Oh, I love the settee from Target. The only thing I'm not sure about is if the color goes with your curtains. I'm with carol on the table. The light wood and style doesn't seem to go as well as the darker table in your inspiration picture. I loved your original curtains and hated to see you take them down, but I have to say those drop cloth curtain won me over.

Laurie

It's a family heirloom but it doesn't really work in your home. Don't feel you have to use it just because someone wants you to (you did that with your DR and that worked out well). There is a "tyranny of the legacy", and believe me, I understand it and am living it. Why do we feel compelled to use/keep furniture just because it was in the family?

Ask yourself this: do I like it or do I feel I "should" use it?

You have done a really lovely job of furnishing your new home. Keep on that path.

Thanks for hanging in there with me~~I so appreciate it!
I love the ideas, all the help, & the cute lantern suggestion but some of you are right- this just isn't "me" or my taste. I've tried to make it work...but I wasn't happy.
So- here's where I am today.
I've brought in my wicker things and the rug from the DR. I'm thinking about adding maybe a cute table runner & fabric valances to the drop cloths- good idea?
That will make the room more "Lori".
Maybe I'll keep my eyes open for a deal on 2 non-matching chairs, as well?

Dee...darling drapes, thanks for showing me!!

The photo in your last post, above, has a more informal feel to it(even with the rug); and that is what I think you are after in a breakfast room. You're getting closer. :)

Bless you! Suggestions??

Lori,

While I love the set, I also agree that it looks like you are trying to make it fit, and it looks out of place to my eye. The lines are edgy, which is cool, but it doesn't seem like it's "you". I also understand the legacy thing, and in my case, it was my mom's DR set. I ended up using her table with the chairs I already had, and repurposed her buffet in our FR (it's got a TV above it now, and the server is serving as a foyer table. Her chairs were very cool but clearly more MCM than I wanted, as well as being kind of small and not as comfortable as the ones I had. So, in short, maybe you could repurpose some of these pieces in other rooms. A table doesn't have to be a DR table; how about in a craft/sewing room? Those chairs are fun and look like they'd be great in a kid's room, or anywhere as a desk chair. I know these decisions may not be popular with your family but you are the one who lives in your home and you are entitled to placing things where they work for you. FWIW, I thought your first set did work in the space, even though it's not the "hot" style right now; I thought it could work expecially with a coat of paint. Your home is lovely! Good Luck.

I think you can be inspired by an inspiration picture without having to copy it. I am still not clear whether you don't like the new table and chairs or it was your first phases of the inspiration that were "not you."

I don't think the table and chairs are a random family hand-me-down. Very few people have relatives who designed furniture that was in general production.

So I say mix it in and do whatever you need to do to make the room more Lori, but don't just dismiss it because it "doesn't go"...thats a path straight to the generic, imo.

A lot of people really like your original breakfast room, and I do too, but honestly the neo-Edwardian oak table et al. could be any random decently decorated breakfast room from 1985 until yesterday. And that's ok, but I think you have the opportunity to do something a bit more personal even if some elements are a bit "off" or outside what you normally do.

Hang in there , LoriB! I am sitting on my thoughts for my breakfast area right now and gathering pics I might want to use as inspiration for WT's ideas and paint colors. I am sure my husband doesn't feel like painting right now but I will have it all worked out in my head hopefully by the time we get around to it. YOur room is so pretty and I think you can mix styles........contemporary art is hung all day everyday in modern rooms so you should be able to mix the furniture with traditional type things too. Throw alittle Lori in the mix with the wicker and you got your signature style too! Looking great over there! Bonnie

Hi Lori!

I'm also not clear whether you don't like the new table and chairs or the first phases of the inspiration.

I honestly think the MCM style looks out of place in your beautiful home. I do think it's nice you're using it since it's important to your DH.

The last picture does look more Lori and I think you're getting closer. I agree, I think I'd like the table more if it were darker but then I realized your oak table isn't dark. However, you had the pattern curtains (that I like) up so maybe that is helping my eye.

I like the drop cloth curtains and I never thought to fold the top down like that.

Thanks VERY much for your thoughts, Jjam, Pal, Bonnie & Shee~~~they mean a lot!

Jjam...can we please see your mother's pieces in place???

I don't want to sound mean, but this furniture seems SO out of place in your house, I have to say, I just don't get it! I don't see how you could make this work, and wonder why you want to. You've done such a good job heretofore, of defining your style and expressing it.

The light fixture, the artwork, the rug, the curvy wicker chair, curvy plant stand with tumbling plant, all say "Lori!" to me. You have a traditional/transitional style that I always imagine suits your personality.

Your choices always seem so consistent. For example, the sort of artwork you like is distributed throughout your house. I see a painting in your breakfast area that looks very similar to others you have in the sitting room/living room. That style sensiblity speaks to you, & I thought, expressed something about you.

True, we are not carved in stone and can change if we choose, but you already have so much invested in the other look, I wonder why you want to go off into such a divergent direction?

Giving you honest feedback. I hope you don't feel offended. Sometimes I don't think you "see" how nicely you pull things together. Change for the sake of change is not always moving in a better direction.

Hey Lori!
Does the newer table have a leaf in it? I'm wondering how it would look to make the table smaller, if you really want to use that table, and use 2 wicker wingback chairs.
For your space, I am envisioning a round table (36-42) with 2 wicker chairs like the one you pulled in the last picture. Since your going with neutral drapes(I like both!) I think a patterned rug looks great.

Smiles:)

Out of curiosity and so to understand the post somewhat, what is MCM?

Thanks!

Ali: Mid-Century-Modern.

Can I suggest something you didnt ask about but to me is glaringly different than your inspiration? The wall with drapes really balances the space in your inspiration photo but your window wall is off balance with that door there. I would sufpggest getting rid of the door...you don't need to go outside do you? Heh heh. Ok I actually would suggest you extend the rod over the door as well and place a stationary panel on the far side to provide the balance that the first room has. I think it would make a world of difference in getting the right feel.

I really like the last picture you posted.
What igloochic said about your drapes...that was the first thing I noticed about your picture. Before I realized that was a door I thought oh, she hasn't finished her drapes...
Your home is lovely. Good luck!

Hi, it's me, Miss Critical again! Just read the last two posts about your new curtains and went back and looked at your original curtains.

Sorry to be a wet blanket, but the old curtains do define the windows as windows and the door as door better imo! They were lovely. The ones you have now are fine, but don't do justice to the architecture of your windows and door. You have pretty windows and having a door there is intriguing! Makes me want to take a step outside!

You've probably heard more than enough from me! Before I shut up, I'll just say, it seems you're taking what's best, and most unique and most interesting about your style and tossing it! It's like watching a woman who has a beautiful wardrobe toss it out the window because she wants a change! Not the end of the world, but at the same time, why?

Hmmm

Some people seem more upset about Loribee going through a decorating transition than she does herself...

...kinda like when Rachel Green got a new haircut:)

"Some people seem more upset about Loribee going through a decorating transition than she does herself..."
(I'm saying this in a friendly tone)
I think we're just kind of shocked that this style is in her house because it's different than her other furnishing. She still hasn't said (unless I missed it) if she really likes the style and is going to start transitioning other areas or just this one. I think Lori really has a way of putting things together and they look great when she's done. I think she should keep and use the set if it's important to them.

I wouldn't describe what I feel as "upset," but I do feel a bit confused, and a little sad. I'm a person who above all treasures uniqueness and authenticity. Are these changes coming from the heart? Lori previously really seemed to follow her heart and disregard trends. I admire that.

If these changes are rooted in a true love for a new style, then I say, "Go for it Lori!" I have noticed a pattern though. I've noticed before that Lori fails to realize how well she puts things together, and seems to be on a search for something that will make her say, "That's it, I got it!" when she already has it. That makes me feel a little sad.

Creative people go through creative growth and change. And this isn't the same as being fickle or changing your mind.

If the breakfast room had suddenly been painted taupe or greige and the furniture was a verbatim copy of the inspiration, I would wonder what was going on myself, but I don't see that. I see an exploration of something different, but it doesn't seem that drastic to me--that MCM chest on bench also showed up from somewhere in the house, so this table and chairs can't be the only pieces :)

The shifts I see seem pretty "authentic" to me, even if it is a change from what came before. If one's creativity just becomes rehashing everything that you've done before...it stops being creative. And one thing I have noticed is that Loribee has to be creative: her rooms change (in her own way) more than anyone else's I know.

Oh my goodness.....thanks for the cheering on/analyzing!I'm flattered Stinky that you think that I put things together well. Truly flattered!
I always felt like the previous set was too big for the room though, so here's my chance to rework it.
I still love what I love (traditional pieces, florals, soft colors/neutrals) but I'm happy to throw in a fun PB pillow here and there or a piece of McCobb furniture if it makes my hubs happy. I think it mixes things up anyway to toss in one modern element or so, per room, don't you?

I'm being heartfelt when I say THANK you all for trying to help me with this- it's a tough one! Here's hoping there's a solution! :)

LoriB......i have going thru changes too with my decor and believe me anything you do will be fantastic as you have GREAT taste! Sometimes one room maybe alittle more different than the rest but that is what makes our home unique to us! Your home is beautiful and your home screams what a great decorator you are!!
bonnie

I vote for the set-up with the cabinet-bench under the pretty artwork.

That cabinet-bench is wonderful with the dining set -- same MCM look and lines!

Just my two cents .....

And, we all know well-respected designers who would advise Lori to remain true to her vision and exercise her creativity by keeping that look fresh, but consistently "her." Having a personal, signature look and maintaining it over time, is not in opposition to creativity. Perhaps, in fact, doing so requires more creativity than going off in a whole different direction.

You know a Mario Buatta room, a Ralph Lauren fabric, a Michael Graves chair, when you see one.

Awww..thanks Bonnie. This is high praise from someone that has great taste!!
Pal, you posted as I was typing (or trying to... we lost internet for a minute or 2.)
The MCM furniture came from my late inlaws, just a few pieces, and are in the basement- except for the DR set- forgive me if you've seen this already.
Now this was a tough room for me, my first MCM pices...
I was clueless but received great help here! :)

thanks~~~~

Sorry, Lori, I missed your post! I'm glad you took my words in the spirit in which they were intended. Best wishes to you as you explore new options.

Btw, I like the idea of round table like Scooby suggested earlier! Perhaps a pedestal table? Like she said, your wicker chairs could look darling with a 42" round, & that would scale things down. The round shape would be great in the space too.

Whatever you decide, remember to trust your instincts. They've served you very well.

Fondly,

Stinky

Teacats and Stinky...thank you~~ again.
My head is spinning, lol...but we will figure this out.

We were posting at the same time, Stinky---yes, I'd adore a round table, truly... but we will use this one for now. It reallllly pleases my husband, so it's all good. I've been looking at Bennu wicker armchairs, on sale at Pier 1. Maybe they'd be pretty at either end of the table? That with my wicker plant stand~~~and I can either switch out my drapes with another room or add floral material to the valances. I hope to look at this, this weekend. Fun, fun!!
Bless you for helping me!

Is your husband related to Paul Mccobb or a designer who worked for Mccobb - Directional? That's awesome. I love my Paul Mccobb brass stools which fit right in with the classical and empire pieces that would've furnished my 1840s apartment originally.

I think your dining room still looks very much "you" and as it evolves, it will continue to have your signature. I don't think the breakfast room is "you" yet, but its a work in progress.

While I think scooby's suggestion of a round table would work better "decor-wise" I think you have the right approach to decorate from the heart and incorporate pieces which have meaning to you and your family. That is what makes rooms interesting, unexpected and unique. What do you think of some of the suggestions to darken the set? Would your DH be open to that? I agree with suggestions to continue the dropcloth curtains to the other side of the door and replace the chandelier. I also would consider changing the art on the wall. I think the Target settee would be a nice addition if the scale works with what you have now. Perhaps you should remove everything in the room and add pieces back one at a time to see what works and what does not. I look forward to seeing the transformation of the room.

Here's the set while in progress- I had to do something as my FIL had stained some pieces dark and some were totally ruined. Originally I tried cream, then decided on mustard chairs and a cherry tabletop...then decided on all mustard, lol. It was in my garage, a work in progress, all thru December!

Pal, brass stools??? Never seen any McCobb in brass! Can you please show us?!? Yes, he was related, but passed away many years ago. Thanks!

Here are my Paul Cobb Directional stools with brushed brass legs and stretchers: I think they were also (rarely) produced in brushed chrome, and there was a more casual version with black metal legs. I had another one in Jack Lenor Larsen fabric that I sold.

He made a number of brass legged pieces some wooden case pieces, some upholstery, and some milk-glass topped tables, for Directional, Calvin, and others.

By the way, a set of your chairs is listed on 1st Dibs for about $3500 and a table for near that, so you have a $6K dining set there (if it were in the blonde finish), at least by 1st Dibs standards, which is a high priced site. :)

Here is a link that might be useful: Paul Mccobb at 1st Dibs.

Beautiful living room, Palimpsest. A rare glimpse inside the private quarters of our resident design guru! Love the stools in your room. They look so pretty in front of that gorgeous sofa. You've created a space that feels tranquil, and really interesting.

Great windows! Ah, Philly.

You certainly have interesting news for Lori. That's exciting!

I can't even digest what you've told me because I can't take my eyes off of that ROOM! Simply stunning!!! See...that is what I was babbling about the other night- blending old with new!
Kudos, Pal!
Can't wait to show the family the stools, BTW. Never seen anything like those~~THANKS!

Thanks:). It looks like your pieces are Paul Mccobb Planner Group which was made by Winchendon. The furniture is so spare, I think it can work with lots of other things.

Here is a link that might be useful: Planner Group

Lori--love the DR. Can you tell me about the curtains in there? I'm curtain-ly-challenged, but yours (color, esp.) are calling to me to check out.

Thanks!

I didn't realize they were painted. I thought they were the original blonde wood. I don't think I have any pictures of our set. I remember it was really sturdy. Mom got rid of it after dad died.

loribee, the fact it was your DH's and it is important makes it perfect in your home. I love to see homes with treasured pieces. Enjoy your breakfast rm.

Loribee, I could see you with something more like this:
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/fuo/2169962927.html
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/fuo/2179101158.html
http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/fuo/2171675991.html
(ignore the price - lol) http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/atq/2178677749.html
http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/fuo/2173562380.html

Or even this:
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/fuo/2180506603.html

I like your set but agree with those who say it needs to go darker. The color is what is off to me. The lines in it are very nice and a darker color would show them off more.

I think if you did that and then sprayed your light fixture a new finish (not all shiny), they would all play nice together. The fixture is nice but looks too current to go with the other stuff.
I recently painted my wrought iron bed with glossy black covered with chrome. It looks like antique/weathered silver and refreshed a tired green with gold look that had seen better days. Come to think of it, I used 2 very shiny paints yet somehow it is not glossy. It was shiny after the black paint, but the chrome toned it down....Hmmmm....

I don't know why, but this room reminds me of your decorating, Loribee:

Just typed a lonnnnnng reply and lost it- uggg!

Pal-YES, Paul Mccobb Planner Group, made by Winchendon. I bought my MIL this book years ago and she was thrilled! Thanks!

Tracey- thanks for asking, the watermelon colored drapes are old, hand-me-downs from a friend, isn't that sweet? I love 'em!

Marti- I wish you had a pic, thanks for answering me! :)

Eandhl & Dianalo- thank you kindly! Dianalo, loved my builder and the fact that he picked all the lighting out...but I hate that particular light fixture. It matches all the rest so it's funny, that's the only one that bothers me.

Oceanna- THANK YOU for helping me, so kind. Sheeeeesh, that pic IS me. I may not be looking at wicker chairs now, turning the drop cloth drapes into a tablecloth and back on the hunt for a settee!! Hubs just rolled his eyes but agreed!

thanks again~~~

Forgot to add....Oceanna, any idea where that lovely pic came from???
THANKS

The 1st Dibs prices tend to be a bit inflated (but people do pay them) and your set has been damaged in the past, but I think it would be worth having professionally refinished.

As you know some Planner was painted black, so that could be an option for a couple of chairs if one of them is really damaged.

I think the main dining area still has your signature with the midcentury table...is that Mccobb also?

Yes, McCobb also in the DR. We had the chairs re-caned when we bought the house 3 years ago and took the set from my inlaws.

Thanks for your kindness and for giving us so much to think about~~~

Loribee, I found the pic, but it's not going to help as it looks like the blogger who originally posted it took a hike. Wish I could find a site that tells paint colors, fabrics, etc. Here's the link below.

Glad you liked the picture. It is definitely one of my top faves and I think it's an ideal inspiration pic for you. Your curtains are gorgeous! Oh, and I like your round table better for that space.

Here is a link that might be useful: delicious dining room

I just found it Oceanna, thanks to your search!

http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/2009/02/my-inner-pink-living-room-chronicles.html
"This Suzanne Kasler dining room (which I first saw on Joni Webb's Cote de Texas) practically defies adjectives it's so beautiful. I could stare at it for days (and may have...). It doesn't have pink walls, rather beige, but the drapes, the upholstery - knee weakening beautiful."

On another note...snow day yesterday, so I tried my coral drapes in there and they are way too short~~~ :(

Good sleuthing and thanks for sharing the info, Loribee.

Awww... can you add a band to the bottom of the too-short curtains?

Here is a link that might be useful: Suzanne Kasler (though I didn't find that pic there are other beautiful ones)

It was there Oceanna...under AshworthCourt. Apparently it was Suzanne's DR in her previous home! Here's the other side of the room~ gorgeous, huh? Thanks!

Here is a link that might be useful: Suzanne's DR