What feels like months ago, I talked about the dining room being redecorated. I've held off showing photos because it took quite a while to finish, and I didn't want my posts to be nothing other than the ongoing progress.Now the room is finished, so here are a few piccies.
The rug is the largest size that Laura Ashely sold in this pattern. It almost covers the entire floor space, leaving a short border around the edge, which is exactly what we wanted. 
A couple of things you have already seen. The small pictures are back up, with the painted frames I shared in [this post], 
and the mirror over the table that I painted, mentioned in [this post]
I love how grown up the room feels now. I have a few faded memories of my Great Grandma, and can vaguely remember how she had one room 'for special'. A room that wasn't used unless guests visited, or for a special Sunday tea, a room that was kept shut away and always neat and tidy. I think she called it 'The front parlour', and instead of using all of the downstairs rooms, stuck to just the kitchen and a sitting room. It doesn't happen these days of course - who has the luxury of keeping a room unused but for special occasions? - but I love the idea of having rooms to be proud of. This is my alternative. A room that is fabulous for everyday, and one that can be spruced up in moments to look grown up and elegant. In case you were wondering, it is still primarily the playroom. I spent about 5 minutes having a quick tidy up before taking photos. That's what I mean about how the room can have a quick change to become grown up.
Here's the proof that my darling girl hasn't been booted out and banished!
Still very much her room!Nearly forgot to show you the wallpaper. Just on one wall. And we moved (of course 'we' means husband and not me!) the dark wood cabinet & bureau to stand along the wallpapered wall.
The bureau is beautiful. It has been in my husbands family since 1909. It is a lovely piece, and has a secret compartment that holds lots of old family letters and photos from around WW1. 
It also means that with another quick change we have a very nice place to sit and write letters.
I still want to get some sheer fabric up at the windows, and hope to do that in the next few weeks. Other than that, the room is done and I am happy.One room down, just two more to go!
A small montage showing how the dining room looked before painting.
England is in a state of trepidation today. It's England V Germany, kick off at 3. Even if you are not a football fan (like me), you can't help but get swept along in the excitement and hope the lads do well. Particularly in this game!
We're cranking up the BBQ and having a few cold beers to help the nerves as we watch ;o)
Gorgeous Girl and I are showing our support with our England t-shirts!
I love hers. It says 'Team England' in glitter, and has a rather lovely frill around the bottom. I've only got Hello Kitty because Little One is a huge fan, and I knew she'd get a kick out of seeing her mama in it. ooh, 'get a kick', I almost made a football related quip there!!!