Operation Decoration isn’t over. Instead, there’s a new target – my aunt’s open-concept kitchen and dining area. What makes it even more fun is it will be a surprise reveal for my uncle. Tomorrow when he walks in, the space will be completely unrecognizable. Let me explain.  

Basically, she was ready for a change. The warm mustard yellow walls had to go. It would be replaced by a pale gray color she’d chosen. Now that I’m an expert (joking), I volunteered to help paint. 

Fueled by chocolate-covered coffee beans and '80s music, we went to work. After around eight hours, we had two coats applied on all the walls and a start on the crown and shoe molding. The color really accents her brown kitchen cabinets. The room just looks so bright and clean!

Throughout the week, Aunt B spent her free time painting the doors and finishing up second coats. Come the following weekend, we attacked the utility room with the same color. Then I called in the big guns – Nacho and his wife to sub tile her backsplash. It looks fabulous!

B’s next project was more furniture focused. The old plaid chair in the corner that’s been around forever wasn’t worth recovering with new fabric. With a tear in the arm and a saggy top cushion where Salem sleeps, out it went replaced by a new patterned one along with an ottoman from Barr’s. Positioned by the window, it’s the ideal reading spot. 

Beside the comfy reading chair, was a brown four-drawer chest. After gathering ideas on Pinterest, she decided to paint it teal and antique it, a technique she has skillfully perfected on several pieces. In fact, she helped me replicate the process on my new corner hutch recently. This piece brings the much needed pop of color to the room.

Next on the list – lightening. Out went the three dark bronze light fixtures with warm yellow light bulbs. Replacing those were one long LED wraparound light and two four-light metal globe crystal chandeliers with daylight bulbs. We repositioned the dining room table vertically, and voilà, more space!

Finally, after brainstorming and pinning, my favorite part arrived – decorating! It’s so fun to style and set up a space for real-life use. Instead of focusing on staging alone, I think about pretty functionality. The questions “Is this useful, will it fit the space, is it washable” are a few that come to mind.

After a full day scouting out items from a variety of stores, Grandma and I came back ready to add the finishing touches. We draped greenery atop the kitchen cabinets, added a runner and centerpiece to the kitchen table and a small wreath above the sink.

A cozy cream throw blanket was draped across the reading chair while a down bridge floor lamp was added to the corner. On the teal chest, we placed Aunt B’s colorful Tiffany-style table lamp atop some stacked books with a little silver tray and a glass vase with some tall leafy greenery. Let’s just say, it’s all come together beautifully! 

Standard reporter Lacy Garrison can be reached at 473-2191.