It feels slightly awkward and embarrassing to post before and after photos of Retro Rental when we're near ready to be unemployed, but the budget for it's makeover has been extremely small--just enough for paint and some fabric to give some of our good ole steady accessories a little pick-me-up, if you will...

The Dining Room, Before:

After:

The chandelier is the original 60's lighting, nice, eh? We just had to move it to the left a little as it was in an awkward spot. The frames and chalkboard (remember when I made this?) all got a little paint action, and the two plates were a local find at an antique store for $5 each. I wanted to find some plates that were made in the 60's to stay true to, well, it's Retro-ness. :-)

The candelabra was originally bronze and given to me by my grandma, Grandma, please don't get too upset, it's being used, right? (I love you!) The mirror was originally black, but it got some "highlights" as well. The napkin ring collection remains the same. These were mostly from WWII from my great-grandpa for my great-grandma... some of them have sweet sayings and adorable little creatures attached. I'm just blessed to have a ton of them to showcase!

The dining room sits right off of the kitchen, which is a nice change from our Charming Craftsman back in The Wind Tunnel. If I was cooking or cleaning in the kitchen (which seems like half of my day), I wasn't able to see or talk with the kids too easily...now they're just steps away...makes it nice and cozy...and wouldn't you know...more carpet! Aye, there's a lot of carpet in this house. At least our feet are always warm....focus on the positive, right?

Oh, and the little orange chair in the corner? Well,that's the time out chair, but it rarely gets used because my children are always so well-behaved. Right.

I told you I've been painting non-stop! Virtually every frame, matte, and mirror has been painted in this household... other items too. Thankfully I'm not pregnant!