In case you’re wondering, nope, I didn’t get the title of this post backwards. I’ve received a few questions lately and I also have a few of my own, but first I want to show you a couple of furniture pieces we’ve acquired lately, and a couple we are considering.
We’ve decided we don’t want to purchase all our furniture until after we’ve been in the house a bit, but that doesn’t mean we won’t be picking up a few pieces here and there.
I have endlessly stalked sites such as Wayfair, Birchlane, Joss and Main, Houzz, Perigold, One Kings Lane,, 1st dibs, Charish, and way too many more to mention. I’ve got my ideabooks and favs all set up for many of the items we will need such as nightstands, consoles for the sides of the fireplace, cocktail tables (one for the sitting room and one for the living area), side tables, counter stools, dining tables, hall consoles, rugs and even window treatments. It’s pretty overwhelming and time consuming but also fun!
The living room is a priority, so after MUCH searching, both online and at brick and mortar stores, this is what we’ve decided on:
We found it online from Interior Define, a relatively new company that offers ‘no-risk’ ordering….if you are not satisfied with your purchase let them know within two weeks and they’ll take it back at no cost to you. We purchased two as they will be placed perpendicular to the fireplace. I wanted bench cushions, which isn’t as easy to find as you might think, and we needed them to be smaller than the standard 84” because of space restrictions. You’ll see what I mean in a sec. I am showing it with black legs, but we probably will order them in a lighter toned wood. It will be easier to paint them black if I change my mind than the other way around.
In addition to the sofas I had been looking for two identical chairs that will face the fireplace. Since the backs of the chairs will be visible from the kitchen, I wanted something with a little interest. While browsing in Homegoods a few weeks ago, I came across this chair. The only issue was there was just one, so I reluctantly walked away, but I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I decided to call Homegoods in North Myrtle Beach and they had one, so off we went and we are now the proud owners of two of these cuties, which are now housed in our overly stuffed storage unit.
The color is a bit more accurate in the first pic. With that said, I’m considering reupohstering them, or having it professionally done, providing I can find fabric worthy of all that time and/or $$$. The sofa is neutral and I was hoping for chairs with a bit more pizazz. Worst case scenario I’ll bring some pattern in with a rug, pillows, etc.
Furnishing the dining room is a low priority for now, but this table caught my eye a couple of months ago. We saw it at a local store that sells floor samples and close outs from High Point and other furniture meccas, as well as ‘like new’ consignments. In spite of that, I was surprised to learn many of their items can be ordered and this is one of them. The table is not as wide as I’d like, but MAYBE we could make it work.
I’m also considering something a lot simpler. I found this table online and it was love at first site, but the one thing it has in common with the above table is it’s not quite wide enough. If it was it would have gone in my shopping cart because I really love the simplicity, the understated French Country look and the rustic yet elegant finish.
I have an appointment with someone next week who can possibly help me get one custom made, I just have to decide on the wood finish. This looks to me like a whitewash over a medium/dark colored wood, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to replicate.
One thing to note is this pic is cropped a little too much on the sides, making the legs look like they come in a bit before bowing out. Funny thing is, I kinda like it! What do you think?
Moving on to the master bedroom, I have been on the hunt FOR MONTHS for a natural pine armoire to house the tv. Yes, we like to watch tv before falling asleep, and I’m pretty old school about not wanting it out in the open. I’m having a really difficult time finding what I want and in the end may need to compromise, but the same guy who might make the dining table may be able to help. We shall see. Here’s a pic of the type of finish I want, so if you see one let me know! I’m willing to pay for shipping within reason.
I found this pretty corner piece at a local shop and couldn’t resist, especially since they’re storing it for us for free. Not sure where it’s going to be placed but we have a few options.
Now let’s get some of your questions answered!
Q: How is the house coming along?
Here’s some recent pics. They’ve started putting in the drywall, so things are moving along and on schedule.
This first shot was taken while standing in the kitchen looking toward the dining room, which is just beyond the small butlers pantry.
This shot is of the living room. Remember what I mentioned about space restrictions? It’s a rather compact space, and two sofas that would be 84” would be too big, so we were able to find 75” sofas which I think (hope!) will be perfect.
This area is the breakfast nook, and we will be looking for a 48” round table but again, not a priority yet.
Q: When are you moving in?
Hopefully no later than Memorial Day, but we don’t have an exact date yet. Once the house is ready we will need to schedule the closing then arrange for our fridge, washer/dryer and a mattress to be delivered before moving in. I’m all for adventure, but I draw the line at sleeping on the floor. ☺
Q: What look are you going for in your new place?
Casually elegant. French country influences, particularly in the dining room and master bedroom, but nothing too ornate, although I do appreciate furniture with curves and a little bling never hurt anyone 😉. If you haven’t seen my ‘Liberace’ sofa and girly lamp slated for the sitting room, check them out here. With that said, expect to see some natural wood elements as well.
Q: How is it living in such tight quarters for so long?
No blood shed..
yet.
Q: Is small space living easier or harder than you thought it would be?
About the same. No surprises really, but that’s because I’m incredibly easy to get along with. Right Fisherman??
Now I have some questions for YOU all.
We’ve all seen the recent trend of benches in lieu of chairs for dining. If you have that, is it awkward when three people are sitting on it and the person in the middle wants to get up? How about comfort? I personally prefer back support and if I was sitting on a bench for a couple of hours, you better believe I’d need a chiropractor the next day.
Speaking of dining, I’m noticing many of the tables, particularly the ever popular farmhouse styles, have pretty but impractical, awkward bases that interfere with where you can place your legs, especially if you want to squeeze eight people or more. That’s one reason why I’m leaning toward that simple style with legs on the corners. Any thoughts?
And what about table width? I’ve never had a table that was wide enough to place platters of food on without being way too crowded, so it’s not something I’m too willing to compromise on now. As far as I’m concerned, 40” wide is the smallest I want to go, 42” would be ideal. Once again, any thoughts? How wide is your table?
If you live in the south, how long is pollen season and how bad is it exactly? We were told we will regret using screens on the lanai and not glass, and that we will be washing down our furniture EVERY. DAY. WHAT?? Seems kind of extreme even to this self-proclaimed OCD type.
Have you ever ordered furniture online and if so, what was your experience like? The amount of time I’ve spent looking at online furniture stores should be illegal. I’ve noticed most reviews are positive, but one of the biggest complaints is colors not being what were expected. Do tell!
In other news…
We had a little issue last week and were forced to leave the KOA we had been staying in the last six months, and we only had one day to find another place to stay! When I made the reservation I told them we would need the site for at least 6-8 months, but they mistakenly only held it for six and went ahead and booked out our site and had no other sites available. We are now further north, closer to Jacksonville than Wilmington, which is not at all convenient, especially to our new place, but we’re at the home stretch and are making the best of it. We’re really close to the beach, but it’s been way too cold and I’m not a ‘go to the beach every day’ kind of person anyway. One plus is the WiFi is a LOT better here, which is why I’ve finally been able to get a post out!
We took a day trip to New Bern Friday, home of Nicholas Sparks and the setting for a few of his books. It’s dripping with history and beautiful historic homes and reminds me a little bit of Wilmington (but with less traffic). We took a trolley tour, had a yummy brunch and checked out a few cute shops. It’s only a little over an hour away so we’ll probably go back when it’s warmer and take a boat trip on the Trent river so I can get a look at Sparks’ house :). Priorities everyone. Priorities. I’ll probably share some pics on IG, so click on the IG icon below or above and follow, follow, follow 🎶. Have you been to New Bern?
That’s it for now my friends. Hopefully the next time I post I’ll have some more progress to share on the house and a better idea of when we will be in it. Stay warm ❤
Marilyn McLeod says
So good to hear from you Doreen! I’ve been wondering all of the above! Sorry you had to move from the KOA… darn it! Glad you found another place and I think it would be nice being closer to the ocean… I too am not a “go to beach every day” sort of person either, but I love it being close.
To answer a couple of your questions: we recently got a new (used) dining table and it IS 42″ wide! I love that width. There’s plenty of room to put placemats around the sides and a full one in the middle. My last table was narrower and I couldn’t fit a placemat in the middle as it overlapped… so I love this 42″ wide. You ought to stick with that width. As far as benches.. I think if you liked to sit around the table and gab with company, they would get too hard and uncomfortable. We had hard chairs with our last table.. and this time we got upholstered chairs with arms… and they are on casters so easy to move. If we (rarely) have company, we like to sit around the table for HOURS and gab and eat and have our drink, etc. We LOVE these soft upholstered chairs! I used to have some years and years ago that were even softer and had upholstered arms which I absolutely loved. They were with a “game table” but we used it for our dining table. So if you plan to sit around the table alot, I would go with upholstered chairs with arms!
As far as online ordering of furniture, I knew someone who bought alot of furniture and beds from Overstock.com. The prices are totally reasonable and most of the items have lots of reviews so you get an idea about if the colors shown are correct, etc. I’ve bought a duvet cover from there and it had great reviews, and I was very happy with it. I’m not sure what they charge for shipping for furniture.. and I think it can also be returned but not sure the return charges. The gal who bought from there bought ALOT of items, and I know she was very happy with them.
That’s my two cents worth! By the way, I LOVE Nicholas Sparks and have probably read every single one of his books. That town sounds really charming and fun. I’ll have to go to Instagram and follow you.. I only have it on my tablet so don’t go there often, but I’m trying to remember to take photos with my tablet so I can post a few on there. We still have old track phones that don’t do much but let you talk on them! They are from the stone age!
So glad to see your house coming along and glad you have better wifi so you can keep us all updated… I’m sure everyone who follows you is on pins and needles to receive new posts.
Have a great weekend! Hugs… Marilyn
Dewena says
No, no, no! I just lost my whole comment! But I think it went something like this:
Dear Incredibly Easy,
Great choice on the sofas and chairs but also on your room for letting you have this floor arrangement that works absolutely best for helping conversation flourish…the dining tables, love the second one, question whether you really want to dust all the curves on the legs of the first set? And you really should hold out for the width you want. I see some tablescapes for Thanksgiving and Christmas tables that make you wonder where the food will go. Mine is too narrow to put platters in the middle. I’m especially loving that your breakfast nook has windows on three sides, will it get morning sunshine? What a great place to start your day.
I only read the Sparks book that follows up The Notebook, found it at GW, but the movie, with those swans!! Beautiful scenery! North Carolina has it all, right? From my beloved mountains to the Atlantic. Remember, I’ll love seeing it through your eyes because I’ve never been to the coast. Vacationed in Myrtle Beach all while growing up but never further north. Don’t forget Old Salem too, please!
Durn, I can’t remember anything else I wrote first but oh yes, that corner cabinet! So glad you bought it!
Happy Sunday to you tomorrow,
Dewena
Poppy says
What a great update on all your very exciting furniture picks, pics of the progress on your little palace and mini move before the major move! I love all your choices and purchases so far, especially, that gorgeous, white corner hutch. Also relieved that the house is on schedule, despite some unexpected inclement weather this past winter.
Your mention of Nicholas Sparks’ mansion ‘sparked’ my curiosity, (as I am a serious house fanatic), so I immediately googled it and was saddened to learn that he and his wife had separated in 2015, after 25 years of marriage, with her moving out, purchasing a smaller home nearby. Have you seen this place? It’s over 24,000 square feet of cozy luxury! I say cozy, because, despite the square footage, it IS charming, warm and welcoming.
To answer your question, in our humble abode in the Cretan countryside, one can find an antique, English dining table that measures exactly 43″ wide, which is quite ergonomically elegant, easily allowing several platters to be placed atop its surface, which also lengthens, if need be, to comfortably fit 12.
I’ve always liked curvy, clean lines on furniture and all of our pieces fit that description, whether they have been passed down, custom made, or purchased as floor models/second hand. Let’s not forget, the female of the house is pretty curvy, herself, so when I say custom made, I also mean, to fit MY curves, too! LOL!
I’m very excited and can’t wait for your next post! Good luck with everything, and you know I’m always here for any feedback!
xxx
Poppy
AnnMarie says
Fun post! I love seeing what you are doing and I envy all your shopping for furniture. I have almost the exact armoire for our TV in your picture and we got it at Pottery Barn, about 20 years ago. I did not see it online in their store though. We ordered it online along with a large chair and had no problems. I’m sorry I can’t answer any of your other questions except the width of my table which is 42″. It fits a dinner plate all around and lots of room down the middle for platters of food. I just love your picks so far. That glass cabinet is fabulous!
Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says
Hello my friend. So good to see this post pop up for you. I am so excited to see the house coming together. Oh my it is going to be so beautiful. I love the direction you are going in for your furniture and decor ideas. It will be stunning. Love the sofa’s and the chairs. Gotta love Home Goods!!! I agree with you on the table. I love the reg. pretty end legs. I do not like that chunky architectural stuff under the whole table. I agree I think that would be hard to have peeps comfortable with their legs. I think the benches look cool but if you are going to linger at the table with guests I think it would be hard on the back to site there for any length of time. Sorry about your rental and having to move. Hopefully soon you will be in your pretty new home and can finally get settled. You have been on a great adventure. Woooo Hoooo!
Hugs,
Kris
Cindy says
Hey girlfriend, happy to see this post. The house is coming along. For the bench seating looks pretty but realistically m angering after dinner which most do I would get antsy and backs would be an issue.
Furniture online, two experiences. Ordered French chairs for the family room, love. Ordered a sectional from Joss & Main, horrible. Incredibly uncomfortable. Made in China, fabric ruff and cushions so uncomfortable I couldn’t stand for a hour. We kept the chairs we bought from there. Exactly what I expected. We bought couches from a quality furniture store that we have gone to for years. Be careful with large pieces in my opinion. You really need to sit and see how it feels. How your back feels and so on. Granted you can send them back but then when you go to the store the wait time is 6-8 weeks. You want to be settled when finally getting into a new build since they take time. By the end we were super ready to get settled.
Can’t wait to see what you choose and see the beauty . Hope I didn’t overstep. Great to see the update sweet girlfriend
Cindy
Amy says
I love dining table #2 and yes, I like the cropped look of the bowing legs. Go for it! Buying home decor on line is hit or miss, for sure, due to color, size, and comfort. I bought pillow covers on Etsy. When I received them, they looked very different from how they looked on line. As much as I see stores closing left and right, due to online shopping, I do think that we will all eventually find a balance of brick and mortar to online shopping. Every single person I have spoken with on this topic has said that they still like to feel, touch, see, smell 😛 the item they are wanting to purchase. At least in regards to home decor, clothing, things of that type. A jar of aspirin, not so much.
I’m so excited that you and Fisherman are getting so close to moving in. Although it probably seems a lifetime away for you all. I can already get a visual of what direction you are going in with the new place. Keep the teasers coming. Happy Sunday, Doreen xox
Pat M. says
I’m happy to see you back and posting again. We all love living vicariously through you – starting a new life in a warmer climate, a new home and all new items to fill it. I can only dream …
With regard to dining benches, most people think they are uncomfortable. They look good from an “opening up the space” point of view and from what I hear are great for seating multiple children, or a mother/father who needs to assist a small child at mealtime, but otherwise, really do not make for comfortable seating by an adult. I do like benches, but prefer them under a window with a view or as auxiliary seating.
About dining tables – I have an Ethan Allen trestle style dining table, and yes, the architecture underneath the entire length can be inconvenient. Sadly, I’m afraid this table will die with me since I’ve had it since 1970 and a lot of family memories go along with it. However, if I were buying a new one, I would get one with legs on all 4 corners. Of course, in my opinion, if a dining set is more for looks and to fill a room than it is for use, you should get what most appeals to your sense of design. How often do we actually have many people at our dining tables?
With regard to table width, I am not so particular. Wide tables and chairs to go with them can quickly overfill a room. I find that often, most of the food is not placed on the table anyway. I prefer to serve the food buffet style on a sideboard or even in the kitchen, which, once guests are seated, leaves plenty of room on the dining table itself for plates, glasses, silverware, wine glasses and bottles, coffee cups, and any other necessary pieces such as salt/pepper/sugar, etc – and allows for a sense of space and elbow room. Of course, this is just my way of doing things. Everyone has their own.
Looking forward to the continued progress on your house. Please keep us in the loop.
Melanie says
Good to see a post from you again! I love the couch and the chairs you have picked out. I’m going to look at that site that you ordered the couch from. We’re in the market for a new couch right now and the choices are overwhelming. All I know right now is I don’t want anything “cheap”. We want something well made and long-lasting. Our current couch is from La-Z-Boy. It’s 12 years old and no longer has any support. You sink into the cushions. I end up with terrible back pain after sitting here for any length of time.
I don’t have bench seating as we don’t have a dining room, just an eat-in kitchen, but if I were a guest sitting on a dining bench, I wouldn’t last too long. I have to have back support. And I would think having three people to a bench would be too awkward. Like you said, what if the person in the middle needs to get up?
I loved seeing the pictures of your new house. So exciting! I hope you are able to keep us updated on the progress. Have a wonderful week!
Penny at Enjoying The Simple Things says
Loving the choices you are making. About the benches for dining…I am a big NO on that. I want my dinner guests to be able to sit back, relax and converse for hours after a meal if they feel like it. Pollen season lasts about a month here. We keep our cushions inside and bring them out if we need too. If I am not going to be outside, I don’t clean the furniture. Then do a thorough cleaning when pollen season ends.
tammy j says
Hey Andy!
well. I thought since you’re no longer a Yankee and ensconced in the beautiful deep south that I would use the greeting vernacular.
as much as I loved James Garner I am probably the only person on earth (well female person) who has never seen The Notebook or read any of his books! I know! sacrilege! I’m surprised I even admitted that publicly.
I’m slipping in my old age!
and…
wow. love the direction you’re going. and YES to the four legs that are elegant and free. I have banged my shins on too many trestles where the hostess used both ends too of the table for seating purposes. OUCH! starts the meal off in my mind with inner irritation and outward PAIN!
and…
I’m the wrong one to ask about a bench. though I love the look. I am claustrophobic and even being stuck in the middle in an airplane seat or the theatre DRIVES ME NUTS! yes. I resulted to YELLING!!! but since I won’t be eating at said table I’d say if you want a bench go for it! it’s your wonderful new house! I adore all the light. the windows! OH MY!
and with mosquitoes the size of Cadillacs yes. even bigger than Buicks or I would have said Buicks … you might regret the no screen decision. you came from a cooler place a little (a lot) less humid! but Hey Ange… what do I know. I’m only Barney or Omer. and neither one of them was an expert on houses. new or otherwise.
one thing about being always late to the party I get to read all the other wonderful comments!
your choices so far are so BEAUTIFUL!!! loving the wood. the curves. the simplicity and refined rustic elegance.
like Paris fell in love with the Country and they had children together!
and your blog looks different. less “professionally slick”. more. well. more YOU. sort of cozy. like it used to be.
I like(d) both mind you. but this way seems easier to my limited skills of navigation.
sending love and I started to say patience! but you don’t need that. you’re having such fun! and that makes me HAPPY! XOXO
Rita C at Panoply says
Love hearing from you! When I saw the white couch, I thought, “what happened to the blue tufted couch she wanted?” Good to know it’s still waiting for you for the sitting room. I can’t address any of the questions you have directly, sorry, but I’m sure others will. I do remember one blogger saying her adult family members hate her bench seating, though.
Late May sounds good, but I’m sure it’s felt really long for you. The house is looking good. I can appreciate all the time spent online, it’s still fresh in my mind from last year’s renovations we did (read – glad it’s you, not me).
Hang in there, Doreen, and thanks for sharing your life and world.
Rita
Cecilia says
I had Bruce make a bench for our farmhouse table…it’s ok as it’s placed against the wall and I have big pillows to lean against. For sitting a long time? Meh. The legs of the table are at the corners. I had a table that you’d bump your knees into…ugh. Open is better!
Our pollen season is now and will probably last another 2-3 weeks. Messy but not forever. It really depends on what’s around you, I think.
So good to hear about your progress. Can’t wait to see it all come together!
Jane says
I love reading abut your adventures on IG, and it’s even better to hear how the new digs are shaping up here. How exciting!
If I could do it all again, I’d have the biggest dining table ever. The benches are great because there is so much unused space between and on chairs. My son has a long bench on one side that seats four. But he does have plenty of room behind the table and bench. Even with less, I think people can maneuver themselves as well as they can with chairs being pushed and pulled to make room.
Keep us posted!!! 🙂
Jane
Mary says
Doreen those sofas are gorgeous. They have an old world glamour to them. And the chairs are also full of personality. You can always add color with pillows if it is too much trouble upholstering them. I think they are perfect as they are with their sexy backs.
I can’t give you any advice about the rest I’m just really happy to hear that you will be moving in shortly. It must be such an exciting time for you and I know I am really looking forward to seeing how you decorate this house seeing as how it is so different from your cabin. Keep those posts coming!
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
Yay, a post from Doreen!!! First, before I forget, my table is 45″ wide and I find it to be ample room to fit a platter in between two place settings on opposite sides of the table. Love the furniture you’ve picked, or are thinking about — that corner piece is swoon-worthy! As much as I like the look of a bench at a dining room table, I personally would find it uncomfortable to sit on for any length of time. If you’re asking for opinions, I like Table #2 better – it’s simplicity speaks to me, but that may just be the mood I am in currently to simplify my own pieces. I’m of no help when it comes to the pollen question, and I haven’t ordered any major furniture pieces online, but I would do it, as long as I knew what it would cost to return if I didn’t like it. I’m intrigued by Interior Define – must check that out! Sorry to hear you had to scramble to find a new place, but at least an end is in sight! Your home is really coming along – it must be so exciting! Looking forward to hearing more updates, and of course, I’m following you on Instagram! Sending big hugs! xoxoxo
Debbie - MountainMama says
So exciting to finally see the house coming together!!! I love your furniture choices, I can see you are going light with this house which I’m sure you are ready for after all the wood in your previous home.
I bought furniture off Hayneedle, Wayfair, and other sites when furnishing my house and I was very pleased! Wayfair has a great return policy – a couple of items were slightly damaged and they sent new ones and told me to keep the others…..they went downstairs where nobody but me and the girls would notice the damage!
Can’t wait to see more, my friend – it’s going to be fun to watch you settle in!
Linda A Walker says
Hi Doreen,
Looks like everything is coming together! Love the furnishings you have picked out and hoping to find for as well as the ones you have already purchased. Your home is going to be lovely with all these nice pieces! the sofas ar amazing. I love the cushions! Can’t wait to see it all put together.
Kim says
Love your choices, the couches, the chairs, the armoires, I hope you can find one for the bedroom exactly like that. Gorgeous. You have amazing taste and I can’t wait to see it all come together. I ordered an upholstered chair online once. I love it. I am sure you will too and that company sounds great. An easy out!
handmade by amalia says
I don’t much enjoy renovations with their dust and disappearing workmen but the choosing of furniture and dressing up a room I like a lot. Love all your choices.
Amalia
xo
jemma says
Well Hello Lovely Lady!
Wow!! I’d say your home is going to be drop dead gorgeous and elegant too! I love every single one of these choices. I can see that you have given careful consideration to each and every aspect of decorating and I would imagine that you riding on cloud nine, even with the move to Jacksonville.
By the way my Aunt Madge lived in Jacksonville most of her life and then retired in Morehead. You are in my old Summertime stomping grounds. I have the best memories of Summer time visist to her.
Great to see a blog post from you Doreen!
xoxo
Jemma
Carla TePaske says
Hi,
It was good to catch up with you.
I am a Sparks fan. Do you have a favorite of his?
Be sure to let us know if you do get to peek at his house. 😉
Deb from Frugal Little Bungalow says
I had to smile at the WHITE! Why? It’s been nothing but snow and rain here for weeks and I have dogs. Don’t get a dog if you buy that furniture! 🙂
Nice to see the progress going on there! 🙂
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
It was so fun to see the pictures of your house coming along. I like furniture to be useful. My table has four legs so it’s easy to sit and even to cross your legs if wanted. I’ve never ordered furniture online, but I’m considering it for the bookshelves… I’ll order it in raw wood and will paint it later, so I won’t be disappointed by colour!