Thoughts on home.....Bar/Dining Area: "before"

The next area in my new home that I'm tackling is this far wall in the kitchen. It is next to the dining table. Right now it is basically a BLANK (boring) slate. I painted the walls Clark + Kensington's "Illumination" (a new color due out in Spring 2014) it is a warm white shade with pale grey undertones. If you read my blog with any frequency then you'll recall I painted the main room and hallway a deep charcoal color.  In contrast to that area I wanted the kitchen and sun porch area to be a crisp, light shade.

I've decided to hang my over sized tack board on the far left wall. (see inspiration image) It'll be a great spot for invitations, inspirational photos, a calendar etc. I'm also going to paint the wall under the tack board with chalk board paint. It will create a little contrast but they are also pretty functional. (and fun for the kids). I have two metal bamboo chairs in black (plus six more that need a coat of paint). I'm planning to place those on either side of the marble table pictured above. This is also the area that I'm going to set up my bar. (cause this mama likes a pretty cocktail set up).

Finally, I've ordered simple bamboo shades and am contemplating ordering this handblown glass light fixture in shiny nickel. (if I go with the nickel, I'm purchasing brass pulls for the kitchen cabinets)....I'll be sure to post the after pictures in a few weeks! I can't share all the details because I may be collaborating with a website/blog to feature a "final" reveal! But I'd love to continue to share some sneak peeks with you!