How the Breakfast Room has Evolved

There's something so satisfying about scrolling through before-and-after pictures, isn't there? 

I could spend hours marveling at how a space can be completely transformed. And even more fascinating is witnessing the gradual change, the little tweaks and big leaps that shape a room over time. 

Today, I'm excited to share the story of just such a space in our home: what we fondly call the breakfast nook.

Now, "room" might be too formal a word for this little area. It's more of a passageway, really, a crucial link connecting our kitchen and family room. But despite its size, this small space has played a big role in our daily lives, and its evolution reflects our family's journey.

When we first moved into our home, the area beside the kitchen island was just a blank canvas—a stark white space waiting for its purpose. The picture below shows the emptiness where our breakfast table would soon reside. 

Time really does fly!

Fast forward a few years, and this little nook was a hub of activity. I remember our toddler perched on a chunky seat cushion, just tall enough to comfortably join us for dinner. But as he grew, the cushion became obsolete, a sweet reminder of a fleeting stage.

The first decorating move I got into was to paint those walls!

Ha, the 90s called for vibrant colors, and yeah, I gave them lots of green, terracotta, and red accents to celebrate Valentine's Day.

I asked my husband to find a breakfast set, and he did. He found this brand-new set, which includes an oval table and four chairs. The price of around $220 sounded perfect.

Like many well-loved pieces, our first breakfast set eventually showed its age. 

After countless meals, spills, and attempts at repair with trusty glue, the tabletop cracked, and the chairs wobbled precariously. 

Ten years of good use had definitely taken their toll on the breakfast set and the entire space. It was clear: a change was needed.

That's when the idea of a kitchen makeover started to brew. And oh boy, it felt like a monumental and, frankly, scary undertaking! 

It was during this initial planning phase that I stumbled upon the wonderful world of blogs (yes, the little winking face hints at my late discovery! 😉). They became my go-to source for inspiration and practical advice.

The entire makeover wasn't a quick flip; it was a process that unfolded over almost a year. 

Eventually, the breakfast area received new chairs, a new light fixture, and a temporary table – a $50 Craigslist find that served its purpose.

After living with this interim set for about a year, a new design challenge emerged. The chairs' backs felt too high, visually cutting off the connection between the kitchen and the family room. My first thought? Trimming their backs.

(You're right, that probably wasn't the best idea! 😅)

Instead of reaching for the saw, I embarked on another search for more suitable, economical chairs. My persistence paid off with another fantastic Craigslist score: four charmingly old, small chairs in reasonably good condition, all for just $5 apiece! 

A little spray paint breathed new life into them, and I instantly loved their color and size.

I loved the chairs, the color, the size...

But then, the table felt out of sync. While I tried to camouflage it with pretty tablecloths, I knew in my heart that it wasn't the right fit. 

So, the hunt for the perfect table began. And as anyone who has scoured online marketplaces knows, finding that specific piece takes time.

Almost a year and a half after starting my table search, the magical notification popped up. It was another Craigslist miracle: a listing for four free chairs and a table! 

Yes, you read that right – free!

After a much-needed makeover with some elbow grease and a fresh coat of paint, the new breakfast nook finally came together.

And here we are today! 

This little passageway has truly evolved, reflecting our changing needs and tastes.

Check the Dining Set Makeover right HERE.

Now, as I look at this refreshed space, my mind is already wandering to the next potential update: the kitchen island. 

I'm itching to give it a brighter color. What do you think? Blue? Green? Red? 

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

You can check the new color I gave the kitchen Island right HERE.