I already have a sideboard in there which I'm perfectly happy with. Here's a picture of that one taken just a couple of months ago.
So what's the problem?
The problem, my lovelies, is the wall to the other side. A big blank wall that is stumping me in terms of what to do with it. Here's another pic from the summer but it's not changed too much since then. The door to the left goes to the hallway, the door to the right goes to the cellar.
That framed print I've had for years. It was stuck on that wall not long after we moved in to fill the space and forgotten about, all lonely and boring. I don't hate it but I don't love it either. I think it's served it's purpose and it's time to move on.
That space between the two door frames is around 2.2 meters or just over 7ft wide. There's room enough for something narrow against that wall (around 40cm / 16" in depth would be about right) which would still allow for someone to be sat in the chairs and another to walk behind them. But what do I want? The possibilities are endless and that's probably what's keeping me from making any decisions.
The first question as an interior design enthusiast is, of course, what I actually want from the space?
I think I would like something with storage because you just can never have too much storage, can you? But it's not entirely a dealbreaker. I'd also love to have some way of displaying servewear as I love pretty plates and glasses and I'd be able to indulge myself if I had somewhere to actually put it other than on the kitchen shelves. But again, that's not really a necessity either. Or, ya know, I can simply go with pretty. Pretty is good, right?
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As much as I'd love something to put table lamps on, there are no electrical outlets on that wall so that idea is out unfortunately. However, I do love the idea of two big pieces of art to complement the neighbouring gallery wall.
Or perhaps just one supersized piece.
The style of the console/sideboard is another challenge. With an existing piece in place, what would work best to contrast with it without it looking completely out of place? Too much matchy-matchy would make my eyeballs itch. It needs to be a different style... but what?
Would something more modern / mid-century work?
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I'm not sure it would work with the Chinoiserie chairs... Maybe something with a more 'vintage' vibe instead?
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Or something with lots of interesting details? Or would that be fighting with all the other details in the room?
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Or should I just forget the idea of storage and stay simple with a console table instead?
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So as you can see, with so much choice out there, I'm drowning in ideas. Any preferences or suggestions? I'm all ears.
Yikes, decisions decisions eh?! First of all, I am LOVNG your gallery wall - that colour palette and the range of mediums you've used is definitely indeedly most swoonworthy. Particularly loving the & sign, retro martini ad and chicken sign, so fun!
ReplyDeleteAhem, so onto the issue at hand... Well I def agree with you about the artwork - think as the other wall is so 'busy' (with said fabulous gallery wall) maybe just one oversize piece would work really well. That's what I'd do anyway. And I recky I'd go with either a console or a sideboard in white BUT a different style, to balance out the white one on the other side. Or maybe even some kind of white and black/grey puppy.
Look forward to seeing the outcome!xx
i love the idea of a china cabinet like the last one if you think it will fit well and not overtake.... it would complement the height of the gallery wall well. otherwise, i think a simple industrial piece could look really good- you know the kind, sleek metal legs and a rustic wood top. it would be simple enough not to stand out but different enough, too.
ReplyDeleteok, because i'm a loser i just googled the rest of your dining room to refresh my memory... how's about a brassy/gold console like this http://www.amazon.co.uk/Homescapes-Embossed-Console-Dressing-Drawers/dp/B001RC5NV6
ReplyDeleteit keeps with the other ethnic themes you have going on & will pick up with the sunburst mirror...
it will also tie in with the handles on your current piece... there are even a couple of small drawers for napkins & the like... then i'd stick to one or two big pieces of art above, maybe in orange or b&w to tie in with your art wall, bearing in mind whatever you put there is going to be reflected in the sunburst mirror...
finally, & i don't know why, but i see the mother of all white orchids hanging out on top... :)
failing this, a high-lacquered, brightly coloured console...
I love the idea of using something gold/brass to pick up the mirror! Nice one :) Thank you xx
DeleteI like the idea of something tall on that wall, to balance out the height of the fireplace and what's above it. However, it doesn't have to be too chunky. What about a tall metal etagere with glass shelves, something like this?
ReplyDeletehttp://pinterest.com/pin/205336064232034042/
I have a partial wall in my dining room where I'd like to put a skinny something, but I've hesitated on a console table because I don't visually like it being the same height as the dining table. It's one of those spaces that I may never find something for, because it can't be very deep, and it's the stairway wall, so there's only a slanted space, so it can't be too wide.
But back to you ... I like the idea of the welsh dresser, except I wonder if it would be too crowded in the room with something that chunky? Your existing sideboard already has some chunk to it, although with its legs being exposed at the bottom, it's not too hefty-looking. Whether a welsh dresser would be too heavy visually may be hard to judge without being in the room and seeing all the space at one time.
If you do end up with something lower and art above it, I would definitely opt for one large piece of art, since you have so much going on with the gallery wall and the fireplace wall. Or at the most two pieces that go together and visually look like one piece.
You know I always have something to say. I look forward to seeing what you decide to do!
Vintage vintage vintage! With large-scale art above. And gold bits. Although good luck finding one of those library card catalogue multi-drawer thingies here in the UK - renovation bloggers in the US seem to be falling over the damn things but they're in distinctly short supply this side of the pond - and if one does pop up on eBay locally then you (or perhaps W?) are going to have to fight me for it :-)
ReplyDeleteVintage all the way. And I think one big piece of art. If you like I can send you a super size picture of myself. Who wouldn't want to stare at that while they eat! :) (eww). Love your inspiration pics, as always!!
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it be fun to style a china cabinet? This is the kind of thing that fuels my decisions.
ReplyDeleteHmm difficult one! I think console table with the art leaning against it - sort of vintage but also a bit modern - not shappy chic type vintage. Hmm not really helping am I !!! Maybe some vintagey ytypography?? xx
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