So then, here’s the other end of Jennifer’s living room, also painted that fabulous warm buttery yellow. What I see here is a space with small problems and great potential.
As I said in the previous post, the first thing I would do is dress the windows. I would coordinate, not match, the windows in the living room to visually unify the two spaces since they are essentially the same room. I would also consider using a bamboo roman shade to bring in another texture and on top of that I would hang some simple panels on a chunky 3-inch dark wooden rod.
After that, I think the recessed area where the hutch is located is just screaming for some color and maybe even some texture. This is a great place to pull in one of the colors from the sofa fabric. She has a rusty red club chair in her living room and I kind of like that color paired with the yellow.
In the mock-up above, you can see how the pop of color on the back wall and the curtains help to fill the space.
Above, I’m trying to show how a texure on the back wall will add visual interest. Additionally, you can see how a rug defines and anchors the space. What you will notice however is that the hutch looks too small.
Here I’ve solved the problem of the hutch appearing to be too small by adding a large framed mirror over the top. I would then use only one of the tall natural floral elements. I would place it on the left and then add a group of lower items in the center and on the right. Generally, in arranging accessories, you want to try to achieve an informal balance as opposed to precise symmetry.
Additionally I would add some sort of art on either side of the hutch to help fill out the space. I would look for something architectural like antique Chinese panels or something beyond standard framed prints — something unexpected. And it might not be “one” thing - it could be a group of things that read and occupy the space as a whole. Beyond that, I think some coordinating shades on the chandelier would add a lot of ambiance. You might even consider turning your table the other direction to visually lengthen the space.
I didn’t go too much into specifics in terms of accessories and colors because I know y’all have great ideas and I want to hear them. Bring’em on!
A rug under a dining room table? Sounds like a cleaning nightmare to me. Or is it carpeted already? Then a darker rug could hide more dining stains. You might consider the size of the rug, making sure the rug edge doesn’t always get in the way when you’re sliding chairs in and out.
February 29th, 2008I thought a large tapestry (coordinating colors, of course) behind the hutch might look good…hung 6 inches below the ceiling and covering most of the wall.
The first thing I thought when I looked at the picture was that the table needed to be turned the other way.
I’ve always had a rug under both my breakfast room table and formal dining room table and it’s never been a problem let alone a nightmare. She already has carpet in the room.
February 29th, 2008The hutch in my dining room is on a small wall but on one larger wall I have a big mirror and on either side I have a collection of black and white toile plates that look really pretty. Some kind of china collection of plates or platters might look nice.
February 29th, 2008I would suggest two wooden shelves above the hutch that run wall to wall and are painted the colour of the wall. Perhaps the type that have a decorative bottom, like crown moulding type bottoms (I’m sure there is a better name for those types of shelves, but I don’t know what it is!!!) would work. Then you could line the shelves with either plates with an oriental flair if you wanted to go with the bamboo blinds or various pieces of art/vases, etc. to get varying degrees of height along the shelves. The advantage of shelves, also, is that the artwork can be changed about for variety, or seasonally.
Then the space at the sides of the hutch could be filled in with some ‘trees’ or a large vase with willowing dried grasses.
March 3rd, 2008I agree, plates or platters would be pretty. I LOVE the mirror idea above the hutch, it will really “fill in” the space. Maybe the plates or platters could be hung on one of those long, decorative metal plate hangers on either side of the hutch?
Depending on the length of the room, I would consider moving the table lengthwise as well.
The painted accent wall would look awesome as well! Love your ideas, AM!
Also, one thing I always thought was a good idea is to decorate your DR table for all the holidays. Like, keep a fall arrangement or cornupcopia in the center in fall and in spring, a spring arrangement, etc.
Another thing that I think would be doable would be to “set” the table. I have little kids, so I don’t want to put my expensive china on my table and leave it on for weeks on end, b/c I don’t think I would have much of it left after that!
However, instead you could “set” the table with chargers, Napkins, napkin rings, tablecloth, silverware, and placemats all the time and achieve the same effect as a set table. This way, you wouldn’t have to worry about breaking your good place settings. Although if you don’t have kids, why not!?
Another idea for the two sides of the hutch would be a long, vertical row of larger family pictures.
You have such a beautiful home Jennifer! I Hope you get some great ideas and I can’t wait to see the finished room!
March 3rd, 2008I am so glad you started this blog!! I asked earlier about how to make cornice boards, but now after seeing your suggestions for Jennifer’s rooms, I have changed my mind! The long curtains hung above the window will look great in my living room, too. I spent all weekend looking for 3″ black poles and couldn’t find any…Do you have a suggestion for where I might look in the DFW area? Thanks so much!
March 3rd, 2008