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My new dining room/library seating

10 years ago

I posted a while back concerning my search for a new settee for the dining-room-(where no one actually eats)-slash-library. We had a cream colored "mini sofa" from PB that was the right size but difficult to keep clean with a bulldog who likes to wipe her face along the front of the seat every time she walks through the room (particularly nice when she recently had a rash on her face that would occasionally bleed). DH said "get leather!" Not so easy to find in the right size and shape, because most were too deep or too long. I happened to walk into a local furniture store a couple of weeks ago and found exactly what I was looking for about 10 feet from the front door. I was able to get the floor model at 15% off, and picked up a coordinating chair, too.

I am concerned that I now have an overload of brown in this room, but it is cozy and warm feeling. I may have the room repainted at some point.

I don't know how to post pics all at once...

Here's the settee/loveseat.

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Comments (37)

Sueb20
Original Author
10 years ago
And here's the chair (and the dogs' toy box!).
TxMarti
10 years ago
It is perfect. And you're right, it does look warm and cozy. What color are you going to paint the walls? I'm curious about the blinds? in the lower part of your windows. What are they?
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My goodness, you guys are fast tonight! I was moseying through the Kitchens forum, stopped by here on my way to bed, and there are already three of my friends online and commenting! ML, I swear I did not lift a finger. I just pointed and Belinda did everything. The most I did was empty some drawers, then she carried the boxes. Belinda needs to earn spending money (she is on disability) and she does everything I can't do or don't get around to doing. Black for the desk would be perfect. I was trying to lighten the area, so did not think of it. The keyboard that will be next to it is black, though. So are the trombone cases, the music stand, and so on. We will have to see how it looks once the room is done. The fake red mahogany may look okay. The room faces east. The honeycomb shades are fairly new - we installed them the day his dad went blind about 3.5 years ago. DH may let me do a valance and side curtains, though. 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For artwork, there is an interesting photo montage of parts of a trombone, all different angles and perspectives. DH also has a framed poster from the Montreaux Jazz Festival, from the year he played there. I have a picture of him with a mop of hair from his college days, playing. A friend gifted him recently of a sculpture of a figure playing keyboards. I do have a couple of those down lights that you place above artwork that I can use to illuminate something in the bookcase, I like that idea. We have an old broken trombone or two in the basement. Maybe I could look for more musical items in thrift stores and make a sculpture to hang on his wall. The horns live in their cases. I have offered to make shelves for them and DH has declined. Hi Marti, yes that is a barrister bookcase. I got it from Craigslist several years ago and had planned to use it for a display case - even purchased several T3 fluorescent fixtures to put inside some of the sections. 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Deb, one question that I haven't heard yet is, is your library-media room the main gathering/ tv watching in your home? It's a really lovely room (actually every room you've shown us is lovely). I'm so impressed with the gorgeous bookcases your DH built. I see that you have steps down to this room, which would mean that you'd be carrying platters and bowls of food, plates, glasses, etc, down those steps for every meal that you serve in there, as your new dining room. It's only two steps, but you need to seriously think about whether this would become a real irritant after a while, let alone a possible tripping danger. Unfortunately, having the steps would make it near to impossible to move the wall between the present dining room and library, to give you more space in the dining room. That would have been ideal . . . if it was possible. More questions and thoughts: ~do you have a family room or living room that you can move the tv into comfortably? ~ what do you and your DH actually need the most, a home office or a butler's pantry? ~ With both rooms having wide doorways that open into it, instead of actual doors that you can close off, will you be happy seeing a desk and other office things in full view from your kitchen (which is lovely, BTW)? Friends and family will be passing through it getting from your kitchen to the new dining room. ~ If you turn it into a butler's pantry, are you willing to set it up nicely enough so as not to detract from your kitchen or your new dining room? ~ another idea to consider is to just incorporate the present dining room into the kitchen with, perhaps, built-in cabs to house your nice serving pieces, china and crystal in glass-fronted cabs with closed cabs below for storing what ever you need. You could set up a seating area on that side, too, and/or a secretary desk and chair that you can close up when company arrives for a meal. Personally, I think that turning your present dining room into a sitting room, would be a wasted space, that probably wouldn't be used all that much. But, that's JMHO. Anyhoo, just some other things to think about. Lynn
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Busybee, you are right, a more appropriate place for the DVD's would be closer to a TV, which is in the family room right around the corner. A re-do of that room is coming soon (which will be a whole new post), so the DVD's will probably stay parked here until then. But I like your idea of storing them in a basket or something similar. A thought *did* occur to me to transfer the discs to a CD holder (like what you might carry in your car), something nice, maybe leather-bound and looks like an old book. Like this one I found on Amazon: But would I *gasp* toss the plastic cases??? I just threw out a bunch of old plastic butter bowls -- oh, the waste... That wing chair is awesome, isn't it? Looks like it would be small enough to be comfortable as a dining chair, yet big enough to be comfortable for a few hours of studying, or even just reading. Re: retraining the family -- oh, my liver! LOL. You see those French doors across the foyer from the DR? What would it take to open the door and drop the backpacks there instead? One would think... But noooo, it's more fun to leave it one step inside the door, so one's parental unit can trip and break an ankle after coming home from a long day at work. :-O The lesson here is that my darling children will probably be off to college before they'll be trained enough to lift the lid on a storage bench. I've thought about it, and that's the conclusion I've drawn. A settee, however, is open underneath, and I can just kick the backpacks under it when I walk in the door. :-P Tablecloth and curtains -- I will probably need some serious help here. I should probably get the rug and chairs in place first, and then I'll solicit opinions on those accessories. I admit, I tend to put something up that I like, and there it stays for *years*. (Wait 'til you see the living room curtains...) It's time for a change. I like your ideas about floating shelves and using the wooden chairs to "bookend" the china cabinet. However, I like the china cab where it is because it looks nice through the window from the street. :-) (But I am always open to hearing fresh ideas!) Looking at my pics, it becomes glaringly obvious to me that the upper fourth of my walls are quite naked. I think the chandy that I've honed in on, however, will add some interest higher up. I thought this would coordinate well with the other wrought iron accessories in the room: It still has curves, but not all the scroll. I guess it just feels "old world" to me, which is why I like it. I wish my budget could keep up with my mind; this would be an awesome room already if it could! I work full-time in a male-dominated field, so I am sorely lacking in access to female opinions. It is so cool, being able to bounce ideas here.
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It's a very beautiful home. You don't really need anything under the sconces. Of course you could keep chairs there, or an alive plant..but they will look great as they are. If you don't want to put an art on the walls behind the servers..put art on the servers themselves:) I understand the candlesticks need to stay on one of them..I'd remove all the small things unless they have to be there, or put them close together on a tray or something, and maybe add a vase with flowers right behind the candlesticks? a very thin one, maybe also silver one. Say, with one rose in it. Unless you think it will make the server too crowded and harder to use when it's getting used. To put my thought in a short way-I'd strive to create there an odd number of pieces, and the object X number three I'd try to make taller than candlesticks..but very very understated and discreet in a way that won't overwhelm them. Or-I could go for one object shorter and wider than the candlesticks..in which case I'd choose something darker, meaningful to you but that you have to come closer to look at it..family photo? On the other server then I'd put an art, something bigger and sculptural...maybe a sculpture. Maybe a sculptural interesting lamp..Maybe a clock-some clocks are incredibly beautiful. Then you'll see whether you want a mirror on that wall or not. Art works great with wallpaper..but in your dining room..I see how you don't want a) to maybe take away from wallpaper. You won't but it takes big adjustment and I'd probably feel the same, at least until I was ready b)it needs to be really special art..very special to you. Maybe you have it already but don't want to move it from one space to another. Happens to me all the time, hence the guess:) As for the arrangement on the table. I'd probably keep to flowers. It will keep things fresh like nothing else since flowers are never the same. Probably two vases if it's something medium sized like roses. One vase if it's something big..flowering branches, say.
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luckygal
10 years ago
I love your new furniture and what you have shown of the room in general, but then I like brown. Adding more colorful accessories may mitigate the 'overload' of brown for you.

Great idea to make a seldom used DR into a Library and something I plan to do if my next house has a separate DR.
patricianat
10 years ago
It looks very nice. Do pictures of the rest of it. Looks like I would love it.
teacats
10 years ago
So warm and cozy!!! A wonderful room -- just LOVE it! :)

((hugs to the dog too! :)))
mtnrdredux_gw
10 years ago
I love tables used that way. Lovely room.
geokid
10 years ago
Gorgeous!
joaniepoanie
10 years ago
I think you are good to go with colorful accessories. Looks great!
busybee3
10 years ago
nice little sofa!! i think the brown leather looks great and is not too much, especially in a library type room!!!
if you do decide to repaint, brown leather is so neutral that many colors can look nice with it... a different paint really could give the room a whole different look!
celticmoon
10 years ago
Very nice! Similar to what I am planning for my Florida nest: central round table, settee against the wall and a couple chairs making a reading/working spot that can transform to a dining area for 2-8. Thank you for posting it. Helps so much to see it done.

And yes, it is hard to find a settee that is the right height, shape, etc. Yours looks perfect there.
cat_mom
10 years ago
It looks terrific!!!! Not too brown IMO. Warm and inviting!
mellyc123
10 years ago
Is the sofa higher than a normal sofa?

What about the chair?

Would you be comfortable moving the table over and using this for a meal or do you have other chairs you would use with the table if you needed to use it for dining?

Thanks
tibbrix
10 years ago
Can't have too much brown, IMO, esp. in a library/reading room. Your room is beautiful. And I have the PERFECT wall color for you. C2 Karma. It's a very rich gold perfect for libraries, and would be great with your rug and furniture.

An ex-client of mine put it in her library, and I was wow'd, never forgot the color, and I am not a warm-color person. But Karma is a really great color.

Here is a link that might be useful: Karma
peony4
10 years ago
What a warm, inviting room, Sue!

Can I ask you about the side table next to the chair? I really like its shape. Does it tip easily? I need to find a few side tables for our family room, where we watch TV together. The problem is that our 80lb dog uses this as opportunity to go from person to person seeking love and attention. Inevitably, she or her wagging tail will knock something over in her quest... Due to space, I need smaller side tables but they must be sturdy.
lynninnewmexico
10 years ago
Lovely, cozy and so comfortable looking! I had to laugh when you mentioned that your bulldog liked to wipe her face along the front of your previous cream colored sofa there. Our Doberman does the same thing in our family room . . . which is one reason why only leather works in there! No fabric will hold up to him/this for long, so we have a leather sofa, rocker and a Mission style leather recliner. He is NOT ever allowed in our living room, though, where we have the two cream linen sofas. It makes me shudder to think what they would look like if we did! You made great choices with your furniture, Sue. Beautiful and practical!
Lynn
Sueb20
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks, everyone!

Let's see, answers to questions:

Yes, there are horizontal window blinds between the window panes. They are Pella windows. I hate them, actually.

I don't have any real ideas yet about potential wall colors, but this paint job was done by me, and not very well, so the room could use a professional paint job in general. This room has been Gray Mirage, then I think Stuart Gold (way too bright; that didn't last long), and now this one, which I do like, which is Milk & Honey from the Aura collection. I was thinking of maybe going back to the pale green a la Gray Mirage. Definitely not until the fall, when I'm having a painter come to deal with DS' room after he leaves for college.

The sofa seat and chair seat are the same height, I think around 20". I am short so I feel like I need to "sit up" a bit when I eat at the table, but DH is tall and doesn't. We have eaten a meal exactly one time in this room in the past 3 years. But I do have my coffee here every morning.

I wouldn't say the table tips easily (it's the Sadie table from Crate & Barrel) but if an 80 lb dog wanted to, he could probably tip it! Our dogs are smaller/shorter/no tails and don't tend to move very fast (bulldogs!).

Will post more pics, and thanks for the compliments. In many ways, this is the most "personal" room in our house (lots of our little souvenirs and kids' art on display, etc.) and it's pretty quirky, breaking a lot of supposed rules, but that's probably why I like it!
Sueb20
Original Author
10 years ago
Another angle.
Sueb20
Original Author
10 years ago
One more.
iheartgiantschnauzer
10 years ago
Sue- it's not too brown! Love the frenchie pillow! The table in the center as sort of library table is perfect! Nice job.
Oakley
10 years ago
It's perfect, IMO. Love the plants!

And here I thought my Boone was the only one who rubs his face. But he chooses to do it along the white beadboard going alll down the hallway, every single day!

I have to use Magic Eraser to get it off. I think I'd rather he do it to the sofa. lol.
User
10 years ago
I love the new leather furniture, it's very warm and clubby and comfy looking! Would probably reliant but I'm seeing peach on my iPad which may not be accurate. Very successful transition from Dining Room to Reading Room!
Holly- Kay
10 years ago
Sue, your furniture is beautiful! I love brown and especially in a library. Your sofette is perfect for your room and I especially love the nail head trim. Your room looks so warm and inviting with your new furniture!
theclose
10 years ago
Love it! Love the sofa and love the pedestal table in the middle of the room. What a great way to use an underused dining room!
nancybee_2010
10 years ago
Very nice, love it!
Boopadaboo
10 years ago
I LOVE it! I am so annoyed I let DH get rid of our sofa like that in the kitchen. I really do have to find another one. Leather does seem to be the smartest way to go.

Thanks for sharing. Oh - and not too much brown. lovely and cozy for sure. :)
loribee
10 years ago
How lovely! I think it's just perfect, Sue!
You will really enjoy this room.
mellyc123
10 years ago
Thank you for sharing more pics.

Lovely room, so nice to see real lived in rooms and to hear my dog is normal after all.
Irish2
10 years ago
Your room looks so inviting! Love the new furniture. When we had our
"fur babies" they would rub their faces along the length of our couch and
wing back chair...(and here I thought it was just our lab & golden that had
that habit)
edie_thiel
10 years ago
Looks great! I love the brown. :-)
funkyart
10 years ago
LOVE. You know I love the sofa/table mix.. and this new settee is perfect!
tournant
10 years ago
I just saw this ...

Here is a link that might be useful: Dining in the Library
teeda
10 years ago
Love it all! How lucky to have found the perfect furniture so easily. It is so warm, cozy and inviting!
countryatheart
10 years ago
Your new furniture makes the room very warm and cozy. What a great spot to sit and enjoy a cup of morning coffee. Love it.
cooperbailey
10 years ago
I like it very much!
always1stepbehind
10 years ago
I like it. Looks nice. I really like your rug too.
Holly- Kay
10 years ago
Sue, may I ask what your paint is in your room? I love it!
Sueb20
Original Author
10 years ago
Yes, it's Milk & Honey from the BM Aura collection. It's a bit less bright than it looks in these pictures. Sort of like terracotta mixed with cream.

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