Kathy's Dining Room

Hi Christine,

First of all, I just discovered your site and I LOVE it- I think I am becoming an addict!  You definitely tell it like it is and give great advice.  I enjoy trying to guess your answers before I read them- and sometimes I even get it right :)

I'm hoping you can help me with my "too big" dining room which used to be our living room (floor plan attached)  We have a big family and can sometimes host up to 46 for holidays so it comes in handy a few times a year- the rest of the time it's just a big space that we rarely use.  Our style is uncluttered with traditional/coastal/cottage. We like texture and contrast and both neutral and saturated colors- but nothing muddy or dark.  We live in the midwest though so need the space to feel warm during our cold overcast winters.  

Here's what it has looked like up until recently...

We just added a screen porch off the fireplace wall and small living room on the other side of the stairs. I am trying to define the room and make it less random looking- cozy but also more sophisticated.  We've added new chair rail and picture frame molding and plan to paint that white.  We're trying to decide about a paint color or punchy wallpaper above the chair rail.  Would love to have a combo library/dining room and have also considered using two round/square tables since we're big card players and host our card group often but we thought this might look strange.

Problem #1 Can't buy a new rug until we decide how to lay out the room.  My husband would love a comfy chair by the fireplace but we can't block the south French door.  Do we have to center the dining room table on the bay? Does a round table just leave me with more space to fill on the other end of the room?   Also, the round kitchen table is visible from the dining room. Our table is rectangular ( 7'6"x3'8" ) and seats 6 with current chairs (8 if we got new narrower upholstered chairs) but we would consider replacing it if another size/shape is better.  A big square table?  How do we fill the west end of the room?  The piano and pine hutch can move to another room if needed.

Problem #2

What to do with the bay?  We've had it previously as a window seat with a cushion but I'm not sure if this works.

Problem #3

Window Treatments?  We have no window coverings on our first floor yet and need an anchor point.  We need to cover the bay windows with something since we feel like we're in a fishbowl , and we need something complementary on the French doors (and then maybe we'll use the room more).   We've had nonfunctional sheer Roman shades and fixed side panels around the bay.  The bay window trim is not deep enough for wood blinds unless we have the trim redone.  We considered plantation shutters at full or half-height throughout the first floor (would require some carpentry work on the window trim also) but don't want to darken the room too much and we're nervous to commit to this without some expert input.

This is what the house looks like more recently:

Problem #4

Light Fixture?  I know I need to replace the dated brass chandelier.  I prefer a round vintage-style chandelier but I think you're going to tell me to use something rectangular.

Problem #5

Last but not least.  The area around the fireplace mantel is painted panelling.  Should we try to change this, ignore this or somehow highlight it?  Accent wall?

Thank you so so much.  I feel that this could be my favorite room in my house with the right decorating so I appreciate any help you can give.

With much appreciation,

Kathy

Hi Kathy,

1.  I have seen the two tables used instead of one before.  I would hesitate to use it in your room.  I think it works well in very large rooms.  The size and shape of your room lends itself more to simpy using a much larger table than you currently have. 

The table above is a full 110 inches in length.  (You could even go larger)  You would add to that about 2-3 feet of length in your area rug.  (On both ends)  You will want an area rug that is approximately 15 feet in length.  That gives you a little over three feet not covered by rug on either end, which is a very comfortable amount. 

2.  Do not try to break this room into two separate areas.  (Sitting and eating)  It will work so much better to use it just as a dining room, with appropriately scaled furniture in it. You can use large wingback style chairs at the ends of the table.  They could easily be moved for a quiet moment by the fireplace, but then returned.  Of course, be careful of seat height.  You don't want to sit too low.  A pillow in the back would also be helpful to turn a non-dining chair into a dining chair.  You also need to be careful with the softness of the cushion.  You want it to be extra firm, so you don't look like that king on Shrek when you sit down.  I would just take it to my workroom and they can make that cushion sit you up perfectly.

3.  Do not use a round; do not use a square.  Do not use any table except a rectangle or oval.  When you fight the shape, it looks awkward.  I had a client once with a perfectly square dining area, and she wanted to use a rectangular table.  No, no, no.  Work with your architecture, not against it. If you don't do that- do not e-mail me back and tell me about your round table.  I will get so frustrated I will want to stop blogging. 

4.  Yes, add a built-in window seat.  It's asking for it.

5.  Your dining room, like most, has so many hard surfaces.  Use soft treatments on your windows.  Layer drapes with Roman shades.  Add a roller shade or similar underneath if you want to keep your sheer Roman shades but add privacy. 

6.  Remember the focal point in a dining room is the center of the table.  This includes your light fixture.  You are exactly right that I would not ever put a single round chandelier over a 110 inch table.  It is not a good idea from a lighting standpoint.  It is not a good idea from a visual design perspective either.  You don't have to use a long fixture, if you don't want to.  You could use a series of three round or square fixtures.   I think three of the lanterns below would be perfect!  Every 36 inches of table surface would have a 20 inch lantern above it.  That would be great.  7.  Remove the curio from the corner.  Remove all other furniture.  Add a longer sideboard.  Get one that is just about as large as you can find. 

The sideboard above is 87 inches in length.  It has a nice large scale feel to it.  Center it between the doorway and the corner. 

8.  Then, above it, you need some larger scale wall decor to be in proportion.   This piece comes in a variety of sizes, or you can order complementary pieces to have a set of nine or twelve.  You can also frame them to adjust the size.  I love it when I really have control over the scale of a project.  You can draw the wall elevation out on graph paper and determine the ideal size of the decor. 

9.  I would add a couple of sconces on the wall space to the right and left of the sideboard.  Not too small.  I would find some pretty big ones...  Like the ones below are 15 x 15.  That size would work well.

 10.  Now for your chairs.  Scale, scale scale.  Don't go small on your chairs.  Stay away from small.  No shopping at IKEA and World Market.  ;-) 

This chair's dimmensions: 

• H: 41
• W: 25
• D: 26 

Compare those dimensions to anything you consider.  (Or just get this one, like I am suggesting, as it is totally awesome!) 

Can you see the room coming together?  I can.  I want to move in. 

11.  Now for your window treatments.  Add a punch of color.  You already are going to get my favorite teal chairs.  (e-mail me- I will order them for you...)  So pull out the teal in your drapes. 

I am really loving this raspberry color lately.  If I love it, it means that is a hot color.  A red that leans pink.  I love to do my own predicting of trends.  Like I did in this post in 2008.   My prediction for today is that reds are going to head pinker.  Raspberry is the new red.  Notice how this fabric also has a little white in it? That touch of white will help the white wood work to blend seamlessly into the room.  Use the raspberry and turquoise blue in your display area by your fireplace. 

12.  You are most likely going to need a custom rug for your room.  (Since most rugs max out at 12 feet in length)  This rug is from Kravet, and availble in custom sizes.  You can also find a lot of sisal rugs in custom sizes as well.  Make sure it looks like a rug though- not a piece  of carpet with binding on it. 

13.  Last but not least- your walls.  I would put a lovely fairly neutral grasscloth on them.  It will be subtle, but add texture and warmth.

There we are.  I especially like this room.  You should really do exactly what I said.  It will look great.  If you need any specifics for purchasing let me know.  Keep all of your built-ins and wood work white.  Finish your room off with a nice large plant with uplight in the corner where the curio is currently, and also add greenery and a table runner to the top of the table.

XOXO

Christine

Carey's Living Room

Hi Christine,

I am desperately hoping you can help me.  I have never been happy with our living room and am embarrassed to tell you I have painted it 7 times because I thought it was the color.  After reading your posts, I realize that is the least of my problems.

 (Here is a link to Carey's You Tube video)

I believe the biggest problems I have are:

1.       No focal point – I think the east wall should be where the focal point is but I don’t know what it should be or how to work around the obstacles.  A  large mirror will not work on this wall because of what it will reflect.

2.       Furniture placement – The room is basically square but the walkway to the bedroom, which I refer to as an “imaginary hallway”, along with the odd space behind the sectional, throws the symmetry of the room off. 

You focal point is your television.  For a mnore impressive focal point- get a more impressive entertainment unit.  Your's is also on the small side for the room. 

Find a larger piece that fills your wall space better- like the one above from Restoration Hardware.

3.       Wall moldings – These really give me grief but I don’t think I can remove them because they have been caulked.  Also, they have been painted so much that I would be worried about the groove of paint left once they were removed.  Do I wallpaper inside them, paint the molding to match crown molding, can I hang things on the wall that cover them as opposed to always staying inside the lines? Maybe if the room was painted the right color of cream they wouldn’t bother me so much.

What is wrong with the moulding is not your paint color, but actually the size of the trim.  Your crown moulding is a good size, but this trim moulding is way too small for the size of room.  I would replace it with larger moulding- or more moulding, like in the photo below.

If you choose to keep the moulding how it is- No, do not wallpaper inside, it is too small- and that will accentuate the problem.  Treat your wall decor like it isn't there.  Go right over it.  Don't try to fit pieces of wall decor inside the sections.  I would try to cover it up with bold wall decor. 

I could see you using six signs, like the one below.  Even all the same sign would be cool, just repeated.  This sign is from Susie Harris's shop.  I love her work- super cool.

  My room faces north so in addition to all its other challenges, it also is dark.

• I plan on ordering custom drapes that are 108” length which will raise the rod (currently they are 96” length).  They also will be much fuller and wider so that the curtains will be more on the wall and the windows will be more visible on the ends.  Window is 154” wide.
• Do I need woven blinds also?  If so, how would that work with the transom?  I don’t want this wall to get too heavy looking.
• Should curtains be solid or patterned?  I really want this window wall to be gorgeous.

 

I love your idea of having them to the ceiling, and wider.  You are absolutely rith that that is what you need.  Usually I say absolutely, "yes, layer the treatment, use the woven woods."  in your case, I would say that it is optional.  I would only use them if you actually wanted to use them from a functional standpoint.  Your windows are so pretty, and your need for light would warant not having the shades.  If you do use them, don't worry about the transom.  Just have them as inside mount shades on your windows.  I would go with a pattern.  You have selected a pattern on the chairs, and need to balance that with more patterns.  I also like the look of using two drapery panels, a sheer/ linen look on the inside, and the pattern on the outside.  You can do this instead of using a double rod.  You have enough room to stack both draperies on the side. 

  

Clearly the things you have selected go well together.  Also- you clearly need a custom size rug with the square room.  However- I find the solid Karastan lovely- but a bit too dull for me.  You can select a rug that comes in a 9 x 13  that has a pattern that would allow you to have it cut down to a 9 x 9.  This would allow you to have a bolder pattern, and also likely save you money.  Check out the rug below.  See how you could cut that down and not miss the four inches?The rug below is from the Martha Stewart Collection.

80s oak woodwork – I know its dated but I really would rather have this than paint it white.  I have a feeling that white painted woodwork is becoming dated.  My color scheme is soft fresh green with yellow undertones, caramel, creams, maybe gray, and a few black and white pictures. I know the sectional is chocolate brown but I don’t want any more brown.  I would love to paint the walls a very neutral cream, currently crown and ceiling are Sherwin Williams creamy.  I’ll do whatever you tell me on this one for both walls and woodwork.

You have wood trim on your walls, crown moulding, and baseboards, that are all different colors.  That is just wrong.  That is like wearing athletic shoes with a pencil skirt.  I would have it all be one color, like in the photo below.  The room needs to start with a good, clean foundation.

Good luck with your room.  I know you sent this in a while ago- sorry- I get quite a few requests and I try to reply in the order in which they were received.  If anyone needs fast service- you can always hire me.  ;-)

A little imagination please!

This post is a follow-up to a question asked after this post.

One sort of long follow up question, Christine. Could I do larger either rectangular (hanging vertically) or square art on either side of the tv instead of a set of prints? I'm not sure I can find 8 that I like. Most sets of that qty./size seem to be either flowers, insects or dogs. I've only ever seen smaller sets that I like. (Like Repose and Field of Dreams or Historical View on Uttermost's site, or the set of 6 Tiverton Lake prints by Paragon that are $$ and are on bronsondesign.com)

Also, you can see the smaller art above the sofa. Should I move that or try to coordinate with whatever is on the tv wall? One reason I haven't done anything is that I simply have no idea what to do! Can you match canvas without a frame with an oil with a frame, should the pieces on the other side coordinate with whatever is on that wall or should that wall change to some sort of metal piece or sconce? See what I mean? I'm stuck with indecision! Also, I sent you another picture of this long wall that is at the foot of the stairs that I was thinking of doing a black and white picture wall on. If I do that, will that have to coordinate or tie in with whatever art is around the t.v.?

Thank you so much for any advice or insight you can offer!

- Tracey

Tracey,

Do you have to use a set of 8- no- I give specific examples rather than listing the long list of all possible wall decor arrangements.  However- your suggestion that all sets of 8 are flowers- is just so far from reality- I had to address it. 

1.  Go to House in the Country, as I suggested.  They have at least a hundred different options that can be purchased as sets, framed or wrapped canvass- it doesn't matter.

2.  Frame sea shells.

3.  Frame vintage napkins.

4.  Use old board games.

5.  Frame stamps

6.  Frame vintage buttons.

7.  Use your children's art work. 

8.  Wrap canvasses with cool fabrics-  or just frame fabrics.

9.  Frame wallpaper samples

10.  Frame sets of old magazine covers

11.  Use sets of familiy photos

12.  Frame old hand painted spanish tiles.  I can picture 4 x 4 tiles on the wall with larger 9 x 12 frames around them.

13.  Frame or canvass wrap pages of an atlas.

14.  Frame old past cards.

Do you see my point?  To be quite honest- I didn't even use my imagination- this was just off the top of my head.  I could go on all day- but I am taking my kids to the park.  Don't tell me you can only find bugs and flowers.  Does anyone else have ideas for Tracey?



Christine T. Needs Some Personality

Hi Christine,
I just found your website and I love it!  We bought our first home about a
year and a half ago and I was hoping you could help me.  My house has looked
bare for over a year now - I'm overwhelmed.  I love a light, soft and
comfortable up to date/fresh style home. I have 2 small girls so have to be
practical. I have no idea how to accessorize or what to put on my walls!  We
have an open living room/dining room in our small ranch and I just don't
know how to make this feel like home...if you could look at the pictures
attached you'll see what I mean~  any suggestions would be a huge help!
Thank you,
Christine T.

Hi Christine T.  Thanks for writing in.  I'd like to see you focus on three principles.

1.  Pattern

2.  Contrast

3.  Focal Point

First - Pattern.  I do see that you have used two patterns- which is nice- but when you look at the room overall- the larger items are all solid.  You don't have enough pattern, and what you have is too weak. 

A word about pattern.  If you have a very modern home- avoiding patterns in fabrics is the way to go.  Most of us- do not have modern architecture.  Pattern is sometimes intimidating, people worry of tiring of it, and are not sure how to combine it.  But- even though there are plenty of excuses - the result of being pattern shy- is seen in Christine T.'s photos.  The home lacks personality. 

I would bring in a stronger pattern on the window treatments.  This gives you another opportunity.  You have a low ceiling- what is it- 8'?  You can make it look higher with drapes that go all the way to the ceiling.  I think what people tend to do is say- oh, the 96 inch drape is too high, so I'll have to go with the 84 inch.  When the better solution would be to go with the 96 inch drape and simply have it hemmed.  Did the whole process cost more?- yes.  But it was money well spent.  You just increased the height of the ceiling!  Really it is a bargin.  Your drapes are also not full enough.  One panel is not enough on such a wide window.  Make it a totall of four panels- or two double wides if you have them custom made. (If I were you- while I was over there working on my windows I would up your texture by replacing your white wood blinds with woven Roman shades. )  Add a set of panels to the dining room as well.  The drapes you select will serve as your unifier, your inspiration, your color pallet.

#2 Contrast.  Look at your furniture and your rug.  Beige beige beige, mixed with some dark taupe.  If I weren't drinking a Diet Coke, I would seriously be asleep righ now.  Wake up your room with contrast.  Contrast in tone, contrast in hue.  You need some contrast.  I would start with your rug.  This gives you more opportunity to increase pattern while we are at it.  Just becasue you have young children, doesn't mean your rug needs to be the color of dirt.  As a mother of four- with the oldest age 9, I feel qualified to make that statement.  A rug like the one below will make it look like the sofa was a terrific deliberate decision, not a "that doesn't look like it will show anything" decision.

Your dark sofas need some stronger contrast as well.  I would increast the number of pillows.  Keep them light, brightening up your dark sofa.  This also gives you a third strong pattern in the room. 

  33.  Your focal point.  I like your TV above your fireplace.  A single focal point it nice to work with.  But now, we need to make that wall look much "cooler."  I would start by putting your components next to the chair as a side table rather than having them against the wall.  It is bad rhythm to have them next to the fireplace.  Now, you have two, fairly symetrical sides to the fireplace.  I would use a set of two paintings here.  Why paintings instead of other wall decor?  I want to introduce more color into the walls.

I found this painting on Overstock.com.  I would get two paintings, similar in style and color, same artist, similar sizes.  For the novice, it is much easier to go symmetrical than to try and balance asymmetrical. 

What to do on your other walls?  Things other than art.  Start an antique plate collection.  Go antiquing and look for random cool stuff.  Add some wall shelves.  Add two sconces on either side of your french doors.  (Allowing room to stack off your drapes.  Your art above your sideboard is a good scale and size.  Your set of six small frames is too small for the wall you have it on.  Your furniture arrangement, by the way, is very good.  Well done.  :)  You also have great wood floors and a nice fireplace.  I also think your paint color is just fine.  I would consider adding crown molding before doing your drapes.  Do all of that and write me back and we can address your lighting. 

XOXO

- Christine

Drapes and pillows from Pottery Barn,  rug from homedecorators.com, art from overstock.com

Christi's Living Room

 wi 

Hi Christine:
Need your expertise.
Living Room is 19 x 21
Want it to be comfortable but have a WOW! factor is it's right of the foyer and my largest room for entertaining.
 
Questions:
1. Let me know what you think of current arrangement
2. Do you have recommendations on how to make it a bit more comfortable. Should I change out sofa's/seating?
3. How can I make the room look complete? Draperies? Rug? Suggestions? I can not wed to blue theme shown in pillows
4. Any way to create multiple conversation areas?
 - Christi

Christi- Let me start by saying that you have a beautiful home.  I love the lightness in the room. 

         Let's discuss 4 things:

1.  Furniture arrangement.  Move your coffee table to be square- not set on a diagonal.  It is possible that the table is too small for the area.  You have a very large room- consider more of an oversized, or set of two coffee tables.  In the meantime, set it straight and center it with your fireplace.  Your fireplace is your focal point.  Frame it as you would a painting, with your furnishings.  Your sofa and backless sofa are great- except- switch locations.  Having the backless sofa closer to the view optimizes the view.  Your windows are beautiful.  They are a secondary focal point.  Have the sofa with a back facing them.  Have the two pieces of furniture equidistant from the center of the fireplace.  Be more symmetrical in your arrangement.  I would do this by widening the furniture arrangement.  Put two chairs opposite the fireplace, where you currently have one.  You could use larger chairs in this space.  I still like your smaller chairs in the corners, where you have them. 

2.  Wall decor.  I have been staring at your mantle.  I like the topiaries.  I like the two candles.  I don't like the line-up using all of them.  Pick your favorite of the two- and find a new home for the others.  I would also add a piece of wall decor above the fireplace.  Make it even more of a focal point.  The metal trees below are from Uttermost, and are 32 x 53- I am just guessing your dimensions- but this is probably a good proportion for your space. 

 Don't worry about having a bit of overlap with your upper moldings.  Also- overlap the decor on your mantle (the topiaries or candles) with your wall decor, i.e.  don't keep those candles way out there on the end.  If you keep them, bring them in to overlap a bit. 

Your set of four botanicals are hung too high.  Bring the center of them to about 5'5" from the floor.  I love your other piece of art and it is hung at a great height.

3.  Your room needs a rug to feel more grounded and finished.  You don't seem to be terribly committed to your blue.  Perhaps you want to maintain the neutral nature of the room, allowing you to change it up with the season.  Keep that neutrality in your rug.  The rug below is from Room and Board.  A sisal rug would also work very well.  Get a nice large rug- like a 10 x 13 for your size of room.  It is always tempting to go smaller, for a smaller price- but it shrinks the room, and is a bad idea.   

4.  Drapery panels will help to finish off the space.  If you want some sun protection, or privacy, layer them with some roller or Roman shades.  I would look for unique textures, but keep the softness of the low contrast in the room, selecting a light neutral color like the drapes below.  This also keeps the eye on the prize- the view.  The drapes add texture and such a great finishing touch.

 Thanks for writing in, Christi, you are off to a great start.  In addition to what I mentioned above- add more greenery - some nice large floor plants with uplights.