What to do in the dining room of this 100 yr old farmhouse?
We just built a 10 foot farmhouse table and we need a new rug. Should we go lighter or stay with a darker color? Should we go with a pattern or a color? I was thinking that it needs to be bigger but how much bigger? I'm planning on getting rid of the piano and putting curtains up. Oh what to do about the curtains! There are radiators under both windows! French doors are going in eventually, leading to the back yard.
Comments (22)
- 8 years ago
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Finally! New kitchen in old farmhouse, lotsa pics!!
Comments (34)Thanks all! weedpuller: the compost bucket is huge - 15L or about 3 gallons. I don't let it get too full though because it gets heavy (not to mention smelly, though only noticeable when the door is open) and I worry about the weight. It is from Rev A Shelf, see link localeater: I love the compost bucket. We compost everything, no garbage disposal in our house. It is under the prep sink on the island and I scrap into the sink then gather it up to throw in the bucket. Easy. The bucket pulls out to be carried out to our bin. Also, the broom closet is 2' wide, 3' deep and 6' tall and functions beautifully (especially after not having one for so long!). The chair is from PB Teen, Vintage Wood Swivel. Well constructed and comfy, as well as (I agree, if I do say so myself) a perfect fit for the space! Beth: Thanks!! It's Baker and we're not going anywhere anytime soon ;) We did all this work on an old house we love because we hope to be here forever! :) And yes, our pup loves it too! kelhuck: That is just what I love to do in the space, time and kids allowing! Book storage was actually a big part of the planning for our book-loving family. And yes, mamadadapaige - life altering is right! Sometimes I still can't quite believe it. Thanks again! Your compliments and interest mean a lot to me. Here is a link that might be useful: Pull Out Compost...See MoreSeeking layout advice, please for old farmhouse kitchen
Comments (6)First of all, THANK YOU for taking the time to read this, look at my plan, and assist me. In response to some of the questions/comments... The right side that desertsteph mentioned not being able to see/read on the drawing - right now there is a large old butcher block table there, with 3 wall cabs and some shelves above. We do not use the table - it basically collects junk. I think that area could be used much more efficiently. Yes, this is mostly "steamlining and prettying up"! I'm not opposed to changing things *if* it really makes sense to do it but am not looking to change things just for the sake of change. I think I have a good base and there is no need to tear it all out and start from scratch. I just want to be sure that I am making the most efficient and effective decisions. I was thinking of putting another oven beside the refrigerator; it seems like the easiest place for a new appliance. I do have a floor-to-ceiling pantry that holds a ton of stuff. If I don't put in a second oven, the space beside the refrigerator would probably be a combo of deep drawers and a good sized pantry cabinet, and/or some kind of built-in microwave as right now we have a countertop MW that just sits on an old dresser! The floor is pine planks - very pretty, warm color - all the first floor floors are the same material, and it will remain. The hall door sees the least traffic, so it seems like the cook center is already in the best place given that I need to keep 5 doors into this space. The space between the island and the kitchen table is basically a corridor to the living room, so that needs to stay clear. I briefly considered a new countertop with an overhang on that side but the overhang would make my existing top drawers unusable, so I ruled that out. We do not have an entry room or mudroom at this entrance to the house; there is a brick patio outside this door. Our laundry room is as long as the kitchen but about 6 ft wide; part of this is a half bath, some is laundry, and the rest is storage and "mud room" functions. There is a lot packed into that little space but it works pretty well. I have aspirations of building a covered stoop at the back since we do use this entrance all the time, but that will be a few years away. I don't think our site setbacks would allow a full mudroom or entry here. I like the shelf above the cabinets too, although I'm not much of a collector, so I don't know what to put up there. I'm short so it is too high for me to access for storage, and works as display only. I'm having outlets installed above the shelf as part of this project so I can install lighting up there to light the ceiling. My finish plan is: *keep the floors *cover the ceiling with an anaglyptic wallcovering that looks like tin tiles which will be painted white *install crown mold all around, painted white *paint the cabinets white, add a "light rail" piece of trim to the bottoms, switch out the hinges with something less obtrusive, change the pulls on the drawers to bin pulls, and change the door pulls to new ORB/white porcelain pulls *paint the wainscot and trim (now blue) dark brown, picking up on the darkest brown tones of the floor and the dark brown fleck in the laminate countertop *paint the walls a very light cream/yellow (BM Pearly Gates, I think) *I'd hoped to replace the countertop to the left of the range with Corian to match what's on the right. It's probably 20 years old and it looks great, but this CT is so old that I am having trouble matching it. I am still looking at options here - would like to use something white/light colored but have also considered the Ikea butcher block for economy reasons, although I am not sure I am up to that DIY project *I bought subway tile for the backsplash at the range, but I have to replace the CTs first because they are not currently at the same height (only a fraction of an inch off, but against the lines of the tile it will be really evident) I guess my biggest question is - is it worth it to consider moving the sink? Would I gain the same benefit by undermounting a new sink at the existing location on the island and having a butcher block piece made to cover half of it to expand the prep area? That would certainly be less expensive, but would it be as effective as the combination of a main sink and a prep sink? I appreciate your time and your thoughts. Thanks for your help!...See Morecentury-old, partially remodeled farmhouse
Comments (247)Claire, nope they are all level. But maybe you’re seeing the gaps in between the planks that are typical for old floors. We choose to not fill them in. They still have to finish the toe trim....See MoreHelp with 1907 farmhouse dining room
Comments (3)Reconsider your space…how could it be more multifunctional for your daily life? Some ideas…library/dining/work/creative/gathering space. That will guide your furnishings/layout. Painting or white washing the wood walls would freshen/brighten the space and coordinate with the adjacent rooms. Is there wood flooring under the tile in the old kitchen? Sand/finish the wood floors. Edit the smalls to be more intentional and functional with a small group of items that have something in common…color, shape, texture. Paint the furniture a color that coordinates or pops against the light walls. Bring in some interesting lighting that relates to the furnishings....See MoreRelated Professionals
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PRO8 years agolast modified: 8 years ago8 X 10 might do it...you need at least 2' bigger than the table all around for the rug. Problem is it may interfere with the piano seat. Any other spot in the house for the piano?
Sisal/jute would be my choice.
Like the windows, for your antique home, just as is. Love seeing the muntins and woodwork.
You could use two more chairs. More slipcovered, with arms, in another fabric.
Inspiration photo: what I love is the two lanterns over the table.
Lido Isle · More Infoamadeus157 thanked JudyG Designs- 8 years ago
- 8 years ago
- 8 years ago
Ok I took some pics of the lighting over the dining table. Can't seem to get more than one uploaded.
- 8 years ago
I don't know what era this light is from but it's funny how my mother in law and husbands aunt and uncle(all originally from England) liked it.
- PRO8 years agolast modified: 8 years ago
Hi, annemarsh1, guess what? The chandelier is not PB. Same size, 40", and, but $800.00 less! Found it here on houzz; seller "light up my home".
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8 years ago- 8 years ago
8 years agoIf you are using your table all the time you will probably want 3 feet wider all around the back of the chairs. You can always have broadloom sized and bound and there are so many fun patterns out there now. I think sisal would look great too with a tan binding!
Woven shades
Dining · More InfoValances and curtains an rugs; maybe too traditional but these items translated to your room would give you a finished look.
Beach Style Dining Room · More InfoThe picture above shows the sisal rug, valances, curtains, and a radiator cover. The plants are fun too and the chandelier is at the correct height, 30-36 inches above the table top for 8 foot tall ceilings in the room. Over 8 feet and raise chandelier 3 inches up for every foot taller ceiling.
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For a more casual look take down curtains and put up woven wood Roman shades.The Piano looks fine were it is I think having always had a piano and they have to go somewhere where you can hear practicing going on! lol
I think you could build rad covers with mesh type metal in the front panel for heat circulation.
Paint your ceiling a pale pale pale blue that blends well with wall paper to have a higher sky effect in the room.
Possibly window panels and chair covers in an accent color found in another adjacent room in the house to give a coordinated look.
The table is to die for and the room is beautiful!
- 8 years ago
- 8 years ago
Thank you everyone for all the help and ideas!!! So many great ideas and very helpful! I will post some pics once we finish the room. We have some other rooms we are desperately in need of advise on. Living room is perplexing us because of a massive fireplace which someone encased in a dark wood. Again for us and some family/friends this is a reminder of England and the older style. Love it, but don't like it at the same time. We've had people tell us don't change it because it makes the space but it feels a bit overwhelming. These pics happen to be from Christmas time, as you can tell. We've since put a rug down and cleaned up the cat toys and the messy tale. :o) Not a great view of the entire room but it's not a very big room and again the ceilings are low. I can take more pics later.
PRO8 years agoThis image of a project of ours might be useful in trying to decide what type of rug to use.
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