cover it with stainless steel

Paint it to look like Bullet Bill from Mario Bros.

I don't think it's weird or awkward at all. It looks like exactly what it is: a structural support. I wouldn't try to hide it, or camouflage it, or turn it into a table. you live in a very cool industrial space; embrace it for what it is.

I agree with 'creative', it is perfect just how it is. Dressing it up is just going to draw more attention to the column. The dining table looks a little crowded back in the corner. Maybe pull it out into the space a little more.

paint it a graphic colour and move that table further out instead of tucked away behind the support..

You might also want to consider changing some of the colours being used, it's a very industrial place, bold statements can work in that sort of space.

I third that. There may be some interesting things you could do with the column, but ultimately you want the focus to be on your living space which is bright, airy, and beautiful. If you were inclined to change something, perhaps a rectangular dining table either moved out into the space or even flipped horizontally (perpendicular) to the living space. Think of the column as a wall or divider between the kitchen and the rest of the apartment. Work with it not against it. Nice space and love the juxtaposition of antique rugs with ultra modern space. Yum!

Depending on how much you are/are not attached to having the kitchen open to the rest of the space, you could enclose part or all of the area around the column with deep walls - closets, or built-in shelves, or secret room.

The placement of your existing dining table and chairs is what is making the column look awkward. Also the circle table contrasting with the circle column. The two things need to be more simpatico, i.e. table needs to be more modern.

I think your idea of ditching the table and making a large donut shaped built in around the column would be awesome; you could make it continue into the corner where your present table is, lower than your kitch countertop. Otherwise you'll need to (perhaps) change your table for a big rectangle and scoot it out of that corner. Maybe build an open shelving unit starting from the column over to the corner like home body suggests. Try for salvaged ornate antique wood and stain it your medium brown that I'm seeing in your other pieces. Also a panel like those IKEA curtain panels would work.

If the builder is still around, you can call and ask if that column has to be as big as it is. You might be able to replace with something smaller in diameter.

Another idea would be to ditch your present table and gather a set of three or four dinky bistro restaurant tables; then you could put one in the corner.

Current table in corner is unfortunately crowded and makes that space look smaller than it is. Your idea of building a table around the column could be fun. Just extend the kitchen counter out at that height for a bar-like environment with maybe a lower section in the corner for sit down meals. Have fun with it!

I like the column too. It definately adds to the industrial flair of your space (which is really nice, btw!) I agree with a lot of what's been said as far as pulling the table out. I think that if you just pull it out so it's against the side of the column facing up instead of pushed in the corner that would help a lot!

Could you swith the location of the dining table so that it's sitting on the oriental rug by the column (maybe pulled forward a little bit so that it doesn't block the walkway)? You could then pull your entry table over to the spot where the dining table was.

Good luck with it - you have a lovely home.

First of all, the space and the light is great in that room. Closing off the kitchen would be a real shame.

Building a table round the column would mean that no-one would be able to see each other when you are seated: not the most social of ideas.

You bought the space knowing there was a massive, immovable column in the middle of it: embrace it! I would have bookshelves build all around it's circumference, from top to bottom, and make a really practicable feature out of it, and move the dining area to the other end of the room where there's more light. It's nice to eat in front of a window.

It's a great room, own it!

I think building a table around the column is not a great idea. Just imagine trying to have conversations around that massive thing!

I like either leaving it as is and putting the table elsewhere OR building a deep wall with built-ins around the column.

You have a nice place and great taste. I agree with the others about moving the table out for the easiest and cheapest thing to do.

I do agree with you that the column is very awkward. I think though that this was due to designing the space pretending that the column just wasn't there. I think in this case, a U shaped kitchen might have worked better and/or not having the sink right in front of the column. If you have the budget, move the sink over so it feels like the kitchen is better connected to the living space. Then the column could have been incorporated better as either with storage around it, as mentioned before. Or your idea of a table/bar/counter space around.

even if you end up doing nothing, you still have a great space.

You need to pull the table out and in front of the column -- and you should consider getting a more rectangular shaped table to contrast with the round bulk of the column.

DO NOT do a built-in around the column -- you will get tired of sitting and staring at it very quickly.

Also, I would consider a low piece of furniture to the right of the column -- a bookshelf or sideboard, and a stool or two to the left for casual dining/snacking. This way you will have defined two small areas each with their own useful purpose.

If you're going to go custom, I'd design a bookshelf/storage that goes around it. A table around the column will be awkward for conversation. With a bookshelf you could have storage for recipe books and other items on the kitchen side and books and decor and drawers for the rest of it. Just don't make it too deep so the kitchen is still open to the living room.

This might sound ridiculous, but if it were me, I'd try to grow ivy up and around it. I agree that a table built around it would be awkward for diners--that's the first thing I thought of. And I agree that you shouldn't close off the kitchen; it's a nice, bright space, and that would really change the whole feel of the place.

I meant to add that the bookshelf idea is nice too.

I would move the painting you have above the table to be above the sofa. The scale is wrong for them to hang alone, and they should be grouped together above the sofa with even other paintings. Otherwise, they look like they came from a smaller apartment and really seem out of place.

But ditch the dining room table. I like the suggestion of cafe tables, but you need one table that is large enough to sit down for actual meals. If there is one thing you should get, it is a more modern table that fits in the space. Don't build around the column. Stick to a light color and rectangular to contrast instead of compete with column. Maybe get some new chairs, too, if you like.

You should move the rug beside the column. Depending on the light, you could put a potted plant there. Philodendron – Philodendron bipinnatifidum - would be good or monstera deliciosa (aka Swiss cheese plant or Mexican breadfruit.)

Is it possible to redo some of the kitchen and incorporating the column into the kitchen counter? Maybe making the kitchen counter an arch shape to pick up on the curve of the round column. The column would then make a semi-devide in the counter and partially hide the sink.

i would have a carpenter build semi-circular display shelves onto the column. great for photos, books, etc.

I really like the column and I agree with all who say incorportate into space. Boston tom you hit the nail on the head. Its a really nice kitchen but it was designed as if the column wasnt there. Surprise it's still there. It could have been incorporated into the kitchen space as part of the design.

The size of the column is the bigger issue-I bet its mostly plaster covering a steel beam. Do a probe of the column. - the diameter of the beam is probably the size of the cross beams in the ceiling. The original warehouse probably was designed with those columns to fill a huge open loft space. Not anymore. See if you can strip it down to the beam or leave a smaller covering of the plaster on column but not take up so much circumference.

Yep - the table and chairs are crowded - but where else would you put them? I understand where you're coming from with the table idea. The column actually looks very cool just by itself, almost a work of art.

If you are willing to launch into a fairly big rehab, consider reworking your layout arrangement, moving that portion of counter further into the room so it flanks the column.

Or move the fridge to the left side of the column (left side when you are looking back into the kitchen) and wall in the fridge and the column, leaving an opening at the right side of the column to walk into the "dining room."

Infill where the fridge was with additional cabinetry and countertop.

I know this leaves you with a less open concept kitchen, but that column puts the brakes on a full open feeling already.

It also gives you some usable wall on the living room side, and a better place to situate a dining table.

Honestly, though, I think you should hire an architect or a kitchen planner. The best solution is FAR beyond blog advice and DIY camouflage.

I would remove it if possible, I'm sure you can't but I would ask a structural engineer, maybe at least you can make it smaller. I'm guessing the building was built when such size columns were necessary, but with newer technology, maybe a smaller column would also work. It doesn't look bad, It just looks huge.

Otherwise I would turn the kitchen 90º clockwise and put a counter on either side of the column.
like this:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sofiestella/4460073284/
then you can put a breakfast bar with benches or nix the cabinet on living room side and put a table. If you need more storage hang cabinets from ceiling with glass see through

I'd build out shelves/cabinets from the existing counter so that the column is incorporated into them (probably still sticking out a little). You'd gain storage and the column would look a little more incorporated into the kitchen.

We have a similar concrete pillar and we created a spiral bookcase that wraps around it. The bookcase is made of plexiglass shelves held together with metal pipes and nuts/bolts. I don't have a very good picture of it, but here's a not-so-great picture:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3gyhqn2POGsuejTjhtI5cA?feat=directlink

Agree with the general consensus:

-Column is great, looks perfect as is
-Move the table away from it
-Get a square table
-Built-ins, day-glo paint or other stuff will only mess up the column and the overall vibe of the space

I was originally in the camp of the "leave it as is, it's a cool feature", but then someone mentioned bookshelves. If you relocated your eating area, you could do bookshelves with a sweet little reading nook/bench where your table currently is. (Personally, I'm in lust for the stone cushions highlighted yesterday. In my mental picture, I see that.)

Alternately, if you have kids, maybe a play nook.

Of course, if you need to keep this as an eating area (obviously, from the photo, I don't know if you have just this big room or if there's more, unshown space), this falls apart.

Good luck!

The column is beautiful, but it's in the way you've tried to furnish around it, with that small rug on one side and the squashed-in table on the other, that you've made it a problem.

I think if you get rid of that small rug and replace the table with a rectangular one, which you move out into the room more, with the long side parallel to the kitchen counter, then it will look much more balanced.

You could then put smaller, storage furniture (like a freestanding bookcase or small cabinet) on either side of the pillar to make use of the space and add a bit of interest. I also think you should take down the picture on the wall perpendicular to the kitchen counter so that the edge of the wall between it and the sofa alcove isn't defined as the "line" between the living and dining area.

You need to go for your custom table idea, but with a modification. Don't have the table wrap around the entire column. Rather, have a rectangular table modified, cutting out an arch on the shorter edge of the table, allowing you to slide the table up against the column like a puzzle piece.

It will give you the freedom to rotate you dining table around the column to fit the situation. Have it perpendicular to the countertops and eat with family and friends. Rotate it parallel to the countertops (about where your current table resides) and use it as a buffet space for larger gatherings. Just make sure the distance the table extends from the column is short enough to rotate without the corners gouging your walls.

I would aim for a table with a surface close to the color of your floor and white table legs to match the column color. You want the table to look as if it were designed into the space from the very beginning.

One last point. Your beautiful floor rug nearest the column is fighting with the column's position and shape. Hang it vertically on a wall somewhere, and get a long hall runner for your entryway instead.

I love the possibilities your space presents! Quite lovely. Huge potential!

I concur with much that has been said here.
the biggest problem is the round table in the corner. It will give you less space but put a rectangular table in front of the column. It will look much better the table mimics the column and somehow the direct contrast between the two makes the table look sort country style doesn't work for the column. For me the convenience of having the table by the kitchen wins out over all else but if that isn't important to you, the suggestion of a wrap around bookshelf sounds amazing (it might look god even with the dining table in front of it). In that case move the living room towards the kitchen and the the dining room towards the other side of the the table.
Either way let us know what you do.

I'm with Bee T.

It's that corner where you have your table that's making it awkward, so play with that space and make it work - bookshelves and a big, comfy chair turn that area into the perfect place to read the morning paper instead of a cramped corner next to a big-ass post.

Bring your table out into the room a bit more. It's hard for me to tell what kind of space you have there, but where that lonely untouched rug is would be the perfect solution.

What about building a banquette or nook where the kitchen table is now, built out far enough that the edge of the seat/bench is even with the outer edge of the column. On the other side of the column you could have shelving or small table and 2 chairs for a little intimate breakfast area, or even extend the counter out a bit and add a few barstools.

I love the column...

I had a few ideas, some of which have been previously stated:

Consider adding bookshelves to either side. I was thinking something that carried on with the dining theme, maybe a buffet or bar. Pull your table out of the corner and center it in the space in front of the pillar (hang a beautiful chandelier, lined up with the column, wow!)

Consider flipping your space around and placing your living room closer to your kitchen. You can then create an office area where your table currently is, maybe have a bookshelf on the other side of the column. You can place your table somewhere else, maybe against the window (where I assume you are standing?).

Given the current layout, it made me wonder if you even use your table...if you only use it for entertaining, maybe you want to expand your living space and have an office/work area that can easily be converted into dining when you have company?

I love the idea of renovating your kitchen and absorbing the column into your counter. It would really make it so much larger, you could then add a sitting area all along it..

Love it though - good luck!

I'm a big geek, so I'd put a few different-sized LCD displays around the wall and have them showing either animations or scrolling through photo galleries. A larger panel facing into the kitchen could be handy for watching TV while cooking or pulling up recipes online.

I think the simpler the better. I think putting bar seats at the countertop would be great - 2-4 (1 or 2 on each side of the pillar) and it could be fun thing conversing around the pillar space. Also, perhaps and taking away the dining table and putting that somewhere else. I think a rectangular table would look good as well contrasting with the shape of the pillar. Can you move the sofa further away from the kitchen to include a rectangular table? Good Luck to you and really it looks fabulous!

LOL Trish1980, I thought it was some kind of Gil Scott Heron song, and you were free-styling.

Here is a table that would look great:

http://www.abchome.com/store/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=2989&idcategory=138&idAbcParentCat=2

Move the painting there to join the other one above the sofa. Fill in that alcove with lots of pictures grouped together. Move the small rug; maybe put it in the bedroom or further into the living room (can't tell from photo, if there is room.) You have so many rugs!

Instead of bookshelves, just get bar stools so people can hang out by the kitchen while you're cooking and eat on the counter. The suggestion to get a hall runner was good.

Paint a wrap-around mural on it, which would soften up the space and give you a nice focal point. If you're not artistically inclined, I'm sure you could find a muralist to paint something you love for not too much money. Incorporate colors from the rest of the space (Assuming you aren't leaving it all white).

I couldn't find any better pictures, but here are some murals I love that were painted on concrete columns at subway stations by me:

http://www.hydesquare.org/programs/images/mural2.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2545/3714010030_8e1fc42d70.jpg

I think the column is great where it is - it creates a feel of a separate space to the side while leaving the whole open. I don't feel that your dining area looks awkward or misplaced.

If it were I, I'd make that column a piece of art - cover it with striking embellishment of some kind. Decoupage? Paint? Things coming out? A three-D bulletin board with class? Not sure but it would become a real eye catcher.

That is a major structural column. It is not going anywhere. And it would bug me.

The suggestions for a long rectangular table paralleling the kitchen would work well.

Maybe benches with storage either around or next to the column.

The builder/renovator should have flip-flopped the kitchen and the front door. That way the column would have been nearer the end of the counter next to the hallway rather than bisecting the kitchen counter. A little late for that, however.

I had a column just like that in the loft I recently moved out of, and while I also initially found it frustrating, I ended up loving it and making it the border for an office nook. I'd put a desk (is that a desk on the far left in the photo?) against the wall so that if you're sitting at the desk, your back is to the column. And your living space looks large and open enough that you could rearrange to fit your dining table elsewhere. It'll just take some trying different arrangements, but I think that is the best thing to do with a column like that when it naturally divides the space.

I came to suggest a banquet, like xanabeth mentioned. It would be like a breakfast booth - it could have three sides, with the middle of the U being against the kitchen counter, open towards the living room.

But, I actually like even better littlePieces idea of modifying a table to fit against the column. That would be pretty neat.

Also agree with those saying remove the smaller rug - it just looks crowded. Or, maybe throw in a couple more rugs, all overlapping each other to end up closer to the shape of the space...

And that column is as small as it's getting - structural concrete is massive.

I'm pretty sure condo owners don't have the ability to alter structural elements that could affect other units in any case...

First off, two rounds, don't make it right. A smaller square table would contrast much better, but I'd make that a reading nook myself. A chair, side table and lamp. Cozy corner. The placement of your rugs and the sheer size of them is awkward also. They don't really fit in with the design of the space. Inherently, I think that is the real problem here. You've got craftsman/bungalo decor and a modern loft. The pairing doesn't work. Mid century or sparse and modern are going to do this space much more justice.

I would not do a custom table around the column. I get frustrated if a large centerpiece makes it so I cannot see the other people at the table. Having the large column cutting off my view would hinder any social interaction.

I live in a loft, we have columns.

I'd get a rectangular table, make the dining space in front of the column. Create a room by pulling the sofa away from the wall, and swing it so that it's perpendicular to the wall. You can put a short bookshelf or sofa table against the back it, facing the table. With a bigger rug under the dining table, you've created a separate space.

I think you'd hate a table with a big column as the unremovable centerpiece. (Maybe a breakfast counter, but not a table.) You'd never have space for serving dishes or flowers or anything...

I'd move the table further into the room and just put a big fluffy plant, obviously one that can tolerate low light since it's far from the windows, in that corner. Switch the big run to define the dining space and use the smaller run in front of the sofa. (Which would also need to be shifted a bit... probably perpendicular to the wall so it faces the windows...)

Maybe paint the column and the bulkheads an accent color.

I just had another thought. Why not create some repetition in the room that compliments the column? Large round area rug in the seating area and a couple of round or disk shaped vases. Or round throw pillows if you decide to go with the reading nook.

Great suggestions from everyone. There are different levels that you could go to, depending on your resources/energy level at this point (probably on the lower end, since you just moved in). Longer term/higher resources: remodel the kitchen to incorporate the column into the design. Mid-range for time/resources: have a custom bookshelf/storage case built around the column (I would make it square, and have it go all the way to the ceiling-this would also help integrate it into the kitchen). Short-term/fewest resources required: my suggestion is to put in a 'built-in' banquet in that corner where you have the dining table. The column helps create a cozy atmosphere, and you could use your existing dining table (until/unless you want to replace it). See Ballard Designs for 'built-in' seating pieces (Coventry 3-piece corner upholstered sectional):
http://www.ballarddesigns.com/comShop/customProdAction.do%3Faction%3DinitCustom?ruleID=2357&itemID=5783&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C1443%2C1472&iProductID=5783

Actually, even the 'custom' bookshelf could be done in a short, less expensive way, with a little do-it-yourself work: consider what it would look like if you used Ikea's Expedit bookcases--put a backing on them, stack 2 on each side of the column, fasten well...

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10103088

I agree with everyone on the reading nook / move the table perpendicular to the living room, get a table with some angles.

The only new suggestion I have to offer is that I once saw a tour of Canadian designers Steven and Chris' loft in Toronto, they had the exact same problem, and they had their column custom mirrored in a simple octagonal shape. Totally, totally opened up the space, brought it light, and made the column seem like a feature instead of a problem. I would imagine that would be a little costly, but I think it would also be fabulous!

Good luck!

A square mirrored shape would work great too, but you'd lose some sq. footage around the circular footage.

circular column, I meant to type.

Depends on how you use the space. If someone in the house likes to cook and someone else in the house likes to hang out on the computer, I would consider extending the kitchen counter so that it's deeper and wraps around the column only to about 2/3 the depth of the column. Then on the left of the column (as one faces the kitchen) I'd make that spot a small cool office. On the right of the column, I'd build shelves underneath to make it a small cool bar, so that you can set up drinks or use an attractive bar stool or two for friends to chat while you cook.
I'd find somewhere else to put the dining table.
In entertaining, it's nice to have different food/drink/activity spaces, so that your guests don't congregate into one configuration and get stuck talking to one or two people all night. Think about the scalability of your entertaining: How would one person, two people, four people, or a roomful of people use the space to drink-dine-talk-drink coffee-eat dessert-stretch out and relax?

Don't do anything to it--anything you would do would make it the focal point and take away from the great space you have.

I'd move the table elsewhere (or get a drop leaf table to double as entry table and pull it out for formal dinners). In the corner where the table is now I'd build an L-shaped breakfast bar with stools, same height as the counterop or higher, depending on comfort. Folks seated on stools could look into kitchen to chat and on the wall to the right of the stools you could have the counter extrend around for addl seating (so 2-3 could eat there) and underneath of the very right most end have some cabinets under the counter to act as a bar storage area. It would give that space purpose when entertaining and when living at home/not entertaining.

Same granite as kitchen, minimal construction (braces for the bit against cabinets and corner, and perhaps look at cabinets that match your kitchen ones for the bar enclosure.

Key it to make sure it's enough space for users of the stools to be comfy and not feel penned in by the column.

Swivel stools will help make it more accessible and comfortable in a party.

I agree with FantasticMrFaux: In addition to getting a rectangular table (placing it in front of the column, parallel to kitchen counter), you should move the couch perpendicular to the wall to help separate the dining and living spaces. The wood tables warm up the space nicely, so I would stick with a similar color wood for your new table, and replace the coffee table with some wood too. Then get some throw pillows in reds/oranges that tie in with your rugs and contrast better with the couch than the current beige ones. Nice couch, by the way.

Do a wall wrap around the column using a black and white photograph of a cherry blossom. See this 3M link for an example:

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Graphics/Scotchprint/Solutions/WrapRoughWall/

I saw this on a design show...
They made the column square shaped and then covered the whole thing in mirrors, floor to ceiling. It made the whole thing disappear and looked really elegant.
I think it was on Divine Design.

The building I work in has huge exposed columns. They actually display banners on them (yes the prevent H1N! banner is exciting-not) but think about if you had one of those awesome black cloth rolls that show bus stops. Or even over-sized one banner for art shows at museums.

Like everyone else says, embrace it.

Following up that the CB2 Sidecar table is what I had in mind for the wall under the picture. With a granite top to match counter, and L-shaped....open, but with a finite end for bar storage.

Since it appears you're using the space adjacent to the column as a dining space, I would suggest have a wooden table top built around the column and using it as your dining area. You can place a small banquet along the wall where the current dining table is sitting. It would be a very interesting and function dining area, assuming the column is sufficiently away distanced from walls to allow room for chairs.

it scares me a little when non architects offer advice about structural modifications without hesitation.
i don't want to offend anyone, but if there is a really large column, then it is because there needs to be a really large column to support the structure. construction is all about the bottom line, so it makes no sense to oversize columns for no reason, especially in this case when it creates akward space.
i would also expect that this column is concrete, not steel.

There is a sweet deal on a Kartell Maui table in Apartment Therapy classified.

DESIGNER Kartell Maui Table--OVER HALF OFF-Must Sell price: $399.00
post date : 28 Mar 2010
By : Elisa
Location : Manhattan
ME:*I am a Kartell Maui Table for sale for over half off the list price.
*I am white and chrome and in like-new condition. (Note: Photo shows blue table. I am a white table.)
*I am the Rectangle Large Model 63" x 31.5" x 28.25”H.
*I am versatile. I can be a dining table, a desk, and/or a computer workstation.
*My current owner would love to keep me, but I do not fit in the apartment.
*For $399--OR BEST OFFER, I can be yours. What a bargain! I sell in stores for $1050 plus tax. Cash only please.

YOU:
*Have an eye for design.
*Know a good deal.
*Seek a multi-purpose table that is stylish and durable.
*Are a fan of Apartment Therapy.
*Will email for more photos or to make an offer.

I would paint it faux marble and ditto on moving your dining set out away from it. Maybe consider a more contemporary dining set, too.