Thursday

Changing things up!

I haven't had time lately to do many home improvement projects (nor have we had the weather) but I decided to do a mini-makeover here and there. I picked up an old map a couplemof years ago and loved it for its colours and its chocolate bar origins. I took down the shelf, etc. in my dining area and replaced it with my new/old map.


What do you think?


I am thinking I now need to change out my light to something more modern and casual. Maybe my current fixture can go in my bedroom.

(The handyman is NOT going to be happy!!)

I am strongly considering this:


(source: Ikea)

Oh, and I got some new chairs for both ends of my dining table!

These (except I am painting them, if we ever get a nice day):


I could stand to shake things up!

42 comments:

  1. Hi Linda,
    Love the map! Decor should be pretty as well as educational.

    Thumbs up on the new modern lamp, too.

    Kelly
    Second Hand Chicks

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  2. I love the map. You are really going casual- industrial now in your style, aren't you? Have you seen that IKEA light in person? It is really pretty, but really big. Have you considered something like a coach lamp style? Something like this, although I'm not sure if this one is perfect for your dining room (http://www.houseandhome.com/files/image/blog%20images/renovators-notebook/kay-douglass.jpg). I think it would fit with the casual-industrial vibe you have going on.

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  3. love the map Linda...and I too want to shake things up a bit! We seem to be on the same wave length...hits of modern elements. The light and chairs are fab too!
    ~Tara

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  4. I love those chairs .... I think those with a harvest table are a beautiful look.

    I've been painting my office chair for it seems like weeks now ... first it was too humid ... now it's too cold to prod me to do .... oh well, it will get done.

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  5. I really like your map. I was recently at goodwill and they have a great map there - but it's not for sale! The light from Ikea looks really interesting. I will also look forward to your painted chairs. I love home projects!

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  6. The new light would look great in there for some fun and casual!!! I like the map.

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  7. I just had to comment on the map! When I was a kid,attending a one room school in Sask., we had those maps on the wall. I learned my geograhpy from them. ...and still have a fondness for those Neilsen bars!

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  8. The map looks good and I like that light choice.

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  9. Love the old map!! It looks great in your dining room!

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  10. OMG , I love that ! the scale is just right , I want one.

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  11. Linda I saw some chairs just like those at Target, and they were in several different colors. They looked very cool. Love the map, and the "chocolate" reference. But....every time I'd looked at it, I would be reminded that, I MUST HAVE CHOCOLATE!!! :) Can't wait to see the new light fixture.

    Margo

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  12. I love maps as art. They are so beautiful with their colorful images. Yours is particularly gorgeous!

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  13. Love the light fixture. I too own that same fabulous chair. Great minds...

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  14. I'd keep light fixture profile to a minimum size w/maximum lighting/dimming capabilities depending how you utilize the space. Is it for a few dinners (used less than 4x per mo.)? or is it the 'hub' of the family activities? Would love a single- or triple-light w/white as main color, light brown/pecan & a touch of black...or dark aqua The ikea light looks too frou-frou but I don't know what the rest of the room or decor looks like

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  15. I love it, but I would frame it in an ornate frame distressed white, or even natural wood--that drift-woody tone.

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  16. Old maps, chocolate, sleek lined chairs...yep, you did good!! I will leave the lighting choice up to your far more capable eyes but if it ends up looking like a Hershey kiss...I am moving in HA!

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  17. I was at IKEA last weekend and fell in love with that fixture! Get. It. Now.
    :-)

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  18. Triple love the map. I picked up a set (rack included) in MN after the JUNK BONANZA. You can't beat that turquoise color.

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  19. Hey Linda...........should I tell you ? Its the Gyro sale this weekend at the curling rink.Race you to the bargians ! You may even get some photo ops, I have gotten antiques there and old dishes. There is bound to be some retro/modern stuff.

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  20. I absolutely love that map. Where did you "pick" it up. Wish I could "pick" up a map similar to that one. ;o)

    Can't wait to see what light fixture you decide on. I really like that ikea one. -Cristi

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  21. Thanks, Michelle! When does it start? And I want to see that great house of yours sometime. It looks beautiful!

    Cheers,
    Linda

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  22. Cristi,
    I got the map at a thrift store a couple of years ago. Isn't it a gem?!

    Good luck finding one, I am sure it shouldn't be too hard!

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  23. Your map is fabulous and looks wonderful on your dining room wall Linda. Funny that you are changing your light fitting...After trying to find the perfect light fittings for 5 years, I was so inspired by yours and have just bought two for our living room:) I do like the IKEA one though. Hope you get some sunny weather so you can paint your chairs! Have a lovely weekend ~ Tina x

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  24. It starts tonight at 6:00 I think and then all day tomorrow,but not sure the times tomorrow. I'd love you to come see my place. That would inspire me to actually hang some pictures on the wall LOL. I have created two "repurposed" things since I moved in,thats it. There is much left to ,some trim and painting all the trim in the house.

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  25. Ok I really like the map. but..... just not in the dining room. I know it is fun Bit I really liked the look you had going on before. Please don't shoot me.

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  26. Anonymous,
    I won't shoot you! hah!
    I actually have left the nail holes from the shelf and plates and can see myself changing it back at some point, but I really want a change after four years of the same look. If I don't, I will feel the itch to move and I don't want that! And it is not really a dining room, more of an eat-in kitchen. So it really can take a more relaxed look if I switch out the light.

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  27. Love the map! I have an old elementary school classroom map I'd love to hang.

    The switch to the Ikea fixture would be PERFECT!

    Hi Linda! :)

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  28. Ikea is awesome! I love that place. I can't wait to see it all put together.

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  29. I love the Map! Would love to have one, oh the memories :)
    Sitting in a one room school, waiting for the bell for recess and drooling after a Jersey Milk!
    They are still my favourite chocolate bar... oh the Neilson's company knew a lot about subliminal messaging :)
    Love your style!

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  30. Yep, I'm agreeing with you on the new light fixture. A modern style would look awesome with that map!
    Lila Ferraro
    Queen Bedroom Sets

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  31. I LOVE that Ikea light fixture. It's a showstopper for sure. i saw it in the store and LOVE it. Go for it!!!

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  32. How did you hang the map? I have a huge one I've been meaning to put up for months now, but have yet to figure out an inexpensive way to get it up and the wall and looking decent.
    Do share!

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  33. Lacey, I am embarrassed to say that I hung it using tacks. It (the map) was an experiment that I ended up liking.

    Sorry to be such a flop!
    Cheers,
    Linda

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  34. Oh but I DO love maps!!! I have a flight map that my husband used in college hanging up in the office/guest bedroom. Very cool. Very sentimental. Very special. And oh so stylish! Does it get any better than that?!?!

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  35. Love the map too!! Did you find it at some local flea market or in a vintage store? This is just the perfect example that a funny and genuine detail can change a whole interior for the better :)

    I've started to feature on a virtual map a list of the must do flea markets in Canada and in the US: http://www.fleamarketinsiders.52ndwest.com/mapping-the-world-best-flea-markets/

    I think it would be great if everyone of us would add his or her favorite ;)

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  36. Love it all - the map has such great colors and that style of chair is one of my current faves. Oh, and that pendant makes me drool. :)

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  37. I just bought that same lightshade last month. It is AWESOME, but yeah, incredibly LARGE LOL. I was thinking of switching it out for something a little smaller, but I kinda broke the bank paying for that one *sigh*

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  38. I just found your blog! I love what I see! What color are the walls in your dining room? They look really really good!

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  39. Hi Chelle,
    The colour of my dining room walls is Silver Sage by Restoration Hardware.
    Cheers,
    Linda

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  40. Where are the chairs from in this post?

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  41. Hi there,
    The chairs are from Target! :-)

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  42. Hi, I love your dining room! I first saw it on Houzz. Can you please tell me the type and color of the paint for the target chairs?

    Thank you for the insertion,

    Lj

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