New Year New Room Challenge - Week One

Hello Friends & Happy New Year! I’m so excited about the year ahead and kicking off the New Year New Room Challenge with my fellow blogger friends. The New Year New Room Challenge was created by my friend Stephanie of Casa Watkins, it’s a great way to kick off the New Year. Every Tuesday for the next four weeks, I’m sharing weekly updates on the room.

New Year New New Room Challenge - Week One: Dining Room Makeover

A few years ago we added built-in banquette seating in our small eat-in dining room, which was a game changer! The addition completely changed the vibe of my small dining room. You may remember, we had a vintage dining room table in our dining room for years, but with the addition of the built-in banquette, everything was feeling too white and very flat.

My dining room is that spot where it’s nice, but it’s missing some elements to pull everything together. Here’s where the room is currently, I replaced the table with an MCM Style rectangle table. Honestly, I tried for a solid year to make the table work - it never felt quite right. It was a smidge too long (2 inches, which is a lot in a small room) and a smidge too tall (2 inches, which made the dining room chairs feel a little ‘off’). I searched high and low for over six months and found the perfect dining room table, it arrived in Mid-November. Here’s how my dining room looked like after the banquette addition and rectangle table that wasn’t a good fit.

Dining Room - Plans

Next week, I’ll share current pictures of my dining room along with the design mood board. I want my dining room to be a mixture of classic lines with a nod to Mid-Centry…I want the small space to feel welcoming and elevated that ties in seamlessly with my kitchen which is directly across from the dining room.

With the Holidays behind me, I’m giving my full attention to my dining room! My plans for the space include new overhead lighting, wall sconces, wall paneling, adding window trim, a fresh coat of paint, maybe new chairs (depending on budget), and organizing banquette drawers. Nice to haves include: a rug (it’s a small space, so it’s a big maybe) artwork, and cordless Roman Shades.

Now for some pretty inspiration! I’ve gathered ideas on Pinterest to share my vision for my dining room.

Dining Room via Maria Killam

Image Via Maria Killiam

I love layered lighting and I’m excited to frame my dining room window with wall sconces, I’m leaning towards a classic Mid Century wall sconce with two lights. I’m going to have them hardwired and put on a dimmer. I’m learning between two styles that are simular but different enough…I’m going to tape them out on the wall to determine what size will work better for the space.

I really want to add pencil wall molding in my dining room, right now everything in the room feels very flat. Thankfully our small dining room has pretty crown molding, and pretty trim around the door frame. I’ve always wanted to frame out the window to make it feel more ‘finished’ I think trim around the window will be a must, with the addition of molding in my dining room.

Image Via Serena & Lily

Image Via Pinterest

Image Via My Domaine

I’m so excited to get started on my dining room and pull everything together! Make sure you visited the other bloggers participating above. Follow along on my Instagram @TheKatrinaBlair for more behind the scenes of my dining room upate.

The Love List July

Welcome to my new monthly series, simply titled The Love List + The Month. I often share items, I recently discovered or old favorites on Instagram Stories, but stories only last 24 hours. I thought it would be a great idea to share a monthly roundup.

The Love List will feature a mixture of Home Décor & Lifestyle, anywhere from candles, sunglasses, books, or outdoor speakers I love. I’m kicking off the JULY LOVE LIST, sharing a few of the recent purchases that I love for Summer.

The Love List July

Katrina Blair July Love List

Super Goop Glowsrceen: I was introduced to this sunscreen last year, by another blogger and I’m a huge fan! I’ve tried a few others from Super Goop, but the Glow Screen is my absolute favorite. The sunscreen goes on smooth and gives your skin a soft glow, I apply it after my moisturizer. It’s more like a tinted moisturizer and doesn’t leave your skin looking greasy and works well under makeup.

Petite Acacia Cheese Board: This cheese board is great for small charcuterie boards, it’s like the perfect snacking tray. The shape is pretty and looks great in kitchens when now in use

Gold and Ratton Cheese Knives: This cheese knife trio set is so pretty and is the perfect addition to Summer entertaining (linked simular)

The World of Jane Austen Puzzle: I love Jane Austen books and movies, hello Pride and Prejudice! What makes this puzzle so fun, it highlights the grand estates, and places often mentioned in her book. My puzzle arrived last week and I’m already having fun putting it all together.

Welcome Mat: I have ‘a thing’ for cute welcome mats, and this one I love + did I mention its on clearance for a great price! The perfect way to welcome guests

Elemis Cleansing Balm: my girlfriend recently introduced me to this magic melting blam and I love it. It’s super easy to use and literally melts away the day, leaving my skin feeling clean and smooth. I especially love using it on days when I wear makeup. I simply apply let it sit for a few mins, and then gently wipe it off with a clean facecloth.

La Jolie Muse Candle: This is the perfect summer candle, I brought this candle for a friend’s birthday based on the scent and style of the candle vessel, and thankfully she said it smelled amazing and loves burning it. The scent is Eucalyptus & Rosemary, which sounds like a heavenly combination.

Summer Straw Hat: I’ve had this hat for a few seasons and I love it, the Joanna Brixton Straw hat has the perfect wide brim to keep your face protected from the sun, while keeping you looking stylish.

I hope you’ve enjoyed the July Love List! Anything catch your eye? Leave your comment below.