Saturday, May 26, 2012

Our Farmhouse Dining Room

Our vintage farmhouse was built in 1894 so I wanted to incorporate a blend of things that would respect the historic charm of the farmhouse, yet keep it fresh, light, and interesting.

I didn't stray from using lots of neutrals, but did incorporate pops of color that I think really give the space a cool energy.

 The small size of the room, especially the narrow 9' width,
ruled out using a traditional cupboard, hutch or buffet. 
There simply was not enough width to the room. 
But this old corner cupboard that measures almost 9' tall, and was  rescued from another old farmhouse, snuggled right up into that corner as though it had been there for a hundred years. 
Or, 118 years to be exact. 
:-)) 

I’m not finished filling it yet, but it’s a start. 
The tureens and many of the butter/jelly molds belonged to my grandmother.  I have 2 more sets of her dishes that I will nestle in when we get them moved over.
I’ve had my eye on this 10' farmhouse table at my Shoppe for a while now and was hoping we could fit it into this small skinny space. 
It too fit like it was made for the room.
Next task, seating. 
I tried every style of chair imaginable, slatted, upholstered, carved, wicker, and nothing “did it” for me.  The 12' ceiling height seemed to dwarf everything.
Then I found these benches with one of my wholesale suppliers…. they were floor samples and wow were they a bargain!
I love the contrast of that shabby chippy farmhouse table with the tufted linen benches. 

To avoid creating a visual barrier for this small space, I wanted an old bench for the other side of the table.  However, finding an old 10' bench was no easy feat.
We looked.....and looked....and looked.....still no bench.  
Just as we were preparing to build one, while fluffing displays at the Shoppe these slipcovered stools caught my attention. 
There they were, right under my nose all the time. 
The more I studied them, the more I thought…..that’s it!
They are the same seat size and height as chairs and they offer the “backless” quality I was seeking in a bench. 
But, they offer so much more....
They have washable slipcovers,
they move independently,
they have padded seats,
and are on casters!  
PERFECT!
And by the way, under those slipcovers you will find beautiful burlap upholstery. 
They weren’t at all what I planned,  
they are BETTER!
I love it when that happens.
:-))
This large 7' mirror with a distressed wood frame is perfection for this room. It not only enlarged the feel of the small space, it also gobbled up that huge wall that had no space for furniture. 
Mirrors can take a room to places that no other decorative accent can, I love them!
And, there are my blue ceilings that we painted last year peeking through in the photo below.  Several of my friends have jumped on board and painted their ceilings too! J  I love blue ceilings.

We hung those huge corbels, (I shared with you last year HERE) in the doorway between the parlor and the dining room and they added so much charm.
I found these at a shop called JRNE in Terrell, owned by my sweet friend Cindy.

And my favorite detail in the room is that beautiful amazing painting which was painted and given to me by my precious friend, Patty Moore. 
I fell in love with an oil painting by impressionistic painter, Robert Calcagno, when we were in High Point last year. But when we inquired to purchase it, I was so sad to learn it had already sold.  
It was exactly what I had envisioned for our dining room.
(Do you build your rooms in your head too?)
Months later, when I still could not get it out of my mind, I mentioned it to my friend Patty who just happens to be an amazing artist.  She said she was going to paint me something similar in acrylics.
I was moved to tears when she gave it to  me last month...
it's perfect.
The original was breathtaking, but this one had something more...
it was painted by a very precious friend.
  I created this room around that painting and love it even more because I am reminded of her sweet spirit everytime I see it. Those are the details that make our homes special and unique, aren’t they? 
For our homes should not be defined by the decor, they should be defined by how they make us feel.  Don't you think so?
So, here we are at the end of two completed projects within 6 weeks and I've come to a funny realization.....

We now have a porch without a single terracotta pot and a dining room without a single chair. 

How 'bout them apples?
:-))

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57 comments:

stefanie said...

oh!!! what a gorgeous room, I love the skinny table!!! you are truly talented!

Anonymous said...

Your room is stunning..I love the idea of the seating you did..And your sweet friends painting is beautiful..

Jaco said...

Wow that planter down the middle of the table is gorgeous! In fact the table itself is lovely too...

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BygoneBoutique

Debby said...

I love everything. Amazing how it all came together. Love the long table.

Anonymous said...

Your dining room looks amazing. Every detail is beautiful.

Kathy

Deb said...

That corner cupboard is so gorgeous. I always loved the big, tall china cupboards. Beautiful! Your room is so welcoming and pretty. Love the china, too. Pretty, pretty, pretty. Hugs, Deb

Nancy Benefield said...

Thank you for sharing your beautiful creations with all of us!! They are inspiring and make me have goosebumps!! Sharing your God-given talent is such a special and unselfish thing!! What beauty!! Nancy B

Anonymous said...

What a gorgeous dining room! I love the use of fresh flowers too! That table is to die for! Traci

Anonymous said...

What a gorgeous dining room! I love the use of fresh flowers too! That table is to die for! Traci

Anne said...

Your dining room looks beautiful.
Anne

martinealison said...

Une autre très belle publication merveilleuse où j'ai pu revoir votre tableau à l'arrière plan de manière plus importante...
Une très jolie pièce où il doit faire bon vivre... Vos petits tabourets rembourrés sur roulettes sont très astucieux.
gros bisous

Debra@CommonGround said...

It's absolutely gorgeous. those tufted settees are amazing! Just perfect for your farmhouse!

Nita Stacy said...

Love all of it!

Lynn Wood said...

What an incredible diningroom, every detail is just perfect! I can't believe it is only 9 ft. wide??

RuthSMac. said...

Oh! Anne, everything is so perfect! I love your dining area...I'm speechless one more time :)

Kay B. said...

love your dinning room! So very pretty! That old house is coming to life, room by room. Great job.

Blissful Endings said...

Wow! What a room! Such attention to detail. I love the mix of elements and styles. You've achieved farmhouse style with sophistication, Bravo!

Thanks so much for sharing it with us!

Keeping It Cozy said...

Your dining room is just beautiful. I love every detail but I had to leave a comment when I read about your very special painting. I too designed my dining room around a precious painting that was given to me. I think it is so special when meaningful things can be incorporated into a room and I think that is the loveliest thing of all here. Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

Every single detail is perfect!! The seating- wow! Gorgeous painting, what a sweet friend! The corner cabinet is so fitting for that space. Laurie Anna, you sure know how to put it together...I'm always smitten :)
Can't wait to see you in June :)

Stephanie said...

Gorgeous!! Love the shutters, the corbels, the farmhouse table, the seating and the corner cabinet is just perfect!

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

your dining room is exquisite....Such personality and grace...Yes, that's it....grace.

The 8 foot tool caddy is awesome...every inch of the room is a true pleasurable experience to the eyes!

Wonderful job in the decor of the room....It looks truly happy...as you are!

Heaven's Walk said...

GORGEOUS, LaurieAnna! I just ADORE the way you put things together to create a warm, cozy, welcoming environment! Your dining room is absolutely perfect - and what fun that it all came together so fabulously! :)

xoxo laurie

joan said...

Your room is exquisite! I love everything in it! Job well done. I can't wait to see more

Larain said...

Yes, I build my rooms in my head, so therefore I have lots of stuff that needs repurposing. Great room, am very envious.

La Fleur Shabby Homestyle and Flowers said...

hallo,
freue mich immer wieder deinen blog aufzurufen,was für wunderschöne bilder. das esszimmer ist ein wahrer traum, es ist alles sehr harmonisch aufeinander abgestimmt. einfach wunderschön!

liebe grüße

brigitte

Sueann said...

Love your dining room. Everything about it is just perfect.!! That table is wonderful and those benches!
Fabulous
Hugs
SueAnn

imsteelefullofscrap said...

Everything is just gorgeous!!!!

Teresa said...

Same...Everything is lovely.

Kelly said...

It all came together so well! Love that centerpiece. Love your dishes and the grainsack runner. Your seating choice was such a stylish idea.

susan said...

boy its hard to come up with words when you do posts like this it seems easier to just say im smilin with a full heart and peaceful content laurie anna, you are amazing!!! susan

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

LaurieAnna: Your dining room is just beautiful. Everything looks like perfection. What a beautiful home you are making..Happy Wednesday..Judy

Fairfield House said...

Laurie Anna,

Your room renovations rank among my favorite. They are a treat for all my senses. You truly are an inspiration for old home owners. If only we could pick up our homes and move them within walking distance! Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us. I wish you many happy gatherings with family and friends around your perfect farm table.
Your Friend,
Deborah
FairfieldHouseNJ.com

A Thrifted Market said...

You are one talented lady!! Everything is stunning. You have such a gift for making things beautiful! Thanks for sharing your home.
Blessings my friend!

Unknown said...

LOVE the floral box on the table. pops!oh and the seating , great ideas!

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

What a wonderful room!
I love the shutters!
Going back to take it all in again!

andrea@townandprairie said...

Laurie, this post is just beautiful, it should be in a magazine. You really pulled this all together and I just adore your centerpiece. The tufted benches are very romantic and elegant against those rougher textures!

Jenn said...

Seriously one of the most beautiful dining rooms EVER!!! I just love the seating and that mirror is gorgeous. Pinned!
Jenn :)

Four Marrs and One Venus said...

Ummm. I don't even know where to start, or really what to say. WOW. Gorgeous! Stunning Amazing Oh So Pretty Room! I love Every Little Detail, down to the rolling backless stool/chairs! Great eye on everything in this room, it came together so perfectly!

The Painted Home said...

love the backless eats, and EVERYTHING else in the room. love it!
d e n i s e

from me to thee......... said...

I am smitten !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOVE everything about this room !!!!!!!!!!!!! EVERYTHING !!!!!!!!!!!

Unknown said...

I am a new follower, and I am sure you have heard a thousand times what a lovely room. I am in love with your table and that 10' long flower thingie....You truly have made a house your home.

Delightfully Curious Designs said...

I DON'T KNOW HOW I MISSED THIS POST, BUT I ABSOLUTELY LOVE YOUR DINING ROOM, WHAT AN INCREDIBLY INVITING SPACE!!

Wicker Furniture said...

Now, that is really beautiful! The antique materials and your designing ideas perfectly complement each other. Good job!

~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~ said...

Hello Sweetie~ ~ I love what you have done with this room. Serendipity built the room around your Dream for it! Isn't life grand? There are so many things that I love but the shelf above the picture, or should I say hugging the picture is a lovely touch. I must remember this for later on.
I totally agree with your last comments about how the home makes us feel. My home is the polar opposite of yours but it makes me feel cozy and warm every time I walk in the door. I could not ask for anything more. Thanks for sharing your Joy about your home with us.
~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

Ethereal PLUS what I Love said...

This room is amazing ... I love everything about it ! I think decorating a small room forces one to get creative and the result is usually interesting and unique (this room being a perfect example). I only hope to make my small rooms 1/2 as lovely. :) Francine

Leslie said...

You have created a simply awe-inspiring dining room!!! I love so many of the features you have! I have a couple of very long, old, shutters that I'm not using, and you have given me an idea of using them inside my windows! Also, the corbels you found are amazing! I love things like that. Your home oozes lovely charm, and you should be very proud. :) I hope I can glean some fresh ideas off of you.
Blessings,
Leslie

heather said...

i hope i'm not asking a question that's already been answered... what paint color did you use in this lovely room?

Renee said...

Absolutely gorgeous! Can you please share with me where I can purchase the tufted settees? Thank you so much! Renee

Nita Stacy said...

Those high backed benches are so perfect in the room. Just a gorgeous dining room.

Unknown said...

Do you have a source for where I can get that seating? I love all of them and have never been able to find anything like it.

Donna said...

Love everything!?where can I find the white big seats by your dining room table and the stools?

Unknown said...

Really Very amazing products thanks a lot for sharing it.

Dining Room Tables

JP said...

Truly stunning...I am a new follower looking forward to seeing more!

Unknown said...

There is a wide variety of farm style dining table online like the genuine antique farmhouse tables, or the reclaimed wood farm table and the newly manufactured rustic farmhouse tables.Great job !

Farm dining room tables

Unknown said...

The dining room is absolutely gorgeous! You must admit that the people who designed these interesting things are talented.


black glass coffee table

Alison said...

I love this! We have 12' ceilings and a 10' long farmhouse table that we just built too! It's so hard to decorate, but I love your ideas and I love the bench seating. :)

Anonymous said...

Wanted to let you know there is an etsy shop using your photos as their own and even putting their logo on them. I just thought I would let you know.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/218704700/large-rustic-wood-5-foot-centerpiece?confirm_reported=1