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    Updated: Aug 22, 2022 by Kris Jarrett

    Our Small Breakfast Nook “Before” & “After” Makeover

    Sharing the “before” and “after” transformation of our small breakfast nook!

    The cute little breakfast nook full of windows was one of the features we loved most when touring the house we eventually bought in NC (details on our home purchase are in {this post} if you missed it!). It’s also one of the first spaces I tackled in making over our new house so I thought I’d share the “before” and “after” with you! Ready to see?! (post includes affiliate links; full disclosure statement available {here})

    Let’s kick things off with the “before” of what our small breakfast nook looked like when we first moved in:

    The "before" of our breakfast nook makeover

    We absolutely love the floor to ceiling windows but the dated wallpaper and light fixture had to go!

    Here’s our newly made-over small breakfast nook today:

    Our breakfast nook!

    Removing the wallpaper made such a huge difference! I’m taken down a LOT of dated wallpaper over the years and share my tips on how to remove wallpaper {here}. Once the wallpaper was down I painted the walls Benjamin Moore Simply White to lighten up the space. I share more details on this great paint color and what I consider to be the other {best white paint colors {here}. At some point I may add new wallpaper or paint the walls of our breakfast nook something other than white to add a bit more color to the space but until I redo the rest of the kitchen and the adjoining room it opens into, I’m sticking with simple!

    Breakfast Nook Lighting

    I decided on {this woven pendant} in the large size for above the table – if you’ve seen the large-and-in-charge fixture I hung above our tub in our master bathroom remodel, you’d know that I’m a big fan of oversized lighting! When it was delivered it looked bigger than I expected and I was a little worried that it might overwhelm the space but it ended up working beautifully. I love the texture it adds:

    Love the woven pendant in this breakfast nook!

    Breakfast Nook Table

    I wanted a simple but stylish round white table that would seat four comfortably and six in a pinch – {this 48″ dining table} checked all of the boxes:

    Round white breakfast nook table that's simple but stylish!

    I’ve been keeping {this cute tasseled tablecloth} on it most of the time to keep it in good shape with the daily use and abuse it takes – I’ve been impressed by how well it washes up!:

    A super cute tasseled tablecloth on this breakfast nook table!

    For chairs, I already had two of {these bistro chairs} that we were using at the desk between the bookcases in our family room – I stole them from that spot and bought two more to make a set of four around the table:

    Our breakfast nook chairs - cute bistro chairs in gray and white!

    Breakfast Nook Rug

    And last but not least I found {this great braided rug} for under the table. As far as rug sizing goes, a good rule of thumb for round tables is to get a rug that’s 3-4 feet greater in diameter than your table. This is a 7′ rug (3′ wider than my 4′ table) which was a harder than expected size to find:

    Breakfast nook with beautiful round braided jute rug

    Do you want to see a little bit of what’s on our breakfast nook table too? It definitely doesn’t look anywhere near this fancy on a daily basis but I had it set for a little tea party I did with my girls for an Instagram collaboration using Martha Stewart’s English Garden collection. We had the best time! Definitely a fun boredom buster for long days stuck at home. And there might be an idea or two to steal for a simple Easter table like layering your plates on pretty chargers or tying grocery store bought tulips to your napkins:

    Simple blue and white spring table setting

    Love this two-tiered whitewash wood server!

    Once our breakfast nook makeover was done, it was time to move on to the rest of the kitchen. At some point we’ll do a full kitchen remodel but for now it was all about some inexpensive updates including removing the wallpaper, swapping out the island lighting, painting the cabinet surrounds that have yellowed with age, and replacing the cabinet hardware. Here’s a look at where things started:

    Before our budget friendly kitchen remodel with wallpaper backsplash!

    And here’s the new look:

    The results of our kitchen remodel on a budget!

     

    You can get a ton of kitchen remodel ideas on a budget {here} where I detail exactly what we did with our!

    _______________________________

    I hate to end my post on a sad note but so many of you have been part of the Driven by Decor family for years and have gotten to know and love our sweet dog, Hope so I wanted you to know. Sadly, we had to make the difficult decision to put Hope to sleep a few days ago. It was a heartbreaking decision and one that we were unprepared to make (she went downhill very quickly) – we know it was the right choice but my heart sure didn’t want to let her go. Hope was a constant source of joy for our family and was my little shadow so our house feels very empty without her. I find myself looking down at my feet for her about 50 times a day as I get used to not hearing her trail behind me wherever I go.

    Hope loved nothing more than to be scooped up and cuddled and I’m thankful that she got extra 24/7 loving from her four favorite people in the weeks leading up to her loss since we were all at home with her. We have so many special memories of her that we’ll hold onto forever – she was simply the sweetest girl:

    Our sweet Boston terrier

     XO,

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Julie says

      April 05, 2020 at 6:04 pm

      Love the eat in area!
      Sadden to read about Hope. I grew up with three Boston Terriers and always looked forward to seeing Hope in one of your pictures. How old was she? They are a great family dog who loves n protects kids! RIP Hope

      Reply
    2. Jeaneen Stephansky says

      April 05, 2020 at 6:06 pm

      So sorry about your doggie, Hope. Our dog, Millie, is 13 and she is declining. So hard to say goodbye. I subscribe to several decorating blogs and like yours the most. Your design seems within reach.

      Reply
    3. Lark says

      April 05, 2020 at 6:06 pm

      I am so sorry for the loss of your dear family member, Hope. It is never an easy decision to end their life, but I believe our pets are with us for a purpose and then the purpose evolves onto eternity. Stay well. xoxox

      Reply
    4. Holly says

      April 05, 2020 at 6:09 pm

      So very sorry about sweet Hope! We had to make the same difficult decision for our two beloved pups, both in the past 8 months.

      Reply
    5. Anonymous says

      April 05, 2020 at 6:09 pm

      I am sorry about Hope. We have a 15 year old lap dog and I understand about being at home with him now. I hope your hear heals quickly but your memory never fades!

      Reply
    6. Jo says

      April 05, 2020 at 6:42 pm

      So sorry for your loss. Losing a loved fur-friend is so difficult. Hugs,
      Jo

      Reply
    7. Jean says

      April 05, 2020 at 7:19 pm

      Kris,
      I love what you have done with the breakfast nook. It looks so good and I love the lighting. You do a wonderful job decorating and I love how you explain everything to us and I love your tutorials on painting furniture; I have some pieces I want to paint and I’m a little scared but I’m going to try and tackle the task. Please tell your family I’m so sorry for the loss of your Hope. I know how it feels; I lost my Fluffy (cat) over a year ago and it still hurts and I still cry over him being gone. Hold on to the memories and cry if you have to and it will get better; it just takes time. Be safe and enjoy your family in the great state of North Carolina. We’re not far from North Carolina. Love and Blessings,
      jean

      Reply
    8. Beth says

      April 05, 2020 at 7:55 pm

      So, so sorry to hear about Hope. Sending you love and peace.

      Reply
    9. Lyn says

      April 05, 2020 at 8:05 pm

      Fighting back tears about sweet Hope and feeling your pain!

      Reply
    10. Lynn says

      April 05, 2020 at 8:19 pm

      So sorry to hear of your loss with Hope’s passing. I always enjoyed seeing her cute face in pictures of your house.

      Reply
    11. Janet G says

      April 05, 2020 at 8:55 pm

      Oh, Hope was my favorite little addition to your home pictures… I always looked forward to seeing her. I am so very sorry for your loss…

      Reply
    12. Kristi says

      April 05, 2020 at 8:57 pm

      Your nook looks beautiful! I’m so very sorry about Hope. My family has been there twice. It’s gut wrenching, but have to do what’s best for her. I’ll be praying for you and your family!

      Reply
    13. Karen B. says

      April 05, 2020 at 9:32 pm

      Oh, Kris. I loved Hope being in so many of the photographs you used in your posts. She always looked so content laying on the throws you would share…an excellent endorsement for me! Dog friendly is important. 🙂
      I really like the new kitchen nook and the furnishings you’ve selected. It’s fun watching your changes to your new home.
      I hope you and your family are staying home, and staying healthy.
      xo,
      Karen

      Reply
    14. Heidi says

      April 05, 2020 at 9:39 pm

      I’m so sorry to hear about your dog. So hard to say goodbye to a beloved pet.

      Reply
    15. Patty says

      April 05, 2020 at 9:42 pm

      Oh, Chris, I am so sorry to hear of your loss of sweet little Hope – I know that heart break and I am hurting with you. My most favorite of your photos were the ones with Hope in them. Words won’t make your loss hurt any less, but please know there are many dog/cat lovers who understand your grieving.
      Your breakfast area looks lovely and I look forward to seeing all the updates you will be making to this home. Love and hugs to your family.

      Reply
    16. Alison says

      April 05, 2020 at 9:57 pm

      So sorry about Hope. What a beautiful life your family gave her and she gave to you! ❤️

      Reply
    17. Barbara says

      April 05, 2020 at 9:58 pm

      My condolences to your family for the loss of your sweet dog Hope. I had to do the same thing about three years ago and it’s heartbreaking. Take care during this time and keep decorating. Looks great.

      Reply
    18. Mary says

      April 05, 2020 at 10:05 pm

      So sad to hear of your sweet dog’s passing. I’m sure she was loved a lot and had a wonderful time with you all.

      Reply
    19. Christy says

      April 05, 2020 at 10:07 pm

      I am so sorry for the loss of your puppy.

      Reply
    20. Kelly says

      April 05, 2020 at 11:40 pm

      So very, very sorry about Hope…. loved to see her in your photos! Sending hugs, love and comfort…<3

      Reply
    21. Natalie FitzPatrick says

      April 06, 2020 at 12:35 am

      I am so sorry for your loss?I loved seeing her tucked into your pictures. I can only imagine how hard this is for you. Thank you for sharing❤️

      Reply
    22. Mary Lynn Soderholm says

      April 06, 2020 at 12:49 am

      So very sorry to hear Hope crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. Our pets are our family too, they come with 4 paws and sometimes they come with feathers and a beak! Our 13 year old cat Is a rescue and our cockatiel bird is also a rescue we saved on a beach from a hawk 16 years ago!! Quite a story!!
      Your new home in North Carolina will be a pleasure to watch come together?
      Thank you for your lovely tips and sharing your home.
      Mary Lynn

      Reply
    23. Marilyn says

      April 06, 2020 at 12:56 am

      Love the new bright look to the breakfast nook. I also like that the changes could be done without breaking the bank.
      I know the pain of losing an animal you love. The only thing wrong with these special beings is that they break our hearts when they leave.

      Reply
    24. Darrah Osgood says

      April 06, 2020 at 9:01 am

      I love what you did to the breakfast nook and recognized the wall paper! When we moved to upstate New York 24 years ago we had the same wallpaper with matching curtains in our kitchen and breakfast area! 24 years ago I was so happy with the paper but as the years went by and we grew tired of it, it all came down. Every bathroom was wallpapered as well as our laundry room and an accent wall in our bedroom. Every day for weeks I worked at taking the wallpaper down in every room. I vowed when the last bit of wallpaper came down that we would never have it again! Recently I said to my husband that maybe wallpaper behind the washer and dryer would look nice and he looked at me like I had two heads. I said maybe stick and peel this time!!! I am looking forward to seeing all of your updates to the new home!

      Reply
    25. Dana Jaax says

      April 06, 2020 at 9:27 am

      So sorry about your baby girl. We lost our
      11 year old Boston 2 summers ago. She was the sweetest ever. Fortunately we still have Boxer loves. ❤️

      Reply
    26. Dianne says

      April 06, 2020 at 9:42 am

      Your new home looks beautiful and I have always loved breakfast books. Yours is so bright. Nice job ?. I am also so sorry about Hope. As a pet lover, they are truly family members. Stay strong!!

      Reply
    27. Carol Heartfelt Whimsies says

      April 06, 2020 at 9:56 am

      Kris—
      First, my heart hurts for your family as you grieve your precious Hope. Everyone who followed you loved her sweet face. I am so very sorry for your loss.
      Your nook update is gorgeous —love the clean, fresh and simple look. I could sit right down there everyday for my breakfast.
      Enjoy making your NC home all yours!!

      Reply
    28. Dena says

      April 06, 2020 at 11:15 am

      Oh Kris, I’m so sorry to hear about Hope. I know you and your family loved her and I could certainly identify with you buying the stroller for her. I’ve been thinking about doing that for my sweet Charlie since he can’t handle the heat here in Louisiana.

      Your breakfast nook is looking great and I think your kitchen only needs a few tweaks to bring it up to par. Stay well.

      Reply
    29. cassie bustamante says

      April 06, 2020 at 1:44 pm

      i am so so sorry for your loss. i know how special she was to your family.

      Reply
    30. Mary says

      April 06, 2020 at 2:55 pm

      So sorry about Hope! It is such a hard thing to deal with and then get used to not having them around. She was a pretty dog, and I’m sure your family gave her a wonderful life.

      Reply
    31. Laura says

      April 06, 2020 at 4:05 pm

      Your breakfast nook is gorgeous!

      Reply
    32. Angie T. says

      April 06, 2020 at 4:19 pm

      I’m so sorry to hear about Hope, I know she will be missed. Hugs to you guys.

      Reply
    33. Kelli Wooden says

      April 06, 2020 at 5:22 pm

      Kris,
      I am so sorry to hear about your pup Hope!! I had to do this to my Minnie several years ago and I still miss her terribly!! They become such a part of your family. I am sending you hugs from me here in Texas.
      Kelli

      Reply
    34. June Lorraine Roberts says

      April 06, 2020 at 8:36 pm

      So very sorry to hear about Hope…send warm e-Hugs

      Reply
    35. Sarah says

      April 06, 2020 at 11:20 pm

      I will miss little Hope bundled up on a beautiful throw or snuggled up by lovely pillows when you share pictures. Such a hard thing to go through.

      Reply
    36. Laura Tumbleson says

      April 07, 2020 at 12:51 pm

      I would look for darling Hope in your photos. I am so sorry to hear about her passing, my heart goes out to you.

      Reply
    37. Michelle says

      April 07, 2020 at 2:02 pm

      Hi Kris,
      I am so sorry for your loss. I loved seeing her in your photos. The love we have for our pets is immeasurable along with the joy they bring us daily. She was truly blessed to have such a warm and loving family to call her own.

      Reply
    38. Jacqueline Ware says

      April 07, 2020 at 3:19 pm

      I am so sorry about your sweet fur baby, Hope. I have Peaches, who is a miniature long haired Doxie. She has a bad back and I have a stroller for her! She loves her daily walks with her buggy. I know in my heart that your family is sad and grieving, but when we have to make the decision, God welcomes our little ones with open arms. Love your decorating and I so enjoy your girls. Keep the faith!

      Reply
    39. Sara says

      April 11, 2020 at 4:42 am

      My heart hurts for you… I’m so sorry about Hope and I hope you take comfort in the fact that you did the hardest but most loving thing a dog mama can do. Thinking of you!

      Reply
    40. VS says

      April 13, 2020 at 10:41 am

      I have grown to love the pictures of your sweet Hope and I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a beloved pet is SO HARD. If Hope could speak, she would have said “Thanks for rescuing me and loving me and letting me be a part of your wonderful family. I had the BEST LIFE with you.”

      Reply
      • Kris Jarrett says

        April 14, 2020 at 10:37 am

        Thank you so much – that made me cry (again) 🙂 We really miss her!

        Reply
    41. Donna says

      April 15, 2020 at 10:49 am

      So sorry for the loss of your precious fur baby. We still have 3, but lost my soul-mate fur baby over 2 years ago and I still miss him terribly but know that he is waiting for me in eternity. Your revised breakfast nook looks so inviting and calming.
      A fellow North Carolinian

      Reply
    42. Colleen Mitchell says

      May 27, 2020 at 7:03 pm

      Oh Kris, I’m so sorry to hear about Hope’s passing. Our pets leave such holes in our hearts when they go. I’m glad she was able to lap up so much love in her last days.

      Reply
    43. Jeannine Casey says

      September 13, 2020 at 7:02 pm

      I’m so sorry to hear that you lost your sweet Hope. It’s been really nice to see her in your photos. She looks like a very special girl who brought a lot of joy to your family. I’m very sorry.

      Reply
    44. Anne says

      March 03, 2021 at 11:59 pm

      So sorry to read about your loss of your sweet Hope. I can tell she was a very special member of your family and know you will miss her dearly. Hang on to the memories of her in your hearts.

      Reply

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