Sorry I've been away for a while.
It seems like forever since I finished the last room. I've been spending my days neck deep in exploring the delicious underbelly of Portland's antique, thrift and consignment store market to put together the next room, the dining room. Reusing furniture and decor others are finished with not only keeps the budget low, but make it possible to use real wood instead of particle board that all new affordable pieces seem to be made of.
This room, as is most of the rooms in the new house, needed warmth. Wailaloha's style is a lot more classical than mine so rich, ornate fabrics and rustic warm wood tones set the stage for the Italian inspired dining room. Grand Rapids, Michigan native Andrew Rossi (whose work can be seen in area restuarants like Maiden in the Mist and Yakuza) painted the golden Tuscan antique faux finish in the room which really set the old-world feel for the rest of my pieces.
Except for two plant stands and the original table and chair set, every piece of funiture was purchased used. I did recover the chair seats in a decadent red and gold paisley tapestry which should be more baby proof than the previous white fabric. The large mirror is very heavy wooden, hardcarved vine and grape design found on sale at an antique store.
A beautiful chandelier purchased from Craigslist cost $85 and was originally over $300 new. The lighted hutch was the hardest find. I must have looked at no less than 50 hutches before I found the perfect one that was simple, the right color wood, lighted, and had a wine rack. There are a ton of fugly, overly ornate and just plain poorly made cabinets out there. This one was found at an antique store in the Hollywood district for 60% off the original price. I simply replaced the knobs with vintage ones from Hippo Hardware and touched up any scratches with stain.
The room turned out simple yet luxurious and I can't wait to hear the results of their family Thanksgiving dinner in it.
Next up...Arts & Crafts Living Room - Vintage Hawaiian style!
BEFORE...
