Today is the day! Yay! I'm thrilled with how the eat-in kitchen looks and just can't wait to share it. It seems like we were working right up to the wire (exactly like the guest bedroom for the last One Room Challenge) but, for some reason, it wasn't quite as stressful as the last time around. We finished the DIY plank wall a few weeks ago, and just managed to finish the bench seat over the weekend. From there on it was just decor and small fixes. Ok, enough yapping right?! Thanks again to Linda at Calling It Home for organizing this challenge. Ok, Here's the Eat-In Kitchen Reveal!
Gorgeous, right? Let's dive right in and I'll provide a before and after at the end. You don't want to miss that!
*Edited 12/30/15 - We've opened a shop on Society 6 to sell prints of the Highland Cow. You can see all the options in the shop.
We started the eat-in kitchen with a pretty blank slate. Last year, I ripped all the wallpaper off the walls, painted the walls white and then painted the window trim black. When the One Room Challenge started this time around, I knew I wanted to put up a plank wall.
We put up the plank wall within in the first two weeks of the challenge. It made such a difference!
After the plank wall, I slowly started making pillows. I couldn't stop making pillows. Seriously, I had so much fun.
Next, I tinkered with the art for the stairwell for like two weeks! I wanted a bigger gallery wall but, in the end, simple was best.
I recovered the chairs with some fun fabric (non-upholstery fabric - I'm a wild child!). I adore the pairing of the chair fabric with the cowhide rug. I'm shocked that I went with a cowhide, but I totally LOVE it.
During the first week of the challenge, I planted some herbs in my hanging pots. I wanted them to grow, baby, grow. They grew a little bit but not a ton.
During one of the middle weeks of the challenge, I made the leather cushions for the metal chairs. I'm super proud of those DIY Leather cushions. They solved a huge problem for us and totally make those chairs.
The last DIY for the space is the bench seat. The tutorial will be coming soon (it's so simple)! I really love what it adds to the space and I love that I can extend the table (we have two more extenders for it!) and could fit around 12 people comfortably.
Overall, we are thrilled with the space. My husband painted the highland cow last year, and I knew I wanted to focus the whole design around that piece. Scotland has a special place in our hearts so it's a nod to that for us. I think the overall feel of the space, totally feels like us and goes with the rest of the house. And... it goes great with our kitchen... which is close to being completely remodeled! Yay!
Want to see the before/after? *It's not the exact same angle, but it's close. We still have the original railing which you can see in some of the previous photographs.
If you're new here, I would love to have you stick around and follow Bigger Than The Three of Us on all our upcoming projects!
A very special thanks to the Sponsors who made this project possible: Hawthorne Threads, Leather Hide Store, Minted and Rug Pad USA.
*This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click to read my full disclosure policy.
Sources:
Light - Plank Wall (DIY) - Leather Pillows (DIY but Leather from Leather Hide Store) - Leather Cushion (DIY) - Pillows (DIY but Fabric from Hawthorne Threads) - Hide Rug - ECO Friendly Rug Pad - 3 Inch Cushion for Bench Seat (Best Pricing EVER!) - Highland Cow Painting (DIY) but BUY PRINTS HERE - Mirror - Fleur Foil Pressed Art - Shadow Shimmer Art - Metal Chairs - Vintage Danish Table and Chairs (similar) - Hanging Planters
Kristi
It's absolutely perfect!!! The plank wall, the bench, the chairs, THAT LIGHT ... love it all my friend!!!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Kristi! Yes, that light is just amazing. I'm so happy we splurged and got it.
Amy | Delineate Your Dwelling
Looooooooove it. It's so you and so perfect!
Ashley Mayes
You are the second person that has told me that! Ha. It feels like me. =) Thanks Amy!
Brit | House Updated
Ashley!! That space is too, too amazing! I can't even pick a favorite spot. And your husband painted that cow? Um, ridiculous. I couldn't agree with you more that those fabrics are perfection. I just love it all. Such a stellar job!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Brit! The hubby is definitely the more talented one (he would totally be the better blogger!). I think it came together pretty well.
Kyla @HouseOfHipsters
Girl! This room is all that and a bag of chips! I love the clean fresh look with all the white and the cowhide? Come on! It's amazing! Slow clap lady!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Kyla! I'm glad I went for the cowhide! I think it helped balance everything out.
Laura Irion // Avery Street Design
What a STUNNER!!! Ashley this is amazing! I am using way too many exclamation points today (and it's only 2 AM!) but I can't help it! I mean, come on, it's perfect. GIRL!
Ashley Mayes
It's kinda hard to think straight that early! Thanks so much, Laura!
cassie @ primitive & proper
WOW! what a difference, ashley- this is stunning! the art is perfection and so is everything around it! 🙂
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Cassie! It made the biggest difference in the space.
Sabrina @ Pink Little Notebook
Amazing space! Love the touches of the tan colour 🙂
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Sabrina. I totally agree with you on the tan. It helped balance everything out.
Maggie @Maggie Overby Studios
The results are amazing.Perfect balance of masculine and feminine. I always think the addition of mid century does that. Delicate lines that aren't too fussy. Love what you've done here.
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Maggie. I definitely think you are right on the mid-century pieces. I love adding them in every room.
Lianna@theresnoplacelikehomemke
Congrats! it's so cozy! what a great place to gather friends and just hang out. Love your fun art too!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Lianna. I can't wait to have a few friends over!
christine dovey
I can't believe you painted that cow! Holy wow. I love this transformation! The planks are incredible and I love the juxtaposition of them with the iron railing. Your colour palate is so pretty and I love how you've mixed such beautiful textures. Great job!
Ashley Mayes
Yes, the hubby is quite talented with things like that. Thanks so much Christine! At first I hated the iron railing, but it's growing on me.
Sonya~at home with The Barker
Your space looks so great! I love that art and the leather...super great job. ~Sonya
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Sonya. The leather is one of my favorite pieces!
Katie @ Mountain Modern Life
Oh my gosh Ashley I am OBSESSED with your dining room! I don't even know what to type right now except you have amazing style and this room is uber inspiring. I can't even decide what my favorite part is but I'm pretty sure if this room was in my house, it's where I would be all the time. Love it!!
Ashley Mayes
Oh my, thank you Katie! It's definitely my new-favorite room in the house.
Beth of designPOST interiors
I didn't do a great job of following along with other ORC posts this year bc I was swamped with my own but I am so glad I had a minute to stop by here this morning. I am so in love with this room! Love all the pillows- very Emily Henderson and that's the biggest compliment I can give a person 🙂
Ashley Mayes
Oh my, thanks so much Beth! Greatest compliment ever. I loved your space as well.
Arielle
Oh, I LOVE it! I totally understand why you designed the room around your cow painting - it's great. The light fixture too! And... if you can't stop making pillows then feel to come by here!
Ashley Mayes
Lol, thanks Arielle! When you get your hands on amazing fabric, it's so hard to resist!
Sarah @ Little Red Brick House
It's beautiful, Ashley! It's all so gorgeous! I love the plank wall with the leather in the pillows and chair covers and the cowhide rug. That painting is amazing! You have one talented hubby! Amazing job!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Sarah! He is pretty talented (I'm totally jealous!).
Stacey
Love, love it! Love the bench seat, that light fixture is amazing, and how could you not love the hairy cow? The planking is wonderful too.
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Stacey! The planking just made the space.
Teresa {Life and Renovations}
It looks wonderful! The plank wall is so perfect, and I love the cow art work. I will be coming back for your leather cushion tutorial because I need to make something for my metal chairs, too. This looks amazing!!!
Ashley Mayes
Oh, yes. The leather cushion tutorial is so simple so be sure to head back to see it.
Linda @ It All Started With Paint
I'm speechless! Truly amazing!!! 🙂
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Linda! I'm so excited to finally have it done.
sherry hart
WOW....that is quite the before and after! What a transformation.....I mean seriously it's like a different space! Great job!
Ashley Mayes
I know, right?! Thanks so much.
Ellen from Ask Away
This is soooooooo awesome!!!!!!!!! I love the wall art too!
XO Ellen from Ask Away
http://www.askawayblog.com
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Ellen. I adore the art myself.
Brittany @ white dog vintage
Absolutely charming, beautiful, fun, cozy, everything! What an fantastic space to gather. I'm in love with the cow painting! How talented is your hubby? I thought for sure it was a print! The chair fabric and cushions are perfect. Glad you took the risk on the decorative weight fabric. 😉 Pinning for sure! Going to use the as ammo to coerce my husband to build me a dining room built-in some day (we have the nook for it!).
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Brittany. Seriously, I wish I had the painting talent! I've been trying to get him to do a mini blog series on painting. Fingers crossed that I can convince him. lol. Oh, you definitely need a built-in. It was pretty simple and such a bang for your buck type project.
Iris Nacole
I love it all! Especially that wall detail and light. Swooning over here! Fantastic job! Enjoy!
Ashley Mayes
West Elm has the best lights and they are pretty darn affordable. Thanks so much!
Summer
Ashley this is AMAZING! You nailed it friend!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks so much Summer! I'm pretty happy with it.
Emily @ Table & Hearth
You guys did such an amazing job with this!!! Your husband should open an Etsy shop because that cow is too cool and totally makes the space. You have such a great eye for mixing modern, rustic, and minimal together where it stays feeling so warm and inviting. I can think of about 12 fellow ORCers who could fit around that table for drinks 🙂 Congrats friend!
Ashley Mayes
I agree with you on it making the space. I've been trying to convince him to do a mini art series for the blog (so far I've had no luck). Oh my, would that not be the best thing ever?! I'm an expert margarita maker. =)
Heather @ The Deans List Blog
What a transformation! That light is gorgeous!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Heather! The light came from West Elm and I'm thrilled with how it looks (especially for the price point!).
Charlotte
Turned out great! That light is awesome. Can't wait to see how it ties together with your kitchen!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Charlotte! I love the light. Seriously, that's the one place we haven't scrimped in this house and it has totally paid off for us. Good lights... love. The kitchen is coming along and it looks good together so far. Fingers crossed.
Always Rad
Love the plank wall and the bench seat! They work so well together 🙂 And that light fixture is perfect. Great job!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks so much! I've wanted a plank wall for quite some time, so I'm thrilled I was able to incorporate it.
Designs By Katy
I love it!!! Looks so great. Perfect pillows and art. Congrats!!!
http://www.designsbykaty.com
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Katy! I fell in love with the fabric selection at Hawthorne Threads. I could make pillows for days (and may!).
Amy @ Love On Sunday
I love this! I've been toying with the idea of creating a banquette for our dining area. It looks so cozy and is great for entertaining. I can't believe you can fit 12 people!
Ashley Mayes
You totally should! It was pretty simple (tutorial coming soon!). I think the key to our space is having a dining room table that has extra extenders. It would be tight in there with 12 but definitely doable.
Samantha
Loooove! Amazing job!
Ashley Mayes
Thank you so much!
Mindi
Looks beautiful, and cozy!! I love it! The plank wall looks awesome!
Ashley Mayes
The plank wall definitely set the tone for the whole space. Thank you.
Lindsey @ The O'Donnell Collective
I love it!!! The fabric that you selected for the chairs is perfection. I also love that you went with the cowhide! I absolutely love using those too - they hold up really well even in high traffic areas, plus they're gorgeous 🙂 Well done, Ashley!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Lindsey! I went back and forth on that fabric because it's not upholstery weight. In the end though, it wasn't pricey so I can always replace it. Oh, thanks for letting me know on the hide. I was hoping it would hold up well but just wasn't sure.
Kevin | Thou Swell
This turned out amazing! I love the subtle texture of the planks on the wall and the cozy, yet clean lines of the banquette. What an incredible transformation!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Kevin. I've wanted a plank wall for quite some time and I'm so happy that I was able to make it modern and fun.
Emily, Our house now a home
This is stunning! I love the bright feel with a rustic touch to it. Gorgeous!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Emily! I love that you used the word rustic. I think every room needs a bit of something different and adding a bit of rustic to the room helped warm it up.
laurie - laurie jones home
Love the after! That artwork really makes the space! Great job!!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Laurie! The artwork was definitely the jumping off point for the space.
Erin @ The Organized Life
What a big difference from your before picture! The white planked wall looks gorgeous and certainly brightens up the space. I love all the pillows you made! Great job!!!
Ashley Mayes
I know, right?! Thanks so much Erin.
Anni
Love, love, love everything about it!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Anni! I can't believe we pulled it off!!
Holly - hcb interiors
Wow, this is a great space! I especially love the painting, your husband is very talented!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Holly! I wish I had half his talent!!!
Julia@Cuckoo4Design
You seriously knocked this one out of the park!!!! So so so good my friend!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Julia! I really love how it turned out.
Corinna - A Designer At Home
I really love the relaxed yet textural feel of the space. You did such an awesome job!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks my friend! I was hoping textures would pop out. I didn't want it to feel cold.
Jessica
Ashley, your eat-in area looks so relaxing and inviting. The plank walls accents your style so perfectly
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Jessica! I was really hoping the plank wall would fit my style (or I could make it fit my style). Now, I'm all like #plankeverything!
Rachel Bauer
I love how the plank wall adds so much to the room and the chandelier is great!
Ashley Mayes
Both of those were definitely key in the transformation. Thanks so much Rachel!
Joy
Stunning transformation!
Ashley Mayes
Thank you!
Corbin
Looks amazing! What a difference. Love the chandelier and the cow painting. Great work.
Corbin
http://www.bluedoorlivingblog.com
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Corbin!
Brynne@TheGatheredHome
Wow! This space is so you and so amazing! I love the blues and tans together SO MUCH! Way to go, Ashley!
Ashley Mayes
haha. All my blogging friends have been telling me that it's so me! I asked Luke last night if that was a good thing or bad thing! lol. Thanks so much Brynne. I really love added leather accents. I think it helped warm the space up.
Hollie Cooper
I want to come over & dine in your new space it is so inviting. The plank wall, the painting & the light are my favourite elements in the space & the colour pallet is lovely. Well Done! Hollie
Ashley Mayes
Come right over. I live in MO. lol. Thanks so much!
Heather Peterson Design
So fun--and what a HUGE transformation! This is totally white done right.
Ashley Mayes
Thank you! I've been craving white and am so happy with how bright and fresh it feels.
marcie
So bright and updated. And that highland "coo" painting. Love the whole pulled together look.
Ashley Mayes
Thank you, Marcie.
Christi Chambers
Ashley, it looks AWESOME!!! Crazy that Luke painted that, too. Love the entire room!!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Christi! Seriously, I'm jealous of his skills. He's pretty good at everything (which is so annoying!). Girl, we need to get together next time you are in town. =)
Christi Chambers
Sounds good!! We're coming through next week, but we'll only be there a day!!! We actually moved up to Illinois just a couple weeks ago, so we're a little closer now... I think we'll be making it down there a little more often. Would love to meet the little man!
Ruthie
What a gorgeous transformation! I love the planked wall and light fixture! Beautiful!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Ruthie! I'm so happy I was able to hunt that light fixture down. It was definitely a must-have or must-want item. =)
McKenna
He painted the cow??!! That is one talented man, and it really does make the space. Paired up with all those fabulous fabrics and the rich woods, it looks amazing! What a transformation. Enjoy this beautiful space!
Ashley Mayes
Yes, he's pretty talented (although, I'm not going to show him all these comments...it might go to his head. lol). Thank you so much!
Krista
Amazing Ashley!! It looks incredible! I love the planking and the eclectic mix - totally fabulous makeover!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Krista! I've been dying to have planking and when I spotted the Schoolhouse Electric tour... I knew it could work in my space.
Denise
What a great transformation! Such a cozy space now! Love the plank wall, the bench and all the pillows! Awesome job!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Denise. I love how all those things really came together.
Jessica @ Dear Emmeline
You guys did an amazing job! The room looks fantastic! All the little details like the leather chair cushions really make a difference in the coziness of the space. I use Non-upholstery fabric for upholstery projects too. Shhh. Don't tell!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks so much Jessica! Good to know I'm not the only wild child with non-upholstery fabric. =)
Sarah @ 702 Park Project
This is so gorgeous! I love every bit of it, top to bottom!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Sarah! I'm so happy to have a completed space to enjoy.
nicole
I think this space is so gorgeous, bright, cozy and that light fixture is to die for. Great job!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Nicole! I think the light fixture really amped everything up and helped it all come together.
Grace @ The Big Reveal
Holy Wow! That is gorgeous! I love everything about it! Kudos to you and congrats on finishing the challenge.
Ashley Mayes
Thanks so much! I'm happy to have finished (and can't wait to see your finished room!).
Jenny @ Refresh Living
Look at that room! I love how your inspiration came from your husband's cow painting (which is incredible all in itself!) Everything ties together so well, but I sure do love all those pillow you made, and of course, that amazing plank wall. Beautiful job!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Jenny. I have some leftover fabric from the pillows, so I'm sure a few of them will be making their way to our living room.
Carol @ CAD INTERIORS
Love the new space!!! The light fixture is perfect in there. Well done!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Carol! I've learned that it can totally be worth it to splurge on lighting and I'm so glad we did in there.
Keri
Love the new look of this dining space!! The before was pretty but it's definitely got the "wow" factor now. You really did a great job!!! 🙂
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Keri! It's definitely us now which feels great.
Kelly
OH my gosh, I love this! That highland cow painting and the cowhide are so awesome! We have a cowhide under our dining room table also and love it. Your plank wall turned out amazing, and even the railing looks good with your little gallery wall. So beautiful, great job!
Ashley Mayes
Oh good to know that you love the one that you have under the table. I was really hoping it would work long-term under there. The railing isn't my favorite, but the quote I got to replace (all the railing in our house - which they all match) was about $7000 which is totally out of the budget right now. Thanks again for stopping by!
celine@aquahaus
Definitely one of my favorite makeovers. Looking forward to that bench tutorial.
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Celine! It will be up later this week or next.
Vanessa
Ashley! I love it! Do you think I can talk Kevin into the DIY Planked Wall....???? I love how you take a Christmas cactus plant and turn it into something so cool!! Your whole transformation is awesome.
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Vanessa! Yes, you totally should. You could stain it, whitewash it or paint it! I'm loving my little Christmas cactus. It's finally blooming!
Linda - Calling it Home
Such a great transformation. You mixed fun with functional and then added lots of pretty. Great job. Love the chandelier.
Ashley Mayes
Thanks so much Linda!
Vel
Love the simplicity of your cool space!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks so much!
Amanda
This is absolutely incredible! I love everything about it!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Amanda. I really love how it came together.
Vickie
Someone else might have mentioned this already, I did not read the other comments. If you have any small children visiting, put something very large on the end of your bench so no one takes a header over the rail and down the stairs. I have a friend who almost learned the hard way. She is in the process of taking the railing up high so it is safe.
Ashley Mayes
Good to know, thanks Vickie.
Dee
Hi! I was wondering what paint colour you have for the walls and trim? Which direction does your rom face? I know it’s years later but I hope you remember!
Thank you!
Ashley Mayes
We face South and have Valspar Ultra White on both trim and walls. Eggshell for walls and semi-gloss for trim.