so i’ve been gone. i fell into the depths of the cold winter months and i’m afraid the lack of sunshine had sucked every bit of creativity directly out of my soul. however, charlotte is in bloom; a thick layer of fluffy yellow pollen has created a bed over the city while seasonal allergy sufferers cry out for mercy. with spring in bloom, i have new ideas for projects and i have a renewed sense of energy, just enough to start blogging again.
but the real blogging breakthrough goes to my dearest friend, virginia, who emailed a couple of days ago with a design dilemma surrounding her amazing new purchase: a dining room table made from 100-year old reclaimed lumber from The Lorimer Workshop. from what I can tell, each mouse click on this website will produce a drool-worthy photo of wooden masterpieces. did she find a gem or what?
her dilemma is this: what chairs to pair with her farmhouse table? an eclectic mismatch of vintage thrifted chairs? white-washed ladder back chairs to brighten up the space? green or red chairs for a splash of color? or maybe a bench for an informal, casual vibe? i’ve come up with four moodboards using her actual table (waiting for her at the warehouse) and creating a different design around each table.
dining design #1: upholstered ends
this moodboard reflects a punch of modern flair with two armchairs at the heads of the table, along with a bench for either side. a rustic chandelier with glass lanterns, paired with pottery supports this tuscan vibe. a red-washed sideboard is the perfect accessory to house plates, wine glasses, and silverware.
dining design #2: light bright
this moodboard is conversely opposite than the one above, with the addition of white chairs, rattan seating, and a burst of yellow lighting. two seagrass chairs should flank the ends of the table, with four white ladderback chairs on either sides. a white washed sideboard with a reclaimed wood top pulls the entire look together, with a sprinkling of lemon & lime accessories as well as spoon & fork wall art.
dining design #3: simple vintage
this moodboard makes me feel calm each time i see it. a striped jute rug would do the trick underneath the dining table, complete with 6 green ladderback chairs for a homogeneous look. my favorite part of this room is the vintage window-turned mirror (sold on etsy) that would look amazing hanging opposite of the table. a pink orchid would allow a contemporary twist to this traditional room.
dining design #4: color me red
if virginia wants to go bold, but not too bold, this room is for her. two slipcovered white chairs (easy to wash) would head the table as 4 red ladderback rattan chairs round the sides. a honey-colored jute rug would tie in the seating with the textured floor. for another nod to earthy fibers, the rattan pendant is a nice focal point over the table. a white sideboard brightens up the room and ties in the chairs, while a bold red piece of wall art pulls the eye directly into this space.
hopefully virginia and her hubby can pull in some ideas from some of these moodboards to create the perfect space for their growing family.
am i crazy…i LOVE the red chairs…why?? i don’t own anything red (maybe never in my entire life), but when i see those red chairs i want to get them…NOW.
and, i guess that i need to clarify. i wanted you to tell me what to get, not give me more choices. i mean, because now i can totally see lily dilly lined up with her little sister or brother on a bench (not any time soon, but you know what i mean). i hadn’t even considered a bench before.
oh my.
i’m so glad you like the bench idea! i hoped you would. i can definitely see with a couple of benches with your table. no, you’re not crazy for liking the red – i do, too! red is a very warm and inviting color.
i can’t wait to see what you choose! if you want a breakdown of products, i’ll let you know where all of these ideas came from…..
vd – i agree! those things make my head spin! i love them all!
good luck! (& I love love love your table!)
I can’t resist adding my vote, but also to thank you for writing about the table. I built Virginia’s table and I must admit that I was very happy with the way it came out.
My vote was for design #2, though I loved design #3. Oh dear! I also loved #1. So I am really so glad I could help resolve the dilemma, or not……
David
Thanks for the comment! My husband I both are quite impressed by your beautiful work. Perhaps we should start a piggy bank for a future purchase!
I’m all about the bench idea! It’s great for flexible seating options and impromptu dining room plays (by the kids, of course!). Erin, you’re so talented! I love your mood boards. Hopefully you’ll be able to design some for Dan and I in the next year or so!
xoxo