Dining Room Progress: Adding Artwork

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Hello!

Remember my inspiration photo for my dining room redo?  Let me refresh your memory, just in case you forgot…

Ah, yes.  There it is.
Well, another teensy step has been made in emulating this room into my own.  The artwork.
I didn’t do shadow boxes like the inspiration photo, but was going more for the effect.  I started with some images that I’ve had, and have always thought it would be perfect somewhere in the home, but just didn’t know where.  Until now.

Meet Cook’s Illustrated.  And no, it’s not sexy pictures of food as the name may imply.  But the recipes are awesome.

The back pages of these magazines are just crying out to be framed.

Aren’t they fun?

So, I bought four frames (for now), and put these images to work.  (Sorry for some of the angles on these – it’s virtually impossible to get a straight shot without a glare.)

I debated on whether or not to hang them in a line or in a square of four.  I opted for the line of four, but the jury is still out, and I may very well change them around (and maybe buy a couple more frames).  I could see a group of six frames working well here now that I think about it… 

Even the images on the front are frame worthy. 

There you have it.  I have also purchased some drapes in an attempt to replicate the banded drapes in my inspiration photo.  That will involve a sewing machine (and probably some choice words), so I’ll keep you posted on that.

Don’t forget to link up to May’s Room Evolution Party!

Linking up to:
Savvy Southern Style – Wow Us Wednesday
The 36th Avenue – Show Me Extraordinary
House of Hepworths – Hooking up with HoH

June 5, 2012 By
21
About

I’m Jenny, a wife of 28 years, mother of three, and a corporate drop-out. I’m a creative minded blogger, business owner and DIYer, and love transforming furniture, cabinets and rooms in my home. I’m a card carrying paint geek, and am always amazed at the power of paint in making budget-friendly updates to your home. I’m a serial house-stalker, and never tire of a great home tour or a before and after renovation. I’m a firm believer in restyling, refreshing and renewing things in your home to make it your own - without breaking the budget. I’ll show you how!

21 Comments

  • Reply
    modern jane
    June 5, 2012 at 12:05 pm

    It looks fantastic. I would love to know where you got the frames. I love the double mating!

    • Reply
      Jenny
      June 6, 2012 at 2:25 am

      I scored the frames at Kohl's of all places. They kept going on sale for about $25/each, so I kept on picking them up. Going to have to add to my collection. 😉

    • Reply
      beach_bum
      January 3, 2013 at 2:22 am

      Pardon me for getting in on this conversation…I was just wondering if the frames came double-matted. Thanks for the info! The pictures look great!!

  • Reply
    Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
    June 5, 2012 at 12:19 pm

    i love that idea, jenny! looks perfect!

  • Reply
    Jean @ Flower Hill
    June 5, 2012 at 12:46 pm

    These look amazing! Love the colors!

  • Reply
    Karen@StrictlySimpleStyle
    June 5, 2012 at 12:59 pm

    What a great idea. I used to subscribe to Cook's Illustrated and always felt guilty recycling the magazines since they were so beautiful. It never occurred to me that they could be framed.

  • Reply
    Lisa at Shine Your Light
    June 5, 2012 at 1:36 pm

    They look great, Jenny! What a smart idea – love the illustrations!

  • Reply
    the cape on the corner
    June 5, 2012 at 2:02 pm

    cooks illustrated, lol. i love them, but the lobstery crawfish looking one kindd freaks me out. those cheeses! delightful!

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    June 5, 2012 at 2:42 pm

    I love the pictures, now if only I can get my husband to part with the last page of his favorite magazine!

  • Reply
    Maury Kilgo
    June 5, 2012 at 5:44 pm

    So that's kind of a brilliant idea! I've always thought that the illustrations in Cooks are gorgeous! Love it!

  • Reply
    Budget Design Girl
    June 5, 2012 at 6:11 pm

    How fun is that?!! What a fantastic idea!

    xo-Lisa

  • Reply
    DineWise Coupons
    June 6, 2012 at 12:59 am

    Adding artworks in the dining room. Never thought about that before. Perhaps I'll try it out as well.

  • Reply
    Sarah @ Cozy.Cottage.Cute.
    June 6, 2012 at 1:07 am

    I LOVE those.

    Those pictures have so much more character than just buying pictures from a store.

    I like your idea of adding even more… you've got a big wall so they will have a big impact!!

  • Reply
    Cristina Garay
    June 6, 2012 at 4:16 pm

    What a great idea on using those pretty prints! It will look even better adding some more!

  • Reply
    AngelaECS at Number Fifty-Three
    June 6, 2012 at 11:14 pm

    That looks fantastic! I would have never thought to frame those!

  • Reply
    JoAnne
    June 7, 2012 at 5:17 pm

    These have to be my all-time favorite DIY artwork. I would love these in my kitchen. I've never seen Cook's Illustrated – are those types of illustrations on the back of every issue?

  • Reply
    Tracy
    June 8, 2012 at 1:07 pm

    Those images are fantastic! Love the way you've framed them with the double mat. It's amazing the inspiration you can find in everyday things. I'd definitely add more, do a double row gallery wall.

  • Reply
    Kim @ Savvy Southern Style
    June 10, 2012 at 12:28 am

    Great artwork. Love them.

  • Reply
    AussieAshley
    September 8, 2015 at 12:43 am

    Did the frames come w the double mattes?

  • Reply
    AussieAshley
    September 8, 2015 at 12:43 am

    Did the frames come w the double mattes?

  • Reply
    Laura
    December 26, 2016 at 1:30 am

    Wondering what size frames those were? I’m trying to do a similar project, but the pictures are an irregular size.

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