and more.....

Any suggestions? I have a 4-year old and would like to entertain more, but I don't feel like this is a comfortable house to entertain in....Should I get rid of all of it???

Some of the pieces have a timeless appeal and have more refined proportions that will be very easy to integrate with pieces from other eras, either as is or with some alterations or contemporary updates. Others not so much. What if you retained one or two pieces inherited from each of your dear relatives and resold or found good homes for the others. All of the pieces appear to be in very good condition so surely there is someone who will appreciate and treasure both their beauty as well as their history. Check out www.dwminteriors.com for some old style pieces that have been given a very modern spin.

I feel the same way Cynthia does. Just because you inherit items doesn't mean it is your responsibility to take on your family's design style. Consider recovering or repurposing some pieces to fit YOUR design vision. I feel you truly possess an "interesting piece" when there is a history behind it. I noticed you have a few dresser and nightstand size pieces. Luckily, a dresser is one of the best examples of repurposing furniture as it is one of the most universal pieces. I have used dressers in entryways—a tray on top can gather keys and mail, and drawers capture hats, gloves, scarves, and mittens.
Other repurposed ideas include a dresser or buffet in a workroom to store art supplies and in a kitchen for pots and pans. A small dresser with drawers can be used just about anywhere.

Each time you use pieces like this, I think you will find a nostalgic, happy feeling. However, if you let the whole collection in as is you may feel stifled and unhappy in your home. The post modern/eclectic style you mentioned will welcome many of these antique pieces and add a softness and interest to the space. Best of luck!

The piece that has the glass doors could be painted off white or any color for that matter and used in a bathroom for towels and apothocary jars with soaps etc... you have several very nice pieces that can be repurposed

i have the exact same problem: i inherited (and stupidly bought) some rather shabby antique pieces. Where i live there is no good way to sell them, no dealers to buy them, and b/c of where i live, i can't have a yard sale. It's driving me NUTS.

If you are willing to ship, post them on Ebay.

Marsmannix,
To add to Kerrie's excellent suggestion, if you don't want to go through the hassle of selling them yourself on Ebay you can arrange for a freight company to pick them up and deliver them to someone who will, such as an Antique Dealer, Consignment Shop, or Ebay Trading Assistant. You can always consider donating furnishings to an organization like the American Cancer Society Discovery Shops, Salvation Army, Church rummage sale etc.. With the donation you get a tax deduction plus the gratification that your generous donation of Aunt Betty's furniture is say helping a cancer patient get to and from their chemotherapy treatments. Aunt Betty would be proud. Be aware that many charitable organizations take items in need of repair directly to the landfill, so if you have an item in need of a little TLC post it in the on-line or newspaper free classifieds. Good Luck.

suggestion: pick out favorite few then consider a few you might like if updated with change of fabric for ex: on chair seat. perhaps a piece for your child's room as well. depending where you live many urban designers would love these pieces to re-modify and update.
otherwise it's really time for you to relate your own story through furniture.
you will feel more at home. good luck!

you may try reupholster the seat cushion of your chair with designer fabric. try:

http://www.fabric.com/home-decor-fabric-upholstery-fabric.aspx?Source=LeftNav

http://www.iluvfabrix.com/upholstery-fabric/designer-fabric/13.htm

I am in the same position as you only not so many pieces. When my mother died, I could not sell anything. But I am ready to get rid of alot of it now. My problem is my husband is very sentimental and doesn't want me to get rid of it.

I totally totally sympathize. Same problem I have. My mother inherited antiques and bought more, and I ended up with all of them. It is so hard to part with beautiful things, especially when they have sentimental value. Before putting them on ebay and possibly experiencing regrets, I would take out as much as you have storage space for, then one by one, moving back in only those that you feel you just can't live without, while mixing in the more modern pieces you like for an overall eclectic look.

It's like losing weight to remove stodgy "old brown" pieces and find new space and light!
Best of luck!

My vote -- if you love them -- is to keep all of your eastlake pieces -- the marble topped/carved drawer pull ones. I'd also consider recovering the chair in front of your fireplace in something unexpected and funky; I know you have it in you, because I think I see raspberry colored dining chair upholstery. Here's a photo of my late Great Pyrenees with one of my Brimfield finds for chair inspiration. And I also concur that the glass topped secretary would be brilliant as a bathroom butler. The rest, I agree, might benefit others more.

Ooh! Here's more chairspiration! https://www.houzz.com/discussions/i-need-to-reupholster-a-chair-who-makes-similar-large-scale-print-fabric-thank-you-dsvw-vd~98962