Dining Room Update

I have to admit, I'm pretty proud of myself (and my very talented husband and Mommy). I couldn't be more pleased with our little dining room update! Our house isn't very big, but we always seem to have big groups of people over for dinner (okay, mostly drinks but we also eat dinner). I've been thinking about how to create a space where we could fit lots of people around a dining table, but not take up too much open space in the kitchen as well as not block the path to the back door...it took a long time creating this space in my head, but it was SO worth it!
Galen built the bench against the wall. It's great cause it created more much needed storage for me! Then my mom made the bench cushions and we created the tufted backboard. We used white vinyl for the backboard, buttons, and bench cushions! It is fantastic, any mess the kids make (and there are MANY) I just wipe the vinyl off with a wet cloth, genius! I'd love to take credit for this idea, but I just can't. Thank you Candice Olson...my decorating icon!
I ate many a meal off of this amazing table in my parent's house growing up. We used to call it the pirate table, I guess it was once on a ship. I have always loved it, and am so happy I can finally use it in my house! The chairs are white plastic, again, so easy to clean! I'm still on the look out for two end chairs, I'm thinking of something mid-century looking, natural wood or white. If anyone has any ideas, I'm all ears.
Next, I found the two round lampshades at TJ max for $14 each, then got two pendent kits and had our electrician friend come and take the hideous rental looking chandelier out and hang these over the table. SO much better!
Lastly, mom took over again and made me these fabulous curtain panels out of fabric I found at Calico Corner on huge discount. She also made panels for our living room windows out of the same fabric (living room project is up next...good by old couch)!
I'm so happy with how it all turned out. I smile every time I walk into the living room and see our hard work! I'm so excited to host Christmas Dinner. Next up, I'm attempting to make some pillows for the banquette and the living room couches...with a little help from my Mom of course!