In the midst of my 2017 organization overhaul, I’ve been motivated to simplify some of my decor. When I took down all the Christmas, something happened- everywhere I looked, everything in my house just seemed so heavy. I’m in major purge/sell/donate mode and have started looking for simple ways to update and freshen some of the rooms in our home. The first space that was screaming for me to lessen the visual load- my breakfast nook. With one simple switch (and a little “shopping” in the basement), it has a lighter look to match that transitional style I’m drawn to. Over the past year, through subtle changes, this room has seen a gradual transformation. Read on for the evolution of the updated breakfast nook.
If you have been with me a while, you may remember, this is where I started.
Then, last spring, after switching up the chairs (HERE) (I finally sold the old set this weekend- whoop!) and giving a face lift to the table (HERE), this is where we were. Don’t get me wrong- I loved this look. But, I was looking at that mirror every day thinking, “This just doesn’t feel like me anymore.” I needed a change – a simple, inexpensive change. A few months ago, I purchased a round mirror with a barely-there brass frame. I had no idea where I was going to put it but I brought it home and shoved it in a closet. PS: I don’t advise doing this- more often than not, those items typically sit in the closet without ever getting a permanent home. If you don’t use it in the first month, take it back.
So, this past weekend when my husband headed out for the Falcons game, I set my plan in motion. I should mention- Dave doesn’t typically resist my “grand plans” but when I can save him from actually seeing the process, I do. If he had actually seen me in action on this day, a simple mirror change would have looked more like a full room renovation haha. I took down the mirror, cleared the buffet, and brought out my new “weapon” that had been hibernating this winter. I went ahead and hunted down some spring accents in the basement to go with the lighter vibe I was aiming for, and this is the final result.
The simple, round shape of the mirror with the thin frame made all the difference. I kept a few fav white pieces on display and of course, my brass candelabras (stay tuned for a super fun, different table which uses those as the focal point, coming in two weeks!). I brought out a sketch of my fav city, Charleston (read about our recent weekend trip HERE) that never actually had a “home”.
Eucalyptus is my fav, inexpensive statement; I wish I could have it in my house 24-7 but I have to drive almost an hour away to pick it up at the closest Trader Joe’s.
I would love to hear your thoughts on the big switch- from a heavy, French Country inspired mirror (which I also sold this weekend *fist bump*) to this light, modern round piece. I love mixing styles in my home; you don’t have to stick to a specific theme and finish in a room to make it cohesive.
OTHER SOURCES & ROOM DETAILS
- Floors: Nottaway Hickory in Weathered Saddle
- Paint: Sherwin Williams Perfect Greige
- Sideboard: HomeGoods
- Candelabras: HomeGoods
- Mirror: HomeGoods
Tamara says
January 17, 2017 at 10:06 amI can’t even tell you how much I LOVE the new mirror!! WOW! What a difference! Great job Kel!
Kelley Nan says
January 17, 2017 at 11:20 amTam, thank you! Now, onto the next project!
Shauna says
January 17, 2017 at 10:07 amKel, I LOVE! So effortlessly chic❤
Xoxo
Kelley Nan says
January 17, 2017 at 11:20 amShauna, thank you! Crazy what one little thing can do!
Kathy Beltran says
January 17, 2017 at 10:53 amI love the new look! So chic! My husband is the exact same way. He doesn’t mind me changing things at all but I do too like to spare him the process lol
Kelley Nan says
January 17, 2017 at 11:22 amKathy, thank you! Yes, I prefer he just see the “after” of all projects. Heaven help me if he sees the loaded car after a shopping trip! haha
[email protected] says
January 17, 2017 at 11:02 amI love the new and lighter look. I especially love the hint of your bar stools. Any chance of you sharing where you purchased them. They are incredible, would work perfectly in my new restyled kitchen. Lynne
Kelley Nan says
January 17, 2017 at 11:23 amLynne, thank you! Absolutely. I have them linked at the bottom of the post or here: http://bit.ly/2ixB5Gk Right now, they are on sale for $119!
Joan Mechlin says
January 17, 2017 at 11:11 amI love your barely-there mirror and how you’ve lightened up this room. It def says spring.
Kelley Nan says
January 17, 2017 at 11:24 amJoan, thank you! I still have some “winter” but am moving through it quickly. Maybe because it is mid-January and is 70 degrees?! haha
Joni King says
January 17, 2017 at 11:53 amAnd I thought the room was perfect before….but now I love, love how you have lightened up the love! Another beautiful makeover Kelley Nan!
Hugs!
Kelley Nan says
January 18, 2017 at 9:25 amJoni, thank you! Isn’t it crazy what one little change can do?! I feel lighter just looking at it 😉
Jenny says
January 17, 2017 at 12:17 pmIt’s so nice to change little bits and have a fresh look x
Kelley Nan says
January 18, 2017 at 9:25 amJenny, I agree! Now, onto the next project 😉
Maria says
January 17, 2017 at 1:11 pmI absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the changes Kelley! It’s so much lighter and fresher. You continue to inspire me to make some changes in my home.
Kelley Nan says
January 18, 2017 at 9:26 amMara, thank you so much for stopping in! I’m feeling super motivate- let’s tackle 2017 together!
Barbara says
January 17, 2017 at 5:26 pmI love the new look! Your blog has now become one on my list of morning stops before leaving for work!
Kelley Nan says
January 18, 2017 at 9:26 amBarbara, that just makes my day; thank you! Wishing you a wonderful Wednesday!
[email protected] Daily Nest says
January 17, 2017 at 7:07 pmKelley I’m loving the new round mirror! So fresh and clean looking! I’m looking for a round mirror for my vanity and this would be perfect! Thanks for sharing!
xo, Kathy
Kelley Nan says
January 18, 2017 at 9:26 amKathy, thank you!! I am loving the clean look of big round mirrors- I bet that would look fab!
Teri says
January 18, 2017 at 2:06 amI definitely love your new look! I like how the round mirror shape is repeated in the round table and again with the round chairs. Everything is neutral and light and just stunning in the natural light. LOVE
Kelley Nan says
January 18, 2017 at 9:27 amTeri, thank you!! I am so enjoying the new, lighter look!
Sue says
January 18, 2017 at 2:10 amIt looks great! Love the new look!
Kelley Nan says
January 18, 2017 at 9:27 amSue, thank you!! Have a fantastic day!
Kimberly says
January 18, 2017 at 9:29 amKelley, you are amazing…I’m SO glad I found you! May I ask what the color of your wall paint is? Love your home décor and you, thank you for sharing – Kimberly
Kelley Nan says
January 18, 2017 at 9:31 amKimberly, what an incredible compliment- thank YOU for taking the time to visit! It is Perfect Greige by Sherwin Williams. Depending on lighting, it can appear darker/lighter beige/gray. 😉 Definitely test first!
Kimberly says
January 18, 2017 at 12:11 pmI just ordered the curtains, did you use the hooks amazon recommends or are they hung directly on the rods? Your taste is exquisite! You have a gift for “beautiful”. Thanks again!
Kelley Nan says
January 19, 2017 at 8:15 amHi, Kimberly! You can go both ways BUT, the curtains actually have loops on the back which gives them almost a natural pleat. You may want to try that first (that is how I have mine hung) 😉
Sharon says
January 18, 2017 at 9:39 amI simply cannot BELIEVE the difference that mirror made — and I LOVE it! The original mirror sort of overshadowed the beautiful, clean lines of your buffet — it really stands out now. Oh, the inspiration you have caused!
Kelley Nan says
January 18, 2017 at 9:49 amSharon, thank you! I agree- I couldn’t put my finger on it… until I did haha. It feels so much more clean 😉
Deborah says
January 18, 2017 at 9:44 amHi Kelley, the refresh/update looks great! Its amazing how one tweak can have such an impact. I’m curious though about your curtains. I believe they’re IKEA? Have you been pleased with them? I’m assuming so since they’ve stayed the same. I’m looking to replace the ones in my bedroom but didn’t want to spend a huge fortune.
Kelley Nan says
January 18, 2017 at 9:52 amDeborah, they are and I have! And, the price can’t be beat. IKEA is actually over an hour away (and I despise going through that maze) so I purchased online here: http://amzn.to/2iBaB6J They are eligible for free shipping so to me, it is worth the few extra dollars. But, if you love going to IKEA, go for it!
Deborah says
January 18, 2017 at 10:20 amThanks so much! The closest IKEA is three hours away so it will definitely be an online purchase (thanks for the link!). You have these in one of your bedrooms too, right?
Kelley Nan says
January 18, 2017 at 10:31 amDeborah, I do! Breakfast nook, dining room, sitting room, master bedroom, and white guest bedroom haha
Deborah says
January 18, 2017 at 10:35 amYou’ve convinced me! They’re ordered!
Kelley Nan says
January 19, 2017 at 8:10 amDeborah, I want a full report back! 😉
Bree says
January 18, 2017 at 10:18 amI love the changes Kelley!!! That mirror is everything and I love the Charleston print so much ❤
Kelley Nan says
January 18, 2017 at 10:30 amBree, thank you sweet friend!! I still have other travel prints I need to find homes for!
Jaynez says
January 18, 2017 at 10:27 amThe mirror definitely lightened up the look of the room. I would probably paint the chandelier gold or go with a white-washed airy french chandelier to complete the look. I normally like something dark in the room to anchor it, but in this case, I think it seems out of place.
Kelley Nan says
January 18, 2017 at 10:32 amJaynez, thank you for taking the time to visit! I will be doing a lighting update but have a few extra lighting fixtures to tackle first. When we change this one, we will also likely change the bar lantern pendants so for now, we have to wait 😉
Jennifer - Decor Gold Designs says
January 18, 2017 at 10:32 amGreat new mirror Kel! You definitely achieved your goal…the room looks much lighter. Love it!
Kelley Nan says
January 19, 2017 at 8:10 amJen, thank you!!
Joanna says
January 18, 2017 at 10:47 amI love the new mirror! Even though it’s not as elaborate a mirror, it makes more of a statement. And, the white decor lends a fresh, less is more look.
So happy you removed the too small round carpet, as well.
Your new chairs, being lighter than the old suit the space. Your mix of modern and French country have hit the right balance to be young and refreshing but still homey.
Love it!!!
Kelley Nan says
January 19, 2017 at 8:11 amJoanna, I am enjoying it! Thanks for stopping by.
Crystal says
January 18, 2017 at 12:10 pmKelley, I recently discovered your blog and have come back every few days to look for new ideas 🙂 I love how you capture southern charm in a modern, chic way ? I’m in TX and having those same warm days, so I’m in the mood to purge all the Christmas decor! But I still want it to feel “winter.” How do you decorate for winter in a way that meshes with our feels-like-spring-every-few-days climate? That is my predicament every year…
I LOVE that sleek round mirror and how you’ve lightened up the whole room. That’s very close to the style I’m going for and can’t wait to see what you do as you tackle the rest of the house 😉
To the curtains comment, I too have IKEA curtains in my home. I am a seamstress and have always made my own window coverings, but IKEA’s are such great quality for a fraction of the cost (yes, even making my own would cost more). I’ve had the Lenda curtains in my living room for 7 years now and have no plans to replace them 🙂 I’m also blessed to have an IKEA less than 30 minutes away… I don’t know HOW you ladies survive without IKEA! 😉
Kelley Nan says
January 19, 2017 at 8:14 amHey, Crystal! I had to put away all the straight winter decor like snow branches but do still have some pinecones around 😉 I would concentrate on universally season-appropriate pillows, minimize some of the mercury glass (if you have any) and think about bringing in a plant. This time of year is always tough! I am so glad to hear that about the curtains; I can’t believe how amazing they look and feel for that little!
Regina says
January 18, 2017 at 2:37 pmPerfection!
Kelley Nan says
January 19, 2017 at 8:15 amRegina, thank you!
Denise says
January 18, 2017 at 2:44 pmLove the new look it’s light and airy you are ready for spring.
Kelley Nan says
January 19, 2017 at 8:15 amDeinse, thank you. We are SO ready for one season or another to commit! haha
Noél Emswiler says
January 18, 2017 at 4:05 pmProves the theory that if you buy what you love, you WILL find a place for it! Really like the new mirror and I agree that it looks lighter and gives the buffet more presence.
Kelley Nan says
January 19, 2017 at 8:17 amSo so true! Thank you so much for visiting with me!
Betty says
January 18, 2017 at 6:09 pmI love it! The room looks great.
Kelley Nan says
January 19, 2017 at 8:17 amBetty, thank you so much!
vi says
January 18, 2017 at 6:41 pmKelly,
Love the new mirror. However, I think the candelabra’s are too large and overpower it.
Kelley Nan says
January 19, 2017 at 8:18 amVi, aw, the candelabras are still one of my favorite parts!
Be says
January 18, 2017 at 11:06 pmI’ve just recently started following and can’t begin to tell you how much I love your style. Loved the first look, love the new look. Ok, so I love everything!! Thank you for sharing your home, ideas and talent.
Kelley Nan says
January 19, 2017 at 8:18 amBe, thank you so so much!!! I still like the last look too; this one is just giving me the lighter vibes I was looking for 😉
Joy Cooper says
January 18, 2017 at 11:43 pmVery inspiring to look at small changes that can be huge. Very helpful and thank you!
Kelley Nan says
January 19, 2017 at 8:19 amJoy, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by! It definitely makes the wheels in my head start turning, thinking about other possible, minor adjustments in the house 😉
Jennifer says
January 19, 2017 at 5:49 amSo fresh and bright! beautiful.
Kelley Nan says
January 19, 2017 at 8:19 amJennifer, thank you!
Michelle says
January 19, 2017 at 12:46 pmIt’s interesting, because the first look was great, but when you lightened it up, it felt like I could breath a little easier. I think removing the circular rug helped a lot also.
Lisa says
February 8, 2017 at 10:19 amThat mirror is definitely on point! I just bought, I believe, the same one for my ensuite reno. Love the simple lines of it and it is the perfect colour gold I was looking for.
Love your blog and follow you on ig. Your honesty and style are much appreciated.
Kelley Nan says
February 9, 2017 at 10:08 amLisa, thank you so much!
Lucy Francis says
May 1, 2017 at 6:39 pmHi Kelly,
I just discovered your website, and I’m in love with your inexpensive makeover. Its so beautiful and refreshing, I absolutely love the buffet do you mind sharing where did you purchased it form? Everything is just so well put together! Thanks you in advance..
Kelley Nan says
May 1, 2017 at 9:02 pmLucy, thank you so much! The buffet was actually a HomeGoods find a few years ago. From time to time, they have big pieces for a steal!
Rebecca says
December 28, 2017 at 8:37 pmHi Kelley,
This is stunning! I love the paint color with the white and gold accents!
Do you recall the name of this paint color?
Thank you!
Kelley Nan says
December 30, 2017 at 10:36 amThank you!! This is Perfect Greige by Sherwin Williams 😉
Julia says
March 6, 2018 at 11:47 pmI love your style! I have to ask you where did you get those chairs from & do you happen to know the name of them?? Thanks in advance! 🙂
Kelley Nan says
March 8, 2018 at 7:30 pmHi Julia! Thank you! I do love those- they actually just went on sale today for $130 off per pair! You can find them here directly: https://rstyle.me/n/czcpmeb5rpf
Chelsie Page says
July 20, 2018 at 3:35 pmHey there! fist time stopping by. I LOVE your style! We are looking to purchase a new fixer upper home and i love the paint color on your nook walls. Can you tell the name of the paint color? and also tell me if it carries any pink undertones? My biggest fear is choosing a paint color with pink undertones and end up hating it. I don’t see any in the picture but just want to make sure. Never know with lighting:) Hope to hear from you soon!
Kelley Nan says
July 23, 2018 at 8:39 amHi, Chelsie- it is Perfect Greige by Sherwin Williams – I have a full post on my paint colors and thoughts here: https://kelleynan.com/the-comprehensive-list-of-paint-colors-throughout-my-home-plus-my-honest-review/. It CAN have a tinge of purpley undertones so if you don’t like that, I would go with something else. Also, make sure you test test test!