did granny also leave damask table cloths which would lighten the look instantly and, although i was very shocked at first, my sister in law PAINTED the antique chairs left to them and added some country style fabric seats and now uses the chairs with a modern table and it looks fabulous and is a daily reminder of dear old granny and i think she'd agree that you should mix and match what you like in your own home

Let's keep it nice, I don't think EthanWes is as precious as you may think and it is a forum for personal opinions after all. I also thought the comeback was unnecessarily aggressive & unwarranted. I would keep whatever you put there quite subtle and simple in colour so it doesn't draw the eye. You've got a nice retro/scandi feel from the look of it, see it as another way to carry this through?! So some ideas: - a small succulent in a low 1-2" pot, possibly including a trailing one such as Silver Falls (though don't let it get too out of hand!), will help make it look less compartmenty. Or even Ikea http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/40349079/ - a couple of neutral coloured cookbooks stacked horizontally. - a nice low serving dish in a soft grey - but make it one you will actually use, not just for aesthetics! ; D I have a similar one to this https://www.countryroad.com.au/shop/home/kitchen-and-dining/serving/60209668/Tiro-Salad-Bowl.html https://www.countryroad.com.au/shop/home/kitchen-and-dining/serving/60203911-9084/Tapas-Salad-Bowl.html and use it a lot. - or, if you like your tech, it could be a great place for a small wireless speaker. Expensive example, but something like the Bose Soundlink Mini If you're looking for more ideas, 'open shelving' should provide lots though you are constrained with the very low height of the shelves.

You are kind to say that, Julie. Hubby also washed and polished the floorboards in the two rooms we decided to retain. They look much better as well. This has been fun project; don't quite know what I'll do with myself after it's completed! :) although, in saying that, there is the garden here to keep us occupied...!

We have these and they’re really comfortable and practical. They clean up easily and can be used outside if you need an extra seat or two for a bbq (but don’t leave them outside). The Eames side chair with Eiffel Tower base. There are other bases. This isn’t our place but it shows them with a coastal vibe. We only have one dining area so we use them for every meal including formal entertaining. We’ve had them for a very long time and they have held up well. But get the originals, not the knock offs. There is a difference and it’s unfair to the designers to knock off their intellectual property. It’s a bit like buying a fake Rolex. https://livingedge.com.au/products/eames-moulded-plastic-side-chair-dsr-white-eiffel-base-alpine-shell I also second what dr Retro said. Love the Masters Chair. It’s a modern classic. I need four additional chairs for my new place and I’d consider them but I need something stackable. There are other great plastic chairs out there and they could be perfect for the type of feel you are trying to achieve. But try them out and make sure they’re comfortable. You and your guests could be sitting in them for hours at a time.