Your help, please, with last few choices to finish living/dining area?
I am close to the end of furnishing my open plan, but I need your help, please! I have yet to choose a coffee table and the drapery panels and hardware. My goal is to lighten and brighten this open concept area, but...I am currently renting this new space, and I cannot change wall color, blinds, etc.
Coffee table: The size is what makes it a challenge. This floor and my furniture are non-flexible. a 42”w x 18”d x 18”h coffee table which I need help finding. This will allow me the flexibility to arrange the coffee table and ottomans (each of which is 21”w x 18”d x 18”h) into one large rectangle (42”w x 36”d x 18”h) or to move the ottomans for guests to use as foot rests when seated in the black leather chairs. It will be a tight fit! And yes, I’ve had a designer come in and check it out. I think the coffee table needs to have a glass top so it does not take up too much visual space. I also think it needs to have an oil-rubbed bronze or black base to blend with the ottomans.
I have two items on order:
1) a BDI corner media cabinet:
2) an EA polished nickel, glass-topped side table which will be placed between the two black leather chairs to lighten and brighten that area.
Drapery panels: in off-white linen, and lined so they hang perfectly straight--“neatly stacked.” I do not want to pay for custom draperies in a temporary, rented space. I’m thinking of Pottery Barn or Restoration Hardware. Is anyone able to tell me if there is a difference in quality and the way they ‘stack?" The ceilings are 10’ so I can order them in 108” length. I'll place the rods well above the windows and to the side of the window frame so most of the windows are exposed. (I would have chosen white or off-white blinds. I’m hopeful that the drapes will help with what hits me as a color clash.)
Below are styles found on the “Yes. Please blog. What would look best with my contemporary, yet eclectic style? It truly has been chosen over many years, and taken several turns. I’m liking it, but I think these last decisions are critical. I do so need input from several people to help me find what will feel “just right!"
1) eyelet or grommet/without tie-backs :
2) a leather tab such as this:
Next you will see the insert of my floor plan, although it is reversed. Using color, I superimposed approximations of my furniture as far as size, scale, and location. The sofa is parallel to the island; across from the sofa is an exterior wall with a set of three windows. The chairs form an L-shape with the sofa. Behind them is another exterior wall with three windows of the same size as the previously mentioned wall. [This apartment is a corner unit.] And btw--there is not room for a sofa table.
The pink diagonal line on the floor plan represents the only place for the tv. Trust me on this. I’ve had more than one designer come in, and this is the only possible configuration with my furnishings.
The new ottomans are temporarily being used as a coffee table.
If you have an idea or suggestion related to my questions, please share with me! (Just know, please, that tweaks are happening daily; art and vignettes on all tables and sideboards need work, as do throws, toss pillows, and other details.)
Comments (7)
PROPatricia Colwell Consulting
5 years agodsimber
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoIf I could have white or off-white blinds and trim, I wouldn’t even be adding drapery panels. My reason for adding off-white panels is to “lighten” and “brighten” the space. As I wrote in the first paragraph: I am currently renting this 1440 sq ft apartment in a large complex, and I am not allowed to change wall color, blinds, etc. I am working within these limits. Fortunately, the blinds are much less noticeable when open. They were closed only to control the light for the photos.
Apparently using the word “bright” was misleading. I’m not referring to color. The choices I’ve made since moving here include glass-top tables, clear acrylic (counter stools), reflective metal finishes, and off-white fabrics in a variety of textures for throws, pillows, and small ottomans. They really do lighten and brighten the space. I want to continue that as I select the drapery panels.
I have gradually moved toward a much more minimal style, but case goods that are decades old already had clean lines so I didn’t have to start all over. Eclectic and developed over time, this style gives me a serene simplicity that I really like. [My thanks goes to Houzz contributors as well as local designers.]
The New Zealand wool area rug is new, and it took me over a year to find: I love it. It is intentionally similar in color to the porcelain tile, adding texture and picking up every color in the sofa.
The questions I’m asking are re-stated below:1) Which hanging style of panels would give me “neat stacks” and complement my furnishings?
2) Where might I find a 42”w x 21”d x 18”h rectangular coffee table with [a thick] glass top and simple metal legs similar to the EA Ferri ottomans as shown in the first photo at the top of this dilemma?
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Almost done, last few decisions I need help on please.
Comments (3)oh.. okay a palette .. that makes sense! I was trying to just play it safe and pick some commonly used colors, but I like where your going. I had a friend come over with some chips (these were from H.Depot&Rest.Hardware)I like the tans she picked. M.Stewart Living - Pebble Stone MSL214 and R.Hard. Cappucino. Unfortunately my SW store is closed today so I can't check out their Latte. Luckily for me, BM store is open! Really I just need to get ceiling and myb. wall paint today, but as you say. I need to decide on wall before I decide on ceiling. I think I like a more grey tan. http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/product/product.jsp?navAction=jump&id=prod1048003 I'm afraid if I take one of these chips my friend brought over for color matching it won't work well off a chip. Maybe I'll just take them in and see what BM chip matches closely. I was also considering a green and a rust color to accent with. Have you ever seen Behr SH320 Enchanting Ginger (rust)? I picked this one and everyone that sees it isn't too crazy about it but I really like it. I was just going to accent with it. Possible Greens: (Both Behr samps) UL190-21 Ginko Tree and UL190-2 Deserted Island. So other than the ceiling and trim is this starting to sound like a palette? This is an old 1926 Bungalow with an open floor plan but only about 900 sq ft. It has some fun archways too that I thought the idea is to just paint them white underneath and inside(?). For now we'll just keep priming, but I need to decide soon. My buddy says just pick one and lets paint. I guess I'm just kinda picky about colors for a guy :) Thanks for any help/input/advice and feedback! Steven...See MorePlease help! Need your opinion with tile choice!
Comments (18)You are right about the colors in the inspiration room rug pulling in all the colors of the room. Somehow I either overlooked it or didn't want to admit it. How does the saying go..."sometimes you don't see the forest because the trees are in the way"...haha... Anyway, I just fell in love with the stone medallion rug and was offered it for a great price because it was a return to a local place that makes them. It isn't the colors that I would have chosen, but I was trying to force it to work. It has no grout because it is made with a compouter controled water jet and all the pieces fit tightly together to form one big solid piece. It's really lovely, but you are right, the colors aren't the best for the design. I have changed original design a bit because I felt it was too Tuscan/Mediterranean for the house. I am using more rustic wood instead of so much cast concrete..though I am using the cast corbles that flank the radius ceiling. I wanted it to feel casual and rustic French, but with an elegant touch of "jewelry" that the crystal and possibly some glass tile accents would bring. The color swatch under the sink is such a bad representation of the vanity color! I attached a photo of a premade cabinet in a similar color and style to what I am having made. The wall color has not been determined yet. Any suggestions?! Thanks again! Your advice is really helping me see this from a different prespective. Did I mention I am a bit over my head with this project? This monster spec house has 10 bathrooms and not enough budget! I'll post some pictures as the project progresses....See MorePlease help us plan the layout of our L-shaped living/dining area
Comments (10)Here is my first cut at your space. Rev. 1 (and btw, super-duper measurements!! kudos!). I put an approximately 11' length of sofa along the wall and since you have that short wall before the windows, I put a large ottoman type piece. I put a swivel chair in "corner" of the living space near the windows so you can swivel to converse or watch TV? maybe, or swivel toward windows for views. I put a 60" long (max. to maintain walking space to other part of the apartment) and keep it 16" deep because it will stick out 17-18 with baseboard, cords, etc. Set TV on that console. I put a 52 x 30 coffee table that would be 18" from the front edge of seating area. You could also put a small round decorative stool/table, beside the swivel chair for a place for someone to set a drink/cup of coffee, etc. Now to the dining area. To get a nominal seating for six in this area, you need a 30" wide table and you might have to have it made. A live edge custom table with metal base might be great in your space if that is a style you might like. Then in the living area, go modern and sleek. I would do the coffee table, even smaller if you wish with glass top and metal base to work with the dining elements you select. The chairs at the dining table have to be really narrow across the front seat edge. That is the big challenge. This table is 60" long and 30" wide. For every day, 4 chairs could be placed there, two on each side with the additional two chairs in the corners just to give a more open feel and help maintain views. You will need some additional lighting and a arc lamp would work well on the fireplace end of the sofa and you might want another floor lamp beside the window end of the TV console. Unless you shorten the sofa on the long wall, you have no space for end tables and lamps. So something to think about when shopping. I put a 36x16" bench in front of the fireplace for one person. The seating area will only seat 5 so total would be 6. You could bring in a chair from the dining set if needed and just squeeze folks in. Watch the size of cushions for any sectional you buy, each person needs at least 24" of space, and generally don't like sitting next to each other. Also, TIP, make sure your sectional pieces join together "under" the pieces so you don't have brackets on sides. This allows for greater flexibility in "next" house and even if you just want a seasonal change of some kind here. I'll play a bit more with this later today and see what other options I can come up with for you....See MorePlease help me decorate my living room and dining area
Comments (19)When it comes to hanging art, keep in mind those Velcro Command Strips. I use them to hang almost everything and they don't damage the walls. They hold a surprising amount of weight. That metal scrollwork would probably take one nail, but most artwork, unless the frames are really heavy, can be hung with the command strips. I'm not so sure the metal piece is "farmhouse." Rustic, probably. When I think farmhouse, though, I don't think of that type of piece. I think you can do better, but if you really LOVE it, then go for it! I do like the upholstered ottoman but I like yayagal's coffee table suggestion even better! It will definitely help set the farmhouse tone you want....See Moredsimber
5 years agolast modified: 5 years ago
PROGordon's Window Decor
5 years agoPersonally, I think Grommet drapery would be tooo casual for such a lovely space.
Think about solid fabric for the drapery, and spice it up with some tantalizing trims!
Trims, fabrics and embellishments! · More Info
Perhaps ring/clip with no pleating? Add a bit of trim on the pull side of each drapery?
Mill Valley Gourmet · More Infodsimber thanked Gordon's Window Decordsimber
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoJudyG: I really do ike that coffee table a whole lot, but I can’t see it working with the EA Ferri ottomans.
I feel I need something with a simple leg style in oil rubbed bronze or black and a plated glass top. For example, the Ethan Allen Beacon rectangular coffee table would work if only it were shorter in width.
O maybe something similar in style, but less wide, than the PB Tanner (although I wonder if the extra shelf would make it too busy with the EA Ferri ottomans in the top photo. Maybe the second shelf would line up perfectly with the bars below the cushions on the ottomans. Doesn’t matter in this case because this coffee table, too, is not as short as I need it to be.)
Might someone please tell me how to go about finding something similar to one of these in 42”w x 18”d x 18”h? I’m willing to spend in the range of $500-$800.
Or can you tell me if there is a company who makes custom metal and glass coffee tables in the preferred dimensions? (I’ve received no response from iron workers in my area.)
Hamma