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Small Cottage Style Tweaks In The Kitchen

September 07, 2021

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I changed the dining chairs in my cottage style kitchen and they gave the room a completely new look.

Sometimes all you need is a small decor swap to for dramatic results.

Pink Roses and Pink Bowl on a dining table

I'm a not a fan of major renovations.

Truth be told, I don't really enjoy big changes of any kind.

I'm a comfort food and favorite movie movie kind of girl.

So it's no real surprise that my walls have been the same color since they were painted back in 2003.

And the furniture is mostly the same, as well.

Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm a total decor junkie and giving a room new look is an obsession.

I do that all the time.

However, I'm much more likely to accomplish it with small tweaks over time, rather than a sweeping overhaul.

Which is exactly what's been going on in my kitchen lately.  

Although, you might not have even noticed. Some additions are still hidden, others have been a bit more obvious. 

Like last fall, I made new curtains

And bought a rug from one of the Housewives.



Then I introduced a custom bench, built for me, from scraps, by my unbelievably talented DIY guy.

Finally, I added a new toile sink skirt...and a few pink and aqua touches

Pink roses and pottery barn aqua cambria mugs

Things were really starting to take shape, when I realized that my table and chair set, was looking old and worn.

Now before you get the wrong idea, I'm all about old and worn looking furniture. But it has to be the right kind of old and worn. Not dated.

Which is where my set was landing.

So the question was, how do I update this area, without spending a ton or creating a ton of work.

First, I thought about painting the table. But that didn't feel right. I adore the table.

Naturally, my attention went to the chairs. There were only two of them, since the others were replaced by the aforementioned bench and my beloved skirted wing chair, that I'd made over years ago.

The obvious choice was to recover the seats with different fabric. However, I've done that before...many, many times. So the idea felt boring.

That's when I thought about replacing the chairs completely. With something fun, like wicker.

And a soon as the vision popped in my head, it was over. 

I knew I had to have them.

I looked online at several styles and colors and then settled on a pair of beautiful wicker parsons dining chairs. (Mine are sold out, but these are similar and the same brand)

They came in a pair, were on sale and showed up in two days with free shipping. Done.

Assembling Wicker Parsons Chairs

I tore into the boxes within minutes of their arrival and Mr. Wonderful got busy putting them together for me shortly after.

I have to say, I am in love. LOVE...

Wicker Chair Cottage Kitchen Nook

They've completely changed the look of the kitchen nook and the room overall. They warm the space up and give it a more modern cottage feel. 

(Pssst- Here's how I added the pom poms)

While still playing into the old and worn aesthetic.

But in good way.

Paired with my sweet rose pillow cover, that I grabbed on Etsy last year, they give off that perfect late summer vibe.

Wicker Parsons Dining Chair with floral pillow around table

And I just know they're going to look amazing when I whip out the fall decor.

That rich wood tone, warm and inviting.

Beckoning me to sit awhile, with a cup of hot water, and enjoy the turning leaves outside my window.

And I will because they're so comfy.

Of course, I'm in no rush for that. 

Right now, I'm happy to sit among the roses in their galvanized tub.

Enjoying my small change...

Cottage Kitchen Dining Area with roses on table and on pillow

Are you a small change fan?
Kim Signature


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  1. Replies
    1. Thanks Penny! I've been staring at them for days from my desk area.

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  2. Ha Ha you know me Kim go big or go home lol! Actually as we downsize I have been doing fewer and fewer big reno's. Our kitchen was probably the biggest. Now I am ready to be like you and just do small things to make a difference. Love those wicker chairs and I remember when you covered that cute chair with the fabric. Love that chair so much.

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    1. Thanks Kris! I think we were cut from the same decor obsessed mold! I always marvel at your renos, I think I'm still shell shocked from living through a never ending 7 year project house (our first house) and the major one we did here all those years ago. I'm good with small these days! xo

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  3. I live in a one bedroom apartment, so my changes are usually small too. I just adore the way the new chairs look! That wicker adds a touch of texture decor with your dining table. Great choice!
    Brenda

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    1. Thanks Brenda! I think that touch of rich texture is what drew me in, too.

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  4. The new chairs look great and so do the curtains. This space is so cozy and welcoming. After four years of major renovation, I understand what you're saying about doing major work. Unfortunately, my home is nowhere near ready for me to give up on the major stuff yet. I can't wait until it's all done and I can just make minor little updates.

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    1. Thank you so much! It's a warm space and I love the way it's coming along, but I get it, renovations are not easy. So many decisions, stops and starts, and mess...I hope you can wrap it up soon and move on to the small stuff!!

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  5. You surprised me with the chairs... for whatever reason (maybe bc I am sleepy) I had a vision of white wicker chairs and then BAM, you hit me. I like them. :) I so love your curtains too. I wish I would have learned to sew.... I bought a surger, attempted to read the directions, my goodness! Can they print them any smaller? I cannot see that small of print! Needless to say, I have not learned and I very much doubt I will... I like changes big and small. I have to say I am more of the small variety for now, but I am so looking forward to that kitchen changing... maybe one of these days when life slows down a bit.

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    1. Cara!! You're not the only one who thought they'd be white. I never even thought of white, probably because I have white and was looking for a change. I guess I surprised you all! I hope you get to your own kitchen update soon...and a serger? I'm impressed. I wouldn't even know where to start!!

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  6. Love the look and have been looking for wicker for my kitchen table as well, just curious how comfortable are these chairs? We have had some woven seat ladder back chairs that are not working, comfort wise as we age LOL! You have inspired me to get serious about dark wicker chairs w arms for our glass and oiled walnut 53 year old beautiful table that we bought before we were even engaged. Some things really do last forever...

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    1. Hi Cyndy. Glad to hear I'm not the only wicker lover in the room! I was concerned they wouldn't be comfortable, too, but they are...very. I mean they're clearly not as comfy as my upholstered wing chair, but comparable to my wooden chairs. In fact, the back is a little more comfortable and I suspect that they'll give even more over time. Of course, I've only had them about a week, so no long holiday dinners have been spent there yet. However, I figured, if need be I could always add a cushion. I hope you find yours...arms sound dreamy!

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  7. Love the new chairs. I think the color is perfect with your hardwood floors and the wood top on your table. I love painted furniture and cabinets but there is just something rich looking about wood or wood tones. Good choice.

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    1. Thanks Lorri! The rich color is what sold me, too. It was time for a change.

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  8. Love the new chairs. The little changes make a big impact.

    I'm with I can't make major changes anymore .

    This winter I have a few furniture painting projects.

    Pinned!

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    1. Thanks Cindy! I have to say, I love the small gradual changes. I can't wait to see your painting projects!

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  9. Beautiful.. I like the new chairs. I am already excited to see how you decorate for the holidays.
    xx oo
    Carla

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    1. I can't wait to see how your kitchen remodel...and thank you, my friend! xo

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  10. I was so thinking you were going white wicker. You threw me a curve Kim. Can I tell you I
    L
    O
    V
    E
    them!
    So eclectic.

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    1. You're the second person so far who thought they'd be white...and here I was sure, if anything, you'd all think they were going to be painted red! I'm glad you like them, I have to say I am smitten. Have a great evening!

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  11. I am a big fan of small changes....anything that adds a little joy! I make huge changes, and then I am happy and don't want to make any big changes. It's fun to make small changes because it usually doesn't cost much money, and sometimes just moving things from one room to the other can make a big change.

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    1. I totally agree, Ricki! I love moving things around. I also think I have pretty steady taste. If my family room couch wasn't literally falling apart, I don't think I'd ever get rid of it!

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  12. I was in love with your room at the first look at your curtains! The chairs are the cherry on top! I love change, but have had so much I'm ready for some down time.

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    1. Thank you so much, and I totally understand. I hope you can feel settled in your new place soon. Sending hugs...

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  13. Oooh - I love those chairs, especially with those pillows! I too love small changes that bring a bit of joy when you come into a room.

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    1. Thanks Mari! It's a fun change and one that makes me smile.

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  14. Every time you show those curtains I just swoon....love, love them! And I like the chairs too:)

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    1. Thanks Cheri! I just bought more of that fabric this weekend, I love, love it, too.

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  15. Kim, I am in love with those chairs and the addition of wicker has always been a favorite of mine. If I had more room I would bring inside the chairs on the screened porch. See, I told you that you would accomplish your kitchen project sooner than I would mine. We are always so slow and our project isn't any bigger than yours, but it will get done eventually...Happy Tuesday..xxoJudy

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    1. Oh Judy, don’t go giving me too much credit yet. I have almost 10 yards of that red checked fabric sitting on bolts in the kitchen waiting to be made into new curtains, so I can move these into the living room. It’s been months and they haven’t budged! So you may complete your project before I fully complete mine! And thanks my friend! The chairs are a lovely addition if I do say so myself. Is that allowed? Hahah…

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  16. Your new wicker chairs are a wonderful update to your kitchen. I'm like you, I don't paint or change furniture very often.

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    1. Thanks Paula! When I like things they tend to stick around for a long, long time.

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  17. Amazing how a tweek here and there an change the look of a whole room. Love the chairs.

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    1. Thank you, Linda! What a kind comment. I appreciate you taking the time to share. ☺️

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  18. I am with you! Small changes can make a room seem so different! Love your new wicker chairs. They look fabulous!

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    1. Thanks so much! I'm surprised by how much I adore them...glad to hear I'm not alone.

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  19. Love the new chairs! They go perfectly with your kitchen set and indeed make the setting look totally different. It's amazing how sometimes even just a small change can make such a big impact!

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    1. Thank you, Melanie! If you’d said wicker to me even two months ago, I would’ve said you were crazy and yet now, I can’t imagine the room without them.

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  20. The chairs are amazing ... and perfect for your gorgeous wood topped table. Love. xo

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    1. Thanks so much! I do love that table. It's an oldie but a goodie, for sure.

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  21. Yes! I love small changes as well! It is all about the details. The kitchen looks wonderful, my friend, and I like how well the touches of pink work with the red.
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. Thanks Amalia!! I like those delicate pinks with the red, too. Who knew! xo

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  22. Small change, big change- I like both. However, there's nothing like the satisfaction I feel from making a small change that has big impact, like you did here. Last year, during lockdown, I actually did paint my kitchen table top (it's similar to yours), and I know those exact chairs you ordered would look perfect with mine. I've been thinking about changing my dining chairs for awhile - I think it's time move on that!

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    1. Thanks Amy!! I'm really happy with them, I have to say, I was surprised just how much of a difference they made. I say go for it! There are so many styles out there, with free shipping and easy return policies. I hope you'll share if you do!!

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  23. I agree with you Kim - small changes are easier to handle in more ways than one! Those chairs complement the table and your dining space perfectly!! Love the checked curtains too! Pinned!

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    1. Thanks so much, Cindy! This was a successful shop for sure. It really made a big difference!

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  24. I love the new kitchen chairs Kim. I was just wondering if they are comfortable. I love making small changes in furniture like that! I finally bought over the weekend a new couch, love seat, and coffee table. The couches were so worn out with holes in them. If I were to have the couch reupholstered it would cost me the same amount to get a new couch! I felt sad to see it go but I love the new update.

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    1. Hi Julie! Yes!! They are super comfortable. I wasn’t sure if they would be, but they are…not too still, but very supportive. Where’d you get your sofa? I need new and can’t find anything I like. I inquired about reupholstery and yes, so expensive. I went to Calico Corners this weekend and I’m hoping to find something there, but I’m sad about my old couch. Enjoy your new furniture. I hope you’ll share a peek!

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  25. Oh, I do love all things wicker and YES on small changes. After you make them, you realize how BIG they really are!

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    1. Thanks Gina, and you're right, once you get them in the room, they really are big changes!! Thanks for the visit my friend.

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  26. We had so many plans for big projects, but now we will be moving so I am doing little things. Love how much new things like chair change a whole room.

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    1. Thanks so much! We have some big plans, too, but right now it's all about the little ones over here, too. Good luck with the move.

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  27. I love the small changes. And I love that you are intentional when making them. Looks amazing!

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    1. Thanks Leslie! Once I saw these I couldn't get them out of my head.

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  28. Kim,
    Love the new chairs!! They are beauties!!Thanks so much for stopping by!!
    Hugs,
    Debbie

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    1. Thanks Debbie! They're everything I dreamt they'd be!

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  29. I with you on the small changes. They're just easier to absorb and don't cause major disruptions for days on end. Love the new chairs. That tall back makes them look so stately - that's a word, right?!!

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    1. It is a word, indeed and a good one at that! Thanks Michelle. I do love them...

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