bit of your talent for decorating in my little finger.
LOVE it all! Love the red; love how you went up and put some great rings on top of the cabinet; just so much to make me smile and think it is just perfect!
Can you come over and help me play with my things?! LOL You definitely have an eye for decorating small spaces. Wonderful! I am inspired to go move things around…
Thanks for sharing! XO
Looks Happy & Beautfiul…Love It!
Sheer gorgeousness, Brenda! I love how you decorate and cozy up small spaces. I also love the colors in which you use to decorate – everything looks so cheerful. Now, if I lived closer, I would be hoping you’d invite me over for a cup of coffee and some girl talk.
AND … someone has already repinned it!!!
That is just beautiful and so you. The room acutally looks bigger. Your little blue house is starting to look like home.
MellyB
from Owasso
I definitely think it is all YOU and it all looks fantastic! You certainly know how to use your space well. Have a great weekend. Tammy
Looks perfect! Could you hang a quilt using heavy duty command strips? Maybe tack some fabric loops at evenly space intervals and then line it up with the command strips? Just a thought…
I absolutely love it and would feel right at home in this adorable room!!!
Hi ya Brenda,
LOVE IT is what I think. Of course your love for hearth and home is truly there.
Have a great weekend.
Viola
LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!! You have done a wonderful job! I knew you would!!! Will you decorate for Thanksgiving? Kendra
It’s beautiful and cozy and so YOU!
You’re right Brenda. It is warm and cozy. I love it!!
I’m surprised at how much you got into your “little” room…With room to spare! I think it really is “you”!
Did you use a boot stretcher in there? It looks like you have more sq.footage than the before photo!
It looks wonderful. I love all your lovelies on display.
…I’ve emailed you, Pat
Oh my, I’m in love with that room. You have inspired me to get myself in gear and get rid of the dinning set I don’t like. You see I inherited it and it is simply not me. I can hang onto other memories. Thank you, thank you for helping me realize what I want!
So warm and cheerful! It is definitely you!
Brenda,
Your dining room is delightful. We have a very small dining room too, and I don’t see a problem with it.
I am imagining myself there. Wonderful on a cold night or a summer day. I love it.
Looks just like my friend Brenda! The touches of red, the darling china – all of it screams “Brenda.” What a cozy, warm space. Bravo!
xo
Claudia
Small! Brenda! How can you say that. Do you realize the amount of furniture you have in there???
The room is gorgeous! It is absolutely a feast for the eyes! When i finish commenting, I’m going back and pour over the photos and all the pretties on the shelves. You have been blessed with an ability to put things together and create heavenly spaces. It is a blessing, it really is.
I think you’ve turned a very drab room into a place of exquisite beauty! Now it is sooooo you. You’ve used the space wisely and creatively and it is warm and inviting. I love those Marshalls dishes too. They are so cheerful and fun. ♥
Wow! I can’t believe what you have done in such a short amount of time! Everything looks wonderful and yes, it is YOU!
Looking cute, Brenda. It is definitely you now except for the light. You need the cute chandy that Penny of Comforts of Home made.
The dining room is my favorite room in your house. I like very much the other rooms too, but you nailed it with this one, girl! Happy to see Ms. Blue Soup Tureen Chicken on the table. She looks perfect there. She is one of my favorites of all your pieces. The quilt really works on top of the buffet too.
I think it is cheerful, cozy, happy and charming just like you!
You got such syle girl!
Not a dull spot in any room you’ve shown us.
I love your HAPPY little blue house!
Brenda,
I think we must have been separated at birth. LOL! I love what you are doing with your house. I have had similar plumbing and tire problems. Add a washing machine on top of that. Your Blog keeps me going. I look forward to seeing what you’ve done and reading about your new adventure. Keep up the good work.
Brenda, I’m betting that you can use the dining room overhead lights by working your magic on the shades to Brenda-fy them.
Isn’t it great to know that you can make it your’s with imagination.
We know you have tons of imagination.
hugs
Gerry
Doesn’t Annette’s comment above say it all?
hugs
Gerry
I am enjoying your cozy little house. I’ve noticed you mention that you want to hang quilts on the wall. Have you thought about command hooks and twine or ribbon and safety pins? I have a daughter in college and that is how we decorate her dorm.
Brenda ~ I think your dining room is just perfect ~ so warm and cozy and it reflects YOU ~ just perfect
SUA CASINHA ESTÁ LINDA,SUA LOUÇA É MARAVILHO.EU PASSEI PELOS MESMOS PROBLEMAS QUANTO A ESPAÇO QUANDO ME MUDEI PARA ESSA MINHA CASINHA,LEMBRO QUE UMA MESA FICOU NA VARANDA DA COZINHA POR,MAS PASSOU O TEMPO E AJEITANDO TUDO CONSEGUI UM ESPAÇO PARA ELA DENTRO DE CASA.UM ABRAÇO E FELICIDADES.
It’s gorgeous Brenda! You have made it your own and you know how much we all love your style:>) I can hardly believe it’s the same space as that sterile charmless space you show in the before photo. You have worked magic.
Hi Brenda! The little glasses have spoons due to being a part of Pier One’s Tasting Party line. You can taste desserts, taste tiny crab salad? or taste liquor. Please feel free to pass them on to another blogger or re-gift if they don’t work for you… I really don’t mind.
)
OR, put a tiny tealight candle inside if they fit.
It’s so cozy Brenda, you have done a lovely job with the house. Wish I could come for tea, but now you are too far away.
Cozy is living up to her name…winter is coming and the fact that the house is small and has such warm colors will make you be snug as a bug….I say job well done and you should be very proud of yourself. Pat yourself on the back, grab a cup of something, kick your feet up and say, “I’m home!”
I was going to say the room actually looks bigger now than it did in the before, Brenda. It looks like a nice size room and look at all you fit in there without it looking crowded. You’re definitely putting your touch on the little blue house!
Brenda, it looks like HOME…perfect!
Some people look for a beautiful place, others make a place beautiful. You have done a wonderful job. I hope it starting to feel like home.
Looks fantastic Brenda! Love the dining table! Quilts and dishes, two of my favourite things.
Hi Brenda! Any chance you could swing by my house here in Australia and tweek it a bit!!! Your little blue house is just beautiful and you should be so proud …
Well done!!
Suzyq
Hey Brenda, glad you went shopping! Those green dishes would work well with my colors here too. I wish we lived closer. That little blue house is getting lots of TLC and a whole new lease on life! xo
I’m not sure that this is the same house. Your like a magician——it is you and beautiful for sure.
Oh it just looks soooooo good! I love how colorful it is. Your dining space reminds me of of Mary Englebreit. Do you remember her? She would post rooms like yours in her magazine. They were full of color and pattern and whimsy. That’s what I think of when I see your house.
I just love your decorating style, and your colors. Your new home is really coming together. Don’t you just hate it when necessities (like tires) get in the way of the decorating budget?? UGH….
Yes! I agree with the blogger above…. completely reminded me of a Mary Englebreit room! Super cozy and sweet. Love the warm reds and your table scapes are awesome!
Love it all Brenda.
You got some nice gifts!
xox
Alison
It’s just beautiful, so warm and inviting.
Well done!
It looks as though you have always been there — totally you. That before looks like one of the HGTV horrors where everything is designed to look like a non-human lived there. The light is hardly noticeable now — just keep those eyes open for a deal somewhere –something will turn up.
Looks fabulous, Brenda. You’ve made this your own space. Glad to see you settling in.
Absolutely perfect! Good for you for making your new home yours in the way you want it to be. Please be happy in your new home with your children and grandchildren. You certainly deserve it!
Congratulations!
Hi Brenda..
I think you have done an excellent job of making this room feel warm.
Everything has it’s own place and it looks like you have been there a long time…I love what you have done..
shug
Brava!
I think it is a cheerful, cozy place! You’ve definitely put your signature on the space–looks wonderful!
You did it Brenda…you made it you! It looks so cheerful and I’m sure you enjoy spending time in there. Patty
I LOVE it! This is so you. I hope you enjoy it.
wonderful,Beautiful, Super!!!
I just love it , It shows what you can do with what you have and change a drab place into something that is full of life and personality.. HATS OFF TO YOU…..
You are so lucky to be able to display your dinnerware and stuff fit for display in India there is so much dust around that you cannot think of keeping your things open without having to pull them down to dust them every single day …
great!!!!
Yes, you are making it your own. Love the combo of dishes for that place setting. I am now working at Pier One…part time….lots of pretty things there….alas…any money I make cannot go for pretty things but for every day bills. I know I will be tempted. Most of what they have is not my style but I’m sure there will be some things I’ll think I must have.
So happy to see you are making your little blue cottage…all filled up in your favorite red inside…might you think to paint the outside red?
It looks great! What a cozy, warm and lovely space. You did it again.
It looks like you are making yourself at home in the little blue house. Exactly the cozy home feel we have come to expect from Brenda.
Brenda, You have done it. Turned a cool blue house into a warm and cozy home. Congratulations you must be really pleased. Looks fantastic and very ‘you.’ xx
Warm and Cozy is right Brenda! Love, love the black and red cupboards and shelving which make all your beautiful dishes pop! I’ve seen tiny little dish & spoon sets used for salt & pepper so rather than shakers it is spooned. A possible way to use your great wins!
Hope your weekend is wonderful…
Cindy
Wow i love the blue room now infact it should be called the red room how cosy and warm it looks. You have a wonderful eye for colour and detail. It looks beautiful. Love all your sideboards and units. have a lovely weekend, dee x
The before and after are so different. How full of life and color you have made the room. I think it looks perfectly darling and so you. I am so happy that you are not being daunted by how it looks and surging ahead to make each room you. Enjoy the process, oh and the tree will look just great in that corner. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Brenda,
Couldn’t love it anymore!!! Well, when you get that Christmas tree in there, I can love it even MORE!!! So cute and cozy!
Brenda, I love it!!! It’s colorful and vibrant and so you! It looks rather spacious while still being so cozy! I’m glad you’re fixing things the way you want them. Ha!– I’ve hung many things “by a thread”, only praying they wouldn’t fall!
Enjoy this beautiful new room!
blessings,
Leslie
Love the transformation Brenda! This is my first visit. I found you at Claudia’s Mockingbird Hill Cottage. I haven’t checked into my favorite blogs in awhile but now that winter is closing in….it’s time for indoor decorating.
Really looking forward to seeing your collaboration with Claudia on defending the small space. My house will fit right in!
Your diing room space is cozy, vibrant and interesting! I love roosters and I love your black cabinets and red is one of my fav colors! Thanks so much for sharing.
~Sandy
Hi Brenda,
YOur dining room is adorable! I have the exact same blue and red dishes. I found them in Marshalls on clearance. They are sitting in my kitchen in my hutch!
Everything looks wonderful!
I also thought the Command Hooks might work. I have one on the back of my door to hang my handbag and it is still “hanging in there” after months of use!
I have replaced every light fixture in my home, on my very frugal budget, by shopping thrift, freecycling and yard sales and a couple cans of ORB spray paint! I’m sure the perfect light fixture, in looks and budget, will find its way to you!
Yep. It looks just like you now.
)
Oh my Goodness! I Love it! It is so cute..fits everything just beautifully. It is so nice seeing all your pretty things in their new home. I Love black furniture pieces…
I don’t know if anyone has suggested this, but could you use strips of velcro to hang your quilts? Of course, it may damage your drywall. Not sure, but it’s a thought. And I know a good use of those shot glasses-oyster shooters! I just bought 20 of them to serve shooters to our family Christmas Eve. It would be more civilized to have some little spoons like yours.
Love-Love-Love the Red!
What a happy space!
I think your dining room is now MARVELOUS! I love it! You are making the little blue house soooo warm and inviting!
Blessings,
Lottie
from MY BLUE COTTAGE
you are so right! It is warm, inviting and cozy! I really like the way that you have your dishes stacked on the buffet in the dish drainer. What a clever idea! I want to STEAL it!
Of course you CAN hang your quilts. Get a masonry drill bit and some of those plastic plug things to hang the holder for the quilts. Easy really!
Your new friends will feel so welcome in this space that you won’t get rid of them!
It looks just beautiful…just like YOU! ♥
Spit and nails? LOL You silly girl! Oh, Brenda, your dining room looks so precious! I love it and it looks like you! There are all of your pretties and your colors and I’m so happy for you. How are your doggies adjusting? They probably enjoy their walks, as I’m sure they walk with you!
You’re blooming again, friend!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia
Love it, love it, love it! You made it all you Brenda. Warm and cozy, well done!
It looks great. You have such a talent when it comes to decorating, you’ve transformed that room perfectly. I can’t wait to see more!
I love it Brenda. It is perfect! Congratulations on your new home!
Tracy
Oh Brenda!! Your little house is beyond lovely. I’d be right at home there and it speaks to your warmth and kindness. I could use some of your talent around here!!
Very, very nice. Loving it.
I think your dining room is beautiful! A lot of us don’t have huge homes either. My Mother called our first home “the cracker box” – but not to our face until we had moved out. LOL! Your room is warm, cosy and just darn lovely. Thanks for sharing with us. If you saw my dining room right now you would laugh…it has my huge light box and two lights set up in there now for blog photo ops. And wait until I start dragging out all the Christmas stuff. All those boxes will land in the dining room too.
Awesome! And the wall color in your dining room reminds me of ours…I LOVE IT! You’ve done a WONDERFUL job of decorating this room Brenda.
Brenda,
I am so in love with this room!!
I love red as you know and I aodre everything in this room and how you have it arranged.
A pure feast for the eyes!
Hugs,
Deb
This comment comes very late, because I just found your blog, so if you ever see this, WOW!!!!!
Hugs, Lynn