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Amanda Fontenot – the Blog

Amanda Fontenot - the Blog

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Formal Dining Room Turned Butler’s Pantry – Reveal.

Our Home

Our dining room turned butler’s pantry is finally finished! I’m so excited that I got to design and execute a room like this. I had the idea to turn our last dining room into a pantry in our previous home, but the setup of our house didn’t really make it practical. We wouldn’t have had anywhere to eat as a family – and that’s definitely a no-no! In this house, though, we have a full size table in the sunroom, a long kitchen peninsula suitable for 4-5 stools and another table/banquette area planned for in the ‘playroom’ so losing the formal dining room was no trouble at all.

It’s a good thing, too, because when we removed a wall in the kitchen we lost a decent amount of storage. Besides that we also removed another set of uppers to make room for a dramatic built-in cove above our soon-to-be 48″ range.

Butler’s Pantry Reveal.

I first started posting about our pantry project back in March (if you’d like to see the progression of the project – including the BEFORE – click here). It’s now August.. FIVE whole months of waiting and working but I think it may have just been worth it!

Formal Dining Room Turned Butler's Pantry | Amanda Fontenot
Formal Dining Room Turned Butler's Pantry | Amanda Fontenot
Formal Dining Room Turned Butler's Pantry | Amanda Fontenot
Formal Dining Room Turned Butler's Pantry | Amanda Fontenot
Formal Dining Room Turned Butler's Pantry | Amanda Fontenot

There are a couple of big things that still need to change in here – I’m still on the hunt for a small wooden island for the middle of the room (I would LOVE to have this). When that gets sorted out, I’ll also be putting in a new overhead light!

Formal Dining Room Turned Butler's Pantry | Amanda Fontenot
Formal Dining Room Turned Butler's Pantry | Amanda Fontenot
Formal Dining Room Turned Butler's Pantry | Amanda Fontenot
Formal Dining Room Turned Butler's Pantry | Amanda Fontenot
Formal Dining Room Turned Butler's Pantry | Amanda Fontenot

Another thing that will change is the area above the sink. I’ve been going back and forth on what I’d like there. Currently, I’m thinking I may go with a pot rail to hang.. well.. pots and a few decor items OR I may build some more open shelves for that spot. Do you have a preference or another suggestion? Let me know in the comments below.. I’d GLADLY welcome the input!

Formal Dining Room Turned Butler's Pantry | Amanda Fontenot
Formal Dining Room Turned Butler's Pantry | Amanda Fontenot
Formal Dining Room Turned Butler's Pantry | Amanda Fontenot

Cutting board wall.

Formal Dining Room Turned Butler's Pantry | Amanda Fontenot

I’ve been wanting to do a cutting board wall for a long time now – ever since I saw Chris Loves Julia do theirs a few years back. I originally thought mine would go in our kitchen once it was finished, but this large empty wall was begging for some pretty boards. What do you think?! Some of my boards are ones I’ve been collecting over the years, but some I just picked up and can link for you! You can find a few of the exact ones as well as some similar in the clickable links below.

No-fuss affordable checkerboard tile.

Let’s talk about this checkerboard floor for a second!

Formal Dining Room Turned Butler's Pantry | Amanda Fontenot
Formal Dining Room Turned Butler's Pantry | Amanda Fontenot

From the beginning, I knew I wanted a checkerboard tile in our butler’s pantry. However, because of previous experience with marble flooring (in our last home’s bathrooms), I knew I wanted to avoid the usual marble checkerboard setup. I tell you.. I searched high and low for affordable checkerboard flooring in a 12×12 format but with no luck. It wasn’t until I broadened my search to larger format tile that I came across the PERFECT marble-look option.

This flooring, while it does have that marble-like variation and striation in the coloring and design, is actually porcelain! Why is that such a good thing? It’s more affordable and MUCH more durable/easy to care for than marble. It’s even made by the same brand in one easy-to-navigate listing online. It comes in several colors – I chose the ‘white’ and ‘asphalt’ variations to create this look!

Another cool thing about this tile is that, because it is large format (24×24), it creates the illusion that the room is bigger than it is. We loved this tile so much that, instead of returning the extra boxes we had from the pantry project, we ordered one more and installed it in our laundry/mudroom as well! If that doesn’t speak volumes as far as my recommendation – I don’t know what will 😉

Shop our checkerboard flooring here:

Hydrangea print.

Since I know many of you will be wondering about this hydrangea print, I wanted to provide the link here. You can even use code AFB15 for 15% off your entire purchase! The photographer of this print (and owner of Carolyn Allen Prints) is my very dear friend and I love getting the chance to shamelessly plug her amazing work whenever I can 🙂 Go check out her stuff! It’s perfect for anyone who loves the Florida coast (or coasts in general), florals of all kinds and seaside treasures that captivate the eye!

Formal Dining Room Turned Butler's Pantry | Amanda Fontenot

Shop our butler’s pantry!

Looking for help designing a room(s) in your home?!

Let’s work together!

Did you know you can hire me to help you redecorate or design a room (or multiple rooms) in your home? The process is done seamlessly through my in person or e-design services. You can click here to learn more and fill out the short form if you’re interested!

Related

Published on August 13, 2024

← Previous Post
5 Steps to Creating a Functional Cleaning Closet.
Next Post →
DIY Fireplace Transformation Using Venetian Plaster and Overgrouted Stone Veneer.

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Hi, I’m Amanda

Amanda Fontenot - The Blog

I’m so glad you’re here! I’m a wife and mom of three with a passion for DIY projects, decor and all things home. I hope you’ll find my site useful or, at the least, inspirational! If there’s something specific you’re looking for and can’t find, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

 

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A Few Home Favorites

amandamfontenot

Helping you create a home you love through DIY home improvement, decor and design services. Let's work together! Day-to-day in stories.

Comment CURTAINS if you’d like these beauties se Comment CURTAINS if you’d like these beauties sent to your DMS🤍 #gifted #twopageshome #twopagescurtains 

We’ve lived here over a year and I went back and forth for WAY too long on whether or not this window needed drapes😅 Now, they’ve been up 24 hrs and my family has already made multiple comments about how much nicer/cozier/prettier this room looks and feels with these curtains by @twopagescurtains🥰 Moral of the story: add the curtains, friends! And use AFBLOG for 15% off your entire order!

#interiordesign #homedecor #homedesign #homerenovation #homeinspo #interiorstyling #homesweethome #beforeandafter #homeinspo #homestyling #livingroomideas #livingroominspo #livingroomstyling #curtains #drapes
Follow and comment DESIGN if you’d like me to se Follow and comment DESIGN if you’d like me to send you a direct link to my design services page🏡

I thought it might be helpful to see a little behind-the-scenes of what a discovery call looks like on my end! Nothing scary - just a quick video call so I can get a better sense of you and your needs + answer any questions you may have☺️Thats it! Then you get to sit back and relax while I do the rest🥰

#edesign #interiordesign #interiordesigner #homesweethome #homedecorlovers #homedecorator #floridainteriordesigner #tallahasseeinteriordesigner #designinspo
Introducing the new and improved Amanda Fontenot D Introducing the new and improved Amanda Fontenot Design🤎

I’ve been serving E-design clients since 2020 and have had the immense honor of working with dozens of clients on everything from entryways to playrooms to nurseries and even kitchen remodels. I’m ready to take my business to the next level and offer even more packages - including in-person design and decorating for my local Tallahassee friends🤗 

If you’re interested, please reach out, click the link or save this post for later when you may need it! Can’t wait to work together!!

#interiordesigner #tallahassee #interiors #edesign #design #homerenovation #butlerspantry #homedesign #interiordecorator #floridainteriordesigners
I mean.. I get it, to be honest.. I can only ho I mean.. 

I get it, to be honest..

I can only hope that people might look at my profile before/after commenting and realize this ain’t my first rodeo🤠 

For the first project: we needed more storage. Period.

And the second: the paint was abnormally thick and wasn’t splattering. Believe me I DID test/check. I covered and protected the things I knew I couldn’t easily wipe clean (rug/play couch/etc) - it all turned out FINE)🫶🏼 

I also feel like people saw the Timelapse’s and assumed I was going super fast and just splattering paint everywhere🤣 In reality I was going super slow!!!🤪

#interiordesign #homerenovation #diyhomeimprovement #interiorstyling #homeinspo #homedecor #interiordesign #beforeandafter #homestyling #homesweethome #funny #interiordesigner #floridadesigners
Save this post for later!🤎 Little disclaimer - Save this post for later!🤎

Little disclaimer - I’ve only ever used traditional wallpaper, but have yet to have any issues.. especially with these tips!👇🏼

3 Tips for wallpaper success:

1️⃣. Start in the most inconspicuous corner of the room. Your wallpaper has to end somewhere and it’s not necessarily going to line up with the connecting paper when it does. Not a big deal, just start in a corner that isn’t front and center when you walk in the room!

2️⃣. Use a laser level to ensure your first piece of wallpaper is hung perfectly straight. The first piece is the most important. It will affect the way the rest of the strips are hung. So make it easier on yourself and either draw a plumb line or use a laser level to successfully hang the first piece!

3️⃣. Use a thick nap roller to apply a very thick layer of glue to the wall. The more the merrier. This makes it super easy to move the wallpaper around on the wall while you’re trying to make sure it’s straight and in line with the previous piece’s pattern. 

Do you have any tips to share? Leave them below!

#interiordesign #homedecor #homedesign #homeinspo #homerenovation #interiorstyling #diyhomeimprovement #homesweethome #wallpaper #wallpaperlove #wallpaperinspo #howto
I will never understand people’s blatant disrega I will never understand people’s blatant disregard for common courtesy and decorum on the internet🫠 I wish I could say the criticism on my recent post didn’t bother me, but I’m only human and my knee jerk reaction was to feel a little down and even defensive.😅

Here’s the thing though, it’s true what they say- “All publicity is good publicity.” And if I have to withstand 100 harsh comments so that the algorithm will put my posts in front of 10 of my ‘people’ then it’s all worth it. So, thank you, Karens of the internet, for helping me to grow my account😘 #silverlining #bekind #beigeinterior #ilovebeige

P.S. If you think this room’s beige, you should see my butlers pantry😂

#DIYhomedecor #diyersofinstagram #interiorsinspo #interiors4all #neutralhome #diyhomeimprovement #homesweethome #playroom #kidsroom #karen #humor #funnymoms #homedecor #homedecoration #decor
Save this post for later🫶🏼 I love how these Save this post for later🫶🏼

I love how these cute little cabinet feet add so much character and personality to our kitchen peninsula. The best part? They were fairly simple to make and attach. So I thought I’d make this little guide in case you wanted to make them too!

Tools and supplies you’ll need for this project:
• .75 in thick plywood
• jigsaw
• wood glue
• clamps
• electric sander
• paint that’s been color matched to your cabinets
• brad nailer + nails 

Send this to a friend and let me know if you have any questions.. I’m here to help!🤗

#diy #diykitchens #kitchenrenovation #kitchenreno #kitchenupdates #diyersofinstagram #easydiy #howto #beforeandafter #diyhomeprojects #diyhomeimprovement #housebeautiful #fixerupper
It just blends🤌🏻 This was the first time I It just blends🤌🏻

This was the first time I painted a ceiling anything other than white and I think I’m pretty much obsessed. 

This ceiling needed to be painted anyway. After the addition of the wall and remodel of the bookcase and all.. but when it came down to it, it just didn’t seem right to give it a fresh coat of white. I love the way your eye just keeps going across the room and is free to focus on the more important elements like the beautiful wallpaper, deep colors and different textures🤎 

What’s your take?

#remodel #houseremodel #painting #colordrenching #homedesign #kidsroominspo #playroomideas #playroomdecor
Follow + comment LET’S COOK and I’ll send you Follow + comment LET’S COOK and I’ll send you the dinner  recipes I’m using next week🤗

Want to take the stress out of planning next week’s meals? Swipe to see the menu I have queued up for Sun-Thurs and then join me in stories so we can cook together in the evenings🫶🏼 Happy Friday!!

https://liketk.it/56oXg #ltkhome

#recipeshare #recipes #menu #dinnerideas #dinnerrecipes #diningroom #homedecor #diningroomdesign #tgif #momlife #momhacks
Save this post for later!💙 I fell in love with Save this post for later!💙

I fell in love with this blue the moment I saw it on the wall. It’s not too warm and not too cool and satisfies that craving for color without being too *much*👏🏻 

Where would you use this color?

#paintcolor #sherwinwilliams #boysroom #kidsroom #kidsroomideas #homedecor #homeinspo #paintcolors #bluepaint #frenchblue #floridaliving #coastaldecor
Gimme the house that needs work under budget so I Gimme the house that needs work under budget so I can make it my own every. single. time😉 

Can anyone else relate?!🙋🏻‍♀️

#homedesign #realestate #beforeandafter #diyhomeimprovement #homesweethome #kitchenrenovation #kitchen #kitchenideas
The 10 big projects we accomplished during our fir The 10 big projects we accomplished during our first year in our new (old) home 🛠️

Share this with someone who loves a good before and after🤗

1.  WALL REMOVAL #1: Removed a non-structural wall that separated the living room and kitchen. It gave us a solid 4 more feet of usable space in our small living room and made a HUGE difference in the look and feel of this home🤩

2. CLOFFICE. My husband, who works from home, had a designated 3rd floor in our previous home and literally NOWHERE to call his own in this one - except for a corner of our room. Luckily we were able to swap an extra closet from a guest room to ours that was big enough for an office!

3. VENETIAN PLASTER WALL & MANTLE: The previous mantle was way too high and the brick wall made it impossible to hang our TV and hide its cord.. So I used Venetian Plaster to cover the brick and built a custom stone veneer mantle🔥

4. WALL & DOOR: Building a wall between these two living spaces downstairs made it so much more practical for the way our family wanted to utilize the space. Now our kids have a functional playroom where they can play, be loud and store aaalll the toys… and we can hear ourselves think😉

5. STORAGE BANQUETTE: I built a corner banquet that opens up for storage and serves as seating for games, coloring, crafting, etc.!🎉

6. DROPZONE: We desperately needed someplace to store shoes, backpacks, bags and jackets by the garage door where we come in and out of the house. Thankfully, there was a closet here that I could open up and turn into a little mudroom area🙌🏻

7. LAUNDRY ROOM GLOW-UP: The previous laundry room felt extremely makeshift and dysfunctional. It had no room to fold clothes, pipes were sticking out of the wall and it originally had ugly lenoleum flooring. It’s still small and cramped but makes MUCH more sense🫶🏼

8. BUTLERS PANTRY: I’ve always dreamt of having a butlers pantry and was beyond excited when I realized it would be doable here!

9. DISGUISED THE FRIDGE: We moved the fridge into the closet under the stairs to make more room for a large range and cabinets.

10. REMOVED STRUCTURAL WALL: I mean🤯

#DIY #homerenovation #kitchendesign #remodeling #kitchenremodel
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