Help me complete my Living and Dining room!

2 years ago

Ok, so we’ve been slowly putting our downstairs together for the last couple years, but I need help with some key components. I’m trying to lighten it up because we don’t get enough natural light, so we painted our statement wall in the dining room (it was teal and I was over it), and now it matches the other walls. In the dining room I need help with wall art. My style is a mix, but I am most drawn to Scandinavian and mid century modern. Despite this, I don’t really love colorful, geometric designs, so don’t think I want that for the wall art.

We also want to replace the media unit, rug and coffee table in the living room. Everything else must stay for now. I will attach a media unit I really like. Any input is welcome, so thanks in advance!

Comments (20)

Steph L.
Original Author
2 years ago
Here is the console Im looking at and a couple rug ideas. Needs to be washable because we have a dog. I’m also open the couch options, but not sure when we’ll be releasing it.

https://www.article.com/pla/15111/bios-78-media-unit?forceCurrencyId=1&artcl_campignID=1371418248&artcl_network=g&artcl_adgroupid=63344213190&artcl_keyword&artcl_source=google&gclid=Cj0KCQjwv5uKBhD6ARIsAGv9a-yTeEghgvCuOO8FpSheu_i1RZeO0teT7LPLfYMm5j_oQI_pNVtJO5QaAlI9EALw_wcB

https://ruggable.com/products/kamran-coral-rug?size=5x7

https://ruggable.com/products/diamond-dalia-beige-ivory?size=5x7
Steph L.
Original Author
2 years ago
Also need help with coffee table! Should I go all wood? Or is that too much wood in the two spaces?
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Now I understand where you are headed. My suggestions will not be matchy matchy and are pretty eclectic in nature. So, hopefully you will get some ideas you may not have thought about. Let's start with the DR. Drapes: I like dramatic so, if the rug has bronze that would be my first choice though there is nothing wrong with gold. I like plain simple drapes. I think drapes like blacksplashes should not be a focal point of a room when you have other beautiful things going. They should help frame the room like the color on the walls do. You may not need pinch pleated drapes. It would save you money not to have the pinch pleats. You need to decide if you want to run them from ceiling to floor or with a rod (I saw some beautiful rods at Calico Corner's. I think JCP carries Kirsch hardware also) above the window not from the ceiling. Dining table: I notice most people select wood to use with oriental rugs. I am working with a designer for my family room and breakfast nook and he just taught me a good lesson: Print rug-glass table, solid rug-wood table. He said you want to show off the beauty of the rug at all times from every direction. They do make some very large glass tables that you can use with 2 wooden pedestals for support or a great square base. If you are having a lot of guests for dinner like Christmas than you can add a folding table and use the same table cloth. This is just a suggestion. You can use wood but I always like to share new knowledge when I learn something. I still like crystal for chandeliers in dining rooms. In this case I would use crystal with some funky lamp shades to add a little fun into the room. You may find these at Home Goods or on line. I would try leopard for shades. It's hard to visualize if this will work without actually seeing it in person. Maybe someone will photoshop. Do you know the size of the table you want to use? I also think you may be able to find dining room chairs on ebay or a used furniture store that might be in decent condition or you can buy them new. Remember the chair wood does not need to match the wood of the table. There is more interest created when they don't. Here is another idea for chairs: you can used entirely different ones for the head of the table. Actually, I am pretty good at decorating eclectically. My friends are always looking for my eye. The designer I am working with always says to me "what do you need me for". Well, he is a great buffer between me and my BF whom I share my new home with. He has made my life so much more easier and is worth every penny. I am also learning alot about decorating from him.
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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.
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Is there an eat in kitchen or would the dining space be the all-the-time eating space? I like Judy's layout if there is another more casual eating area (breakfast/lunch). traipsing across living space (from kitchen) for every meal doesn't seem functional. That said, walking into your fireplace area as a LR isn't ideal either. I think it could have 2 chairs and be cozy but the TV and living space would have to be across the way. It's a beautiful looking home.
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Sorry, not sure why the picture didn't post. Here it is again. RL, I like the round pendant and the pleated one in your first set of suggestions. Is that a Nelson bubble pendant? Also, I should have given a few dimensional details. The table is 36" wide at the ends, 40" wide in the center. Ceiling height is 92".
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HU-187528210
2 years ago
do you like this coffee table

https://www.houzz.com/products/transitional-coffee-table-black-angled-metal-legs-with-2-storage-drawers-prvw-vr~129709501
Steph L.
Original Author
2 years ago
I do like it! Love the black legs with the wood. I should also mention that I need something a bit smaller than we currently have because the space isn’t huge. That has been difficult finding something I like, but won’t take up as much space.
pcride
2 years ago
That 6 panel door needs to go. The Tv and console shelf is mounted WAY TO high.
Steph L.
Original Author
2 years ago
Yes, the door is going, but we are in a condo and are limited in what we can have, so have been looking for awhile. I’m also aware of the tv and console being mounted too high and will change as soon as we get a new console. It’s a huge reason I want a new console, that and wanting something of higher quality that will last us years. My husband and dad mounted the current one without me being there and this was the result.
modpod
2 years ago
Your tv console looks good. Either rug would work (it's more a mood issue), are they both larger than what you now have? For the coffee table, I would buy something round, either two smaller round nesting type or a table with a cushion option for extra seating.
Another thought, either add shelving under your stairs for storage or move your desk to that spot and add storagec for those boxes.
You can also maybe add a sideboard in the dining area to use as storage for those boxes by the desk and then add artwork on top.
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Allison0704
2 years ago
I would remove the barstools (there is no counter overhang) so you have additional space in the living area. You'll be able to scoot the sofa back more. First rugable choice to bring in color. I like the basic style of the media piece you've selected, but I suggest wood and to not bring more white into the area.

Is there room in the dining area for a large cabinet that is not too deep? Wine storage, some drawers, cabinets below. Extra storage behind doors.

I also suggest a round cofee table or two small nesting tables.

Round table is found here.
Suzanne
2 years ago
I agree with Allison0704: get rid of the barstools, move the sofa back a bit. Your existing console is nice. Given the space considerations it would be best to have a floating piece like you have, make sure it is only as deep as it needs to be, no more.

It seems to me though that both your console and your television are too high relative to your seating. Have a look at what experts say relative to tv placement.

I would also get a bigger carpet than the one you have. Add a wall unit in the dining room which would provide storage for all of your bits and pieces and some shelving for storage and display. This would go a long way to pulling your space together. In lieu of a coffee table consider an ottoman with a tray. That way you can put your feet up when you want to and you are not knocking your shins as you walk by. Above all, remember that in a small space, less is more and you want your pieces to do double duty if at all possible.

Ps. I am assuming that your bikes need to be stored under the stairs, otherwise make use of that space.
arcy_gw
2 years ago
"I would remove the barstools (there is no counter overhang) so you have additional space in the living area" ----------10,00000Xs agree with this. You have a lot going on and deleting is in major order in this space.
Steph L.
Original Author
2 years ago
Modpod- Love your suggestions! I would LOvE to do storage under the stairs for the boxes (I have a candle business and those are my jars), but we have nowhere else to put the bikes because we only have a carport, no garage. That’s really the only spot for them and my husband used them often, so I can’t just get rid of them. Luckily my brother in law, who is renting our spare bedroom, will be moving out soon because we are having kids soon (ivf already scheduled for December), so I can use part of the large closet for the jars.

For the rug: still trying to figure out the mood we want, but I’ll see which one my husband is more drawn to. We will for sure get a larger rug.

Love your idea about getting a coffee table that can double as extra seating. And I totally agree that it should be round.

And now I NEED a sideboard lol! My husband needs storage for his bar stuff anyway, and I could put some candle jars in there too if needed! Great idea.

Thank you so much!
Steph L.
Original Author
2 years ago
Allison0704- For some reason the overhang isn’t really showing up in the pictures, but there definitely is one which is why we have everything set up the way we do. And we use them fairly often. I’m also not in love with the bar stools and they’re too short, so will eventually update those as well.

Totally love that coffee table, and agree it should be round. And as for the media console, will for sure check out some wood options because I get what you’re saying with there being too much white.

There is definitely room for a cabinet in the dining room, and we NEED to do something about the wine and my husbands other bar stuff since our wine fridge broke. Will start looking into getting a cabinet.

Thank you!!
Steph L.
Original Author
2 years ago
Arcy_gw I totally get what you guys are saying, but there is an overhang and we do use the bar stools fairly often. Maybe there are better stools out there for the space?
Sharon Fullen
2 years ago
The best way to lighten up a space with low natural light was invented by Mr. Edison. I see very little lighting throughout the space. You need task lighting for all work and reading areas, general lighting and ambient lighting for an overall brightness. Then your more reflective surfaces - white ceilings, walls and shiny materials will have something to work with. Rely on LED 4000k dimmable bulbs and updated wall switches to create moods and lighting themes.
Steph L.
Original Author
2 years ago
Lol I don’t disagree with you Sharon. Will work on that and will have the dimming switches installed soon.
Allison0704
2 years ago
I don't see how your counter could have an overhang, like this:
Steph L.
Original Author
2 years ago
It’s not as long as that one, but it’s there. Can take a pic after work.
decoenthusiaste
2 years ago
Have you considered TV under the stairs and bikes on the dining room wall? The sofa is the only non-Scandi or MCM feeling thing I see.

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Steph L.
Original Author
2 years ago
That bike idea is pretty cool! I’m sure my husband would be on board. As far as the TV under the stairs I’m not sure it would work, and I don’t think I’d like the couch they way. Definitely gonna keep the bike idea in mind for the future, even if it’s not in this space. Thank you!!
Steph L.
Original Author
2 years ago
And as for the couch, I kind of have a love-hate relationship with it because it cleans really well and we needed a sleeper. We found it at ikea and there’s even storage for blankets and stuff underneath, but I don’t love that it’s black. They had a couple other colors, but black was the best fit. Most sleeper couches are hideous and this one was palpable so we went it. With that being said I’d like to replace it with a regular sectional when we have our extra bedroom back. It’s starting to wear down anyway, so I imagine we’ll replace it in the next year or two. Ideas welcome.