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A Dining Room Refresh Using Basics

Decorating with Basics by CountyRoad407.com
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Good Morning Sweet Friends!  Did y’all have a nice weekend?  I did.  The Mister went to Navasota to mow and took all 3 dogs.  Woo hoo!  It was only for the weekend but man was it fab-u-lous.  I took the opportunity to get some things done around the house but still made time to do exactly what I wanted – decorate!   So a dining room refresh using basics was added to my list.

It all started with a canvas cow print

I know it sounds a little like I’m trying to justify making purchases but I think spending a little money to save money down the road is a great plan!

  I’ve always liked cow prints but couldn’t find one that suited me.  This one looks like she’s ready for church making her the perfect starting point.

Decorating with basics by CountyRoad407.com

The cow canvas gave me a theme I liked and the colors gave me the boost I needed for the table decor.  It may seem boring to use black and white since the entire room is neutral but I like using simple decor so I can reuse it again for other holidays.  I already had the black candle sticks, the greenery, the tall lanterns, the white plates and utensils.  Because they are pieces that work well with practically everything, I only need a few more pieces for the look I want.  Hello Pier 1!  They have the cutest plates, napkin rings and chargers!

Adding basics to your decor keeps the cost down for holiday decorating by CountyRoad407.com

Best basic centerpiece?  The tiered tray!  I can use it for decor items later like pumpkins or flowers or candles or I can layer it with desserts!  And who doesn’t love that?!  The plaid plates give the table that extra pop I want but because they are black and white, I can use them again and again.  I realize the checked table runner is to small.  Instead of returning it because it was half off and they didn’t have a longer one, I’ll probably find solid black fabric and sew it (you know that means glue it) on the ends to make it fit.  I really like it.  😉

Decorating with Basics by CountyRoad407.com

I thought the galvanized flower pot turned upside down made cute candle holders but would look festive with fall flowers or Christmas candy canes too when turned right side up.  The lanterns look cute even empty.

Mixing patters dresses up basic table top decor by CountyRoad407.com

One way to show a little more creativity is to mix your patterns on the plates and chargers.  You can see all of these are basic but work well together because of their neutral color.  Imagine just by changing the color of the napkin and how it will transform the look; orange for Autumn or a Halloween themes, yellow for a summer bee or sunflower theme, and even gold for New Years Eve.    So many choices!

Adding handles on the back of dining chairs keeps them cleaner! By CountyRoad407.com

This isn’t a basic decor item but it is basic common sense.  I didn’t want people pulling the chairs out and getting their grubby hands on the fabric so I added (okay, the Mister added) these handles/drawer pulls to keep things clean.  Love it!

I can hardly wait to show you how to change this up for fall.  I know it’s only August but fall is a comin’!  Woo hoo again!

So class, what did we learn today? 

1. If you want to save money down the road, buy basic items instead of overly themed objects.  2. Purchasing those items in a neutral color scheme will save money in the long run because you can use them multiple times.  3. Find your inspiration piece to keep you on track.  4.  If it’s on sale and you really like it, try and make it work.  5.  If your hubby goes out of town, rejoice and do what YOU want.  🙂



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38 Comments

  1. July 31, 2018 / 6:41 am

    This looks great! The handles on the chairs are the little details that are so often overlooked but make such a huge difference.

    I saw that cow at HL and walked past it. Went back a few days later and it was nowhere to be found! She’s precious!

    • July 31, 2018 / 9:54 am

      Thank you Stacey! I’m glad I was there at the 50% off day and got that little cutie! I’ve done that same thing to many times at HL. You’d think I’d learn a lesson. Hmmm.

  2. Barb
    July 31, 2018 / 7:13 am

    Wow Cindy this is truly magazine worthy. Every single detail is just perfect! I loved your silver trays but the cow print is just darling. Isn’t it fun to have the house to yourself to make a big fat mess that turns out spectacular!! You need to post these pics

    • July 31, 2018 / 9:58 am

      Wow Barbara what nice compliment! I look forward to those times, though far and few between, but this time that’s exactly what happened! LOL. The silver tray wreath will be back at Christmas time. I already have plans for it too. 🙂

  3. July 31, 2018 / 9:18 am

    I use black and white all over my house…it’s so easy to add other colors that layer well with a black and white color scheme…right now, I am using lime green place mats on my dining table and it looks great with all the black and white….turquoise also is great.
    While my decor is very very casual, I LOVE your pretty dining room.

    • July 31, 2018 / 10:05 am

      Thank you BJ. I waited 9 years to get a dining room I loved and do every day I walk by. I hadn’t used black and white before and wonder why, it’s awesome! Lime green sounds very summery and festive too. I bet it’s so cute!

  4. July 31, 2018 / 9:28 am

    Gorgeous!!! I love that cow print, and it works perfectly in that lovely room! Buffalo check never gets old for me, you’ve really set a lovely table!

    • July 31, 2018 / 10:08 am

      Thank you Debbie! Wish you lived close. We could chat and maybe, just maybe, you could teach me how to grow beautiful plants like you do?!

  5. Laura
    July 31, 2018 / 9:33 am

    I love the cow print! Your refresh looks great.

    • July 31, 2018 / 10:09 am

      Thank you Laura. Now I need to do another room! 😉

  6. Marlene Stephenson
    July 31, 2018 / 10:51 am

    I love cows, they are so laid back and calm they make me smile, and yours is dressed so lovely. I am a navy and white person but its almost the same. I love your table it is really nice and your advice about changing it up for different seasons, thank you.

    • July 31, 2018 / 11:00 am

      Thank you Marlene for saying that. I love navy and white – so crisp and cool. Perfect for summer too. And since that combo is neutral too, there are many variations that work together for other holidays! You should send a picture!

      • Marlene Stephenson
        August 1, 2018 / 3:47 pm

        I would send you a picture but at the moment i am trying to sell my table and redo an old round one i found on the curb. I could set my napkins and stuff up on my kitchen cabinets,lol!!

        • August 1, 2018 / 4:43 pm

          Hahahahaha. You’re funny. Send a pic when you’ve redone your trash to treasure! I want to see that too!

  7. July 31, 2018 / 11:12 am

    I think it looks amazing! Your use of neutrals is classic, not boring! I am looking forward to seeing what you do through the seasons!

    • July 31, 2018 / 11:45 am

      Thanks Amber! Love the word Classic instead of boring! You made my day. 🙂

  8. Jean
    July 31, 2018 / 12:49 pm

    That is a totally different room from what you had there just last Christmas. Both beautiful, both totally you, and both totally unique. I love the fabulous flowers the cow has chosen to complement her wardrobe. Great update!

    • July 31, 2018 / 1:51 pm

      Thank you! It really is totally different from last year and I’m sooooo grateful! I think I should give the cow a name…:0

  9. Pamela S Williams
    July 31, 2018 / 3:34 pm

    Love the little house napkin rings and the plaid plates!!! The whole dining room looks awesome!!

    • July 31, 2018 / 9:49 pm

      Thank you sweet sister! Come over so we can use them! ❤️

  10. July 31, 2018 / 8:21 pm

    I knew I loved your blog, but I didn’t know HOW MUCH til I saw this post! I have the very same cow print, except mine is centered on the canvas and also came from HL. I live in Tx and sooo enjoy your blog. Don’t comment very often, but always read your posts and love your style

    • August 1, 2018 / 10:05 am

      Wow, thank you so much! This was the first thing I woke up to and it has made my day! I love hearing when people love my blog. We sound like we have a lot in common. Cow prints, Texas, antigues…! Big hugs

  11. July 31, 2018 / 9:23 pm

    I LOVE a black and white/ neutral theme. Your whole room looks so fresh and beautiful. That cow picture…. Also, how genius is to flip over metal cans for candle holders? Oh, my goodness. Add in those handles on the back of the chairs and that room is perfection.

    • July 31, 2018 / 9:50 pm

      Awe Tammy, you made my night! Thank you so much. I’m grinning ear to ear! ❤️

  12. mary scott
    July 31, 2018 / 10:18 pm

    It’s delightful!! Magazine worthy!! thanks

    • July 31, 2018 / 10:20 pm

      Thank you Mary, that means a lot. Have a great week!

  13. Patricia Simms
    August 1, 2018 / 9:18 am

    Love that cow print! What a fancy little heifer! I love black and white and how you added the galvanized accents. Very pretty room!! (see… I read the blog!!)

    • August 1, 2018 / 10:10 am

      LOL. I think the cow print will be around a while. She is a cutie. When I was adding the galvanized stuff to the cart, I kept thinking this is a lot of galvanized stuff but oh well, I like it! Haha, guess it’s about what I like anyway. 🙂 Love how guilt can make people do things they RARELY DO! Just kidding. Or am I? Is that smoking pants I see?

  14. Nancy Davies
    August 1, 2018 / 6:17 pm

    What a magnificent idea to put drawer pulls on the back of the chair. I’m going to snap up that idea! The table setting is so classical but very interesting and not boring at all. Not matchy matchy at all.

    • August 1, 2018 / 9:16 pm

      You’ll love the handles on the back of the chairs Nancy! I had a hard time finding the right kind of handle because most of them come where you can screw on a bolt/nut to the other side. That obviously doesn’t work for fabric so keep that in mind when hunting. Thank you for the sweet comments too. I like classic but interesting! Have a great rest of your week.

  15. August 6, 2018 / 10:55 am

    Love your style! I recently updated from French Country to Farmhouse with the black and white buffalo check, it is chic and not rustic country. I made drapes, pillows, covered the dining room chairs, went with sisal rugs banded in black, etc., still have more to do and some painting and door upgrades coming up, I could stop with how it is now, but not doing that, ha! Also LOVE your drawer pull idea on the chairs, very smart.

    Lori Jo – 50 With Flair

    • August 6, 2018 / 12:02 pm

      Awe. Thanks Lori Jo! My style is ever evolving and changing. I bet those buffalo checked curtains make your entire room! I’ll pop over soon and check it out. 😀

  16. August 6, 2018 / 12:57 pm

    …and turn cutie-patootie pails upside down to make AMAZING pillar holders! That was genius! 😉

    • August 6, 2018 / 3:37 pm

      Thanks Julie! You know I’ll be using those cutie-patootie pails again. I’m already thinking fall! 😉

    • August 15, 2018 / 10:23 pm

      Amber! Thank you so much. That is so sweet and encouraging to me. I’m grinning from ear to ear!

  17. August 15, 2018 / 11:31 pm

    I love those galvanized metal little houses. They really add so much charm to the room.

    • August 15, 2018 / 11:38 pm

      Thank you Mary! I think there’s a lot I could do with them. 😀

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