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marmiddle

Living/Dining Nook Design Help

5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago

Hi All, I need some advice on how to bring my living room and dining nook areas together. For some reason the spaces feel ”off.” My living room is 13x18ft and the dining area is 8x8ft. I want both spaces to flow together but I cant quite figure it out. I also have a cable management situation in front of the window I need to figure out. Please help!










Comments (16)

  • PRO
    5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    Move the mirror out of the living room and mount it over your foyer bench. It's just not working for you in the living room.

    I think it would be a good idea to bring the pink/melon color over to the dining area to connect them visually.












  • 5 years ago

    Deborah is on the right track. Take the artwork over the bench and move it to the dining room. Hang the mirror, I’d possible, over the bench. Then do some pillows in the living area picking up your accent colors. When the budget permits think about some slip covered dining chairs which would allow you to reinforce on the color scheme. If you are hand, think about painting the white cabinets an accent color.

  • 5 years ago

    Some great ideas. Also, you have too many small things on the sideboard in dining room.

    Perhaps 3 larger pieces clustered together on one side.

    Pull the one chair over facing the other chair. Some new pillows and put the plant closer to the window.

  • 5 years ago

    I don't know if it is the way the colors look on the computer, but to me, the white on the fireplace and cabinet in the dining area look too bright with the other colors in the room. But I think you are really close to getting the space to work if you use some of the advice given above.

  • 5 years ago

    The issue seems to be balance. Center the rug with the hearth. Move the large white piece from the dining nook to the wall where you have the bench so it serves as a counter balance to the visual weight of the fireplace opposite. Install TV on the wall where you have the tall mirror and move the mirror to the dining nook wall, flanked with floor lamps. Your rug may be a tad small, but place the sofa with its back to the nook. Should be some rug extending past the two ends of the sofa (a foot or more would be ideal.) Then angle the two leggy chairs entirely on the rug, facing the fireplace with the little round table slightly in front of the arms so it can be useful to set items on. Center the coffee table with the firebox opening and pull the sofa to within 12-18" of the table. See how that feels, and then plan on buying a credenza to go under the TV, art for the mantel and above the white piece of furniture.

  • 5 years ago
    You have so many GREAT pieces!!! Love this!!!

    I’d start with pushing the sofa in closer to the TV a bit.
    Put both chairs on one side. I’d probably put them both facing the wall. (The one with the mirror on it now)

    Next, move the mirror out, and get some art, family photos and put it on that wall.

    I might try the bench from the front area on the mirror wall. And put the mirror leaning against the entry wall, I like it not hanging.

    For the dinette area I might try lighter chairs. Maybe a larger table.

    ....

    This is where I’d start! You have an amazing, beautiful looking space already!!

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    nice room. I like the style you have and the colors, but you need a bit of tweaking.

    I like the mirror, but not on this wall. I'd do a nice walnut, mcm style, console, accessorize it like this, (or put your tv over it) and put a tall plant in the corner (move the chair) either of these plants and containers will look nice


    Or, what about this or a floating console, against that wall, tripod wood floor lamp, AND, a pair of tufted velvet ottomans for the coffee table spot?


    gave you a pretty chandelier, but if a fan is necessary, get one less industrial looking like the gold one with darker wood blades. With all the white, some wood gives it some dimesion.

    One more,, diff light, walnut console, pink/white art, some blush color pillows


    notice the pillows and throw. baskets for some texture


    what about a woven rattan or similar pendant light, for the corner?


    here's how they did this mirror (I would have put a plant on top of that corner thing)


    have you thought about positioning the sofa and two chairs opposite?

    somewhat like this layout,


    but maybe do something like this w/the chairs (table, lamp)


    ,,another floating white console idea across that wall. top it w/remnant stone/quart, or get a piece of walnut butcher block and use it. bring in texture, pink/gold,


    the brick fireplace would look better w/a reclaimed wood beam


    try these styling ideas







    I'll comment on the entry in the next comment. that bench you have is too small.

  • 5 years ago

    Until you have the time and money to get upholstered dining room chairs, find a table cloth in the coral color and throw it on. Add a case with flowers. Love that accent color. The pros here are giving you great ideas. Rearranging the living room as Beth suggested is worth a try. If you don’t have furniture gliders under everything, use thick athletic socks to push the couch.

  • 5 years ago

    While the mirror is pretty, I feel it is the wrong scale for your room….plus, I would not sit in a chair facing the mirror. The only thing wrong with the dining nook is the black chairs…..easily improved with a can of spray enamel in a color which works with the rug. Hang art over a nice side table where the mirror stands now, and move the mirror to the bedroom where it will function better without overwhelming the space.

  • 5 years ago

    Well you have lots to think about. Send us some pics when you have had a chance

    to do some re-arranging.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    Actually, I see the issue being the layout and agree dining space doesn't have a good connection.

    - I’d suggest couch on wall with large art above, with the two chairs opposite. Try bench in front of fireplace or in hallway, if wide enough.

    - Perhaps mirror would work in a bedroom.

    - The back wall facing fireplace feels lost and could be more impactful and practical.


    To address your original question lol: Suggest removing the sideboard so you can increase size and seating (bonus) and change the style to better complement living room.


    Changes can be a work in progress, when both budget and the perfect pieces are found. It’s good to have a vision though in the back of your mind. Good luck.

  • 5 years ago

    Thank you all for the comments. I did some rearranging and some items I pulled from other rooms. I still havent figured out the dining area but I did remove the white cabinets out. Let me know what you all think. The last photo is what im thinking for the large wall in the living room.





  • 5 years ago

    LOVE LOVE that art!! Beautiful!!!
    Love the new entry table.
    Can you try both chairs on one side with the bench on the other.
    Probably best if the bench is by the art wall (not against it, but that side of the room) so it doesn’t block the future art!

    You have AMAZING style!!!

  • 5 years ago

    Looking better


  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    I think this looks really nice! love the rattan light in the corner along w/the plant. but that wall needs something,,,,art, or art and a floating shelf. maybe another plant on the left.


    the lone chair against that spot looks a little empty.



    maybe a few wood floating shelves? some other art? a little side table? a throw


    i like your console over here. However, the art is hung too high. And you need some taller items on the outside to balance out the height of the art.


    you could do two pieces and hang them like this:


    similar console and vertical art piece. looks better when the art is 4-6 inches above the top.


    vertical items on the outside help balance out the art (especially since that artwork is a tad too narrow, and very tall, for the length of the console)

    see how this one has the tall vase/plant branches ? do something like that.


    this mirror is tall like your canvas. if there were only short decor items, it would look out of proportion.



    you have a lot of wall space. you could also do a gallery wall.


    if you like the bench over there on the wall, get something a bit larger