All in all, I like my dining room. I love my table and sideboard cabinet and have no desire to paint the wood finish, as is so fashionable now. The hardwood floors, crown molding and picture frame paneling are all perfect for the formal, yet relaxed look I want. The problem is that in all the years I have lived in this house, I have never pulled the look together and just used decor I already owned or added pieces here and there. It's time for an update and a refresh, just to make things a little more cohesive.
First, here is what is not staying. The glass shelf has always been a problem, because it is too deep and easy to bump into, as you move around the table. The boat picture, while pretty, is the wrong color. I am looking for warmer tones to accent the natural wood.
Instead of the glass shelf, I want to solve the problem by using a narrow, picture frame ledge. I like the relaxed look of the frames leaning against the wall, instead of hanging them.
To replace the pastel toned picture, I want to use an oversized, somewhat rustic wall clock, similar to one of these inspiration pieces. I think any one of these would add a warmth and presence to the large wall visible from my foyer.
Finally, I will recover my six dining room chairs using this neutral, floral fabric. You can get a glimpse of the neutral, striped fabric presently on the chairs in the first photo, but it is outdated and starting to fade. An update is definitely in order.
So, I'm looking to add warm tones, neutral pattern and a statement piece to pull everything together. Formal, yet with rustic pieces to make things relaxed. Almost, formal french country by definition. I have the inspiration, now comes the fun :-)
Have a wonderful weekend!
{Linking with these friends}
Have A Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson
Coastal Charm
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I love the clocks that you have shown.....I am all for wood furniture instead of the painted look too! Wondering how long the painted look will be in? I don't mind a piece of painted furniture here or there but not throughout my whole home. Can't wait to see what you come up for your dining room! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteThose are great clock faces! Hard to choose. I too am thinking that all the paint is a fad, although a great way to deal with a piece of furniture that is otherwise pretty boring.
ReplyDeleteLove your ideas! I too love wood pieces, but don't mind a few painted mixed in. Love the idea of a rustic clock. I toned down our dining room a few years back to be more relaxed and comfy. We now use it more often!
ReplyDeleteSounds lovely, Vicki. Can't wait to see it all finished. xo Laura
ReplyDeleteIt was fun being a mouse in the corner, so to speak, when you did your kitchen. This is something to look forward to. I think your idea for not painting the furniture is a wise one.
ReplyDeleteLove the fabric.
Happy Mother's Day a little early,
Balisha
It will be lovely when it is finished! I do like your boat picture though it is very pretty:) Have a great weekend!
ReplyDelete~Anne xx
Sounds like a plan . . . I look forward to pictures of your updates . . . Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThat's an exciting project! Can't wait to see the transformation!
ReplyDeleteLove the changes you are making! I have a huge clock in my Dining room too:) Enjoy your weekend dear friend, HUGS!
ReplyDeleteSounds wonderful Vicki! I like the clocks you are showing here and the fabric choice for the chairs is beautiful. Enjoy your weekend and I hope you have something fun planned for Mother's Day! xxleslie
ReplyDeleteNot that you asked, but my favorite clock is the one in the middle ;).
ReplyDeleteNow about that painted furniture...I just acquired a tag sale console that has about 10 layers of paint and gives new meaning to the word 'chippy'. Not sure what direction I'm going to go with it. If done well, painted furniture makes me happy, but the beauty of natural, solid wood can't be denied either.
Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI have almost the exact same dining set. When we move back to Texas this summer, I plan to add a more modern twist to the dining room. I hope to recover the chairs as the first step. And Call the Midwife is very popular here in England. Not quite Downton Abbey, but close!
ReplyDeleteVicki, it will be fun to see it all come together. Great inspiration! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
It is looking good! Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!
ReplyDeleteSherry
Sounds like you have a fabulous plan. Can't wait to see it all come together. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me.
ReplyDeleteLove your ideas Vicki- your changes will be marvelous! I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
ReplyDeleteKathy