Something you love......

Dining room ~ 2008

After spending last October in Southwest France and Provence, I returned knowing exactly how I wanted my home to look. I revamped the dining room earlier this year and many of you followed my progress. I'm still tweaking this room, adding a few things as I find them.

No hurry, a beautiful room evolves with time.

Dining room ~ Spring 2009

The room is my vision of 'French Country', as found in the villages and small market towns of Provence. Casual but elegant. The colors are muted creams and blue grays, white china, tarnished silver, painted wood, pine farm table, natural linen. It's not easy to find authentic European items in this area.......when you're on a budget! But hunt I do, and gather when I can. I like to browse through antiques malls, vintage, consignment and charity shops.....and just plain old junk shops! I have a wish list....doesn't everyone! I've painted all my old furniture, the only new piece being the table.

Dining Room....today.

Did you notice what's new? Have been looking high, literally, and low for a vintage European chandelier with crystals. One that would blend with that beautiful wall sconce I found at SuzAnna's Antiques last year. It had to be many things: not too large, have six to eight lights, have the right metal finish - old gold or bronze, no shiny brass, LOTS of real faceted glass crystals, old looking candle covers, hopefully not require rewiring, and have a dear little tag hanging from it with a nice price, one I could afford!

I think this was a steal!!! Right size, 8 lights, loads of real crystals (only two missing and I've been able to replace them), did buy new candle covers as they were bright white, wiring was new and safe according to my electrician...........and most amazing of all, it matches the wall sconce perfectly!

I had a health scare a few weeks ago but, following tests and biopsies, received good news last Friday. After great sighs of relief, giving thanks, and having lunch with DH, I decided to enjoy the afternoon looking around an antiques mall in town. It was there I saw it above my head. I became giddy looking up, checking everything, measuring with a borrowed yard stick. The perfect chandelier with the gentle price tag ~ and my name was on it. Well not really, but I loved it. I crossed another treasure off my wish list, happily wrote a check, and carried it home feeling doubly blessed that day.