Favorite Nook: The Blah Blah Blahger

Closing off this Favorite Nook series is a blogger I was introduced via twitter - the BlahBlahBlahger. JJ is a talented photographer, kitchen maven and DIYer who doesn't take herself too seriously. What's not to love?

So lets take a peek at the very last favorite nook of the series, shall we?

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First off, I must say I was tickled pink to hear that Mrs. Limestone wanted to feature my favorite nook here...I feel so unworthy! When I first stumbled upon her blog, I fell in love with EVERYTHING she and the Mr. have done to their home (can I pick it up and bring the whole house to CA???)…I wish we had that kind of architecture here in southern California!

When I bought my shoebox condo 8 years ago, I thought I wanted something new and fresh. After several years, I realize that the thing missing in my home is character and architectural details that older homes typically have. As a result, I’ve worked pretty hard to add them into my newer condo through furniture, décor and a little DIY.

My favorite nook these days is my dining room. Though my condo is not yet a castle, I’ve worked really hard to not let the size of my home limit my entertaining. I often have people over for dinner parties and spending time around the table has brought me a lot of joy and great memories, although, that has not always been the case.

In order to LOVE this room, I decided it needed a face lift a few years ago. My obsession with Candice Olson let me to the first change…with the light fixture. I originally had the big boob, and while it provided a lot of light, it was boring. I found one I loved and it really began the transformation as it was elegant, had a little glitz and glamour, and was a statement piece for the room.

Next up, my dad and I installed moulding and a chair rail along the walls. It brought a sophistication to the room and “aged” it. (My dad and I worked our tails off, but had a great time together on the project.) I found a great beverage cart from Ballard Designs to show off a collection of crystal bottles and my Great Grandmother’s Depression Glass dishes. I found an incredible ledge to show off my photography at Home Depot. I’ve had trouble hanging these kinds of shelves before, but this one was simple to install and a fraction of the price at other design stores!!!

Lastly, I purchased a new dining room table for a steal at Living Spaces and partnered it with chairs from Ballard Designs. The chairs were not a steal, but the style and comfort made up for that…plus, I had a 15% off discount and frankly, was ready for some grown up furniture in my house. With the amount of time I’ve spent in this room with friends and family, it has DEFINITELY become my favorite nook.