apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

maybe put two tall and skinny shelves flanking the small window (shallow shelves, too, as that only looks like 10" b/w the big window and wall). glass shelves, etc. put nice things on it, but leave some w/ baskets for 'entry way' stuff. if not two skinny shelves, maybe ikea configurations where it's a buffet with two tall skinny stacking shelves on either side (so, a "U" shape piece). pull the table out a bit so it's not really cramped. also, think of a long and narrower table to make it feel larger? OR, if that's a "pull up" bar there, w/ stools up against it, consider buying a console table or not-so-deep storage piece right there, under the countertop that hangs over. one that has storage underneath, and again: baskets to hide entryway stuff.

I would like to see more views of the space. I like kdka's idea but I might carry it a step further by taking the door off the coat closet and transforming it into an "armoire" with dishes, glass display shelves, or perhaps liquor and barware storage in the upper half with a small chest or cabinet in the lower section to hold the helmets and dog leashes. Then follow through w/ kdka's ideas but include some hooks for a few coats. With no door on the coat closet, the table can be much closer to the passthrough giving you much more room.

Does the table need to be away from the wall? You could gain more separation from the front door if the table was against the wall with the window and chairs placed on each end and opposite side. Hang a curtain from the ceiling so that the door is blocked from view when you are at the table. The curtain can be tied back and held with a nice hook on the wall with the tiny window. This will help create a serene dining alcove.

Get a small sidecart/console that would go under the tiny window, some nice shades or curtains for the big window, fresh flowers on the table and the whole dining area will be very inviting.

I love the tiny window. You should play it up more with some colorful or interesting vase/curios.

If money is no object, switch out the track lighting for a chandelier or pendants and add an area rug.

Unfortunately, that's not the coat closet. That's my front door. The closet is beyond the kitchen behind the camera area. It's just a really strange floor plan. The table can't come closer to the wall due to wall clearance but 2 of the seats are smack in the path of the front door. It also can't come closer to the kitchen because it's in a small alcove (see how the wall jogs before the kitchen). It's all a very tight squeeze.

I cross posted with the last poster but that's an interesting idea. The table would partially block the large window though and I know some people manage to pull that off but when I see furniture up against a window it just bugs me.

It's funny about the lights, I had a pendant lamp hanging there (one of those track to pendant conversions) and at first I liked it but I switched it out last week. Maybe I just need to find the right pendant. Thanks for suggestions on the small window, both a little something under it and more display in front of it sound like good ideas.

Could you change your front door to either a set of french doors or perhaps a sliding door with the track outside the house? You could hang a pretty curtain/tapestry on the inside of the french door so it would feel more like a wall and less like and entry, and that would make walking in less cramped as the door won't be in the way as much.

Alternatively (and cheaper!) you could re-hang the door so that it opens outwards instead of inwards into the apartment, but i'm not sure if security would be an issue as it might feel a bit too 'open'.

Also love the nook! If it gets natural light it would be nice to put a pretty plant there. Greenery is always good!

after reading your response, i think your best bet is to get a more space-saving dining room table. if that area is pulling double duty, get pieces that do, too: a credenza or shelving that doubles as a landing site/curio display/dining and helmet storage; a dining room table on casters that can slide up against the wall, or one that is 1/2 the size but folds out to accomodate more people. if on average you don't use the dining room very often, or don't have many people at once, consider a small round table and two really interesting chairs. that would leave room for a storage piece as well.

i like the idea of a curtain that seperates dining room from doorway. a fluid halfwall right there would be great visually, but then you're a bit more married to the configuration.

another idea: put a bench (with storage underneath) against the small window wall. turn the table lengthwise against it, add a few chairs across from the bench. this way, it frees up space at the kitchen end, and under the bench is storage for the entryway.

anywayz, i like throwing out ideas. hope it's not overkill.

How about building a cushioned banquette (with hinged top for storage) along the wall with the large window? Perhaps it could wrap around either side wall. A narrow, longer table could be pushed up to the banquette when not in use.

It might be a close fit, but what if you rotated the table 90 degrees- would the table still fit? Then the chairs wouldn't be in the path of the door.

Is the floor near the door a doormat or a cutout of the carpet? Part of what is making the dining room seem more in the pathway of the door is the large floor cutout/mat. If it is a mat, I would try cutting it to an arc near the dining room side.

does need some sort of separation- not very modern looking, but what about a curtain attached to the ceiling and swept back at the door? It never has to come down (since it might be in the way, but it would give the feel...)

Can you clear out half of the bookshelf showing on the right, to put the dogleashes and bike helmet? I suppose in boxes or baskets if it looks sloppy.

I just noticed that the door and its floor look rather industrial (not in a good way) which is probably clashing with your desired decorating style. I am not sure if there is a way to change that or disguise that?