I really liked the books and the apple and the greenish/blue basket and how you set it up, but now that I see this last look, I think it may fit the table look for the decor.

Abbyjean, this one is for you, I also like the books with the green basket, even more now that there is a red runner.......I'm getting so confused! There is something about leather books, an apple and a quilt that makes me feel cozy, just need a fire on.

You are soooo sweet! I love this look, too, and am so darn confused right along with you. BUT you are IN the room and when you are there, you get a feeling that I cannot, so when you say this last one makes you feel a certain way, well, it just seems like it might be a fit.

A while back you had a fun little stool you were wondering about....is your new basket too big for it? They strike me as a pair some way. Not even sure where you have that stool and if you need a basket for it.

Kind. I enjoy how we all find our houzz-mates at times - from your first photo with seemingly shiny 1 or 2 objects etc. the look you are evolving into seems 'country soul'. That's good, and your loved objects [and I have the carved tree bowl also] are adding up, more power to you!

You guys are helping me find my look. I can accept that it's not for everyone. What you are doing is a great service. I like so many artsy things that I recognize I need to find the "classy" way to display them. I know some things need to be a backdrop and not a main event.
I've been told that I have some bohemian in me and I guess I do because I love rich colors,textures and patterns, but when I see bohemian rooms I NEVER like the cluttered mess and disorganization and busyness, they make me nervous. I love antiques but hate stuffy, I love traditional but am not formal. I definitely don't want a museum. I want one of a kind, my nightmare is to see my furniture and accessories in all my neighbors homes, so I am a brat too! Above all I am a sucker for artwork or handmade items of just about any kind.........now you know why I get so confused....I don't know and can't describe who I am.

I'll pull that little stool out because I love it so much, my grandson made it for me and did a very professional job. I'll send a picture with the basket on it, they may be too much of the same thing, clearly I don't know. Luckily everything doesn't have to go in the same room.....unless it should.....

I know [not], that you picked your 'name' cause of the book: All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten!?...I really appreciate that you talked about yourself, and you know... I'm a lot like you that I 'fall for' handmade, unique, expensive!.... and your comment about bohemian etc. So, I'll say that you think how I do that that your stool, made by your grandson, makes it a 'star item'! It should have a place somehow, but I don't like it with the lovely apples, sorry! :(

"I love traditional but am not formal" yeh, me too.... I have an ideabook along that line...anyway just posting what I remember: form a collection/display of 'like items' in threes maybe. Your stool -- I see why you placed it with wood table -- but in that instance the quilt was the star and well....What else could the stool seem to 'go with'? Do you have an empty place where you could stand up a distressed shutter, and have stool there? I'm serious, yes.

Everdebz thanks for hanging in there with me. I agree completely with your comments about "star item". I knew those two compete, they are very similar, perhaps I will rotate them by using them at different times or in different rooms. I was just noticing as did abbyjean that they are a very similar style. I could return the basket since I just bought it for the entry table, but I'm still debating about that. It is a very cool piece and could be used in seral places in my home.
Thank you for giving me so much insight. Things are coming together. I think perhaps I just need to make a decision between my last 3 choices for the tabletop. I think maybe I'm struggling because they all 3 work.

gosh I feel a little bad, cause what's wrong with the 2 together anyway... I just hated to see it covered....don't matter....what if you rotated one or both entry chairs to the side and placed stool on it [and it'd show against wall color]? Not everyone places things outside of its context - a placemat in quilt color and sit in under stool....

You are cute, I'm glad I'm not the only one who second guesses my ideas. Sometimes the most creative are the most fun. I just need you guys and your talents to help me blend creative with classy.

Well help we will, but post photos.... if you'd like.

Hi everyone. Kinder, i like the longish wood tray i guess you'd call it with the apples. Thats what i had in mind. I hear differing opinions and you are the only one who can make the choice. Im also like you, a bit of naturalist, i love peace and tranquility in my suuroundings. However while i love traditional design often, im always one to fight the flow and i like to follow my own ideas. Very much an artist but one who never delved deeply into it. I love the table/stool you grandson made. That is special.

Idea place, you have been extremely helpful in this process, and most impressive is I can hear that you get me........that's amazing. Thanks for your input. I'm listening.

I think the general consensus is with the long tray. It's simple, and maybe that is why it works. I'll find a place for all the things I've learned.

I think i know why the wood bowl with funky handle doesnt work...its not just the size, it is because the handle is twisted and this is clashing with an already busy crazy quilt. Right? Whatever you put there should be plain so the quilt is the star. Even a deeper but large woven basket with apples could work. Providing it is plain

I'm seeing something with primitives there, larger simpler decor, nautical. Perhaps, a lighthouse that lights, an old battered hurricane lamp or even a very simple primitive arrangement. Then some fishing baskets on the side. Maybe a book or 2 on the table like The Old Man and the Sea, or an old sextant or spyglass. It would work with the nautical theme of the story quilt. The objects should be large and simple.

No, I don't like this something of equal weight on each side. it's too symetrical. Things size and placement should be off alittle and not so austere. You are working with a homey quilt not a Lladro.The basket with the apples in the center and nothing else-eh, is kind of boring. I don't want to give you anymore ideas right now, it seems you are getting bombarded. I'll keep watching.

Hopefully you slept well last night!

Yes, the stool and the basket are too much the same and the precious stool is hidden. Keep enjoying that piece, but maybe take the basket back. I do not see it working where it was intended for.....you had the long piece and that might be the look to try and see how it feels each time you are in that room.

I stopped reading the comments half way through (good, but too many). I see your quilt is still above the table. IT IS TOO BIG! Give the quilt it's own space, and set the table with the silver and paintings somewhere else. They are both nice, but now fighting for attention.
Does this hallway have an end? Quilt could be focus point.

It's about balance, love the huge art piece, I would take down other pictures, the things on the table not right, put something on the floor. I wonder if table to high, if you need table at all

The photographs are very helpful. I'm glad to see you addressing the quilt as a large art piece, that is how I see it. Also I want to stay away from too much of a country look.

If it were me I would take down smaller pictures and put a sconce on each side, something long with wrought iron to go with railing and simplify table, it just evens up that wall and gives balance, plus would look lovely at night, they could even just be candle lanterns. Just a thought

I like that idea, thaks

Z5600- the symmetry of this placement bothers me a little also, too formal I think.( I do have some llardro's, but we're not going there lol even I know better than that) I want to live with the table there for a while, all this drilling and rehanging of the quilt is doing a number on my wall. I think there are too many things (chairs & paintings) making it a very busy wall.
I will get rid of the wooden basket, I liked the long tray, but also thought it needed something,(not sure) I do like the one with the books, it gives a library feel.

Problem... The proportion is off with nothing on the wall with the quilt, it looks lonely ( see earlier pic, when I tried that) I think the 4 paintings and 2 chairs take too much space. Does anyone have an asymmetrical idea?

Why not try folding the quilt over the quilt pole I think you have you too much quilt over the table. It leaves no room to add anything else because those accessories get lost. Need to open some wall space and create the break the eye is needing.

Ok, I found two different chairs upstairs that I believe work better. This looks pretty good to me and I believe that when my wooden floors are installed that will also help the balance, at that time I will add a runner on the floor. I'm keeping the long wooden tray with apples. I intend to change the art to some with a little more red in them....paintings are in process. I'm going to live with this at least until after thanksgiving to see how it feels.

Kind. I have not re-checked as to asymmetry, but didn't you post a photo with 3 items: quilt, table and grandfather clock? I said it was good.... but I'd have to look again....

decors near wall is too colorfull and ewery one go in different style. Too much mixed

maybe with blue from your artworks choose one color and repeat in all decors

Now Kind. you get to be the star! oh don't be too humble... :)

I would skip the chairs and the runner and love the rest.

I like your idea of living with it until after Thanksgiving. That gives you some time to ruminate on what you like (and what you don't). You've been so quick with changes and pictures. Fun to follow.

Maureen, thinks for chiming in again, I always am anxious for your opinion. Pic below are in response to your thoughts: (A) with runner and chairs (B) without runner and chairs

rest on soft chear ...

My husband likes with the chairs and I like without, and both agree on no runner - so two people - two answers. Just go with what you like best..there is no right or wrong. All the best.

I like the no runner, no chairs. That is a beautiful table too. The simple red apples/wood bowl let all the pieces shine.

I recommend lowering the quilt and getting rid of the table. All the elements together are too busy. The hallway will looks less narrow too.

Here are my last thought on your table.

Z5600 thanks, I like it. I think we're all done. Your insights have really been helpful, I felt that you tuned in to me very well. I think I have what I want plus a choice to change it up occasionally to keep things fresh as well. I'm happy

A crazy quilt is very country to beigin with....but....you can add contemporary things around it....but those pictures are also scenic and country like...maybe you need to take a stand back and soak in whats been offered, then the right look will come to you.

I really want to thank everyone who has contributed to this post. It has been a wonderful experience. I truly have taken every single suggestion to heart. I am very happy with the results. I am going to live with my choice through the week but I seriously believe it is the way I want it. When the wooden floors are installed I think it will be the finishing touch and I will then post it on before and after. Just for fun, Look at the picture below. I found it on houzz. that quilt over the couch is very similar to mine, but done with a more contemporary look. I love my look now, thanks for your help

Architectural and Interior Photography contemporary-living-room
http://houzz.com/s/m=7/u=L3Bob3Rvcy83NTIyMQ==

You are an awesome houzzer! I look forward to your before and after and hope you will post the link here, too.

Abbyjean I will do that. I felt a connection with you and your suggestions were right on for me. I hope you will assist me in future posts as I move on to my living room.

I too look forward to before and after!

I checked the link....see, crazy country, can be married to very modern. Nice.

I cannot wait for the living room!

Idea place, you are so good at this, thanks for all the time and thought you put into my dilemma

Likewise, best wishes to you.