Nora has a good point and the rug rabbit hole is difficult always, at least for me anyway. And pulling chairs in and out. Of course if you stop looking, one will show :). A neutral is a smart idea should you really decide you want a rug. I’m thinking back that’s the route we went trying to ground and/or pull the eye to the right some more. The art you have on the right, to me cubby, is a show stopper 💗 I know that’s not helping in the moment but wanted to tell you that.

Ok so this is so just me thinking out loud:) but what if the art had a dark wood frame? Is that something even worth thinking about? You can tell me at any time to just lurk 🤗

@Nora Lambert and @Alice thank you so much for reminding me that I was okay with the space without a rug and if I don't find one it is okay. I can get so into the weeds thinking I have to find something. I agree that it is easier to clean without a rug. I do understand why it was suggested in the first place to use a rug though. With the floors and furniture both being dark it can feel a bit heavy.

I really am not sure how the art would look with an actual frame. It is such a contemporary piece and the minimal frame it has seems to fit it. I would have to do some photoshop work to try to get an idea of how that would be. Alice I do appreciate you saying that about that art piece. It was something that just spoke to me.

Well I just love it and especially in the space. After I posted that idea I did realize if changing out the frame might take the room in a different unwanted direction and plus re framing is costly in itself. Hate to mess that up bc it’s beautiful. Thought to mention a wood shelf underneath but I throw that idea quite often and not always warranted. I don’t think that would look right. Was just trying to get a smidge of the buffet strength over to that side of the room without messing up the vibe you have going on. Maybe it’s not needed?

@Alice I totally get it and am so thankful that you are taking the time to think about and suggest things. Sometimes something that is suggested may spark some other thought that will end up being just the right thing. I am continuing to look for just the right thing to help that side of the room feel more balanced with the more heavy buffet side of the room. I know I am picky and that it might take a while to figure it out and I have to be okay with that.

I got this pedestal bowl for the dining table. What should I put in it if anything?

I will keep looking for a rug but I am not in a hurry to get one. Ignore the grey stool as it is just there temporarily. Also is the bowl enough in the center of the table? Should I do a runner or something? I am thinking simple since the buffet and even the light are a bit busy.

I don't know how I feel about the bull but it don't look bad maybe green moss in it or like balls type of thing or perhaps something like twine I'm not sure or some glass balls or maybe Grapevine that was what I was thinking of if none of this works maybe put the bowl away get something else

Personally, I would swap the plant by the lamp and the bowl. Because of the size of the table, you need a larger visual presence on the table center piece. Red apples or green to go into the bowl. The bowl is too small for the table.

Oh, I was not expecting that, but I can totally take the critique. I will remove.

Another voice here. I really like the bowl on the table and wouldn’t put anything in it. I love the simplicity and lines of the bowl and it is interesting enough to stand on its own. On another note, I really like the two sculptures (faces I think?) on your buffet. Thinking it would be fun to have the two next to each other as a couple, with the small one next to the taller one. Then no need for the plant next to the lamp. Just a suggestion for something to try - but I know you weren’t asking about the buffet… 🙄

@lisalane I don't mind suggestions on anything at all so no worries about that. I too like the face sculptures and I had them together before Christmas. One thing I don't like about them is that the biggehr one is not quite tall enough in my opinion. I have it on a riser and the plant was hiding that a little bit. With the plant moved and them together you really see that riser. I suppose I could paint it a less visible color? I also have the lamp next to them on a riser. Tall ceiling, big mirror and trying to use what I have, problems. LOL I will post a photo with them together. Also with the bowl moved and the plant on the table for @happyleg and @glschisler.

I have been trying to figure out this dining room and especially the table for way too long.

It’s all a personal choice but I still like the bowl on the table. No plant on table or buffet. Faces placed side by side (with a little overlap) offset a bit from middle of mirror. Riser maybe isn’t such a big deal? Or maybe a clear lucite riser? You have wonderful objects to play with!

@lisalane, duh on me, I didn't even think of getting a lucite or acrylic riser. Great idea.

Cubby, those face sculptures add a spark of fun personality to the room. That’s why I like the idea of them being on the buffet in a visible spot with fewer things (like the plant) around them.

@lisalane that is why I got them. I like to have things like that around to bring some interest and fun into my space. Thank you so much for reminding me that there is usually a solution to any problem. I just ordered a lucite riser. No matter what I end up with it will help.

I was going to suggest this last combo..the faces together, without other things around them and the new piece on the sideboard. I do like the arrangements on the sideboard. For the table, the plant is fine, but I think you can find something else there.

Thank you @printesa, I truly appreciate the input.

I like the last planter the best two on the table

@happyleg are you saying to do 2 on the table?

NO but ok try that! I like the bigger planter. Crazy auto correct.

Any updates?

I have been thinking about your dining room. I believe the main stumbling block is too many focal points. I think your table is your best bet for great tablescape. The console stays simple with possibly a large try for party bites. Bring more items to the table but no plant material. Tall corner plant is best in this room. I will look for some inspirational photos to help you visualize. Bbl

Cubby 14- the more i think the more i want to shake this m room up! Have you ever considered “color drench” in this room. It would elevate the look and create a m more cozy, intimate room drawing people in. Here are some looks. You could use accent color on the current ceiling or deepen it more. I would like to see a good picture of the ladies art to see what colors would enhance or coordinate well. If this is something you would like to explore. A saturated color would create beautiful background for your white accessories and chandelier too. Exciting!

Flo thank you so much for taking the time to look and comment on my dining room once again. I have never thought about color drenching so I will have to do some soul searching on if it feels like me or not. I do hear your point about there being more than one focal point and will take that under advisement. I will maybe try simplifying the buffet first and see what that feels like. A tall plant in one of the corners may be in the cards, at least to try out.

Cubby, I like the idea of only the lamp, bowl and two masks on your buffet. Agree with Flo about keeping it simple. Then maybe the vase with a low simple flower grouping would be nice on the table - nothing too high.

Hi cubby! I’ve been on and off lately but was reading back on your thread here and thought to suggest the two faces as a centerpiece and perhaps subtle but nicely colored placemats to help draw the eye to the right pulling a bit of the bulk towards the art. Might find a color from the art?

Cubby- there are many possibilities. I thought it might help you if i put a little sketch and mood board together for you. The color doesn’t come thru right at all but gives you an idea of the darker walls and trim in the room. I modified the total drench to keep some white especially on ceiling tray areas. I added a few accessories and i pasted out the greenery as much as i could on the table. With less on the buffet and fairly simple accessories on the table, this can be luxe stunning look. IMO. No worries if it isn’t your cup of tea but i know how visual you are so had to play with this a little more.

Once again thank you all who have taken time out of your schedules to look and think about my room. I have thoughtfully considered each and every suggestion and have tried the ones I can with what I have available. I have decided that the color drenching idea just doesn't feel like me. I like light and bright with pops of color. So that one is out. Flo thank you again for the work you did to help me see it.

Here are two photos with the buffet pared down to just the masks and the bowl with the lamp. A vase of flowers from my kitchen island is on the table to get an idea of what that is like. I just feel like the buffet has no life with this combo. I do however like the simple flower vase on the table.

Then I put back the large vase with different greenery and took away the bowl. Left the flowers. This I like so much more, maybe not perfect but better?

I don't know I like it in person but something in the photos is throwing me off. It will continue to be a work in progress I guess. Something will click eventually, lol.

Maybe it is the lamp that is not right? It is one I have had for a long time and I do like it but maybe it is just too lightweight? Or maybe I don't need a lamp there at all?Also I will get to the store or order a tree to try out sometime in the next week or two.

I liked the vase with the previous branches on the console better and not a fan of the flowers on the table-to me they just seem a little too much there.

Cubby, I really like the last arrangement as well. I do see what you mean about the lamp. All the existing decor is white/clear and shiny so maybe the introduction of a lamp with texture or color would feel good. But it does look nice as is.

@kcooz07 thank you for looking. I can easily go back to the other branches which are not as chunky. I know I keep overthinking this as I do most things. As I go through my day I am thinking you may be right though about the flowers.

@lisalane thank you so much for looking again. I appreciate all opinions and take them all into consideration.

One more picky thought. Maybe bunch the flowers together more tightly and tuck them lower in the vase. Not so floppy.

That’s the beauty of having visuals. Your joy is key! I do think a chunkier lamp with some texture would be nice. Always nice to have more than one light source in a room. I would start with that because it will impact your other choices. I would also suggest trying your big white container from the buffet on the table. Might be all you need. Then a different container for your branches on the buffet. It’s a “process” for sure!

I like the last combo, but I do agree that the first branches seem better. It might be the way it looks to me in the photo, so if you prefer the second choice of branches, do that. You need to love it:)

I do like your lamp, but I think it needs something solid behind it if you want to keep it there..I am not saying place one of those face behind it, but something like that solid..Otherwise it seems to get lost because it's a see-through base.

I saw this lamp (it comes in white and black) and thought it was interesting...might work, but you might needs something more solid like a stone

and just because it reminds me of the face sculptures you have there

Cubby do you have anything teal you could use on the buffet?

Hi Cubby..I am thinking the accessories on the buffet are too small…that might be why it feels off to you.

Maybe 2 taller lamps with a bit more bulk….and posted a few ideas to put between the lamps…and just a low long white fluted bowl for the table.

I also like the last of your photos. I would pull the branches a little closer together. Ther appears to be a gap between them from this angle of the photo.

I like picture number three I like that big face cuz the mirror is big maybe it is the lamp but I do like that lamp maybe you can find a different spot for that lamp

@Molly I don't have any teal accessories that are the right for this space. All are either small or too casual. I appreciate the reminder though.

@Home Interiors With Ease Julie, you might be right about the scale of the pieces. I have been looking around a bit for things that might be better than what I have. I did get a long low wavy bowl that came today. I will take a photo of it on the table tomorrow for everyone.

Thank you @glschisler you are right there is a gap in the branches, I will continue to work on it.

@happyleg I like the lamp too but maybe not here. problem is I don't have another spot for it. I have the other one on my entry console and it is not big enough for two of them I think.

I am looking for tree to try out in the one of the corners. I am very picky about the realistic look and am afraid to order one blind. Does anyone have a recommendation on where to look for a realistic tree? I also want to try something like removing the lamp and having a large vase with flowers in the middle of the buffet. Need to find good realistic looking flowers, probably white or off white and tall for a big vase. Just to try out somethings different.

Take a look at Petals. Very realistic, botanically correct faux items. A bit expensive but for the “life like” look i have had good luck with them.

Here is link. I get mine mainly from local wholesaler. Many are selling to the public so look around in your area where you can go see, touch and feel for yourself. https://petals.com/7-silk-mediterranean-olive-tree/

Cubby, why don’t you get a real tree for your corner? Home Depot and Lowe’s usually have different varieties of large trees for a good price. Some kind of ficus would be great near the window in the corner

Thanks Flo I will check that brand out. @lisalane I hadn't thought of that. There is plenty of light from all of the windows, but of course I'd have to keep it alive, lol.

Nothing like the real thing!