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jan_in_wisconsin

I Love this Lamp, but is it the Right Style?

14 years ago

I saw these new lamps from Pottery Barn, and I really like them:

But . . . I'm not sure if the style will work with my space. I want to use the table lamp in my great room, and many of you are already probably familiar with my house, so I won't post the same old pictures again. I recently posted pictures of our fireplace mantel and seating area,

If anyone wants to check it out, click on the link below.

I'm not sure exactly what my "style" is, and generally, I do like to mix old and new, etc. But overall, an updated country farmhouse look appeals to me, although I have elements of cottage, english country, french country, floral, rustic, wrought iron, aged bronze, etc. I have new chairs with a nice print, and I have antique reproduction wood furniture too. I would choose casual and comfortable over fussy and fancy. I like warm colors and lots of texture.

For me, this has been the hardest aspect of decorating - style elements. I don't want to be style-bound, yet I want everything to jive.

So, what do you think? Will these lamps work with my style, or are they too tuscany or something? Do you have other thoughts about table lamps?

Thanks!

Jan

P.S. I have been looking forward to getting new lamps for some time, so when our current, very sad table lamp expired, promptly blowing a fuse, I was elated!

Here is a link that might be useful:

Comments (75)

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I am also way too late on this thread, but I love the lamps. I also must say that I love your rooms and your style, including (maybe especially) your fireplace and mantle. I think the accessories pick up nicely on the detailing in the fabric of your arm chairs.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    LOVE the lamps and the rest of your decorating!! Keep up the good work (When you're tired of the chairs, I'll take them off your hands--love them!!!! I'm in WI so it wouldn't be too hard :) ;)

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  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    prickly - never too late, thanks!

    luvnlife - Oh boy, another Wisconsinite - where in WI are you? We had a thread not too long ago going about decorating buddies, and we were all lamenting that we don't have as many decorating friends "in real life" as we have on this board - lol! I would LOVE to have a decorating buddy in real life too!

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Oh, and I forgot to mention that the lamp has a built-in dimmer, which is great (not a 3-way). It is part of the on/off switch, which works like a dial.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I love the lamp, it reminds me of an antique lattice, which fits perfectly with the viney print on your chairs and your pretty garden in the background. I have a burlap shade (thrift store) on an alabaster lamp (garage sale), I will try to figure out how to post. I too like a rustic and refined mix, your fireplace looks great!

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I also love the lamp and your decorating! I also love the fact that the lamp has a built in dimmer!

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    snailpace - I would love to see your lamp. I use Photobucket online, and then copy and paste the html code into my messages here. You can preview to ensure the pictures show up as planned.

    lynn - Thanks!

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I don't ordinarily post on this forum, just read and look at the eye candy picturs, but that lamp loves sitting on your hearth. Look at the picture you posted, and the eye is just drawn from your white on the mantle, down to the lamp, and honey, it looks GOOD sitting on that stone.
    I know you said you intended to put it in another location in the room, but it does love sitting on that stone.

    It's a lovely picture all together, and I love your chairs.
    I love the lamp, and it looks better in your house than by the white in the Pottery Barn picture.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Perfect...and your home is beautiful!

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I think the lamp looks perfect in your room. I actually like it right there on the hearth! And I love the wall colors you have. It all looks great together. Thanks for posting the pictures.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Have to agree all the lamp elements really do compliment your fireplace.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    marg411 and sickbb - You're right, it does look good sitting on the hearth, even though I hadn't intended to set it there - maybe that's my problem - I'm trying too hard and should just set things here and there and see what happens - lol!

    loribee and natal - Thanks. It is hard to picture what a catalog/internet order will look like in the room, so it's always great when it looks good in person too.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Thanks for posting pics! It looks really good!

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Chiming in very late-- but I LOVE the lamp in your room. It is perfect. The whole house is coming together beautifully. You say you don't know what you're doing, but you do! I would call it updated French Country-- a bit less frilly and more transitional.

    I remember the search for your foyer bench. Loved it then and love it now. And let me know if you ever get tired of that mirror, because I know a good place for it :)

    Jen

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    These lamps would look great. Don't worry about if they will go with your decor. These lamps will fit in with any decor and will make a great accent. I just love the lamps.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    You have some lovely fabric choices, and I am sure the room will be great.

    The only think that concerns me is that I am getting a sense of a complete disconnect between the chairs by the fireplace (which are lovely) and the couch and two other chairs. I am concerned that when it is all in there, it is going to feel like a bunch of pieces that are unrelated.

    I would get rid of the solid black idea, and instead consider a stripe that pulls in the tan from the fireplace chairs, the red from the paisley, and the brown from the couch. Maybe something like this:

    pierre black

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Sorry Jan, didn't see your question til today. Yes, I saw that thread about decorating buddies too. I'm in So. Central WI.

    Also I was wondering if your chairs are Smith Brothers by any chance. I love their seating...it is about the only one that fits me perfectly!! Great quality, and they have such a nice look...Someday I will have one (or two) :)

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    ttodd - I was hoping you would stop back! I'm glad you did!

    jlc - Thanks for helping define my "style", whatever it is. Did I mention I'm an accountant in real life? Ha! Ha! And, you know that accounting and creativity are a dangerous combination too . . . but I try. Yes, an updated French Country without the frills sounds just right. I definitely prefer simple/easy over fussy/frilly. Yet, I love antique character and traditional charm.

    cshagw - Les said the same thing - that the lamps are very versatile, and I'm glad about that. I can see that now that they're in the room, but boy, it's another thing before ordering.

    Les - I have the same concern about the fabrics. I did mention to the decorator that I definitely don't want everything in the room to be matchy-matchy, i.e. same exact fabric. So, she was aiming for a more collected-over-time look, I think. We were considering a square (I think 40" or so) black coffee table with storage baskets beneath for the area by the TV where the new couch and loveseat will go. Does that matter in terms of the black chair fabric - not that I'm wild about it. I have two boys and a white cat, although the white cat is 17 years old and on her last legs; the kids - not so much. But I digress.

    I do really like the fabric you linked. That fabric would go on a chair near the paisley chair, toward the other side of the room. Do you think that would look alright?

    I know you have a real eye for furniture placement, so it would be great if you could share your thoughts on that. The room is large and rectangular (15' x 29'). It has two large openings, both on the same long wall - to the foyer (by the front of the room) and to the kitchen/dining (by the back fireplace area). The entertainment hutch/console is on that wall, which seems to make the most sense functionally for the room. The couch and sofa (or sectional) will be placed in an L-shape by the entertainment unit, but I'm guessing should be pulled away from the opposite long wall. Right now, the couch is backed right up to the wall.

    The front of the room has four side-by-side windows looking out onto our front porch, and that's where we thought we'd have plenty of room for a couple more chairs - the wingback paisley and the other chair (maybe striped, as you mentioned).

    Side tables (she recommended a dark wood) would be placed by the paisley chair, as well as the end of the couch. A sofa table could be used behind the loveseat.

    I turned the chairs by the fireplace more toward each other, as you had suggested. If I turn them fully forward, they will face the back of the loveseat. We are looking at a couch and loveseat that have a lower back than what we have now. Maybe that will help keep the fireplace chairs from being too cut off.

    This room is a challenge because it's quite large, and it still seems somewhat empty, so I'm looking forward to finding more furniture at some point. Nothing has been ordered yet, and we're not committed, so I'm open to suggestions. The pieces that stay are the entertainment hutch and console, the two new printed fabric chairs by the fireplace, and the leather ottoman, and of course the lamps, I can't forget those!

    Thanks, Les, and I hope you return,

    Jan

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Any chance of getting a pix of the wall where the couch is now? I have seen pix of the fireplace wall, the entertainment center wall and the front window wall. An idea about the fourth wall would help with the furniture placement thoughts.

    Just wondering how this space is used. How many people, do you entertain a lot, mostly tv watching or are there non-tv events as well? I am wondering what kind of seating you really need based on the use of the room, and how it can best be arranged.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Hi Les,

    I will try to post some photos tomorrow. I work long hours today.

    This room is our most-used room in the house. We use it for watching TV (us and the boys), visiting with our families, gatherings from time to time, i.e. holidays and birthdays. Sometimes my hubby and I will sit by the fireplace area while the kids watch TV or play Legos. My son's therapists also use the room with him. We do not have a separate living room/sitting room.

    Thanks, Les!

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Hi Jan, here is my lamp with a burlap shade. I think I spent $10. Both the lamp and shade are fairly old and have "character" marks but that kind of stuff appeals to me.

    {{gwi:1782628}}

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    You have a real knack for decorating and have very good taste. Calling your stuff junkie was uncalled for especially since it's not. If we were all designers like "silkvelvet" (I'm kidding of course), we wouldn't be here, would we? I can't wait to see your new fabrics in place, they will be lovely. Oh, and I love the lamp.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    snailpace - That is a great lamp! I'm with you on the charcter marks - I love them. The burlap texture adds a lot.

    greatgollymolly - I love your screen name :0)
    Thanks, and the old "sticks and stones" mantra we learned as kids really does come in handy. I am not an expert designer, but in my dreams, I am - LOL. I'm just an ordinary lady who enjoys learning more about it and experimenting in her own space.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Jan In WI -

    I've been going back to your pic w/ the new light and def. while I love it all I'm feeling a bit of a disconnect between the light and the mantle decor. Nothing that can't be easily changed up ever so slightly w/o loosing the style of everything together - just bringing it all into a bit more harmony. Do you mind if I input on that here or at all?

    PS: Do you like the shades? I'd still like to purchase 2 at sometime to go on my black urn lamps in the LR.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    You've gotten lots of feedback,(& probably don't need or want more!) But here's my two cents, fwiw:

    I think the PB lamps are perfect for your room. They have some weight, are slightly rustic, & bring in texture. Fabulous choice.

    I don't think your mantle accessories are "junky" in the least. I really like them. But, I do think they are out of sync with that fabulous stone fireplace you have.

    Your fireplace is rugged & earthy & masculine & such an outstanding feature. It has great impact in the room. It really makes you say, "Wow!"

    The accessories you have on the mantle, are charming, really beautiful, cottage style things that I love. They just don't really do justice to your fireplace, imo. To me, they just seem too sweet, feminine & dainty next to such a striking focal point.

    You have a house full of beaufiful things! Go "shopping" in your closets & other rooms & see what weightier, more earthy, rustic things you have that might work up there. Try them out & see how you feel. You may prefer the lighter look. I just think your fireplace is so striking, & it's rugged beauty is not fully being played up with the delicate accessories.

    Also, don't forget that your mantle accessories are something you may want to change up seasonally anyway. You have the perfect backdrop to "play" with! Imagine the possibilities for Fall...& Christmas!

    PB seems to have a lot of things that would be perfect for your room, accessory-wise.

    Hope I didn't offend or say too much. When I post here I really want honest feedback. Of course, take what works for you & leave behind the rest.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Aaahhhh, see and that's what I think is perfect about the white items on the mantle! How they are so feminine against that wonderful rustic, masculine fireplace! :0)

    Gotta love diversity!

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I see what you are saying, T.

    To my eye, if Jan went ALL the way with that look, it could really work. I mean, white window treatments, trade the heavy leather ottoman for a whitewashed, rustic, coffee table, do a pale shade of aqua on the wall. In my view, then the contrast of rugged/feminine would work.

    Jan seems to have invested in an earthier feel with the deep gold walls & drapes, & masculine leather ottoman. That's where I see the room "going" now. Surely though, I can see a completely different look working in there. She does have the option to go really feminine & cottagey, which could be adorable, & yes, very interesting in contrast to that fabulous, rugged fireplace.

    I guess I think a look works best when you take a design direction & run with it. While I see other options, I love the direction Jan is heading in.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    See - now I think that one of the elements (the curvy clean feminine pillar holders) on the mantle pick up the feminine chair shape and more modern yet still feminine chair fabric w/ the white print!

    I don't think that feminine means that you have to go whole hog into the whole whitewashed cottage look. I like when 2 unexpected styles meet and compliment eachother but I do think that it takes careful and judicial editing to bring them together and 1 should outweigh the other.

    I also like the way Jan is going. I love how 2 different people can take the exact same thing and each one see it different ways!

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    ttodd - Yes, I would love to hear your thoughts. I admire everything you've done in your home, and I know anything you have to say is great advice. I had originally thought of mixing light creamy colors and dark brown (I'm thinking basket-woven textures) on the fireplace. It just seemed like anything dark I put up there was absorbed by the stone background. I had an inspiration photo I was working with that showed light items on a rustic fireplace, but it was geared toward spring/summer. Here was my inspiration:

    I thought that by choosing less polished looking items, i.e. antique/crackled/aged, that I could pull it off.

    I don't mind changing out for the passing seasons. We do experience all four seasons here. And yes, I really love the lamp shades. They're even better in person than the images I'd seen. I love the warm glow.

    The fireplace stone was more my hubby's choice than mine, so maybe I'm fighting it too much. I don't mind rustic, but I'm not looking to take the room as far as a lodge style.

    I hope the chair fabric is alright, as the chairs are new and chosen by a decorator, so I can't see covering or changing them.

    Hi Stinky - You have great thoughts, and I knew what I was doing when I chose the light items - the risk that they may not jive with the style of the rest of the room. I don't plan to leave them up all year. Fall and winter require at least some modifications, I think.

    Is this more in line with what you had in mind? - An image from Country Living, I think:

    I'll be back with some additional photos for Les regarding furniture arrangement.

    Jan

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Jan, good find! I bet that simple arrangement would look wonderful on your mantel!

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Okay, Les,

    Here are some extra pictures of the rest of the room (please overlook Lego creations):

    Again, I don't want to keep the sofa and loveseat. They came from a prior move, and we've had them over 10 years now.

    As you can see, the room is large and rather empty. It's worked okay so far, as our boys loved the room to play and we didn't want to get new furniture while they were younger. Anyway, at this point, we are planning to replace the two couches and end tables. The only items that need to stay are the entertainment console/hutch, two chairs by the fireplace, leather ottomoan, and of course, the lamps.

    The TV console/hutch has just over four feet of space between it and the dining room doorway casing, and about three feet on the other side to the foyer doorway casing.

    The whole room is around 29' x 15'.

    I hope this is helpful in coming up with some sort of furniture plan.

    The decorator recommended the same sort of setup we have now, except with a possible L sectional or a separate matching sofa/loveseat combo. She thought a square storage cocktail table could be shared there, possibly in a black wood finish.

    She also recommended a couple of chairs by the front windows and a couple of end/side tables.

    Behind the loveseat or short side of the L sectional, she recommended a long, narrow sofa table, since the back of the furniture would be exposed.

    I'm all ears for your thoughts on furniture arrangement and what could hang on the long wall.

    Thanks so much,

    Jan

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Yes, the Country Living photo was more what I "saw" with what you have going on. I can see, however, how that striking photo of the light items could have inspired you...gorgeous. I can also understand how everytime you put something dark up there, it kind of disappeared.

    Ttodd has a great eye, & is much more contemporary & stylish than I am. I haven't done such a hot job in my own house, but usually find that other people's houses inspire me to come up with ideas more easily than my own. So, I took a leap & made the suggestions I made.

    Whatever you do, you have beatiful furniture & a great room. It's going to look marvelous...it already does. Good luck!

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Stinky - I really do like the Country Living photo too. I would love to find a mirror like that. And, that style might look better in the room, as you mentioned, especially in the fall/winter months.

    Don't knock your own decorating style.

    Everyone here is enjoying the support and advice of the forum for making the best of their spaces.

    Did I mention I'm an accountant in real life? So that explains my challenge with creativity. Truly, after working with numbers all day, it's fun and refreshing to have a creative outlet. But I will say that it requires a major shifting of gears in my anal little mind. :o)

    Jan

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Jan, I want to thank you for taking the time to write such kind words. That was very nice of you.

    I also wanted to bump up your thread, as I know you are looking for Les to offer you some more furniture arranging guidance!

    I think it's great, btw, that you are an accountant. What a wonderful profession. You are ALSO a very creative person in addition! You just don't see yourself that way.

    It's nice to get feedback here for tweaking, but you've done a lot on your own, & have done a beautiful job throughout your house. Don't your friends in Wisconsin like what you've done? I bet they love it!

    Have a nice day crunching those numbers!

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I love those lamps and they go great. I think your home is so pretty.

    I like the way the mantle is but think it would be fun to change it out for the seasons. Really like the Country Living photo.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Stinky - Thanks so much, and I guess my Wisconsin friends do like my home. I love your screen name, by the way! It's hilarious, and I laugh every time I see it!

    sheesharee - Thanks, and if you have ideas about where to find a mirror like that, let me know.

    Jan

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I'd probably first check places like Marshalls etc. I've seen similar large framed mirrors at ours.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I'd also check Overstock.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Nailpace I love Alabaster lamps, yours is fantastic. That would normally sell for $150.-$190.00 more in a upscale antique shop.

    Jan in Wisconsin I have two urns that appear in your Country Living room which has nothing to do with the subject.

    Your chairs look so homey and comfy.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    sheesharee - I will check both places, thanks.

    newdawn - Thank you.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Still hoping Les and ttodd will return.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Ah Ha I'm back!

    Stinky Gardener (whose name I love so much!):

    Thank you for your kind words - it's all been a big giant experiment and I've finally begun to find 'my place' in it all w/in the past year. The same way I don't get math or pick up musical instruments the way others do naturally is how I've always felt I can just see color, arrangements and variations. When I have the wonderful opportunity to help friends and family tweak things that they have sometimes they don't get what I'm doing until the very end.

    I really like the 2 inspiration pics that you posted. I like the symmetry very much.

    It seems that you do too? Let me think on this as I head out to grocery shop and I'll be back.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Thanks for posting the new pix. It is always hard to offer arrangement suggestions because the actual space may be different than it reads in a series of two-dimensional pix, but here goes.

    You have such a great feel in the room already, and it sounds like this space gets used a lot - laughing about the LEGOs, as I remember those days only too well!

    One thing that bothers me a bit is having the back of the loveseat to the fireplace and the people sitting there, especially so closely arranged. It sends an unfriendly vibe, and makes that seating less useful when you have a lot of people.

    I am wondering if it would be possible to try the entertainment center on the long wall where the couch is now. Then place the couch on the wall where the armoire was, and the loveseat in the "L" shape with its back to the windows at the end of the room closer to the entry. Situate the ec so that it is centered opposite the new couch placement.

    Put a sofa table, cabinet or low bookcase behind the loveseat, lamp on top, for a nicer view as you enter the room from the foyer.

    When you do that, I think you should be able to put one of the new chairs you are considering in the corner by the windows at the foyer end of the room, with a side table and lamp, to create a nice reading/contemplating space. If you decide to put the chair there, that might give you the perfect reason to choose a low bookcase behind the loveseat - you are creating a reading area, and now have a place to put books to reinforce that feeling.

    I dont know what your new furniture might look like, but I would consider a large round coffeetable instead of a big square - you already have the large square ottoman by the fireplace. Or, (and here I go spending money for you) I would love to see a round ottoman, something a bit less dark and heavy, with the two fireplace chairs. If you do that, perhaps then go with the big square coffee table by the large seating, and put the ottoman tucked by the wall near the armoire as additional seating when needed.

    Come to think of it, if you did that, you wouldnt really need another new chair besides the one down in the window corner that I discussed, so perhaps in the end the expenditures would be the same. :-)

    In moving the armoire, I am trying to open up the fireplace space to the rest of the seating in the room. It is a lovely spot, and should be able to be appreciated by those sitting on the couch and loveseat, as well as just those two people in the chairs.

    I know you are considering a new couch and loveseat, and I dont know what style you have in mind, but something perhaps a bit less bulky than your current pieces might be nice- perhaps with a track arm instead of the rolled (sock) arm.

    As for end tables, if you look at what you have, they have a lot of top space, but not much underneath. I think you could get by with some tables that are a bit smaller, perhaps still iron, that would take up less space. You probably dont really need or use all the top of the table space that you have (except for LEGO building, I suppose).

    Hope this helps. If the ec has to stay on the wall where it is, I would move it down the wall as far as possible toward the kitchen opening. Then situate the couch and loveseat opposite, so that the loveseat is on the other side of the couch from where it is now, faces the fireplace. If you move the ec down, it allows the couch and loveseat to be closer to the fireplace. You can likely add a chair beside the ec as additional seating, and perhaps still have your reading corner chair in the front end of the room by the windows - it will just be tucked behind the loveseat. But then if you place a low bookcase behind the loveseat, that would still create a nice corner there.

    Dont worry about centering everything on the walls - people do that, and then waste usable space.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Les, great suggestions! I love the idea of opening up the fireplace area to everyone seated in the room. It's such a lovely area, but seems isolated right now.

    Jan, as far as moving the EC, the cable company can move your cable if that's an issue.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I would do with the second suggestion from Les, leaving the EC where it is and moving the loveseat so it faces the FP. The EC may need to move closer to the kitchen entry, but I think this arrangement will help tie in the FP area with the sofa and loveseat. If the EC moves closer to the kitchen entry and leaves space to the right of it, I would suggest either 2 or 3 (depending on the size) stacked pictures on the wall, or possibly even a floor lamp to bring a little more lighting into the room.

    With the back of the loveseat to the window, this would create the perfect opportunity for a low bookcase as a console table behind the loveseat. You might then have space for a chair in the corner for a cozy reading area.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Les - Thank you so very much. This room's size is its best feature and greatest challenge. I completely agree about the fireplace seating being cut off. It drives me crazy. The present sofa and loveseat have high backs, and that doesn't help anything. I've avoided moving the loveseat to the other side of the couch because then I thought it would cut off the nice view out the windows to our front yard.

    We don't have to get a sofa and loveseat. Maybe we should just get a sofa and chairs instead, if the loveseat is going to cause so much grief. Whatever we purchase, it needs to be something smaller in height/scale, I think. If anyone has suggestions, I'm open. We saw a nice Broyhill piece that can be purchased as an L-sectional or separate pieces.

    The only issues with moving the entertainment center are the TV connection, and then I wondered about walking paths. Many times people walk around from the foyer entry into the living room and then into the kitchen. Would this cause any problems? Moving the entertainment center can be done. It gives us an option anyway.

    I love the idea of a reading nook. My hubby loves to read the paper and prep for his job, and I love to read and study in that room too. We have a lot of books, and our youngest boy has special needs and has various books for his therapy after school, etc.

    Now, since the dark leather ottoman is new and I'd rather not get rid of it, do you think we could just move that by the entertainment center seating, instead of getting a coffee table? It doesn't have storage, but that's not a huge issue. If not, I'd probably ultimately end up moving it upstairs to the TV/game room up there.

    As for a lighter ottoman by the fireplace, do you have any thoughts on one? I know Ballard sells them, and so does PB. If you have suggestions for a lighter color that would be family friendly, I'd love to see.

    I think we can experiment with which wall the ec will work best.

    My biggest questions now are:
    - What would be a better choice for an ottoman by the fireplace?
    - Do you think that having a lovseat switched to the other side of the room will block the windows too much? Would a couple of chairs work better with the future sofa? I don't want to make the foyer entry seem to cut off.
    - Can I keep the current leather ottoman in the room somewhere?
    - What in the world do I put on the long wall (behind the present sofa) in terms of wall art?

    Natal - Thanks, and yes, we could certainly get the wiring moved for the TV.

    bac717 - It would definitely be easier to include some stacked pictures to the right of the entertainment center if left on the same wall and moved more toward the kitchen, as the thermostat is on the other side.

    Thanks a ton everyone,

    Jan

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    In answer to your original question, I do like the lamps but think an ivory shade would be a better color in your space. Sorry, if this is late but I just moved over to this forum from the kitchen and bath side and read the first half of this thread.

    I really like your round sun shaped mirror ;). You do not have junky stuff by any means. Your space is evolving and you just need to add pieces that make you smile and have meaning for you. No need to rush it all in one day. The best decors take time to work themselves out. If it looks like you bought it all on one trip to the mall, then it is not personalized enough. Take time and save receipts so you can try out different looks and combos. Buy more than you need and return what does not work.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    - What would be a better choice for an ottoman by the fireplace?

    I think something round, and perhaps in a rattan or seagrass for some texture but not such a heavy feeling as the dark leather gives with the light, botanical print chairs. Although this one is not round, it has a rounded edge, which echoes the shape of the chair arms, and the multi-tonal finish picks up the colors of the mantel and the drapery, and the legs compliment the chair legs. I think a round in this material and color would work well, but I am having some trouble finding one that doesnt have a top cushion or isnt huge.

    seagrass ottoman

    This one is nice, but twice as big, and much more expensive.

    padmas plantation

    - Do you think that having a lovseat switched to the other side of the room will block the windows too much? Would a couple of chairs work better with the future sofa? I don't want to make the foyer entry seem to cut off.

    You do have the issue of creating a bit of a block to the view. However, you have to decide what focal points you want in the space. There is not likely to be any way that every seat can see everything, and how people will use the space will determine the focal points in part. I would rather concentrate on the fireplace and ec since it is more likely that is how the space will be used.

    If you keep the couch and loveseat on the current wall, moving down toward the fireplace some after moving the ec down the same way on the opposite wall, and put a low cabinet or bookcase behind the loveseat, i think you can create that reading corner in the front window area (chair and ottoman and floor lamp or table and lamp) that would make the loveseat seem intentional and not an issue.

    You also have to decide about whether you would rather have a loveseat depending on the seating you need. I would probably go with two chairs, table and lamp between them. which will be less of a visual barrier. But you still wont have seating that really focuses on the front view.

    - Can I keep the current leather ottoman in the room somewhere?

    If you decide to replace it by the fireplace as discussed, then I think you can put it beside the ec once that is moved down, hang some art over it, and create extra seating. Or, you could use it with the couch/loveseat or couch alone, as long as the proportion is right. Dont know what size the ottoman is, nor what size couch you are considering.


    - What in the world do I put on the long wall (behind the present sofa) in terms of wall art?

    I would not even think about the decor details like wall art until you have the room arranged as you prefer, with all the major players in place.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Ohhh - I love the idea of seagrass! I have a 42" round seagrass cocktail table stored in my basement that I love. Current LR (we switched rooms) is too small for it and the kids junk!

    The Mantle.....

    I'm always trying to work on the cheap w/ what I have first to get an idea if I'm headed in the right direction and then I build on things in steps as money allows and after I've lived w/ it first. Afterall - Rome wasn't built in a day!

    Try taking the horse, the smallest white bowl and the other white item from the other side of your mantle off and then split the pillars on either side. I know things won't really look right but that is the next step. Raising and layering. If it helps your eye see things better take the too small white mirror off for the time being. Do you like the symmetry? Can you take a pic and show me? Can we have a live telecast so that we can all join in and send you running around your house trying this and that? :)

    So using the following items that you already have and your inspiration pics:

    The 2 pillow holders but use slightly darker candles than white - biege or tan, check out how something darker might look.

    Put one on each end of the mantle. Stack some hardcover books underneath the shorter pillar holder. Use some from around your house that have the jackets removed. I'd look for some in a range of cream, vanilla, tan, medium and dark brown. I think even the light olivey color of the 2 pillars in your 2nd inspiration pic would look fantastic.

    Use the 2 (looks like off-white vases) w/ the brighter green foliage in them. Again one on each side of the mantle. You'll have to play w/ heights to get something pleasing to the eye. Use things that underneath to raise items as needed but make sure each side is balanced.

    Do you have something long, narrow and shallow somewhere in your house like a basket or something? I'm thinking of something like that in the center of your mantle filled w/ green apples in Spring/ Summer and red ones in the Fall or Pumpkins. Ooohhhhh! Or hey if you don't have something like that you could line some apples up on the mantle in a row. Or vanilla colored votives neatly lined up in a row w/ some pretty greenery or silks if you like weaved around the protected votives.

    Instead of a stark white framed mirror what about a really rich cream (even darker IMO) framed mirror or a dark, dark framed mirror.

    Are you married to having a mirror above the fireplace? Would you consider a nice print or painting?

    I love the little nest in the 1st inspiration pic w/ the lighter brown eggs. I can see that tucked on your mantle.

    I have this old black and white picture that I keep envisioning when thinking of your mantle. The picture is an old black and white and the frame is a simple black frame but the mat is this really old rich manilla color. It's so neat and my office has ended up drawing all of it's color and inspiration from all of those colors.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Les - Thanks for the suggestions. I love the ottoman. Our furniture buying will be happening in the future, but we're in the planning phase now - trying to figure out what would work. Your ideas are great, and I'll be talking with my hubby about it.

    ttodd - I will do the experimental moving and maybe start a new thread. The mantel is only about maybe 8" wide. I'm not bound to a mirror up there at all.