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My New {Re-Invented} Summery Dining Room Curtains

by | Jun 7, 2011 | Decorating Inspiration, Dining Rooms, My Dining Room, my house

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My New {Re-Invented} Summery Dining Room Curtains

{please look away from the band of swine paint that still circles our ceiling ..}

My New {Re-Invented} Summery Dining Room Curtains

Magazine Inspiration Pic for one of my kitchens in the 1990’s.

Once upon a time (back in the 1900’s, before some of you were born), I fell in love with a kitchen in a magazine photo (the photo I tore out from a magazine is above, I wish I knew what magazine it was from!)). That photo became my inspiration for a paint, tile and curtain makeover of my kitchen at the time — that was about 17 years ago.

My New {Re-Invented} Summery Dining Room Curtains
My kitchen makeover in the 1990’s

You can see what my version of those curtains looked like in that old kitchen of mine, right before we moved out about 13 years ago. Everyone thought I was crazy for having curtains like that above my sink. But I didn’t care, how they looked trumped the practicality of light curtains above a sink. {Coming from the lady with a 10 year old boy and a sofa with white slipcovers, I’d say I haven’t changed much.}

My New {Re-Invented} Summery Dining Room Curtains

Even back in the 90’s, I wanted to paint that desk, I still remember not liking it!

As a side note, you can see in that old photo above that I had the same antique stained glass WAY BACK THEN (on the other side of that same kitchen with the blue and white curtains!) After that they were in my living room.

Much of what I have in my home has been in my homes for years and years — I really do use and reuse what I have.

So how can one can furnish their home on a budget and be able to use, reinvent and reuse the same things for 20 years? That is a question for another post — I’ve got lots of tips for you on that subject.

I’ve had three other houses since that kitchen with my favorite curtains, and each time I moved, of course I brought the remainder of my beloved fabric with me, fully intending to use it again. I never fell out of love. I don’t keep everything (that would require a few storage rooms or a couple of extra houses!), but my classic favorites seem to follow me forever! But, for one reason or another, I just didn’t get around to using that fabric again in another house. Until now.

Several months ago (as you might have seen on Facebook!), I sent that fabric home with my mom and asked her pretty please to make me some new curtains for my dining room (she had also made those kitchen curtains so many years ago)!

My New {Re-Invented} Summery Dining Room Curtains

I had hung some black and tan curtains in my dining room over the winter, and while they were nice (also recycled from a previous home!), they really didn’t add to the fun quirky style I had imagined for this space, especially in the summer months. I was ready to punch things up a bit.

So with June arriving, I was excited to brighten this room up with this fun and lively blast from my past (which incidentally, I seem to see similar patterns like this EVERYWHERE now!} What was old is new and the amazing thing is…it is still chic and lovely, even after 17 years! Because the fabric was not long enough, we simply added a band of blue fabric which not only made the curtains the right length but also gave it a finishing detail!

My New {Re-Invented} Summery Dining Room Curtains

This room is still in progress. The carpet will be coming out, ceiling painted and I’ll be forever tweaking, redoing and repurposing….but I think many of you know exactly what I mean. The decorating is never done! (see my house tour page for all the more recent updates…updated photo from 2014 below!)

My New {Re-Invented} Summery Dining Room Curtains

Want to see how it keeps evolving?
My Dining Room Evolution
and My Spring Dining Room 2013 and My Dining Room in my Fall House Tour 2014

69 Comments

  1. Kathy

    They look gorgeous, Melissa! What a difference they make to the room.

    Reply
  2. Janine

    My 6 year old daughter is standing next to me looking at your new curtains saying how lovely it looks! She wants to know if we can live in that house ;0) So Melissa … just when are you coming to South Africa to come and remake my house?! Pretty please!!! hee hee …
    Thank you for your always-inspiring posts.
    Big hugs to you this week.
    Janine

    Reply
    • Melissa

      Aw, that is so sweet, thank you! I’d LOVE to come to South Africa!!! That would be amazing!!

      Reply
  3. Trish

    The blue looks wonderful! I love to make a change that results in going into that room several times a day just to “look”!!!
    -Trish

    Reply
  4. kelly

    Amazing! That really freshens up the room, and it just goes to show that you have timeless taste…a great thing to have in our constantly changing redecorating world!

    Reply
  5. Trish

    The blue looks wonderful! I love to make a change that results in going into that room several times a day just to “look”!!!
    -Trish

    Reply
  6. Lisa

    Your new curtains fit in perfect. I love your windows! Too bad you can´t get that kind of glass here in europe. Costs a fortune here!

    Reply
  7. Screaming Meme

    Oh Melissa…I love the blue…so beautiful!!! ;) Nice to see what you did in the 1900’s too…lol

    Reply
  8. Fairfield House

    Melissa,

    When I first saw your photograph I instantly thought of Miss Mustard Seed’s living room and other images I am seeing on the internet and in magazines. After reading your post, I realize it is YOU that inspires others to always remain true to who you are, to decorate with what appeals to you. Your curtains look stunning.

    Your Friend,
    Deborah

    Reply
    • Melissa

      Thanks, you are so sweet…:-)

      Reply
  9. Faith

    Hi Melissa. With Ikat fabric so en vouge now, your style is years ahead of its time. Love the curtains and especially the fact that they are reused!

    Reply
  10. Shannon

    Love your posts! I’m continually redecorating our 1890’s Victorian,and it’s so much fun to see what everyone else is doing. I’m only now starting to post some pictures (wish I’d started sharing the journey earlier, but I’m a late bloomer with technology).

    Love your curtains! It’s fun to see how things that inspire us years ago still have a special place in our hearts.

    Reply
  11. Traci

    FAB Melissa! <3 Traci @ Ordinary Inspirations

    Reply
  12. Jessica

    Love them Melissa! Love it all actually, the light, basket, table & chairs…perfection. :)

    Reply
  13. lylah ledner

    love the curtains….it makes the room pop….i need some of those :-)

    am off to milk the goats!

    xoxo lylah

    Reply
  14. Midwest Magnolia - Melissa Lewis

    Wow Melissa, what a world of a difference that print and color make in that room overall! I LOVE it! Wow, the fact that you picked such a beautiful and timeless print from your first home, and are able to re-use it today is so awesome. I love all the color in that room.

    Reply
  15. Amanda Eck-TheEckLife

    love it!!! They look amazing! and that lantern above the table *sigh* :-)

    Reply
  16. gail p smith

    Love,love, love the curtains. I, too, am a dedicated “re-purposer”. My current porch curtains started out as kitchen curtains and a sway in the dining room and my landing lace valance was formerly in an upper bathroom that had shutters below. Keep inspiring us to go for what we love!

    Reply
  17. Debbie

    Great taste never dies, you were born to decorate! Do you still have the desk?? I’ve learned to reuse too, we’ve moved so many times, it’s too expensive not too! Looking forward to many more repurposing ideas from you!
    Debbie

    Reply
  18. Lana

    The curtains are lovely, Melissa! I also like the pleated cover on the chair, too!

    Who’s to say what’s in style and what isn’t? I reuse / repurpose a lot of things year after year, decade after decade. In my opinion, it’s your home and if it’s something you love, then it’s in style. We shouldn’t worry about keeping up with the trendy neighbors. We should do what makes our family feel happy, comfortable, cozy and loved. :)

    Reply
  19. Kelley

    Wow, what a difference! I love that print, and you’re right, variations of that are everywhere. I’m in the process of deciding what to do with the windows in my dining room. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Reply
  20. sarah

    i love looking at all your transformations. however, i do wish i knew how you had time to do it. baby boy at 15 months doesn’t give me but about 2 hours at nap time, and that is of course, when i look at my blogs.

    Reply
    • Melissa

      Well, being that my mom made the curtains I can’t take credit for the time those took. And this room has been just evolving over time, I just am trying to be patient with the process! :-) That slow process of evolution is the only way to go if you are busy or on a budget like so many of us are!

      Reply
  21. Becky

    Melissa – is it wrong for me to hope you NEVER paint over the last of the swine? It makes me laugh every time you reference it! :)

    have a blessed day!

    Reply
    • Melissa

      Ha, well I’m glad you can find the humor in it. It OINKS at me every time I see it … someday I’ll have to throw a big party when the last swine is eradicated…could be a party that is years in the making ;-)

      Reply
  22. Robyn

    I like it A LOT A LOT A LOT! The room is so refreshing and inspiring! Fresh breath of air! WTG!

    Reply
  23. Laurie

    Love the curtains! I have seen that style everywhere lately! I guess you just know how to pick a classic style when you see one, good job!!!

    Reply
  24. Denise

    Very fresh! I guess 17 years is the trend cycle? I was at a fabric store yesterday and I saw something very similar.

    And I *love* how your kitchen turned out. It’s better than the inspiration picture!

    Love you blog, BTW.

    Reply
  25. Connie

    Gotta be thankful your mom sews for you. Very nice curtains! I like the wide band of solid fabric at the bottom to add the length. I agree about the fabric, when you love it, you love it! :-D That goes for many things we decorate our homes with.

    One of the many “gifts” I was given by my mom and other teachers, was learning how to sew. That’s saved me hundreds of dollars over the years.

    Reply
  26. Kim

    These are fabulous!! I love that your sweet momma made new curtains for you, AND that they’re still lovely.

    Reply
  27. Tiffany

    I can’t believe what a difference they make, they really pull the room all together. It looks magazine worthy!

    Reply
  28. teresa

    I so understand…been doing the re-use redo since 1980…yup I’m old.
    Love seeing the progress….thanks so much

    Reply
  29. Barbara (WA)

    Have you noticed how the stained glass is reflected in the chairs around the table? I love that and the curtains, such color and sparkle. Looking forward to more ideas about re-using what we have. My home was built in the 80’s so even if I ditched all the furniture so many of my beloved decorating items are in the gray-blue color scheme I’ve had all this time.

    Reply
    • Melissa

      Yes, I noticed that reflection too…that is one of those happy unexpected things that I love, a subtle detail that enhances the beauty of a space!! Thanks for noticing!

      Reply
  30. Carla

    Those curtains really bring out the room. I liked it being brite then the curtains seemed to make the room pop.
    Thanks for being so creative and sharing.

    Reply
  31. Centsational Girl

    Wow, vintage fabric at its best, LOVE that pattern!!!

    xo
    Kate

    Reply
  32. Richella at Imparting Grace

    Way to go, Melissa! The curtains look absolutely gorgeous in your dining room. Three cheers for your mom–how kind of her to sew for you, both 17 years ago and now.

    By the way, I’m probably the 100th person to tell you this, but I LOVE those stained glass windows. What treasures.

    It’s such fun to see how you’re making this house reflective of you and your fun style!

    Reply
  33. Vee

    Your mother is so talented! They really do perk up the room and look great beside the vibrant stained glass windows. I’m so glad that you mentioned not looking at the “swine” strip up there. This is the first time I believe that I can see what you’ve been talking about all along. The current color is ever so much nicer and the swine is a lot too pink.

    Reply
  34. susan

    I love that you do the 3R’s in decor too! (reduce,re-use,recycle) I have some heavy expensive antique satin slubbed drapes&valances I remake/reuse about every 8yrs :D they are getting tired but they’re still hanging in their cleaners’ bag waiting for the next incarnation. :) I will think of something. Maybe it’s time to “reduce” and make pillows! :D

    Reply
  35. Jo

    Those curtains look perfect! I love how they look in your room! Now I want some funky blue and white curtains! But it’s been less than a year since I made my current curtains, so I’ll have to live with them for a while longer.

    Reply
  36. Katie

    I love your new curtains! They really brighten up the room, and you are SO ahead of the curve with that pattern :) I love to hear you’ve been saving the fabric for years. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  37. {darlene}

    great post! the curtains are FANTASTIC. But those windows. wow. take my breath away!!!!
    great job!!!!
    – {darlene}
    fieldstonehilldesign.com

    Reply
  38. Deanna

    They look great in your room Melissa! So bright and fun!

    I repurpose things all the time! I love using my favorite things and it makes my husband happy because I am not constantly bring more “stuff” home! :)

    Reply
  39. Linda

    When we did all our moving (over 30x for army and 2nd career) who knew we were repurposing. It is just waht we all did! I had 98×84 basic beige drapes, other curtains of various sizes an Hong Kong Oriental rug plus carpet remnants I had bound. We put the furniture where it fit which often took a lot of repurposing! It was a great life!

    Reply
  40. Glenda Childers

    Such a simple change . . . and so lovely.

    Fondly,
    Glenda

    Reply
  41. Annie

    you are so right, I am forever tweaking and revamping seasonal stuff like velvets and cottons. I am redoing a bathroom right now simply with new curtains, a skirt and some paint, no gutting here. Stay tuned.

    Reply
  42. kalanicut

    I am so glad you help onto that fabric! The window looks amazing.

    Reply
  43. Julia

    I can’t believe that’s old fabric–it looks so fresh and new! Love how it brightens up the room. Why doesn’t any of my decorating from the 1990s look this current? There’s no way I could reuse any of my fabrics from that decade. Ha.

    Reply
  44. hollyG

    Your curtains are amazing – I’ve looked at your “before” and “after” at least 5 times now. The new curtains bring so much life to the room. Great job!

    Reply
  45. Limette

    Decorating like renovations seems to be a neverending job. Even if you don’t follow the trends, your tastes change. It’s always evolving.

    Reply
  46. Amy

    Love the blue. They look gorgeous!

    Reply
  47. Amy {The Idea Room}

    Wow! Love the pattern and the color! It really brightens up your kitchen!

    Reply
  48. Arielle

    Love it! It’s so neat how styles really do cycle through. Looks great!

    Reply
  49. jasmine

    I like saving money, I just haven’t thought to take the old and make it new. I always go to the store for new stuff. but here I see we can utilize the old, and make it new! Thanks!

    Reply
  50. Erin

    Beautiful! It’s so true, that what we’re drawn to and fall in love with, our classics, seem to follow us. My gut always draws me to blue. I recently made very similar patterned Ikat curtains for my living room and can’t wait to hang them up. I too, was inspired by a photo in a magazine (BH&G) and had to track the fabric down. Isn’t surrounding yourself with what you love, so gratifying? Thanks for another great post.

    Reply
  51. Susan

    Melissa, you are so right about certain pieces/patterns/styles being classic and never out of style. I’ve been seeing similar patterns everywhere, too. I love that you stay true to what you love. Those blue curtains are awesome…such a wonderful punch of color and they bring so much energy to the space. I love ’em! Beautiful room!

    Reply
  52. Comeca Jones

    I love your space and a lil change is great!

    Reply
  53. Fiona's Mosaic

    I still have curtain fabric in my closet. I have some blue and white gingham, and some back and shite striped fabric. The blue and white I will use in my kitchen someday, and the black and white will make fun seat covers on the back patio.

    I love a good fabric stash!!

    Reply
  54. RL

    How did you do the ten commandments? I LOVE that!

    Reply
    • Melissa

      It is a real antique church window! :-)

      Reply
  55. melissa stover

    please tell me about your black chairs. i really want some petite chairs for my dining table and those look perfect!

    Reply
  56. Erica

    I love it!!

    Where did you get the fabric for the curtains at? Love them!!

    Reply
  57. Melissa

    Melissa, I wish I had your talent. I found I do my best work by using my corel paint program. I start by building the bones of the rooms and playing with paint themes before I even start painting. Then I go around the house and dig up things that work with the theme to see what I have that works. When I buy new curtains, I always buy 4 pair of curtains even though most of my rooms only have three windows. This way I can swap them around from room to room. I’ve been busy painting and have completed two rooms and am now working on a “French Country” blue kitchen. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Reply
  58. Suzi Dia

    Those curtains add so much! I love that you have had the fabric for so long. I have also been known to buy fabric without knowing exactly where I will use it… I am always glad I did though!

    Reply
  59. Brittany

    Hi there!

    Love love love the room. Where did you get the fabric for the blue Ikat drapery? I need that exact fabric if possible.

    Thank you for help!

    Reply

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