Hi, I recently signed a lease on a new apartment and I’m looking for redecorating ideas, in particular for the dining area opposite the kitchen and for the office/work area of the room. The apartment is a floor-through loft and the furnishings in the pictures belong to the old tenants (I haven’t moved in yet). I would like to preserve the sense of spaciousness the old tenants have now by limiting heavy/bulky furniture, but need something to fill the space…
I am thinking of putting a rectangular table where they have the round Saarinen table now (which looks lonely in that big window), maybe the 65” Big Sur table from Crate & Barrel or a similar bigger hardwood barnyard style table. If the diameter of the window is ~110 inches, what is the longest table I can go with, without crowding the space? My chairs are four white Panton chairs and two clear Louis Ghost chairs to cap the table on both sides. I could also use ideas to replace the white ceiling lamp in the dining area with something more industrial?
In the opposite window, where a white couch currently stands, I’d like to set up an office area and would like recommendations for a desk + chair solution that are modern but don’t create a sterile look, as well as shelving for the wall to the right of the white couch that’s not too bulky (Vitsoe? other suggestions?). The only other furniture I have for the room is a grey Cuba sleeper sofa from Cappellini (to replace the green sofa), clear coffee table and clear tv stand from CB2 for the wall opposite the sofa, and a white rocking Eames chair covered with a sheepskin rug that doubles as a cat bed. Is it worth the money to get an ivory Eames lounge chair or another nice chair to fill the living area? I would like to preserve the sense of spaciousness the old tenants have now by limiting heavy/bulky furniture, but need something to fill the space…
Thank you! Marina
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Comments (14)
Wow! Beautiful place. Lots of fun potential! You're going to have a good time decorating this place.
Take advantage of the bay windows and go for a round dining table instead of a rectangular one. They are really neat and the table should reflect its shape. Also, I would skip the office area in that gorgeous window across the room. Put the office somewhere else. You will only be distracted by the view, making for inefficient work! Again, take advantage of the sweet architectural element that is the bay window, make an intimate seating area.
As far as splurging on furniture goes: I always say that if you love it, have it!
This is difficult to visualize. Might make more sense to resubmit photos after you move in so we can see your furnishings in the space.
I can understand why he might not want a round table in that space. The size you would need to mimic that curve would be huge and take up too much space. I like his idea of the barnyard style table to contrast the modern feel of the windows. I would also add open style draperies from floor to ceiling to soften the area.
Sorry! She!
oh my lord, what a beautiful place you've got. It sounds like you have a pretty good grasp on what to do, though i think it would be hard to make this place look bad. I wish i had your budget for my own home!
Good luck.
nice space.
you should take advantage of the Herman Miller 15% off sale!
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How about an oval table? That would still echo the cool architectural line of the curved window, but would be more manageable in a large size.
It also seems that much of your furniture is white or clear, so I would be sure to try to incorporate some color to add warmth...maybe in textiles?
This looks like an amazing space! Have fun!
No advice but love all your windows, the green tile in the kitchen and your wooden floors! Good luck.
It is tough to visualize the full space, but i agree with others on using a round or oval table instead of a square one. Also, won't shelves to the right of the couch be in the way of that closet in the corner? I can understand wanting to take advantage of natural light in an office space, but in front of the window seems excessive (and as others said, distracting). Why not throw the office desk to the right of the couch, rip off the closet door, and utilize the closet space as shelving? Then you can put your computer and peripherals in the closet, out of the way (and view) of the main space. Then, if it is in your budget, you can build a custom bench with storage underneath, in the bay window for when you want to take relaxing breaks from your office. :)
Sounds like you are leaning towards a rectangular table yet the space screams for something circular. How about a compromise? The modern rustic style would look great in your space. You can get a natural walnut or maple slab table that can sit chairs in a rectangular fashion yet some slabs have a natural curve in them to match your bay of windows. One site to get inspired by is dumonds.com.
I too would go for an oval table to echo the window bay. Fabulous place!
this place is beautiful and agree that it is hard to picture with out seeing your pieces in the loft. I wouldn't be in too much of a hurry to make it come together; relax and enjoy the process of it coming together.
The first that comes to mind as I look at this is that I'm craving color. I also think it's easy to wave a wand and make your house look like a hotel or a showroom. make sure to personalize it in some interesting way and express yourself. As long as you love it then it works.
I think the trick with buying pieces for a loft is to make sure that the pieces you are buying look good from 3 or 4 angles so that you can change your mind and move them around. and I'm a sucker for gorgeous expensive furni and art it doesn't have to be.
But, if I were pulling out the stops on chairs, I really love the Paulistano chair http://tiny.cc/rDTUe.
atleast, this is my 2 cents.
Thanks so much for everyone's comments! I actually bought a rectangular table before the post came out :o/ because i felt that the window wasn't circular enough (it's a bit of an optical illusion), and didn't even think about oval, which could have been very nice. i also really like the idea of putting the desk to the right of the back window and tearing off the door (which hides bookshelves basically) and having a seating area in the window instead. and great tip on the paulistano chairs - i love the look and thinking about putting two opposite the couch instead of the eames! and yes, really need some color in there and long drapes. i will definitely post the "after" pictures in August to get your opinions on my progress :o)
Lucky you.....this is a gorgeous place! No matter what you do it will turn out stylish and elegant. Can't wait to see the after pics!