This year, Thanksgiving is extra special to me. I like to think I have a thankful heart every day of the year, but this year, oh this year, I’ve really got some celebrating to do this Thanksgiving Day. As you can imagine, I’m SO thankful to have a house again. A year ago, I had no clue that I would be in my own house this year and it’s been a long and steady journey to get here.
Thankful, oh yes I am definitely extra thankful this year. The gratitude in my heart is full for my family and for God, who brought me where I am today.
I’ve already showed you my pretty Thanksgiving table, but we won’t be eating Thanksgiving dinner here at my house. All of my family will be gathering at my cousin’s house over in Duluth, but I’ve kept my table all set up just so I can enjoy it for awhile.
Just in case you forgot the horrors I started with, I want to remind you where we began back in April, when we closed on this house.
Oh my word, has it ever come a long way!
I’m going to document every room in the house eventually, because each one deserves its own Before and After feature, don’t you think?
Let me take you back to the Before shots. Hospital green walls, with a shiny brass light fixture and those oh-so-lovely vertical blinds that were once so popular. The floors look halfway decent in this pic, but the wood was damaged and couldn’t be saved. Not to mention the filth everywhere, even the baseboards. Gag me!
I know! It’s shocking when you see this now, right? This entire house has come SO far in the last 6 months. I’m really done with the dining room, except for the drapery panels. I’m going to get those up soon.
This is one fairly small space at about 10 x 10′, but I’m enjoying every inch of it. So happy my round table fit in here so well.
The corner cabinet is a nice cozy fit as well.
I can comfortably fit 4 to 6 and I’m glad I have 2 extra chairs to spare to make it 6 total. That Ballard Designs lantern is the star of my dining room. You can see the entire tablescape up close on this post.
Another peek at the corner cabinet with burlap backing that I painted and rehabbed about 3 years ago. Here is the link on the how-to post for that cabinet.
I’ve enjoyed having the table set and just looking pretty. After looking at a construction zone all these months, I’m over dosing on pretty now!
I settled on my 3 botanical prints above the board and batten for now and added 3 of my soup tureen collection here on the sideboard. Those gray lamps from Kirklands are perfect in here too.
It’s small and cozy, but packs a lot of punch in my new house.
I’m so happy and content right now, I’m just beaming with pride and joy.
I hope you and yours enjoy the week to the fullest. My family and I will be, I can guarantee that. My niece, Lauren and her hubby will be joining us for a few days, so that’s always a treat.
What are you up to for Thanksgiving this year?
- Rhoda
Beautiful transformation!! I soooo enjoy your posts in the early morning hours before work! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!
It’s such a treat to see the transformation of your new home and, more importantly, your life, Rhoda. You truly are an inspiration to those of us going through a “domestic transition” of our own due to unexpected and challenging circumstances. I will be celebrating this Thanksgiving with good friends of many years, and while I can’t host the group at my own home yet, I will again at some point. Instead, for this year, I’ll be preparing the heart of our dinner (Cornish game hens, or “personal pan poultry” as I like to call them – everyone gets their own bird) at a dear friend’s home. That simple gesture allows me to do the thing that I can offer most easily – good food, well prepared, shared with friends – and be thankful for the many blessings I do have. Have a lovely holiday – you deserve it!
Stunning and beautiful transformation ! I love seeing your house pics.
That transformation is a stunner, and yes, the lighting in your new dining room is gorgeous! We’re hitting the road to see dear family members. Travel mercies to all!
Rhoda,
Its truly beautiful. You have come so far in such a little amount of time, though I’m sure it may seem longer to you and your Dad. But I hope you have been able to take it all in and enjoy your ride, because you are truly blest. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
I love what you did with this space!!! Happy Thanksgiving!
The transformation is truly amazing!
Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Rhoda,
So happy for you! I can’t believe the before and after pictures.
Thankful for you and your inspiration, and for featuring our home this past year. May you have a blessed Thanksgiving and holiday season.
Regards,
Lynn
Not only a beautiful home transformation but boy oh boy do you ever smile BIG these days! I am so thrilled and excited for you…lemons to lemonade!
Rhoda, Thanks for sharing before and after pictures, this reminds us of the improvements made in your home. You and your parents are amazing people with great strength, you have come a long way in one year. I admire all your talent, decorative skills and Christian belief. You seem to be able to look at a room, not as it is, but what it can become with improvements – so talented. Happy Thanksgiving to you and family! My family, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephew will be gathering to celebrate Thanksgiving, each family brings several dishes. I am bringing spiral ham, mac & cheese, and lemon cake.
Rhoda,
So thankful for a friend like you who provides so much inspiration in so many ways, but most importantly for overcoming a difficult situation with grace and fortitude. We are all celebrating along with you! May you and your family have a marvelous Thanksgiving!
Oh Rhoda, it sure is heartwarming and inspirational to see the beautiful spaces you’ve created. I just love it. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, and to all your readers.
Hi Rhoda,
Your dining room is beautiful. What a huge difference! Love your sideboard and the 3 soup tureens on display.
Happy Thanksgiving
I just love your dining room. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your beautiful parents.
Rhoda…your dining room is beautiful…I just loved looking at all the wonderful details in the room…You tell us how much you are so thankful for the blessings you have received this past year…but I want to tell you that you are a blessing to all of us!!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family!
Rhoda, It’s just so Beautiful. Can’t believe all the hard work you and your family put into this.Looking forward to seeing the rest of your before and afters. I hope you have the most wonderful Thanksgiving ever.
I know you have lots to be thankful for Rhoda! We’ll be in Duluth too with my family for Thanksgiving! Relax and enjoy the company 🙂
So happy for you, Rhoda ~ your dining room turned out beautifully and I can’t wait to see the rest of your spaces as you continue getting settled.
A very Happy Thanksgiving, friend ~ you deserve all the blessings you have!!
xo Heidi
Absolutely gorgeous! Your dining room is beyond words! I am so happy for you! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Leslie
It warms my heart to see the beautiful results of all your hard work and perseverance. Whatever blessings you have, you deserve ten fold. Well done!
Rhoda, I have you on my side bar and each morning I anxiously scroll down to see if you’ve posted new pics of any of your rooms. Imagine my delight this morning! I’m so happy for you! You have much to be thankful for and you’ve worked HARD for it. Enjoy. Thanks for sharing your beautiful journey with all of us. Your dining room is gorgeous. I’m so impatient and the suspense is killing me so I’ll be stalking your blog until yet another room is revealed! I hope you don’t mind 🙂
Wow, your dining room is just beautiful. This is where it all comes together and I see you in all the details. I’m so happy for you.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Oh Rhoda – the house is amazing!! I have watched the transformation from day 1 and am in awe’ at all that has been accomplished by you and those amazing parents of yours!! Have a beautiful Thanksgiving!!
I have so enjoyed reading your journey this past year. Yes, it’s fun to see what reno’s your doing, and now, how you’re making it pretty, but more than that, I just felt happy after reading and seeing/hearing you so thankful and content.
Oh my goodness Rhoda. That’s really amazing! I love that you kept it calm and kind of simple in there. The board and batten is the star!
Hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Rhoda, that transformation is amazing! It is one beautiful space, and that lantern is just drop dead gorgeous and so perfect above your table! You are truly an inspiration, not only with your decorating skills but with your thankful heart! Happy Thanksgiving!!
Amazing! You have done a bang-up job! From the wall color, to the board and batten detail at just the right height, to the dark floors and sisal rug to the lantern–it is perfect! May you enjoy many happy hours with friends and family around your table. Blessings!
i liked the before light fixture i would have painted it black.
Rhoda, I will simply say…..
You are AMAZING and your home is too!
I’ve enjoyed very much seeing the transformation of your home. You are an inspiration to me in more ways than just decorating.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Rhoda: Have followed your blog for many years and it amazes me how creative and resourceful you are in any situation.
Have enjoyed seeing the transformation of your new home and am excited to get another glimpse at the changes.
I plan on remodeling my kitchen soon and look upon you as an inspiration for me. I have no clue what I am doing!
Enjoy your holidays, you deserve some special time with your family.
Regards,
jean
Isn’t God good….you truly have been blessed this past year and I’m so happy for you. I have followed you for about a year now and I loved every minute of it. From the sad times to the good times. God bless you and your family this Thanksgiving season and throughout the year. Your friend, Kathy
I has been such a treat to see the transfortion of your home. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Cynthia
Your dining room is so beauitufl! I am so happy for you!
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!
~Des
What a beautiful, warm dining room…it has been fun watching the progress of making a house into your little home!
Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving, Rhoda.
I love everything you’ve done to turn that house into your home! How special to have the love of your father and mother in each room, knowing how much they helped you. I just think your home has such an inspirational meaning, and I’m so thankful you shared it all with us. I can’t imagine going through what you did, but when God closes a door he opens a window! A joyous thanksgiving you will definitely have! Thanks for your honest, genuine blog. It’s one I always look forward to reading!
Looks lovely! We will be starting our home renovations after the holidays. You have simply inspired me! Happy Thanksgiving!
Rhoda, congratulations of such a lovely home and a warm and inviting dining room. I am so very happy for you!! Have a wonderful time with your family and continue to enjoy your new home, xo Kathysue
Amazing is the word that came to my mind. And then….I heard the song …”Amazing Grace…how sweet the sound….”
Bet you have hummed that one a few times! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving dear girl.
Beautiful dining room! You are so talented!
You should be beaming!! It looks amazing. I’m happy to see the tureen collection…I remember being in awe of the price you got one for at a yard sale! 🙂 There’s a lot to love in this room but I am really loving those lamps. Love!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Congratulations! Your tancity shows as well as your God given creative talents. Bless you and your parents this Thanksgiving holiday. You deserve the best.
Stunning….I love it…so peaceful…what a great space for a intimate dinner party!
SO PROUD FOR YOU AND ALL THAT YOU HAVE
ACCOMPLISHED. HAVE A GREAT THANKSGIVING.
Wow, what a stunning transformation!! Your dining room in beautiful and I can’t wait to see the other rooms in your house. You have such vision to look at the before and see exactly how you can change the space to be so beautiful.
In Canada, our Thanksgiving was back in October. You certainly have much to be thankful for, especially this year. I wish you and your family an wonderful Thanksgiving.
The transformation is incredible!!! Congratulations… giving thanks with you on your new home!!!! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!! Terri
Thanks so much for your giving nature. You are an inspiration to all of us in so many ways. So happy for your new beginning and your beautiful home. Have a wonderful holiday with your family. I’ll spend mine with family as well. In fact I’d better get busy preparing my contribution to the meal!
Have a wonderful holiday!!
Rhoda, your house is so beautiful. I think it is amazing how your Mom and Dad were by your side almost every step of the way. You are very Blessed! Thanks for all the posts!
I have enjoyed your blog so much!
Just beautiful – I have loved being able to read and follow along on your journey !! I love Thanksgiving and Christmas – such a warm special time of the year !! I give thanks to the Lord for all my blessings and pray for the USA in the upcoming years – praying that things get better for all.
Happy Thanksgiving to you, your sweet daddy and momma, and the rest of your family. God’s blessings to you!
Karen in Texas
Rhoda, you have come a long way in a year. Your home is gorgeous, the dining room is so, so pretty. And you look so very happy. Have a Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Rhoda! So happy for you. My sister now finds herself in the same situation and I am sharing your story with her! Hope lives! Wouldn’t it be great if after the new year you invited all the players…the cute floor guy, the nice neighbor, the handy cabinet man, and of course, your parents to a brunch and all could admire your vision completed? You could take pics and we could celebrate, to0! I think they who saw the house originally wold be the most impressed! I bet your realtor would be impressed, too!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hi, Gina, thanks for the suggestion. I am going to plan an open house in January and open the doors to whoever wants to come, so a couple of those guys just might show.
Hey Rhoda,
Crazy idea for you, how about get a mirror cut for the bottom of that Ballard latern over your table. It would reflect your centerpieces… love it maybe????
I enjoy your blog!
Hey,Jennifer, sounds like an interesting idea. Not sure I would get around to doing it though. Thanks!
absolutely beautiful! it’s nice to see good things happen to people who went through some hard times.
Happy Thanksgiving, Rhoda! Did you ever do a post on how you “rehabbed” that corner cabinet? I have a very similar antique oak one and I am thinking of adding burlap or some sort of fabric to the interior. Is it just tacked in or did you glue it as well? Thanks!
Hey, Lisa, yes here’s the link for that post & I went back & added it above too. It is tacked & not glued. Did this back in 2009:
http://southernhospitalityblog.com/corner-cabinet-how-tos/
Your transformation is divine! Have a wonderful holiday.
Your dining room is GORGEOUS! And yes every room deserves it’s own before/after post! I love seeing the before and after pictures. That wainscoting in there is gorgeous! I may have to find a room or space in my house to do that.
I know you are extra thankful this year and I am glad you get to enjoy the holidays in your new home!
Happy Thanksgiving, Rhoda!
Rhoda, I’m so happy for you…your new digs are very nice…Your home has come a long way…Blessings to you and your family….Have a great Thanksgiving…..
Just stunning. Looks so perfect. You enjoy, you have worded hard and deserve everything! Happy Thanksgiving to you and all your family.
It’s looking beautiful! Yes it has come a long way. Thank you for putting up lots of photos for us to see different angles, etc.
Can’t wait to see more!
Liz
I’m facing some of the same dilemmas so this is truly an inspiration. What did you do with the ceiling? I’m new to your blog so apologies if this has been discussed previously.
A very Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Hi, Trish, my ceilings are 1979 original swirly stippled plaster. I had them repainted in fresh white and they will stay that way. Not planning to change them at all. I grew up with swirly ceilings so this feels good to me.
You SHOULD be beaming. You’ve worked so very hard on your beautiful new house, and everything looks lovely. Kudos to your mom and dad, too. Happy thanksgiving to you and your family.
Hi Rhoda and I want to wish you a most blessed Thanksgiving and thank you for taking us along on the remodeling of your home. It’s gorgeous and I know you feel so blessed. I’m blessed to and thank God for how He loves us.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing so much with us. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Everything looks so nice! Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. God Bless
Just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to you and to your sweet parents. You are an inspiration to all of us, and I have enjoyed so much watching the transformation of your home. The dining room is gorgeous. It is a reflection of the wonderful person that you are. You have inspired me in so many ways.
As someone who only knows you over the internets, I just want you to know how happy I am that you have that house and that life has turned around for you! You’ve done a beautiful job and I’m really happy for you!
Its beautiful!!! May i ask where the chairs are from?
Hi, Laurie, I need to go back and add that in the post, but I ordered them online from Carrington Court a few years ago. Great company, great quality & they have tons of fabrics to choose from, you can order samples first. I have been very happy with my chairs.
You have done such a beautiful job of redecorating your home and your life. I admire your spirit. (And your parents are just the cutest!)
That transformation is shocking, Rhoda! What a gorgeous room! Enjoy it! ~Kerri, A Pop of Pretty
Truly THANKFUL for all of the blessings that I enjoy with health, family, friends, job and once again being able to spend this holiday season with loved ones. I can see thru your blog how grateful you are in the transformation of your beautiful home and those especially family, blog friends who have been there for you. Love & Blessings…
Hi Rhoda, Happy Thanksgiving! I’m so happy for you & your beautful home. You have really transformed this room.
I love love love what you’ve done with your house, so far. Your ironstone is fabulous {I just sold a similar soup tureen and found the most beautiful Antique Ironstone Pitcher}.
And I love your botanical prints and your corner cabinet with burlap. Love love love everything I’ve seen so far.
I hope you and your family have the best Thanksgiving Evah!
Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy you new home this holiday season.
Rhoda you have come so far and have so much to be proud of! Your dining room is gorgeous!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
xoxo
Karena
Giveaway from Scalamandre!
You must be so proud of your dining room – all that hard work you and your family put into it now creates a gorgeous space you can all enjoy!
Rhoda, Everything is so gorgeous in the Dining Room! I love it so very much and hope this is the most wonderful Thanksgiving of your life! We are blessed!
Gorgeous transformation! What is the paint color above the board and batten?
I love everything you have done to your dining room especially the botanical frame wall art….I want to have one of this botanical frame for my empty wall…..Happy Thanksgiving Rhoda!
I love your home . It always makes me feel happy when I visit. You have done an amazing job.
I LOVE IT!!!
I really really like how you did the wainscot (I love wainscot). Dividing it like you did just makes it so classy looking. The transformation is beautiful.
I love the Ballard light but was wondering what are the rules for hanging one? Is it to be hung so many inches above the table? Was it hung low just for pictures? Or do you adjust the height somehow depending on the occasion? I’m just so lost on how it looks so perfect in these photos but I can’t make it look like this at my home. Thanks! Love the whole look.
HI, Terry, there are suggested rules for hanging a light over a dining table and I’ve read 30-36″. I had my electrician hold the light up and just eyeballed where I wanted it (since my table wasn’t in place yet) and it is in fact 23″ above my table. I love it hanging a little low over the table, it has such presence and is big and bold. I do not adjust the height, this is the finished height which will stay as is.
Thanks so much Rhoda! I love the way you have it so I’m just going to stop holding back and over-analyzing it and go for it.
And the wall color in the DR is……..
I love gray (grey?), it’s such a calm neutral. I’m thinking if it in my kitchen now. I have honey oak cabs. Do you think a pale version of your DR color would work?
Cathy, the wall color is Ben Moore Rockport Gray (mixed at Lowes in Valspar). I’m not sure how that would look with honey oak cabinets, I would definitely try out a sample quart of a lighter color before you commit. It might offset them and work, you could try a gray shade.
what color is the dining room? I love the gray!
just kidding:) rockport gray!
Hi Rhoda,
I love your home and check back often to see your new updates. I’m in the process of picking out a chandelier for our dining room and I just love the lantern you have! That is the look that I’m going for and the Ballard Designs one is beautiful and reasonably priced. Question, does it give off enough light with only having 4 bulbs? That was my husband’s first question, he is always so crazy about making sure we get as much light as possible. My response was that it’s a dining room and we currently use the dimmer to dim the lights most nights when we eat in there. My room is 13×12 so I’m wondering if the lantern will be big enough and give enough light? Thanks for your inspiration!!
Hi, Veronica, I’ve got my lantern on a dimmer too and I think it’s plenty of light for my space. My DR is only about 10 1/2 by 10 1/2, so not very big, but it’s enough light for me. I think you’d be fine!
Your home is lovely! I just love your dining room chairs! Where did you get them?
HI, Lauren, I ordered them online from Carrington Court. They have a large selection of fabrics to choose from & I’ve been very happy with them.
Where did the dining table come from? The room is beautiful! I am ready to change up my own dining room and I’d love to find a beautiful dark round table like yours!
Hi, Mary, the table was found in Birmingham over 5 years ago. It’s solid oak, stained dark and the manufacturer is Richardson Bros. I think they might be out of business, but this particular collection was discontinued, it’s a reproduction look of Empire. I do love it too!
Stunning! I could never tire of a room like this!