Thanks for the photos. Did I miss the dining photo? Now seeing the rest of your home BETH H photo of two tone wood and black knobs would look best in my opinion. Good luck with your project and your decision.

Not to contradict anyone, but I think the pulls may be original…hard to tell, because I can’t get a good look. If I am correct, the pulls are referred to as Bale drop pulls and would be found on an Eastlake commode. (I had a similar piece and the pulls on it looked very similar to yours.) If so, it is the door knob which is missing.

@Jodie White Designs Inc

Any suggestions as to lamp and decor for this piece? Still not sure what the best paint color would be - pick up a color in another room? Don't worry about it and just go wild on the color?;) Could you give me an example of what you mean when you say "two tone wood?"

I know the red bookshelf is not generally something you would see in a DR, but with three grandkids and being a retired teacher, it is a must have (somewhere in the house) for me!

@JudyGDesigns

I'm thinking the handles are not original to the commode. My dad refinished this in 1983; he always signed his initials and the year somewhere inside/underneath when he completed a project for one of his kids. I'm not in love with the handles since they remind me of the Ethan Allen type of furniture that I grew up with (Colonial).

That's why I'm thinking my dad probably bought and put them on it.

Chalk Paint Distressed

@groveraxle

Thanks for weighing in on color choices; I get so stuck because this decorating stuff doesn't come easy to me. I actually like all of the colors you "painted" it!

Also, @groveraxle, thanks for the dog!:)

I understand the need for books for your grandchildren and thank you in advance as your years invested in teaching (hard job). Could you find another solution and do the books need to be visible? If books need to be attainable by your grandchildren then possibly something like this above depending on the measurements on both sides of window? It would be lighter and aesthetically pleasing to the space. Your dining room is not balanced with your furnishings. Your table appears to be too far to the left. Can you take a photo of the space with the Eastlake piece in it as well to understand the layout as a whole. The dining table is beautiful but too many items to distract and the wall art not right in scale. Depending on your decision to paint furniture piece will also determine the lamp and or accessories as making it cohesive which is important to all of the elements of the room and space. Two tone is what your dining table is , being the top wood finish and legs painted cream. The current finish on your Eastlake furniture piece is also two toned. I would not recommend this look in this space as too matchy matchy in my opinion.

@Jodie White Designs, Inc

Thanks for the feedback; I appreciate your detailed suggestions and examples of what could be used (i.e. the bookcase link). I agree that the table should be centered and getting the bookcase out of there is probably the only way to achieve that. What would you take away/leave from the dining table? (I'm not kidding when I say I like specifics!:) Also, I agree wholeheartedly that the commode should not be a two tone color, but am still stuck on what color to paint it. I can't visualize wall decor, so if you have suggestions feel free to send them.

Photos of DR will show you that it is a very broken up room with three entrances off it to the kitchen, LR and FR, but that's what I am working with.

@groveraxle

i immediately felt calm when looking at the change you made in the FR, and it just looked so right! I feel like I want to be a minimalist in my house, but it doesn't look that way, does it? I have too many "pieces" where just one will do. And, that one piece (the bookshelf) becomes very functional, also, whereas the other pieces become clutter.

I love what you did with the DR; it looks so pulled together! Now, how do I find the pieces that you have "imaged" into my DR?

Any thoughts on a paint color for the commode?

I feel like I'm going to soon have to name the dog!

Do you need to storage for the dining room? Center the table and move the bookshelf out of the space so you can get the feeling first. Artwork or large mirror on the wall to the left to open up the space. Can you measure the wall to the left please and height to top of molding from floor. Are you going to paint the piece yourself?

@Jodie White Designs Inc

The wall is 5 feet long. From floor to top of molding is 33 inches. From top of molding to the ceiling is 65 inches. And, yes, I plan to paint the commode myself.

Jodie-

Not really needing much storage space in DR.

First photo to show color of furniture piece with gold hardware and arched large mirror on left wall (which brings a different needed shape to the space) . Textured narrow console with lamps below the mirror or in front of window. Need measurement of window and walls estimating longer which would work as well. I would relocate the floor lamp. What does your chandler look like? You have nice natural lighting and to do full panels to the ceiling and extend the panels on your wall to give the illusion your window is larger than it is. You could do etageres on either side of windows and simple objects for interest and height to balance and modernize. If you took this route no draperies for clean lines minimalist approach. The rattan wall hanging could go above the chest if scale is right and if you paint blue. Or it could be used as a tray as the texture and color is pretty. Hope this helps, just remember one room at a time and subtle changes can transform in big ways. Placement, scale, texture,shapes and color are key to the success of the look, but that being said if you like it that really is what ultimately matters. Everyone has different tastes.

@groveraxle.com

I'm wondering how/why I lost you comments and suggestions. I really liked some of your ideas and decor suggestions and wanted to go back to them. Maybe it was intended?

Knobs for the center

https://www.houzz.com/products/atlas-homewares-small-square-knob-16mm-cc-vintage-brass-prvw-vr~35454095

https://www.houzz.com/products/atlas-homewares-small-square-knob-16mm-cc-vintage-brass-prvw-vr~35454095

Claire Larece

Thanks for the link to the drawer knobs; I really like the look of them and could see them working nicely once the commode is painted.

Jodie White Designs Inc.

i like the color for the commode and think it would work nicely in that room. I think the mirror would be a nice addition to that wall. Panels appeal to me more than the etageres because of the size of the space. Putting a console with two lamps against that wall is something I had not thought of, but I really like that idea. I found something similar to the console you showed and it was quite rustic; would that work in that room?

i really appreciate your help with pulling this room together. People like you have a gift for this that I don't have. After reading different comments on my question, I have a much better understanding of what I can do in this room. Thanks for enlightening me!

Jodie--

How tall do you think the lamps on the console should be?

Depends on the rustic look and make sure the depth and length are correct. The one I showed you was very narrow to not take up space. BTW My pleasure to help.

Yes, djahim, I had a snit and removed my comments and renderings. I will return them since I'm over it now.

P.S. The dog's name is Daisy. ;-)

Thank you groveraxle! I really appreciate you reposting the pictures as they were so helpful to me. I love the changes you made in the DR and the bookcase in the FR...perfect solution!

Would you by chance know the name/artist of the picture you posted on the DR wall? It is such an interesting picture and I think the bright colors are much needed in that space. As a bonus, it has many of the colors I have in the two adjacent rooms.:)

As I said to Jodie White Designs, decorating is not my forte; I am not able to see what comes so naturally to someone like you. You have a gift and I'm OK with getting help/advice from talented people like you!

Kudos to Daisy's owner!

P.S. Something I said that caused you to delete from the post?

Jodie--

What height should I look for in table lamps for a console?

Depends on the height of your console and not too heavy visually. Can you show me the piece?

djahim, the art in the dining room rendering is by Henrì Matisse. I use his work a lot because much of it can go contemporary or traditional. Find it here: http://www.art.com/gallery/id--a35/henri-matisse-posters.htm

And no, it wasn't anything you said. To be honest, I was feeling a bit ignored--which is fine; usually when that happens I just leave a thread figuring others have a vision that matches better with the homeowner, but for some reason this time I got my panties in a knot and deleted my comments. Anyway, Daisy and I were happy to repost them. And if you'd like to try different curtains in the dining room (maybe a bit less bold), I can do that easily now. Let me know.

Plain linen curtains close to the wall color:

Jodie--

I have a console from World Market that might work, but it's behind the couch in the LR and not visually available for a picture. I'm going to rearrange some things this weekend (and put the console in the DR), so I will take a picture then and post it. Here is one that I liked and bookmarked; tell me what you think. Thanks for sticking with me!

Oh sure... yes lets move some furnishings.

Hi groveraxle--

i so appreciate the art link; I probably looked at about 4000 prints on the Houzz website today searching for that print :( That wall is five feet long and 65 inches from the top of the molding to the ceiling. Will the size/shape of that picture (24"x24" mat and frame) work visually in that space, or do I need a more rectangular shape?

I am very open to other curtain images, but I actually like the bold, striped look - more visual interest.

I'm going to do some rearranging in the next few days - get the bookshelf out of the DR into the FR like you suggested, get the two storage pieces out of the FR, center the DR table and chairs, and paint the commode. At that point, I will take pictures to post, and I hope you will let me know what you think. I value your opinion.

Thanks for sticking with me on this decorating journey!

Jodie--

P.S. Jodie-- You mentioned that there were too many items on the DR table; can you tell me what you would keep/remove. I do love that bread bowl, but I could maybe remove the balls inside? Just tell me your thoughts; I can take it!:)

djahim, after you center the table and you're ready for the artwork, post a photo showing that wall with the table in front and I can help you size a picture. Then we'll have you tape it out on the wall with painter's tape before you buy. Although did I read you're considering a console or sideboard on that wall? If so, that will affect the size of your artwork, too.

I have a console that I'm going to try once the table is centered, so I'll post when I've done that, and you can tell me what you think. The DR is small so it may look too crowded, but we'll see. I've gotten pretty attached to that picture, so I'll be sad if I can't use it:(

OK, groveraxle and Jodie White Designs, I did some rearranging and we got the commode painted this weekend, also. The console in the DR is from another room, I tried it to see how a console would look/work there. What do you think? I like the color of the commode and am thinking perhaps gold hardware would look nice on it; any suggestions? I feel like the corner of the DR, on the right, could use maybe a tall plant? Also, any ideas for on and above the commode?

I moved the bookshelf into the FR and I think that's a good spot for it. I want one that's taller, though, and a natural wood stain. Groveraxle, where is the bookcase from that you showed in your picture of my FR? I really liked that. I also will be moving the red five drawer chest that's in the FR to another location, so that corner will just have the plant. I also need some artwork above the sofa in the FR.

Again, thanks for your help; I am very appreciative!

Gold hardware would look nice with the blue hue you chose to paint. Too many round items in your DR but much improved. What is the width of your console to show you lamp suggestion but overall looks much more proportioned. Have you found drapes yet and when you do create a full look not skimpy.

The console is 39"x14"; is that the size you were thinking? I do see what you mean when you say too many round things in the DR. I'm not at all attached to that round mirror, so maybe I'll get rid of that. If the drapes come out far enough on either side of the window, maybe just a tall plant in that space? Ideas for drapes?

How tall are your ceilings? I really think a larger piece on the left wall whether a mirror or art. If it is in your budget I see a different console piece in your space.

You're getting there, djahim. I like the red bookcase in the TV room, and I think the height is perfect. I wouldn't get a taller one unless you need more storage.

In the dining area, I pulled the rug away from the wall a bit, though I left the table where it was. I would like to see curtains either the color of your wall or of your beadboard. In such a small space, I don't think your curtains should shout. If you hang them high and wide, leave the walls on either side empty.

I'm normally pretty brutal with people and their vases of sticks, but I'm gonna let you keep yours. I like them. I show your current console decor, and with the Matisse instead of the basket.

The commode looks good, much better than the dull gray you painted it before. Gold hardware would look good. What is the distance between your holes? That will determine what's available for it.

You can give Daisy her treat now.

For the commode, how about some Chinese brass?https://www.chinesebrasshardware.com/collections/small-pulls

Am I the only one who expected to be reading about a toilet? ha ha!

groveraxle, so glad you came back to see the changes and offer more suggestions. I think white drapes would work well, and allow me to leave those walls blank. I have a large Jade plant that comes in during the winter that I'll put on the right side of the window, (right where Daisy is standing:))and see how that looks.

I'm excited to hang the picture in the DR and see how much personality it gives the room. They have a 45% off sale going, so the timing is good. Anything you could picture above the couch in the FR? As long as they're having this sale that ends today...

So...the commode stands alone; any ideas? The clock is gone, and I just have the wicker tray leaning against the wall (see pic). I also need to figure out what to put on the DR table and the console. I am attaching pictures of some deco that I currently have, to see if you think any could be used in any of those three places.

Thanks for the time you've put into helping me! Daisy does deserve a treat!

Yes, put over blue commode.

Jodie White Designs:

I could see eventually replacing that console with something more like what you have shown me. Before I do, I'd like to get a picture for the wall above the console. Are you still thinking I should put two lamps on the console? If yes, what kind?

I posted a picture of the commode with just the round wicker tray; any ideas you have for the commode? I also posted pictures of some decor items and wondering which, if any, could be used on the DR table, the console or the commode.

Your time and help are greatly appreciated!

P.S. axlegrove and Jodie White Designs

The wall above the sofa is roughly 8 feet long.

After some much needed help from Houzz members, I painted the commode and made some other changes to the DR. I love the color of the commode and will be adding gold hardware to it.

I do need some help with the finishing touches on this room and hope that some of you have ideas for me. Questions I still have:

1. What decor should I put on the DR table - leave the runner, or no?

2. Does the console work? That console is from another room - does it work or should I buy a different one? What decor (lamps etc.) should I put on the console?

3. The commode - what should I put on it? Should I hang the wicker tray above it or leave as is?

4. The Matisse print (which I love!); is it big enough for that wall which is 5 feet long?

5. Curtain panels have been suggested and that is my plan. I found the panels shown in photo at Target, but I wondered if they would clash with the rug.

As always, your help is appreciated, and I am especially grateful to groveraxle and Jodi White Designs for your specific ideas and pictures! I would rather teach 34 third graders than do this decorating stuff, but at the same time, I want our house to look warm and inviting. You guys are talented!

Take that poor sad abused piece of furniture to a woodworker to have it stripped and restored. It had way more life and charm Before. It lost every single bit of specialness and looks like $1.98 World Market disposable stuff now.

groveraxle: I started a new thread on my DR and drdeb suggested that I post a comment to you on this old thread to see if you’d come back to help me again. So, that’s what I’m doing; I’d really appreciate your further assistance with this project, if you would. I love your ideas (ie. the Matisse painting)!

New thread: “Love this print, but does the size work?”