These photos uploaded all stretched out? Hmmm, in order to see the overall rooms click each image, I'd love creative professional feedback. ;)

It is fun to mix styles, however it takes experience. The chairs do not work well with the dining table or light fixture. I think you might want to work with an interior designer with experience with antiques and modern.

Looks like you have a wonderful atmosphere in your home!

Mixing styles is great but I don't think these chairs mesh at all. They are too light in design and the material seems wrong. I'd look for more solid pieces. Also I'd prefer wood as the material as it would blend well.

Thanks for the responses so far!

Unfortunately I can't afford a designer, but have seen many images on line with similar mod chairs and antique tables. I'll add a few of my faves to give an idea of what I am going for. I'm loving and have to figure out which mod style chair will work, as I love the whole "opposites attract" thing! Thanks for responding! ;) any HOUZZ folks out there that know what I'm trying to achieve and can suggest? Thanks ALL!

P.S. I know whatever I chose needs to work with the other dining room, any photos of suggestions would be great! I've had the covered Parsons, and a French style. I'm going for something different, don't want a blended look, but rather an opposite look that works, if that makes sense; )

I'm open to a new light fixture too! The current fixture was one from a friend a builder grade, as she was remodeling. So, I took it because it was better than the one I had.

I have the same chairs and I have paired them with a rustic table but the lines of my table are very simple. I think the table in your pic is too curvy. I think you would do better with a parsons chair.

Your space imo doesn't have as much an overall modern vibe as the examples you posted. That is why I would choose a chair that blends a bit better. These chairs have more bulk or texture which I think would work well. Though they are meant just as an example of what I mean as far as style not that these exact chairs are necessarily right for your space.

Totally agree, my space has no modern vibe. Trying to figure out how to add a little in each space as the rooms run together, are open to a point, to one another. I can't change everything, most large furniture pieces have to stay, but want to add some modern in. These chair choices are nice. I almost bought the white ones in a light wood shade similar to your first photo posted. I'm hunting for a grey couch, and light living room chairs, hopefully I can find a style that will be stream line enough to somehow allow for the look of some modern to work with what i have. The shelves next to the fire place will go too, hopefully those changes will open me up to add in some mod, that will flow. Thank you!

To me it looks like you are just doing vignettes that you like but they do not enhance the decor. The only connecting feature I see is a yellow wood armoire and a yellowish chest. You have made some odd choices. For example the raspberry colored rug, It has no connection to anything else in all of this public area. What were you trying to convey with the rug? I agree with Beverly's post

Thanks ladies. Just about everything Beverly crossed off, I actually can do without. Except I really like the large recycled class vase, although it's now in the corner on the floor. The rug was a kilim find that I just wanted to throw in somewhere for a pop of color, I love those rugs, but i can certainly do without. The large arched art was a bad choice, it was a purchase just to fill a blank space, that had art work I decided I was tired of. The corner hutch is a grandmother's that I've been wanting to get rid of, but desperately need a small corner hutch to replace it with to store china, as there's no where in the house to store it. So, can i ask what lamps you'd suggest? What would you suggest on the wall at the end of the table? I love photo walls. I should explain, I'm drawn to an eclectic style over all, with vintage modern combo. I guess i need to figure out how to make it all make sense, although I probably need to stick with a classic timeless look since most of the larger items are classic or antique. Thank you, and any photos you come across might help. :)

This might not be the right art for you. You may prefer something realistic, but the room could use something on that wall. I have lowered the chandelier and shown a variety of buffet lamps that could actually fit on your sideboard if you want to use those instead of any wall mounted sconces that could take the place of those brackets you have on the wall.

I like art there, not particularly those colors. I either want something muted soft, or bold/b &w? I'm a photographer and love architecture imagines, but also want a wall of family photos, perhaps white frames/white matts. There's no hallway in my house to have a photo wall, therefore I only have the dining room. I really want to personalize it, if there's a way to make that work/look right? I just got rid of black iron lamps and bought the white ones. Haven't had them but a couple weeks, still have the price tag on them. I still have my others, but they are less contemporary than the ones suggested in the photo. Maybe I should put them back, or hunt new? I love your suggestions! ! Here's a photo of previous lamps, please ignore my vignette craziness! But then what goes in the center of the buffet?
I'm not a minimalist, I like a layered feel, so if it's too sparse I get bored. ;/

Pictures of older lamps and newer lamps (below). The older ones aren't contemporary, therefore... perhaps I need to hunt new ones. I like your suggestions.

Another view of dining room. The wall clock is also something I want to rid the room of (which will have a large blank spot), along with the corner hutch, and black arched wall piece at the end of the table.

Forgot to add other view of dining room.

Remember... Your home is a reflection of who you are and what makes you happy! If you like the overstuffed look, then go for it! I personally can't stand modern "sleek" styles with no personality. Surround yourself with whatever makes your soul sing!

I think that if you just eliminate every accessory that you don't really like you might find yourself liking the furniture that you already own. You have some great basic pieces; you've just added too much detail. I like the white lamps; I think they will look good if you remove the feathers.

I'm no expert by any means but I think if you are to pull off that look, or incorporate it and make it work, you need to go more minimalist. I think the reason it doesn't work in your space is because you have a lot going on all over.

So I'm updating since I've had time to go through the rooms and move several things out of the space that Beverly suggested in an earlier post. My original question has now taken on a new turn. I originally was hoping to figure out how to combine some modern with what I have, and in particular, modern chairs with my antique kitchen table was my original question. Since the home is small and open concept, each room would need to be tweeked to a point to pull this off, the question now is, (where to tweek, what to rid, what to add???) I'm on a quest to combine, but want the look cohesive and not mismatched. I'm open to taking many things away, but am stuck using the larger pieces of furniture. The shelves on the side of the fireplace can also be replaced, that would especially be preferred. I'm showing photos with the small amount of decluttering, (previous photos show what i took away) and with keep in mind, the orange and black painted chest, next to the dining room buffet, will be moved or painted, the corner old gold hutch will be gone. I need ideas for what to put on the blank wall at the end of the table, what new lamp styles might look best, and overall, what and how to mix modern elements into what I currently have. (Mantel and buffet look bare to me) p.s. table is old, the finish is weird looking, even open to painting, buffet and table? ?? Thanks!

In your dining room the table and buffet and cupboard date the space so heavily that I dont think you can have anything other antiquated in there if you wish to modernize your space. Refinishing the table and buffet would help to bring a fresher look. I think the buffet or the table might look stunning in black if thats not a color you oppose.

Getting rid of more clutter is a good idea. The antlers, the mirror frames and stuff on the sides of mirror could be removed. A very simply framed mirror would be fresh. The table lamps are not too bad though could be simpler in design.

A mirror

A ceiling lamp

Chairs(again)

Thanks Tems! I like the idea of painting it a black, grey or white. The gold corner cupboard will go away soon. In this room the chairs I currently have will most likely stay.

I like the idea of adding a modern style fixture and painting the pieces. If not painted, I wonder if the fixture and different items on the buffet and a photo wall of black and whites behind table would work? The kitchen table, the dark wood one, at the beginning of my post is the one

I'd like new modern chairs with. I'm wondering overall if I accessorize with modern items, wall art and fixtures if that would tie things together in each room? Your ideas are helping me see the possibilities! ;)

I don't know what you would call it but that wall sculpture that is super heavy and curvy is one of your biggest enemies, I believe, in pulling off the look you hope to achieve. As long as that is on the wall nothing you do will look cohesive. Sorry for being so blunt. There's so many lines all over so much business. I think if modern is to work with what you have you have to aim for minimalism and flowy, curvy lines be restricted to only one piece.

Those candles do nothing for your place.

@jskz, I agree. I think the 2 heavy curve antiques are enough. Thank you!

Hi, just quickly read through your dilemma and your profile.
You say you get tired of things and like to change things up in your profile. When it was suggested you hire a designer, you responded you could not afford a designer. I am not placing any judgement, but if you got a professional design plan, perhaps you wouldn't feel the need to change everything all the time and buy new stuff. A well designed home, will feel comfortable and beautiful.
A designer will not cost you more money, it will actually save you money! A lot of people have the wrong impression of how a designer does business. She will be able to source you,furnishings and accessories at her cost( wholesale) and pass on her markup to you, usually 30%. This is usually way less than if you were to shop on some discount site and think you are getting a deal.
Less is more in your case for sure, lol.
Looks like a lovely home, but you have gotten a little off track with your purchasing.

Love the helpful feedback and those that offer IDEAS on how to mix antiques with modern, to create a personal eclectic vibe!

You're welcome.
I think you have some great advice :)

The curves of the table make a design statement. Modern chair needs to be simple to not compete with table's statement. Bertoia chair, maybe?

Photo

This Houzz article is well worth a read. Especially the last paragraph. Paring down and giving the eye some white space to rest on will help make your home feel calm and a pleasure to be in.

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/how-to-bring-balance-to-an-eclectic-look-stsetivw-vs~18888520

The more you take away, the more I like it. The table and chairs actually find of work, it's the pedestals on the table that seem to detract.

@dclostboy, I love the chairs! Do you suggest for kitchen?

@MaryOToole, I agree, I need to keep subtracting! Maybe I'll eventually end up where I want to be.

Thanks Bette, I'll take a look at that.

As I take inventory and continue to weed out furniture and decor. I go back to my search for some contemporary chairs for the kitchen as well as chandeliers. With that said, after looking at my rooms, does anyone have suggestions for chairs and or fixtures? Obviously the rooms need to work together, and I have work to do, but really want to add a touch of modern in asap. I've gotten a vote for S Chairs, ghost chairs, the wire chair shown in an earlier post. Looking for chair ideas that will work with the tables I have and updated lighting ideas. I'll need 4 chandeliers. I had an earlier post a few days ago with a few ideas. Anyone have votes?

just a few styles to choose from.

Here's a semi blank slate, imagine the vines gone from the chandelier and the stuff in the corner gone.

the walls are much lighter, they look dark here.

I didn't see any pics of kitchen to understand what you might need

dclostboy, Well the actual kitchen is outdated, but fairly neutral. The table I have is antique and the slip covered parson chairs are tired looking to me and about 10 years old anyhow. I'll post a photo, and a photo of a modern chair I picked up, not the right chair, but wanted something different but I'd need to tie that look into the living room and other dining as the rooms flow together.. I am basically trying to tie in a little modern/contemporary for an eclectic look throughout.

You might save money if you had a designer come in for half a day to work with what you have.

Before you buy or shop please try this. Remove all small decor, area rugs, and small wall decor. Put them out of sight leaving only large furniture. Take photos and study them. Post them. I like your major furniture, but your abundance of decor in each vignette diminishes beauty. Try less is more.

If you sit at the kitchen table a lot, go for comfort. Have you thought about using your dining chairs at the kitchen table? There would be a contrast of light against your dark table. Replace the ceiling fixture looking at transitional fixtures and remove the traditional decor in the room.

Thank you Bette, my problem is I have no where to put all the mirrors etc... I originally bought the light dining chairs for the kitchen. After looking at tons of pictures I truly think my issue is not being able to nail down a style. I like too many. I started this process on Houzz in search of a new couch and comfy chairs, which I feel I've nailed down. Then the love of the modern chairs and lighting took over which is tricky with what I have. I don't know what style over all I have. It seems to be mixed up. The large furniture except for the corner curio, I won't replace, right now. Other than that I'm happy to get rid of all wall items except the oval French rustic mirrors. I have a few stager friends and honestly don't like their work or suggestions, they lack creativity, seems just typical ideas. Perhaps I'll search out someone else.

I didn't realize you have so many posts showing similar photos and dilemmas. Please add new photos to this thread showing the editing you have done in the dining room. Delete your new post. Having so many will only add confusion to yourself and the people trying to help.

Try the cane back chairs from the formal dining room at this smaller table instead of the modern ones. You do need to consolidate these threads into one. Can you put the photos up in chronological order so as to show the progress and where you are now with the makeover?

Sorry, yeah unfortunately it won't let you delete past posts. When posting I thought it would just tag onto the original, didn't realize It has created several threads. So I've been told and agree, too many decor items in each room. Iron scroll over couch will go. Gold curio in dining room corner will go. The big black iron piece on dining wall will go. Getting a new couch and chair.

So, I've have so many ideas, moving things around, trying to tweak my look with what I have and take away and add to. Currently you'll see in the photos the different scenarios with my things as of now.

In trying to decide what and where to pop in a few modern touches such as a couple chairs (at the tables), and changing out lighting to something fun, I've ended up going in circles just moving things around. Do not want one overall style. Here's the photos from beginning to now in dining room:

when the madness began

tried different lamps

trying out abstract art on buffet, removed bright Kilim rug, paired down table decor.

going back to original decor before the madness began

trying to envision a photo art wall, with temp national geo mag imagines taped to wall. Hoping this would create a more contemporary feel, always pretend corner piece isn't there. Imagine a contemporary light fixture, and other lamps or none.

playing with the idea of some sort of modern chair

shown with end chairs that use to be in this room, a year ago, they are about 10 years old. I know. .. yeah- heavy iron! And my husband loves these! Oh dear! More updated dining room changes to follow. .....I'm at the photo limit per post.

Its all about playing until it feels right to you. You can comment and add more pix with each comment.

Here I go, more photos of dining room progression tweaking. This is tagging onto last post....

moved living room mirrors into dining, which I like, but creates one overall look IMO, and therefore- living room looks a totally different style from dining, creating design whip lash. i want the elements in each room blended together since house is smaller and open concept.

double mirror option?

different house items on and around buffet for curiosities sake. Deciding what to eliminate.

trying out large iron sconces from above couch to this wall.

as of now, last scenario I've tried. I like the mirror here, but I have 2 of them, don't know where to put the other one, and the other rectangle mirror that was originally here is now above fireplace and the other oval above couch and they don't belong in the same room IMO. SO, now I'm stummped by mirrors instead of chairs and light fixtures, which was the initial order of change, ha!

I think I need a more rustic mantel mirror and just art above couch.

Update of current and past living room since cycling things around. To get a big picture of the rooms and how they have to work together. Please imagine a neutral couch and chair (a relaxed style, nothing fussy or stuffy)-Coffee table is oversized, hubby's fav, so has to stay. Everything else can be moved to other rooms or sold. To me coffee table is traditional/transitional and a bit fancy/classic. ??Therefore, I need to encorperate that into dining and have items in living room that soften/tone down the coffee table. I'm thinking and trying to do the opposites attract thing. Therefore, I like rustic wood items (certain kinds) urban, chic, modern, French country, Mediterranean, traditional all mixed up in here! Ha! sounds like a recipe for design disaster huh!

after moving things around.

Living room before:

I think as of now my favorite scenario in the dining room would be this:

2nd:

3rd:but what to put on wall at end of table?

What contemporary light fixture would work?

More lights I like but the last one above I know wouldn't work over dining.

I can't see these modern styles working, except the Crystal one. I feel the ones that work best end up creating a specific French style which keeps the style to one design and not a mixture, which I wanted a mixture of designs. I Like this, but feels French and then the dining looks completely French. I actually like this over the coffee table where the ceiling fan is. But ultimately was wanting something funky in each room. Any suggestions on a quirky chandelier that would mix it up in the dining room, besides an Orb style? I'm not fond of many orbs, unless I can find one that uses thinner pieces.

Decoenthusiaste, the Cain won't work only because they have arms and the table has a skirt. There's not enough end space in the kitchen around table unfortunately.

Indulge us. I'd like to see 4 new dining room photos showing all 4 walls straight on:

-chandelier twigs & corner curio removed

-move the sideboard to the wall opposite the armoire to help balance both pieces

-only the armoire should be seen on the 4th DR wall, nothing on top, nothing beside it. Modern & clean as it can be.

-remove all furniture below the open arch on the DR side

-on the LR side, get the table lamp in the corner so you don't see the top of it from the DR side. Better sight lines.

Consider spraying your DR fixture a warm gold, why buy new?

We know you like decor, but I don't think you want it to look like an open concept furniture/decor store packed to the gills. Keep paring down your vignettes.

Thanks Bette, I wish I could indulge, I'm unable to move the curio at this date, maybe soon though! :) but I know it looks better without it. In a couple days I'll repost a few without the twigs and a more empty room. i think after a garage sale, I'll report a more empty room. Thank you! Until then, any further chair, wall or chandelier ideas are appreciated!

Oh, by the way no furniture can fit at end of table the room is designed that way, the other large armoire is kind of in an open walk way. Above the table is a very high skylight and the light is wired through a beam there. Table is centered under it. It looks funny to pull the table out more and place furniture there, I've tried. Originally I had a dark wood double door antique armoire that was much prettier and the prefect depth, in that spot, it had mirrored doors. When I bought the one currently in that spot, it was bought for a son's room, off Craig's list, but I failed to measure turns and it wouldn't make the turn. I had to switch it out, the only spot for the one currently there, is that space. I'd really like to sell it, but it was crazy heavy, 2 son's and a husband had a heck of a time with it, and I'm not fond of letting strangers from Craig's list in to take a look. I feel stuck with it, but in person it doesn't look as bad as the pictures.