Love your pair of bell jar pendants!

I think the biggest thing may be your chairs. Since they are dark and barely clear the tabletop, it's as though there is no place to sit (which is definitely not very inviting). I think some taller, more open chairs would make a big difference. It's trendy now not to even match the chairs -- or at least to vary the side chairs vs head/foot-of-table chairs. If your taste leans towards country, Windsor chairs could look great.

The room could loosen up a bit, too, to relieve the strict geometry of the artwork, sideboard arrangement, and center of table arrangement.

A large, living, plant would be great too.

Try a sheet or other piece of large fabric under the table to see if a lighter color would help. If it does, then you can explore rug possibilities.

Some beautiful things in your room; I like the color and I especially love the lights and the pattern they throw onto the ceiling. What caught my eye when thinking about warmth was the clock...it adds (when paired with the shape of the table and the short backed chairs) a "conference room" aspect that isn't inviting to me. Could you try something else instead of the long thin runner the full length of the table...maybe a couple wider ones at intervals across it or something with some color?? Some variety in wood tones would make it more interesting to me, too - like the mirror or a sideboard that doesn't match so closely. One last thing would be some different accessories that aren't candles or lights (I can't tell what the cylinders on the table are, but they are candle shaped, too).

Your room has a good start, the lanterns and table are fabulous but everything is very dark. I would lighten the walls, but that's just my opinion. Lighter walls don't have to mean the same color as your crown though, we used Behr Raffia Cream on some of our walls and there's still plenty of contrast with the white crown. It's a warm inviting color and works as a good base for neutrals or pops of color. I agree with the observation in regards to the chairs, but I also think it needs some layering and more color. Maybe you can move things around so they're not so symmetrical and strategically placed. If you look at the pictures in a PB catalog, they do a lot of layering and repeating of colors, everything looks more random if that makes sense.

I do think you need to add some pattern, color or texture. An area rug with color and organic shapes might be the perfect addition or you could add a light-colored area rug with heavy texture. I also agree with Gwbr54 that your chairs seem under-scaled and of a somewhat dissonant style when compared to the other furnishings.

I love your room. Very tasteful! I'd add a HUGE elongated planter with a green plant in it for the center piece on the table. I think that's all it needs to warm it up.

Beautiful room! I agree that it would be so nice to add texture and maybe some natural elements, such as an arrangement of natural grasses, etc. that fills the container in the center of the table. Also, I've found that by layering placemats and using thick, woven napkins with lots of texture, it really does soften the sleekness of the furniture. My table is much like yours and due to the darkness of the wood, I tend to go with lighter colored placemats - otherwise, they "disappear" on the table. Here are a few ideas I really like:

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}

Again, you have a very beautiful room!

I think it's a pretty room (love those lights!), but I do think you need more color to liven things up. The brown paint combined with the brown table and brown (black?) chairs and reddish brown floors -- everything is very tone on tone. If you don't want to paint the entire room, perhaps you could lighten it up by putting in a chair rail and painting the lower half of the walls a lighter color or white?

I think a rug with a bold pattern would make a HUGE difference. I'm seeing a yellow rug - maybe with a geometric pattern. I'd also replace some of the candles with more colorful accessories. I think the candles next to the mirror compete with the lighting over the table.

I think you have created a beautiful room, but as you say, it is very Pottery Barn. I love the wall color, but you need something that speaks of you in there. I would probably buy some cut flowers at the grocery store (love putting the lilies in a faceted vase) for either the table or sideboard. I would also get rid of the clock (who wants to remind guests how late it is getting if they are having fun?) and put up some large abstract painting instead. In fact, I might replace all the smaller pics with something big and splashy just to breathe more life and vitality in the room. I don't think you need to add pattern anywhere except in your art and on the floor (rug) if you want it, but then I love your clean, simple look for the most part.

I really do think it is a pretty room that will be warm and lovely at dinner with candles on the table, the smell of wonderful food, and the laughter of friends.

Let's see:

a)Yes -- I do agree with your DH about re-painting the room in a creamy white.

b)Yes -- another vote to remove the clock from this space. I do agree that it gives the room a very "conference room" look.

c)Yes -- at this time -- there are two many strict pairs and too much "studied" arrangements around the room. For now -- try removing the clock -- and clear the sideboard and table. Then -- try the long basket on the sideboard -- fill it with silk greens. Try the round white bowl (fill it with fresh fruit like green pears or gold apples or green apples or lots of fresh plums) on the table -- with the two dark lanterns.

d)Perhaps change some of the furniture visual "height" in the room -- consider switching to a taller armoire or even set of shelves where the clock now hangs.

e)Yes -- perhaps try another set of chairs at each end of the table. Could you experiment with any chairs around your home? A couple of dark tall-back windsors or even upholstered chairs?

f)Check the PB site carefully -- and look at their various rugs under the tables ...maybe a simple sisal for the summer months? Maybe a patterned rug for the cooler months?

Here is a link that might be useful: PB -- dining room photos for ideas

Try putting a single cloth napkin in a color diagonally under your basket on the table (on top of the runner). I picture a pear/kiwi green tone or maybe in cranberry. If not, try an aqua color. Single napkins are pretty and cheap.
Then, I'd use candles in a similar tone to tie it all in.
That may be enough punch to get the job done. It is best to try the cheap simple options before heading into more complicated or more expensive.

Here's a link to Ballard Designs .... might be some ideas there too !

Here is a link that might be useful: Ballard designs -- again -- for ideas

You've gotten great suggestions. Also, how about adding some candles to be lit when entertaining. Inexpensive way to add ambiance.

Very nice room!

No pattern. Introducing pattern would be an easy fix and make a big difference.

Every color you have in there is shown in just a pair.

Trim + ceiling = white
Furniture + floor = similar wood tone
Walls + botanical prints = green

A few elements of black isn't enough to round out the palette. It's not warm because the balance of color is regimented. Equally weighted colorwise does not equate to well balanced aesthetically.

Either add one or three more elements/layers of white or green or introduce another color to the palette.

You have some wonderful things in the room, but I agree completely with teacats about it feeling like a conference room.

Do you WANT it to look like you went to Pottery Barn and bought a catalogue page? Or do you want it to have your own feel? I ask because I think the wall color is lovely, and I don't think painting the walls Navajo White will do anything to solve your dilemma.

I do think it might be nice to pick an accent color, and scatter little touches of that in the room. Perhaps as you add some of the suggested things, that is the place to put in hints of the accent color.

Too many vertical and horizontal straight lines. For example, the artwork on the walls line up with the long table and long runner and long chairs to create a line down the middle of the space, like a line that one shouldn't cross. Not very welcoming.

I agree with you that you need a rug with some color and lighter field to break up the feeling that the chairs and table just run into the floor, and are not defined.

I would move the end chairs to either side, as you have room, and add something upholstered in a somewhat lighter print, but textural like chenille, and taller, on either end. Something with some curves, to break up all the straight lines and compliment the rounder feel of the lighting and clock.

I would move the clock to the center of the wall where the six vertical pix are now. Then take two of each pix and hang on either side, and finally one of each and hang to the outside of those, centered between the top and bottom pix.

A taller piece where the clock was would be a nice upward interest piece, and also balance the windows.

I would take the runner off the table, and instead create an interesting grouping in the center third of the table, with some height. Even the somewhat overdone large oriental-feel bowl of orchid plants would add some color and light, and keep the table from feeling like a runway.

If you like the light feel of the curtains on the windows, that is fine, but those feel skimpy. I would widen the rods a couple of inches to the outside on each side, and add another of the same curtain panels to each window.

f you are not married to the curtains, I would go with a more solid fabric, but still widen out the rods. Perhaps something light neutral with color banding, again to soften all the hard lines.

You are almost there - tweaking is the end part of the game, but almost the most important for the room to feel finished.

Pretty room!! Here's a few thoughts:

1) Chairs too short (the backs).
2) I'd like the room better with an oval or round mirror over the sideboard to soften the corners.
3) Can you add some personal photos...candid shots would look nice.
4) I'd like a lighter color on the walls, maybe Powell Buff?
5) Some nice vintage-type hurricanes on the table (clear glass) instead of the bronze candleholders.

Good luck, it's going to be gorgeous!! Love the pendants and the floor!!

Mostly, I adore your room! It's beautiful. :)

My first reaction before reading the replies: just get a big, green centerpiece (whether a live plant or something) would look nice.

Also, the shape of the clock isn't working for me (not that it looks like a conference room... just the shape/placement looks wrong. I would remove it from the room.)

I like your wall color, but it does seem a bit dark in there from the photos coupled with the dark wood. If you agree when you're in the space, then perhaps just have the same color cut in half/reduced? It's a nice color. At about half strength or 1/4 strength it might be what you're looking for.

The table seems longer/more narrow than normal... Is this true? It could be the photo. This is fine, except you've mimicked that long & narrow shape with the photos of the botanicals. They look like they aren't taking up enough space on that wall in terms of width. Maybe if they were just 3 wide and 2 tall it would look better...

Hi All,

Thanks so much for all the advice. I've been reading and trying different things.

- I think it needs a rug.
- I like the idea of painting the same color but only 25-50%
- I actually have more botanicals to hang, so it would be 4 wide by three high
- I think you all are correct about the clock
- Table is abnormally long 10' - but we like it like that
- I made the table runner & monogrammed it (it's burlap) wonder if I could just make it shorter?

Here's some pix of some of my tossed together changes. Again, as always, thank you all so very much! Love you guys!

Some silk flowers in a white vase on top of homemade burlap placemat

Tried colorful napkins under cement bowl. Used an extra curtain I have to mimic a rug

Would this work here instead of the clock?

Trying to think about what ACCENT color to add. What do you think of Yellow?

I could make a burlap or linen stamped rug... cheesy?

{{!gwi}}

RE: the abnormally long table........ it's gorgeous :)

I think the botanical wall will look really nice when you hang all of them. I am curious where they are from?

I think yellow would look lovely. You could take the potpourri out and put it in some fake lemons,... I think that is what they did in that last pic?

Or maybe I could do something like this??? (just in orange chevron though).

Here is a link that might be useful: DIY Rug?

I bought the botanicals on Ebay. Search redoute +lot. I bought a lot of 12 ($16.99). They are roughly 8x10. I went to Michaels and bought 6 11x14 frames matted to 8x10 (all they had of the style I liked - need to go back and buy more).

What do you think of accents of Yellow and Lavender? Too much?
{{!gwi}}

The lights are 31.5" off the table. Maybe the angle of the photos makes them look taller?

The room is looking really nice. The thing that hits me is the chairs. I would like to see chairs that say "come sit in me, and hang out". Since I know replacing chairs is probably not an option, what about just adding some sort of overstuffed chairs for the ends? You could use the ones at the heads of the table that are there now along the sides. I just think that some sort of upholstered chair that is unexpected would look great.

Also, regarding the color on the wall....I finally "got it" about white paint. Unless you have plenty of natural light, from different sides of the room, the white paint is going to look dirty due to the shadows that will be cast from the light only coming in through one window. I was testing out two cream/ivory paints about 2 weeks ago. I had them each on a big sheet of paper, with a white lamp in between them (so I could see how they contrasted with the white) and a lightbulb went off in my head...the color that was on the side that was in the shadow cast from the lamp looked dingy and nothing like the paint color. Aha! I finally got it. Even though I have a HUGE atrium window in that room, it is the only wall with a window. So, keep that in mind. I like the color you have, it seems nice to me. Remember, the PB dining rooms, are well lit, and I am assuming they are a just a studio.

The rug idea is a good one too.

But again, my first reaction is that if you want people to come and sit and stay awhile, you need to make those chairs call them into that room.

Here is just a quick photo from Sarah Richardson's Summer Cottage series....not quite your style, but you get the idea:

For the homemade rug - what do you think of this fabric? it's a canvas outdoor fabric.

{{!gwi}}

A rug would go a long way in giving some definition between your table and the floor, they seem to blend together. Personally I'd lighten the wall color too. Not necessarily white but lighter since your room seems to be kind of lacking natural light.

The room has no individuality---there isn't a single possession in it that looks as though you owned it before you went shopping for the room.

Get rid of the clock--- it's bizarrely out of place.
The paint is too chocolate-y. You could go lighter as the brown works against your floors. And crown molding does not have to "pop." People know you have it even without the color differential.

The flowers are too lacy and frothy--- tulips in a glass vase would suit better, or an interesting arrangement of branches.

Accent color--- how about a clear green or an orange tone?
Patterned curtains instead of the lace or sheers or whatever you have there now.

You have bought some pieces with strong, good lines. Good luck--

Sorry, i had more to my post and don't know what happened to it!

I was going to add that, as someone who has ongoing dining room issues, I feel for you--- it is NOT easy to pull together a room that looks good and not " done.".

That Benjamin Moore Meditation is not reading right in the photos. It's more of a Gray Green

{{!gwi}}

I like the color of your room. I think you just need to add more green and yellow accents and perhaps change the curtains. I like the yellow pots you showed in the photo. You need more elements of outdoors, and the fresh colors of the yellow and green will liven up the room. I don't think the lace curtains really go. Maybe you could make some from burlap and hang them on the outside edges of the windows, to let in as much light as possible. Instead of replacing the chairs you could try making some slip covers to go on the backs (like a pillowcase). That would make them stand out more.

I think the wall color is fine. I bet that it's dark as a result of the lighting and camera. I think some pattern would be wonderful in the shape of some new curtains and a rug.
Some new arm chairs at the ends of the table would be nice especially if they have some height (and you have the space). I would want some with fabric with it so that it softens the room.
I think you should do a third row of botanicals so that the arrangement is thicker than the table. It will help with variety.
I think some changes in texture, perhaps something of the metallic variety.
Good luck, it looks like a good base.

Seems like you've gotten good advice. I think the one thing that is throwing things off is how long the table is, but there are so few chairs. It might look better if you can just put the chairs along the long sides now. There doesn't need to be chairs there on a daily basis. It just adds to extending the length of the table.

I like your current color. It doesn't seem too dark to me, I think the camera is making it look darker than it is.

I like the fabric you pictured. If you make the rug, please post pics--I would love to see the completed project.

I also like the print instead of the clock.

I don't care for the new floral arrangement. I think lemons and limes would look better. I have seen the fake ones at Home Goods for under $10.

I also think the addition of some more botanical prints is a good idea.

I think with a few pops of colors, the room will look great. I love the table, floors, lighting, sideboard.

I wouldnt change the paint color.

Good luck!

My original thought was that I'd love to see a yellow of some sort on the walls, maybe Jicama, which is a PB color (and would still offer enough contrast to show off the crown molding). But really, now that you're playing around with things, it's getting so much warmer and more interesting already! More solid curtains would be nice, and I love the rug idea. The print instead of the clock relaxes the space, but the floral arrangement is too stuffy IMO.

I would just switch the drapes...are the current drapes lace? I would try subtle, floral drapes instead or a simple pattern.

I like the fabric you posted for the rug.
I read the instructions for rug and cannot really see that being too easy to do.
I cannot imagine sewing that on a regular sewing machine but then again I do not sew so what do I know(LOL)
If you think you can do it and it would work then go for it. It would not be too much of an investment in case it failed.
I also like the print better than the clock.
And new drapes would help I think.

Let's see:

First and foremost -- your table is gorgeous! And the rest of the furniture is wonderful too! :) Just playing around with some seasonal additions! :) I do LOVE the neutrals!

1)Remove the taller silk branches and the silk flowers from the white vase. Then add some crumpled-up paper towels into the bottom of the vase -- and replace the silk flowers (add more flowers if you have them!) Or switch to some silk hydrangeas for a full summery look.

2)Sit the vase in the center of the dining table (just to try and see how it would look there for size and height) on the longer runner. If the vase doesn't work as well on the dining table -- then leave it on the left-hand side of the buffet on the burlap placemat -- and simply place the glass candlesticks and candles on the right-hand side.

3)Take the tall glass cloches and empty them -- and re-fill them with white rice or white sand. Then add a layer of white stones. Place these on the shorter table. The white sand/stones will look very fresh and summer for the warmer months.

4)Fill the bowl with lots of green apples and green grapes and try it on the table with the long runner. OR -- if the tall vase works well on the table -- then switch the bowl to the left-hand side of the buffet.

5)Do add a larger sisal rug under the table. IF you wish -- look around at Target -- some of their summer outdoor rugs have some wonderful colors and patterns! Maybe a fresh green patterned outdoor rug?

6)Pick a simple fresh accent color like green for the summer. Add green apples, limes, grapes etc. to the big white bowl for a quick pop of color.

Skimming the many excellent comments and suggestions....I agree about the need for pattern. If I were you, I'd add heavier (i.e., not lacy) patterned curtains. I'd also have them in a soft material, say, cotton.

In fact, while I have the feeling it may not be your style, I think you need more softness in the room as well. Thus, no more hemp, burlap, sisal, or canvas; rather, a rug and other items in cottons, wool, or whatever. (Think about comfort and warmth - is the idea of walking on sisal or similar material really appealing?) You were thinking canvas, but I must say, you zeroed in on an issue with it -- it's outdoor fabric. If your house were a beach house and/or in a very bright, sunny place, and with beach house-type furniture I'd vote yes to canvas. But given the way you've done the space, I just don't see it working. And I'd tie the rug to the curtains by having one with a (nongeometric) pattern. Do florals or oriental carpets seem too fussy to you? Because I think they would do quite a lot to add warmth to the room.

Has anyone here suggested chair cushions or slipcovers?

It looks like I'm an outlier when it comes to that Cinzano print. I don't think it would give you the result you're looking for for several reasons. First, I would not want it in a DR at all; it reads "kitchen" to me. Second, its colors are too dark, too black (?)/ too brown (?). That will only add to what seems to be a mono-browness of the space. Third, I'm not sure one print alone will relate to any other element in the room.

But most of all, going back to what one poster said about the room, the print lacks individuality -- as does the room itself. To me, it looks as if you went out and, in one shopping expedition to one store, you bought every element in the room. I'm not seeing a wonderful vase you found during your latest vacation, or a unique rug you saw in an antique shop somewhere, sconces that had been a relative's, or whatever....To add warmth and a sense of comfort, I think you need to add "you" to it.

I'm having trouble figuring out what color your wall is. Is it a brown or is it a grey? Either way, I'm not liking the idea of yellow as an accent color. Maybe that has to do with the seeming lack of light in the room, but I'm wondering whether yellow will look too washed out and "sickly." Anyway, with browns, I like the idea of blue accents. I know...I know...how conventional is that LOL.

My suggestions & comments may not work for you of course. My taste is very "non-Pottery Barn," while you clearly do love that look. So take what I've said with a whole shaker full of salt if you think I'm way off-base!

I agree with what many of the above posters have said.

I think the main problems are that the chairs are too wimpy and contemporary for the masculine craftsman style of the table and fixtures. And that everything looks brand new.

So I think if you are going to successfully use the chairs, you need some other contemp/mid century items in the space.

I think the wall color is fine.

Suggest a new table runner with a contemp fabric with lots of geometric pattern, but in bold or feminine colors.

For wall art, I think that a large sized piece of 1920's modern art would blend the craftsman table and the contemp chairs.

For table centerpiece, I think something shiny or light-colored is needed.

beekeeperswife wrote:
I finally "got it" about white paint. Unless you have plenty of natural light, from different sides of the room, the white paint is going to look ...[blah].

Yes, crosslighting is key.

This is my beef with trying to duplicate the subtle delicate neutral rooms that look so fabulous in magazines. The magazine pictures have the benefit of artificial lighting by professional photographers. It's an art in itself. Not only do the rooms have (usually) good sunlight to work with, the photographers have also placed portable lights to create cross lighting, to eliminate shadows & highlight stuff. Then the pictures have been Photoshopped to boost contrasts & refine the colors. In other words, it's d***ed difficult to get the same look in your home, especially if you only have one window on one wall like many rooms do.

I think the idea of putting a light colored fabric on the floor to see the effect is a great one. You'll see how much more light is bounced around, and it will provided some much needed contrast between the dark floor & the dark dining set. Then save your pennies to get a light colored rug with a little pattern in it.

Also, think about reflection & sparkle. Put a larger mirror opposite the windows where the small framed pictures are. It will reflect your beautiful lamps, which would be bonus, besides bouncing light around. Replace your current mirror with a painting/print, maybe even put a picture lamp over it for some ambient lighting at night.

just some thoughts! The room is fundamentally pretty, it just needs better lighting to bring out the delicate beauty & some contrast & a bit of pattern too.