Well, we finally finished getting our sunroom/extension/backroom redecorated. This room has gone through many revisions in the last 4yrs including housing our tv at one point, 2 computers at another and always had a loveseat...up to now :) We did have a small card-type table in there at one point but nothing that really invited you to sit and eat, we do have a dining room at the front of the house but it seems so far away when this room is right off the kitchen plus we get tons of light and can look out at the garden :D
We've had the rug for a while, but now feel that it doesn't really work in the new configuration. I'm thinking something that either fits just the table or almost the entire room are the only alternatives that might work. I like the idea of having bare floors in summer to help with heat issues but think that I would want something for winter.
The other issue I have is the side window that looks into my neighbors backyard. For the last few years I've mainly kept those curtains shut but now I'm really into the light they bring in and having that small window open seems to help get a nice breeze going. I assume they built that lattice wall to help with their privacy issues once I started keeping the curtains open a bit, if they grew vines up it, it prolly wouldn't be that bad (that's what I'm hoping). I was thinking about the window film which would help but might look kinda silly if I'm just gonna have that small window open...and I can't decide which one would look best...or if there is a better way to dress it up.
DH is almost ready to dismantle that little side table for firewood when we go camping this year...read: he hates it so bad he's threatened to smash it a few times, lol :laugh: I need a replacement, I'm thinking something white and pedastal.
I hope you can tell I'm going for country/cottage, does anyone else have any other suggestions?
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Ohhh Blueberry...a window box never even occured to me, I think that would be the best option as I just don't want to be barging into their backyard everytime I need to adjust something. Then I can also plant something really fragrant and get it with the breeze from the open window!
Their idea with the lattice is actually quite ingenious, it's a free-standing unit with a bench below and two planters on either end to help with weight issues. Not sure if it could handle a planter hanging from the lattice support.
I think the trellis has a lot of potential - certainly a whole lot better than looking into your neighbours window. I would do one or both of the following. I would grow a climbing rose (pick the hardy Explorer series so you don't have to take care of it in the winter), or if you have to walk along there then a clematis, on your side and within a year or so you will have a gorgeous view - of flowers.
I would also look into attaching a long planter box up high on the lattice so that it is at the same height with the window and then plant a profusion of geraniums and lobelia so you could feast your eyes on them. You would have to make sure the lattice was strong enough to support the weight of the planter plus soil plus water, but it would look amazing. In fact maybe you could put a window box on the bottom of that window so you looked at flowers more than lattice.
Thanks Janet :) Personally I just couldn't imagine modern decor in that room; nor in this 70yr old home...I just don't think it would fit...even tho that room is a more modern extension on the house.
Since I love before and afters myself, thought I'd include the before..as in when we moved in. This is my "Don't paint the wood" room...pppssshhh :)
i LOVE your room :clapping: ....it is so nice to see some cottage/country which i happen to love.....i certainly see enjoying some time in that room. I like the suggestion of some soft pretty florals in that room.
smiles
janetc
Thanks Dawn :) The dining set is one of my fab finds, got it used online and it was a horrid forest green, beige cane and dark floral seat covers. Paint does wonders :D
With regards to fancying up the lattice from my side (if they don't plan on it)...I still technically could but as a compromise when we were having that side fence built I suggested we just stop at the corner and angle it so I wouldn't have to look at a fence and it would save us from adding an extra 8ft of fence. So I assume they are wishing they had just built the entire length now and I get to look at lattice that is almost 2ft taller than the fence would have been, but basically I would need to go through their driveway gate to access the little strip of dirt that is below our window. They are into gardening so I'll just have to ask.
Ooohhh...I forgot about those stool/tables, I do like them but didn't think I had a spot for one, I may just have to check them out again :)
Very pretty! I love the white dining set, and you've done a great job on the room.
I wonder if you could think of a way to enhance the view of your neighbour's lattice by pretty-ing it up on your side? I like the look of the lattice, but it's a little bare. I agree it would be GREAT if the neighbour was into growing some kind of climbing plant, perhaps one with flowers. If not, then it's up to you to do something on your side. What's in front of the lattice on your side-concrete, grass or a strip of garden? It looks like it's the side of your house, not the back yard-am I right? Off the top of my head, I'm thinking one idea for you might be to keep an eye out for something you could use as kind of a decorative potting bench there in front of the lattice. It could be something like a primitive design in wood, painted-up pretty and beautified with a few geraniums in terra cotta, and maybe something like a few metal watering cans and a few other things that useful AND decorative. If the area gets sun, maybe you could get a wire trellis (or a grouping of 2 or 3) and plant morning glory to twine up. I'm trying morning glories for a second year, this time a wonderful deep blue.
As for a replacement side table, keep it petite. The one you wish to replace is a little large for the space, so you are right to go a bit smaller. Just an idea-I saw a ceramic stool/bench in Superstore that has a garden feel to it, and it was in a pale blue. I think it was around $30, and it had something like a few teardrop shapes cut out of it, not anything asian-inspired like the one in the photo below. The blue of it may be a bit light, but the contrast of the wall colour might make it seem more blue. If you happen to shop used/thrift stores or garage sales, keep an eye out for something small and inexpensive like a nightstand even, and take a shot at painting it a medium blue.
I actually like the wicker chairs ...could you use them for the seating around the table...do you have another 2?....then place a nice fabric reading chair in the corner near the books with a white or black wrought iron table...just a thought.......the room is really comfortable looking.....a nice checker or poker game on the table with a glass of ice tea would do me fine in that room... :D
Thanks Ladies! :)
Yes Pearl, that square table came with our second-hand sofa set but it's a peach color and art deco-ish which just doesn't work anywhere in the house. JCPenny has the following table which I would really love, but I think I read that they don't ship furniture outside the US:
[IMG]http://zoom.jcpenney.com//is/image/0900631b8113fb44M.TIF?wid=250&hei=250&op_sharpen=1[/IMG]
Ikea also has a white wood pedestal that I think might work:
[IMG]http://www.ikea.com/PIAimages/57411_PE162995_S3.jpg[/IMG]
Trynto, I like your suggestion of a reading chair...something more comfy than those wicker ones would definitely work. I wonder if I have enough room to get a big comfy armchair in there, then I could cover it in a subdued floral :) I had always been on the lookout for a wrought iron piece for the walls when I found those floral wood carved panels and then I wasn't sure if wrought iron might not be substantial enough?
very nice.......maybe a few wrought iron pieces would work..( like a little side table and add a reading chair in a cottagey fabric...)............I really love your room..........great job................... :clapping:
what a beautiful room. Do you mean the square table in the photo? I think the room needs a bit of pattern somewhere. Maybe yellow & white check or a tiny pattern floral fabric somewhere.
oops I just saw the plaid drapes , so pattern is out. :)