The rust type color for the chairs would be excellent in your space now that I see the color of the door, floor and side table.

Kevin, i've come to the conclusion the last series of pics was a photoshoot of Kitty. LOL

You know, you could leave the gorgeous check drapes and ivory upholstered chairs. The white woodwork and dark walls pull everything together so nicely. Why *do* you want to fix it if it ain't broken?

I like this wool/poly/viscose/acrylic blend plaid, and it appears to be the right colors (looks navy, but could be black). It's hard to find a plaid that is not cotton (and, therefore, casual) that is the right colors, at least as they appear on the screen. What do you think? (It's only rated for 15K double rubs, but according to a fabric place I spoke with, upholstery starts at 9K.)

http://search.kravet.com/Kravet/26413824-400/CoverInformation.aspx

{{!gwi}}

Personally I really like the plaid. Far better than trying to match colors in solid to the rug. Wow, far too much for upholstery. Where the heck are you looking to have this done? Plus the cost of fabric. There must be a fabric outlet you could dig through. Far more there than one would realize for selection. Or run a google image search and see if the fabric shows up.

Love the cat touching edge of table...just in case. I took my glass off to clean one day and the cat jumped on the table...only to fall through the opening. He looked a tad embarrassed.

LOVE the plaid, brings to mind vintage Ralph Lauren. :)

This is actually better (linen/cotton blend):

{{!gwi}}

http://www.insidefabric.com/p-701480-bruges-plaid-10-by-lee-jofa.aspx

Or maybe even this:

{{!gwi}}

http://search.kravet.com/Kravet-Guaranteed-Chenille/30969540-400/CoverInformation.aspx

The website I was looking at last night had tons of interesting geometrics. I didn't have time to post about them; no Greek key patterns I thought would work, but many, many potential winners - depending on how much per yard you're willing to spend. Interesting that your choices, above, are Kravet, as that was one company on the website that seemed to be one of the most likely to have patterns that could work. If you want to check them out, search under their selections of geometrics.

Hmmm....until the new drapes go up, it's hard to tell.

I'm hearing the wisdom of Patty Cakes though. Restraint is a valuable pointer, especially when decorating in this style.The ivory chairs do look pretty. If you must have more going on, how about a small (small) pillow in each chair made of some outstanding fabric?

The table & chairs make a striking focal point. So pristine & elegant, but with gravitas. (But I'm a Virginia girl who has swooned over the quiet decor at Monticello one too many times!)

Oh, how I'd love to see my Mark Catesby mockingbird print on the wall where the contemporary piece is! I know it would look stunning!

Oh, & to be clear...when I say a pillow in "each" chair, I mean the two ivory ones....however, I like them plain too!

The chairs are not currently upholstered. They are raw muslin/canvas. They used to have slipcovers. I do not mind the chairs being a solid--that is, after all, why I was originally drawn to the herringbone, which read as a solid. As you can see, the pets use these chairs, so a light solid color would not work for me.

Yes, I sure relate to concern over the whole pet hair issue. It's a formidable task keeping up with it. I love seeing your kitty checking out the table! What are your animal's names? They are beautiful!

The Cavalier is Monticello (goes by Monti) and the Ragdoll is Sally Hemmings (goes by Hemmings).

I like the idea of bird prints. Here's another Catesby, yellow crowned night heron. He has a red eye. I like this one because it's restrained, having your blue gray and has a masculine feel for your room.

Here is a link that might be useful:

This post was edited by snookums2 on Sat, Jan 12, 13 at 13:55

Oh goodness, Kevin! What great names!

I haven't weighed in as yet-- though I've followed intermittently. I love the first plaid if it will work with your rug. It seems to be perfect match for the home and your style.

I am less enthusiastic about the fringe or bullion on the window panels.. I think it's too fussy.

It's a gorgeous room and it's great to watch it evolve. Thanks for sharing!

Using Photoshop I laid the 1st plaid on the chair for you.
What you think of this chair? Make sure you find an excellent upholsterer to make a plaid lay properly and line up. The reds do not seem to match.
Eileen

Also are your cats declawed? I ask because mine are not and they tend to think any nubby fabric is a scratching post. A flat and stiff fabric like leather or cotton duck seems to deter the scratching.

Kevin ain't gonna like me, but it looks like a bad suit right out of the 20's whereas he would probably prefer the look of Jay Gatzby. I love plaids and checks, but this chair looks like it belongs in Dan Connor's(Roseanne)LR. Now you can throw something at me Kevin.

I can't see putting plaids on your rug.

Maybe something super nubby, similar to this type (not color). Less textured drape. I like the multi colored chenille. Something heavy would be interesting.

Here is a link that might be useful: heavy nubby vintage

This post was edited by snookums2 on Sat, Jan 12, 13 at 13:32

Oooh, I love the idea of tartan. The Scottish blood in me is jumping for joy.

I follow Tommy Smythe on Pinterest and he has a board called Tartan. This room is Ralph Lauren's study.

On a side not, I convinced my brother to decorate his bedroom in his new home with this picture as the inspiration. We have a family Clan Tartan that he is using as the fabric.

Any Scottish history in your family that you can borrow a tartan from? The grey herringbone with a tartan pillow, maybe?

This post was edited by geokid on Sat, Jan 12, 13 at 13:38

Snook, the plaid seems to 'bring down' the space, and I wouldn't think he wants that. I get he's wanting the space to take on a more casual vibe, but the plaid looks dowdy(or maybe country?)for lack of a better word. If the thought proces *is* English country/French country, where plaids are widely used, I think a better one could be found. Again, just my 2 cents.

I liked the fabric sample you posted with all the kitty pictures. Did I miss something? Did you rule that one out? Not really a fan of the plaid, especially after seeing the mock-up.

patty cakes, why are you addressing me? I said that I couldn't see the plaid on his rug. Besides, I think Kevin is quite capable of deciding for himself.

If his cats have claws the nubby fabrics will NOT work. Trust me.
I could see a leather or other strong solid fabric with a plaid pillow or throw like the Ralph Lauren den.

I would like to see what Kevin thinks. Thanks.

obviously the scale of the plaid matters.. as do the actual colors and texture. I love geo's photos and I do love the addition of a handsome plaid to a room--especially this style of home. I don't care for the ps mockup either-- it looks like a little girl's plaid skirt. However, I recognize that there are limitations to using a photo of a fabric -- again, scale, texture and color will determine if it works or not.

Of course Kevin will decide for himself--I am lost as to why that needs to be stated. I sure hope my input (as well as all others) are seen merely as shared opinions to be used or discarded as the OP desires. Personally, I find all input helpful-- even if it is to clarify and firm up what I don't like or want.

Leather scratches when they jump up and down or race around, even with front claws removed.

"Of course Kevin will decide for himself--I am lost as to why that needs to be stated. "

Because PC was rapping my knuckles for some reason, that a plaid would "bring the room down" and was "dowdy." It wasn't even my opinion or suggestion to use it. I don't think derogatory phrases like that are very helpful regardless who it is directed to.

This post was edited by snookums2 on Sat, Jan 12, 13 at 15:42

If you get the leather that is dyed all the way through the fabric and is already distressed you should not have visible scratches. Leather is 4 times stronger than regular fabric. But the price might be the biggest issue.
Kevin, are you re-upholstering or getting slipcovers made?

Wow, this site is so cool. There are THOUSANDS of tartans and it looks like many of them are listed here. Plaid lovers rejoice!

Here is a link that might be useful: Awesome Tartan web site

I see how my comment appeared to be directed at you, Snookums-- my apologies. My point was more aligned with your perspective in that it seems obvious that Kevin is quite capable of culling the suggestions and opinions that don't work for him. There's no reason for anyone other than Kevin to take on the role of arbiter of what's best for Kevin.

I hate when I see a collaboration or sharing of ideas turn competitive and argumentative. All ideas help shape a solution-- even those that don't make the cut in the final design.

"I hate when I see a collaboration or sharing of ideas turn competitive and argumentative. All ideas help shape a solution-- even those that don't make the cut in the final design."

Well so do I which is why I said what I did (which happened to be directed to me. My post was not directed to you).

I said that not for Kevin, as you say, but because it's better for everyone to feel comfortable posting their ideas. Insulting comments towards another's taste or suggestions is not necessary or conducive to the good open flow of ideas. Whether it's Kevin's or another poster's input.

I think it makes people not want to post their thoughts if someone comes back at them with condescending derogatory remarks that don't benefit anyone or encourage good discussion.

If you argue, you'll only use up Kevin's 150 post allotment sooner.

I'm going to restart this anyway in a few hours. This seems to happen on my threads. Usually I'm the one insulted.

Thanks Kevin.

"I'm going to restart this anyway"

Really, this isn't even Kevin's thread. Who starts a thread to decorate someone else's room.

This post was edited by snookums2 on Sat, Jan 12, 13 at 15:45

Put me down as a bonafide red plaid lover. And I like it with the herringbone. I could see a herringbone background and a plaid pillow or vice versa.

I'm starting to like the gray. With a plaid pillow, lol.

Agreed, and PC and I have gotten into it before, with me making the same points you're making. But that's old news. We will start anew, and with drape options.

Kevin...look at Tommy Smyth's Pinterest page...his style reminds me of yours.

Ok, I did not read "the middle".... Did you rule out that coral Greek key? It has so much LIFE!! I love it!

Nancy

I think that's ruled out. I'm starting a new thread now.

I'm so happy that everything is to coming together for you and your beautiful room. I'm still loving the idea of bringing out the coral in the rug and throw pillows on those chairs would be wonderful. I'm excited to see what curtains you choose and just want to say sorry if I got the whole new curtain thing started, I maybe should have kept my mouth shut. My favorite mirror so far was the one from home goods since I couldn't convince you to get the one on craigslist : ) but I think part of the reason I don't like the current one is because it's looking unfinished on the edges to me.
Your doing a wonderful job and to top it off your being very patient with all of us.
Remember only you know how the room feels and to me that is so much more important than how it looks.

Just want to add that I posted this without seeing your last post above. Sorry about that.

This post was edited by farmchic on Sat, Jan 12, 13 at 23:22

If I were an artist, I might have tried to tone down the gold mirror from Homegoods, but I just didn't want to try and then make it look worse, and I also ended up really liking the size and tone of the RH one (especially since it matched the chandelier finish).

You didn't get me started on the curtains. I was back and forth and decided they had to go. I'm grateful for everyone's suggestions and assistance.

Comment removed because Kevin started a new thread.

This post was edited by geokid on Sun, Jan 13, 13 at 6:48

Uh oh, looks like the mean girls want to come out to play. It's time for me to leave the playground since nice girls don't fight, and don't hang around to get picked on either. Now go play and make nice, girls, but please watch for those bullies on the playground. You could be next.

Sorry, Patty, but nice girls don't say things like this:

"Kevin ain't gonna like me, but it looks like a bad suit right out of the 20's whereas he would probably prefer the look of Jay Gatzby. I love plaids and checks, but this chair looks like it belongs in Dan Connor's(Roseanne)LR. Now you can throw something at me Kevin."

Your comments are insulting. And that is Not nice.

She knows she's insulting. I've already told her that twice. Part of me thinks she started this thread just to get at me because of our prior spat over the canopy room when she asked me why I thought the bed would have looked good in the room and that I should have gotten a twin day bed instead. 'Cause that's practical for guests... But I'm over it.

Kevin, maybe it was the architect in me but what bothered me about that canopy bedroom was when you had the bed running perpendicular to the skylights. Once the bed was changed to run parallel with the skylights the room looked SO much better. What did you end up doing with the upper storage area anyway? Did you keep the shelving?
It is always amazing how even a small room can look spectacular with large furniture if done correctly, as your room was done so beautifully.
Would you consider working as a designer as a side business? You certainly have the talent to do so.

I haven't finished that room yet because I need my contractor to do the drywall and open up my closet. I'm also thinking about holding off until I can put in a custom closet and a library ladder to have access to high storage in the vaulted area.

That makes sense.