I could post dozens of photos that show art with chandeliers, so I don't agree with that concept. You can do both and it is done in living, dining, bedrooms, everywhere. Here is extreme example, but just to make my point.

This is great little space with tons of character. We would call this "eclectic". You say you don't have a switch for the crystal chandelier? The existing fixture works doesn't it? I think that could be switched out for the crystal one? Not sure what you mean? The consoles from Uttermost you posted are nice and I love them, but notice they are 60" long. There is no way you could use that much length in your place. At least as we are currently thinking. But the concept of a painted item, not as long would fit your "style" perfectly. So, you do have good instincts. Just haven't had a chance to "practice". But you are learning fast so have no doubts.

Hello!

I meant that there is no light switch in my new dining room (former living room) to hang the chandelier in the new dining room, as per Alannaspree's suggestion. So, I figured I better just put the chandelier in the new living room (former dining room).

I was just trying to think of ideal cabinets for the dining room, even though I am probably getting ahead of myself. I was just moving around my TV stand and I don't love it because it is not feminine enough. But, like everything else, I cannot afford to buy new stuff so I am trying to live with it.

All the best!

Oh, now I get it. Sure, I understand. I would hang on to that bench, because it might work in other locations? For TV if put along the long wall in "new" dining room"? Or on the balcony? Not sure what you paid for it?? It would sell because "rustic/modern" is really hot look right now. Keep us posted as you move along.

What I love is that you are experimenting now, which is a wonderful thing! You can see now how things work and don't work. Good for you!!!

Chandelier shopping - look in consignment & second hand stores as well as on Craigslist, ebay etc for your chandelier as well. Vintage chandeliers get tossed out daily in renovations & via deceased estates etc. They are usually much better quality than the many of the massed produced ones available through the big stores. For example look at the following (5 mins on ebay found these).

By the way the middle one might look amazing

Now your talking!! Love that middle one. What size is it?

Flo I wasn't looking at measurements; just wanted to give JC an idea of what is out there if you keep searching. Here is the listing.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GORGEOUS-Italy-PINK-AMBER-Crystals-COPPER-GOLD-GILT-Iron-5-Light-CHANDELIER-EUC/391329841917?_trksid=p2045573.c100033.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D41375%26meid%3D12ae5fa94d5f4da2a6f8524817854621%26pid%3D100033%26rk%3D6%26rkt%3D8%26sd%3D361907229062

Re existing chandelier - JC you can always add more crystals to your existing chandelier to make it look more glam & feminine in the dining room. Console in dining room is also fine. You can make that room look more feminine with your accessories. We haven't even looked at the room yet.

Hi, I recalled that I had taken a photo of a bar cart at an accessories store. I did not get the measurements, but I seem to think it was around 24-30 inches long and around 12-16 inches wide (I realize I will have to get an exact measurement). But, I am wondering if it would work as the coffee table. I can't recall how expensive it was, but I think it was relatively inexpensive (at least compared to the coffee table I currently have).

Also Alannaspree, I do love the look of one of the chandeliers you selected. I had never searches e-bay before, but I can see there is a lot of stuff on there. I limited my search to items that ship within Canada so as to avoid duties, but I suppose in some cases it is worth it to pay those duties as I cannot seem to find equivalent items up here.

Very cute table. I like the gold. I like its shape. It might be a little high? Usually like height to be about height of sofa seat height so if you reach across to it from sofa it is an easy reach. The little rim could add to some difficulty using it. Having said that every once in a while it is worth doing something because you love it. It is a sweet table.

The above table is cute but certainly looks too high?

I'm not sure but isn't http://www.kijiji.ca the big site for second hand goods in Canada?

Yes, I think it is too high too, but there is a trend to this look, just have to decide if that is convenient enough for a coffee table. What do you think JC?

Hi,

I like it but I think for the reasons you stated it is not quite right as a coffee table.

I was just trying to bring closure to some of the mistakes I made earlier, so in that process, I came to some conclusions.

-the store has products from particular manufacturers. Many of the design photos on the store's website were likely not photos of work done by their in-store designers or decorators, but rather photos that were the same as the furniture provider's site. Perhaps had I spent more time studying the store website or had greater intelligence, that would have been apparent sooner. Anyway, I guess the lesson for me there is the same as that I listed below, which is that having nice furniture alone does not equate to design.

-I think that a good designer can make average looking furniture look great by arranging it properly and conversely, having beautiful looking furniture can be deceptive in masking a poor design arrangement. I figured this out based on my own experience, and also, I found the store's designer services on this site. The furniture was really nice, but the arrangement in the projects looks similar to my initial arrangement. That is, it looks to me that the furniture was just placed in the space, and not arranged. So, to an untrained eye, I think the furniture on the projects looks great as it is unique. But, I still think the arrangement in those projects looks like it was not thought-out. That is just my opinion based on observing how the designers on this thread think things through.

-An in-store designer will not take time to consider different arrangements, as I suspect spending time on design services is not completely congruent with the business model of most furniture stores. Most stores want to sell products, so the services are only a means to achieve that. It follows that the so-called design services are often minimal, as they only need to achieve that goal of selling. I would hire a designer again, but never will I use an instore designer again.

The store would not give me any money or any exchanges, saying it was past 10 days and it was on sale, and saying that they stand by their work and they would defend their reputation by whatever means. So, there you have it. Anyway, I would be upset except for a few things: 1) everyone on here has been so kind and helpful that it was worth all the trouble and expense as had everything been perfect, I would never have started this post. 2) I believe that store will eventually go out of business because if the store really thought it would stay in business, it would have tried harder.

You have come a long way baby! But just think how much better your home is looking despite them! Ah, yes. Life is grand and we are loving helping you and knowing you!

Gosh this has been a strange read. I am loving the pink chair here, not so much the room swap but if you like it it is certainly fine. I detested the sofa shoved down toward the door with the mirrored chest next to it, so you are certainly moving in the right direction. I am glad that you seem to be having not fun now (not as many diatribes about the salespeople but still angsting over decisions made a year ago!). Please, please remove shopping from your list of things to do. Folks here are enjoying themselves helping you out, and it is easy to go from that to suggesting all kinds of possibilities, but if what I have read here is any indication, you are an impulsive shopper who is still paying a boatload for a spree that you deeply regret. Buying more will not solve that problem. Stop, work with what you have for now without donating (except for the stack of fake books!?), selling, or buying ANYTHING (ok, drapes only please). Take the suggestions here and from salespeople for what they are-SUGGESTIONS. You are supposed to use your own judgement and restraint when implementing them.

For what it's worth, and I hate to even bring this up for fear of sparking PTSD, your sofa is perfectly sized for your room and exactly fits what I perceive to be your style. I don't love the coffee table but it was hardly a crime to suggest it there. You are better off without it but take your time replacing it, it doesn't sound like you sit for very long anyway, and the "new" living room is very narrow.

HI JC what is the height from the floor to the top of your sofa seat?

The top of the sofa seat is 19.5 inches from the floor.

There were a few comments throughout this thread about PTSD and other comments (one of which was deleted by the poster).
In truth, the fact that I was so easily pressured is probably a sign of a deeper issue with more personality (stems from events long ago) but I beat myself up about it already and I am here to get advice and i could do without the critiques as it is nothing I have not thought about myself a million times.

Again just for future reference & to add to your idea books, I think that this type of chandelier could also work nicely in your living room - the prisms would be beautiful when lit. A different look again. The more things you see will help you narrow down your selection in the future.

Whilst you do not have a pendant light fitting currently in your new dining area, one can be added by an electrician. I would advise you to get all of your electrical work done at the one time as calling tradespeople back is expensive - most charge you a service call fee each time they come.

http://www.lampsplus.com/products/soft-silver-4-light-24-inch-wide-crystal-chandelier__w7027.html

Not really critiquing you, JC, more so warning you to take it slow. You are getting nice help and have come a long way but even some of the people suggesting ideas are saying not to go out and buy anything just yet. People post cool ideas because it isfun imagining all of the great things you can do with your great place, not necessarily so that you go on another spending spree! If they are, then they are being self serving in the way that you described the first designer who did not pick up on your cues and kept suggesting things you could not afford.

I appreciate any suggestions and will not go out and buy things-right away. I just want ideas for the future as I change things out with time. I also feel I learned a lot about alternative sources for items like e-bay and consignment shops. All this has been helpful to me and will help me make avoid making future mistakes. Thank you all!!

You are very welcome and I can't wait to see some more photos when you are ready.

Hi JC

Glad to hear that you are welcoming ideas as you develop
your master plan for the future. It will help you formulate the final style and help
you look at items with “new eyes” when you are window shopping. As you know the
coffee table is going to be tricky because of the small space as most tables on
the market are going to be too big. Some ideas for you. I have found a couple
of coffee table options that might work in your small space. You may not like
either of them. Regardless, I just want to show you that there are options out
there that you may not have considered. You will need lots of patience &
will need to just keep looking as small tables are hard to get.

First coffee table option is actually 2 outdoor stools. You
could add mirror tray to top if you wanted. They are from Horchow which are on the
expensive side. However, Horchow regularly (every 3-4 weeks) have snap sales
for a week & you will get 33 – 50% off plus free shipping sometimes. After the snap sale the item goes back to full price. You
have to monitor their site closely for the snap sales. The second option I have
mocked up is a small mirrored coffee table from Pier1. Most stores also offer a
discount for first time purchasers usually 10 – 20%. As mentioned in a previous
post, with your small space you will need to measure, measure & measure
& mark out templates before you decide on anything.

Thank you! I prefer the Horchow tables. My concern with the pier import table is that even though my friends say I act like I am seventy years old, I don't want my house to look like that. I am not sure whether this is a realistic concern but I wondered if I had too many pretty items it would look dated. Just wondering. I thought adding black would make it look more modern. That said I do like the mirrored table too.
In any event Horchow does not ship to Canada so I have to find an alternative source of something similar.

In observing how the designing mind thinks as exemplified throughout the thread, I came to the conclusion that masculine items can be transformed into feminine items by altering the items surrounding the items.

My question is: Is there a limit to which this introduction of the opposite element can be successful? For example, way back in this thread I posted a photo of my earlier sectional, which was a dark grey and modern look. Could that have been transformed into a feminine style by adding a pink throw, mirrored sofa table, etc. or would that have just been too far removed from the feminine style to be rescued by its surroundings, so to speak?

Ah, you ask a refined question, demonstrating how much of a quick study you are! In fact, you could use a simple piece and give it new looks by changing surrounding pieces, accessories, wall colors, etc. Generally speaking, you have to use a deft hand, namely don't OVERdo the additional touches. Keep those elements secondary and you can succeed. I don't look at spaces as "masculine" and "feminine", but rather shape, size, function, coloring, and the fun part is the "finishing" touches, which can take a space in wildly different directions just depending on the owner's desires. As you have found out! I take the total view, including outside views, and bring inside certain outside view elements. Integration is always a good idea. So, you have the right idea. The main thing is balance. When we thought things were going too pink, we "edit" and removed a pink stool or changed its location. That brought better balance. It is a "process". Different people view things differently. Engineers view things in a very systematic, "rule-based" manner; artist's view things with abandon are visually oriented. So different strokes for different folks. I think you might be more "rule based"?? You seek guidelines, rules and right and wrongs. In design, you need both. Getting too deep here for a early Sunday. But you asked! hahah! Just my thoughts on only a half cup of coffee! Enjoy!

Well, I guess I could have salvaged my big grey sectional with the right lay-off, but when I asked my first designer that, she said it was too big and too masculine. I suppose I could have challenged that view.

I am wondering whether any of the below nesting tables would work as coffee tables. I found them on the Canadian Wayfair site, as I cannot find too many on Kijii (which is the place that you can sell used items in Canada).

https://www.wayfair.ca/Cole-and-Grey-3-Piece-Nesting-Tables-COGR7207.html

https://www.wayfair.ca/Mercer41-Salles-Coffee-Table-MRCR5390.html

https://www.wayfair.ca/Mercer41-Bardette-2-Piece-Nesting-Table-MRCR3722.html

https://www.wayfair.ca/Mercer41-Albertson-2-Piece-Nesting-Tables-MRCR8400.html

I like the Albertsons best because of open look and glass top which keeps things open. But, I couldn't see the heights. They might be too high. Above 20" is probably too high for true coffee table. Generally, 18" -20" high works best.

JC your concern about your space looking old fashioned is correct. All you need is lace doilies on the arms. Just a hint of pink will add a feminine touch and add a third soft color.

All of the nesting tables you posted from Wayfair would work. The Albertson one is too busy for that small space. You already have a beautiful round occasional table to use or you have the garden table. Keep looking, as a cube would be the best fit.

The drum chandelier raised up is simple and very European. Swag the crystal chandelier over the dining room table and live with it, before you hire the expense of an electrician.

Cube Tables:

https://www.jossandmain.com/Danvers-End-Table-PVB1284.html
https://www.wayfair.com/Statements-by-J-Geneva-Coffee-Table-SBYJ1401.htmlhttps://www.wayfair.com/Alcott-Hill%C2%AE-Eyers-End-Table-ALCT2627.html?piid%5B0%5D=15204769

Good evening,

It is getting dark here, so I should have taken these photos earlier. But, this is the former living room, now dining room. The big chair is shown in two positions -in either the corner by the kitchen or the corner by the window.

Just so I am clear, is trying to position the big chair the biggest challenge right now? If I did not have the big chair, would the issue of dining room/living room switch been moot, in the sense that the sofa could have stayed where it was initially?

Thank you in advance.

The big chair was going to be an issue no matter what. I like the "new" dining room and I think that art would be great on that wall. I prefer the big chair, as long as it is with you, in that far corner. I like the chairs at the table on the cross because it opens the views. I think you could put the bench on the wall up close to the kitchen and we can visualize if the TV would work there or not. I like the buffet in front of the windows, but it could also fit under the tv in is current position if you like it better there. Any thoughts?

I think if you remove the big chair totally which room is the living or dining area becomes moot. However each room has different advantages - eg balcony room has more light & air; the original living area has TV. I like the big chair & as a tall person I could see myself flopping down into it talking to you if you were in the kitchen making me dinner or a drink (dreaming!). So I am wondering is there a way we can use it to bridge the two rooms by having it facing outwards (we don't see the back) on that wall that divides the two rooms or somewhere between all the rooms & the kitchen? Flo & Denise - is there some way we can do this that looks good?

JC, I think everyone is trying to help you find furniture placement that fits your wants and needs, using as much of your new furniture as possible. It seems that the large chair isn't right for you, so different arrangements have been suggested, assuming you will take it to a consignment store or stick it away somewhere. You can keep your living room furniture as it is placed now, and start getting help on your dining area, OR move the living furniture back to the larger living space now that you have decided to use the smaller pink chair. That would solve the issue with your lighting fixture and TV viewing. But different designers have different opinions on which room should be used for which purpose. They are all giving you great suggestions; however, it is up to YOU alone to decide which way you prefer it, because you are the one standing in your space, and only you know how you want it to function. There is no right or wrong answer.

Hello All,

In addition to other desirable characteristics today, I exhibited restraint and entrepreneurship. Restraint because I did drop into a furniture store to see if I could find a new coffee table but I did not make any impulsive purchases. Entrepreneurship because I went to a consignment shop and tried to negotiate a price for the chair (based on a photo). The store was not interested because - get this - they thought it was too big given the size limitations of their store at the moment. So, I am probably resigned to getting rid of the chair, but I have not found any source yet. I cannot move it myself as it is too heavy and I think it has to go over the balcony as getting it up here was such a struggle.

In general, I prefer the former living room as a living room - if only because it would avoid me needing to move the TV and the chandelier.

But in the short term, until I can sell the big chair, I am not minding the current arrangement too much. I can watch the TV from the big chair, and I read from the sofa. I sort of look at the current arrangement as being 3 areas - a sitting area with the sofa, the dining area and the corner with the chair (and a drink as alannaspree mentioned).

I am not helping much, am I?

At least I know know that there are options to switch things up from time to time in the future.

What I love is your new found confidence. You can do your spaces as you like most. Could be a seasonal thing too!

The large lounge chair has always been a problem for you, no matter what was suggested.

The cabinet with the large lamp under the window, next to the large lounge chair on the right in the corner, looks very cozy and perfect for what you said about watching tv. You may even want your fuzzy pink stool there also to throw you feet up. The chair can be angled more towards the tv.

The large flower painting is so good there and you get to enjoy it.

Here is a blog explaining how to swag a chandelier. It looks complicated but it's quite simple.

http://beautifullycontained.blogspot.com/2012/04/how-to-hang-and-hide-cords-of-pendant.html

I love that little light! Perfect with the art too.

Hello,

I am coming close to making my final decision. I just had to check one or two last things.

First, of the designs, I think I am liking the Alannaspree design with the rooms switched, and with the black lights and black and pink art. I would then do the living room as I presented it yesterday - which had the big chair in the corner. I have not figured out the final placement of the TV stand and TV in that set-up.

I also like Denise's design with the sofa against the window. I like that design even without the big chair.

In addition to other reasons for liking these two designs, I like that the designs hide the high arms of the sofa somewhat so that you are not seeing those as soon as you enter the room.

So, I will be deciding on one of those two designs shortly.

The thing I am still confused at is the variation among designers. I am seeing that it is overall balance in the room, and that for this reason, there are no rules per se. That said, I had a friend who has some design background and she came over today and said, the current sofa is too small, and that I would need a sectional or sofa that filled the entirety of original wall where the sofa was placed. She said that because she said there was too much space on either side of the small sofa and that it was too small to take a nap in. I am confused because my first designer said a loveseat was better, and two small chairs in front of the window. So, perhaps the two ideas both have the same number of total seating and so they are not as different as it would seem. Anyway, her thoughts were that I go back to the my original sectional (posted way back when). I could do that but that would seem like even more of a waste than all my current stuff.

Anyway, she had me re-place the sofa in its original position, and bring down a chair from upstairs.

I don't like this look, but I thought I would post it just in case.

Thank you for reading and for your comments,

Designers - you have a hard job. So many options and so many considerations for any given space.

JC, I see that you are very confused by all the professional advice you have been getting and all the different solutions to your space. This is why when someone is searching for an interior designer they interview 3 or 4 people, meet them and look at their work. The designer is hired, first and foremost, as to the rapport between client and designer. An agreement is drawn up and the client agrees to pay fees for their design and a retainer up front. When a designer is paid for their service, just like any professional, their client usually works with them, and them only. It is the design concept vision of the professional you have to trust. Otherwise, it's just a jumble of different ideas all over the place.

It's a meeting of the minds with the goal to make the client happy. It is the professional's responsibility to keep the client focused and agreeable every step of the way, with no surprises. For every designer there will be a new idea for the design concept, for every friend there will be loyalty to help.

As pointed out so many times in this discussion, you and you alone must be happy with your home. All of the furniture you have is beautiful and just needs to be set in the right place for you to be happy.

Without the proper training, most people don't understand why they respond to scale and color and composition. Interior design is 10% art and 90% psychology guiding a person to feel content and inspired in their environment.

I have been reading your discussion carefully, and I hear from you that you want a feminine, soft, light, space that you can enter and take a deep sigh, surrounded by gentle art depicting the dancers you so love. My advice it to wake up some sunny morning, sit at your kitchen island and just look. Look for a long time and envision what you want to see. Then take that vision from point A to point B.

You need to be able to say "This is my home."

Sorry, but that original layout is just wrong. All of the other layouts are better.

What can I say. So sorry you seem to be listening to someone who apparently has limited design experience and then believe that is best. You have many very good ideas that have been expressed here with all the best of intensions for you. Perhaps at some point you will realize why these suggestions are best, but maybe not. Best of luck.

Thank you. I believe I am going back to alannaspree design with the pink and black. And that will be my final decision. It will take me some time to get the remaining items (such as the coffee table). I appreciate all the time that all of you took to help me and I see what you say about listening to too many designers. I was just listening to be polite (and I had a hard time standing up to my friends in the same way that I had a hard time standing up to the salespeople), and I was also trying to give everything a chance. That is all.

I will go back to the design with the living and dining room switched. And I am going to look for some black lamps and a coffee table, etc.

Thank you again. I am very grateful for all the wonderful help and sorry to be such a pain! I am very happy.

Most important thing is that you are happy! Now you have a plan & just need to execute it. I know you are sick of hearing advice however...one last piece of advice. Don't compromise on your plan. Save, sell & wait. For example, that black lamp is a stunning piece so good that when we used it on another thread Flo went & bought one for herself! Yes it is expensive in Can$ but it will come on sale during the year. Also contact the manufacturer & find out who sells it in Canada. Cheaper black lamps will not look quite as good & will not have the foil lining. If you wait you will get it at a good price. Ditto any other items that you find. Save & wait & measure. You don't won't to be disappointed in the end result & be repeating this exercise in 12 months. Also I do think the TV could work on the wall next to the niche but only you can tell by sitting on the sofa. If it did work there, that would free up the big chair for you to sell & allow you to pay to have the TV moved.

Good luck & I truly hope that your 3rd reincarnation of your home when it is completed makes you grin from ear to ear every time you walk in the door.

I have been following this thread with great interest and was very impressed with the designers on here and the suggestions made and how the room was coming along. I just posted a topic, Totally stumped. I would be thrilled if the designers that helped JC would take a look. JC, your space went from nice pieces with no personality in the room to taking shape in being a gorgeous space.

One of the habits that seems to get you twisted in knots is the habit of looking for advice and seeking approval (there were a couple of times here when you mentioned getting no compliments , then worried that you couldn't "stage" the place, etc.) Other than little details (round coffee table? Sell big chair?), stop seeking opinions and compliments and invite guests to your home to enjoy your wonderful hospitality. Design is the setting for conversations and memories, not THE conversation. Have courage and pride in what you have done, it is time to enjoy it and let it become the backdrop to your REAL life.

I would say that all the designers on here gave me excellent advice and I sense that I would not have gone wrong with any of the designs recommended for me. I am staying with the reversed rooms for now (as I said, I seldom watch TV), but who knows, maybe in a year from now, I will go for the sofa against the window.I now have a few options for the future that do not involve buying all new furniture, but merely moving around furniture. So before I started this thread, I had no idea that you could move furniture in all the layouts and I had 3 designers at my house (initial designer, first in store designer, second store designer) and none of them came up with any designs that did not have the sofa against the wall. On this thread, I was recommended with various alternative sofa arrangements and that turned out to be the major piece to be placed.

Yes, I did seek advice or perhaps you can say approval from too many people around here in Alberta. I guess everyone wanted to come over and see how I was doing but in the process and, everyone wanted to suggest different things. Not sure what it is about me, but I guess I have to say "you can come over for a glass of wine, but don't try to advice me on set out as I have that worked out". The last person who came over was a friend of a friend at work, and she really wanted to see everything so I said "OK". But, yes, I feel I could have shown here my place, without allowing her to revert to designs that I eliminated earlier in this thread. But, even from that, what I learned once and for all, is a) trust my own instinct; and b) trust a real designer, as on this thread, even though some had minor differences in opinions, they agreed on the major items.

I think I need assertiveness training. I am going to practice that starting this morning. If I am asked do I want a muffin with my coffee, I will say " no and do not try to upsell me any baked goods!". Just joking. I bring my own coffee to work.

Now, if I hired a new designer I would just interview many and stick with only one (I will not do so now, but maybe if I ever moved and started again). Or I would tell my friends to stick with one designer and allow that designer to complete his or her vision.

You've done great :)

JC. I am so happy for you. You've done a great job and especially that you feel so much more positive in your approach to life and design.

Enjoy your new home & if I may be so bold as to pass along this piece of advice from a fellow Canadian; always remember you have the control, the money is still in YOUR pocket until YOU decide otherwise. Good luck.