We’re still getting settled in and unpacked. Eleanor’s room is looking good, and I’m going to assemble August’s new bed today. Everything else is coming together slowly as we come out from under mountains of boxes.
The dining room is one of the more put-together rooms, if only because all we needed to do was to clear out some of those aforementioned boxes and plop the dining room table and chairs into place.
We were never able to use both table leaves before, but the dining room in this house is a few feet larger than our last. I’m not sure if we’ll keep the table set up like this, but it’s nice to know that we can. We would need a couple more side chairs — I tucked the two end chairs in among the rest, but that’s a little weird.
I haven’t done anything with the giant breakfront yet, so don’t judge the styling in the room. It’s non-existent! Lone bird vase on table, big head vases because they need to go somewhere, window unit air conditioner, and boxes in the corners. So pretty.
We also have access to nine vintage Thonet chairs that belonged to Brandon’s grandmother. They were being stored up at the lake house, and we brought four back with us. (Some are sturdier than others.) If we don’t use them in the dining room, we can find places for them elsewhere.
Brandon and I have different approaches to unpacking. I get weird about wanting to put everything away perfectly the first time, and he wants to just get it all out of boxes and worry about the organization later. It’s a good combination though, and we’re making decent progress on getting this place in order.
36 comments
Dion Seminara Architecture
Like the idea of 2 kids of chairs. You could have white chairs as Antonella suggested or paint these chairs white. Otherwise adding white tie on cushions to all the chairs could work. Maybe alternate them around the table.
Kim @ Yellow Brick Home
That light fixture just gave me heart palpitations (in the best possible way).
Amber @ Wills Casa
Thonet chairs are my favorite! Can’t wait to see how you use them!
Angie
All of the woodwork seems to be in such great condition! I’m usually a fan of white woodwork but not in this case!
Loving that diiningroom light fixture!
judy
Duh! I knew I was wrong cause if it could be better you would be the 1st to know it. Sorry-
Jay V
I really like the Thonet chairs in there. Adding bright color to them would really make them look more modern. Can’t wait to see what you do with that beautiful home!
Erin
Mix the chairs!
Judy
Hi I really hesitate to make a suggestion to someone as talented as you are but could the table run the other direction? And I know there is a system for AC that is small and white and seems to mount high on the wall-maybe Mitsubishi? It seems as though one can add these units 1 @ a time but I’m not sure about it as I have only seen a couple of ads re: these. The house is stunning and I hope you can relax and do what you want without the pressure of rushing in order to fulfill our need for instant pretty. Happy new nest-Happy new feathering.
Making it Lovely
The table wouldn’t fit the other way. A round table could be nice in the room, but I really like our vintage Henredon that we have now. And I have seen wall-mounted A/C units. I’d prefer not to do that though — at least the window units are only in place in the summer.
Juliane at Modern Mural
Good luck with the unpacking! That’s always the hard part, not feeling settled but still having to function. The space is so beautiful. Everyone knows you’ll make it perfect.
Lucy
I think I’d be pinching myself everyday if I lived in this house. This dining room is amazing! I love the chair combo you have going on. I love mixing metals with wood. It looks like you have several Jonathan Adler pieces. He’s one of my favorite designers! I have an article coming up on him on my blog soon.
gasgjsgdj
OK, so the ultimate meaning of ‘Pink Loves Brown’ was that you would leave an überpink house for an überbrown house. Hum.
Making it Lovely
Ha! It is very brown right now. That will change as I begin painting, adding rugs, art, and so on.
Stephanie
Wow – it’s really cool to see how good previous furniture choices result in rooms that already look great ‘out of the box’ (as they say).
Making it Lovely
Most of our furniture is working pretty well for us. It’s my ‘Making it Yours’ principle in action!
jbhat@uw.edu
I haven’t been commenting lately because it’s all so exciting that I have scarecly been able to type. But I’ve been loving the floor by floor tours and think it’s all simply marvelous and incredibly beautiful. You are going to have so much fun setting the place up, and I am going to have so much fun watching it happen. What a gift you’re giving!
jbhat
Making it Lovely
Thank you! I am having so much fun, scheming and planning for all that I’d like to do with the house. It’s beautiful as-is, but I have grand ideas that I can’t wait to execute!
BungalowBliss
Agreed! I have found myself scrolling through my blog feed just to see if there’s a new Making it Lovely post. I gave up my dream home to relocate closer to family and am in something that–while perfectly safe, clean, and a blank slate–doesn’t make my heart skip a beat. I’m living vicariously through you, Nicole! I love this new house and can’t wait to see the special touches you add!
Jessica @ Sunday Loves
Yes, same here!! :)
NYLon Living
I love the mix of steel tolix chairs with the wood! very cool!
Em
I noticed there’s a window A/C unit in the dining room. Are you planning to add central air to the house, or use window units? I know it can be tricky with older homes, so wondered how you can plan to tackle it!
Making it Lovely
It would be nice to add central air eventually, but our only real option (read: no bulk-heads and visible ductwork) is something like SpacePak. It would be a $20,000+ system. The good thing is that this house stays much cooler than our last did, so while the window units are ugly (SO UGLY), we’re keeping our windows open most days and haven’t had to run them too often.
Sava
1.5 years after moving in, and I just finally got around to organizing the junk drawer. Something can wait like the pantry (needs can change), but somethings shouldn’t. The good thing about it is that I don’t feel guilty throwing out anything that hasn’t been touched. I’m finding that we have way more room to store stuff just by sorting things and making sure like goes with like.
On one hand it is nice to get things in order, but as you live in a place you will discover were things belong.
Karen
Any details on the bowl/centerpiece on the table? It’s beautiful!
Making it Lovely
Yep, it’s the Jonathan Adler ‘Giant Bird Bowl.’ It was my Christmas present a few years ago.
Wrenaria
Probably Jonathon Adler. http://www.jonathanadler.com/Giant-Bird-Bowl/
Lisa Coen
I watched my parent’s renovate/restore/revive an old farmhouse in the 70’s. Looking forward to seeing the direction you take with this home. Also, we attended Renegade this year because of your previous recommendations. What a wonderful show and a fun way to spend the weekend!
Making it Lovely
So glad you had a good time! I wanted to go to Renegade again (as always), but missed it for the first time this year.
Laurie
Ooo, I’m with you. I like to nest properly right out of the gate. This means that the box of glasses might sit there a little bit as I decide what the PERFECT cabinet will be for glasses moving forward. But I love it. I love moving into places. Moving out is miserable but moving in is so full of possibilities.
Shannon
It’s crazy how both sets of chairs look great, but totally change the look/feel of the room! Excited to see it come together! :)
Making it Lovely
Chairs always make the dining room! I wish I could go with Prague 811 chairs, but the caning would be a big mistake with two young, messy eaters right now.
Antonella
How about some white Masters chairs by Philippe Stark? I think they would be lovely to balance all the beautiful warm wood…
hugs from Italy
Esha
Is the sofa in the first photo a Karlstad with different legs? If so, what was your leg source?
Kathryn
I have the Karlstad with different legs, got them from here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/UncleBobsWorkshop
Making it Lovely
No, it’s Jasper, from Room & Board.
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