First things first. We have a furniture name change to attend to. Our giant 70″ dining table arrived (you know, the one we blathered on and on about here), and he just can’t be called Woody. Because he’s obviously not a he, he’s a she. Given her elegant lines and curvy figure, I don’t know how we ever could have made that mistake. We finally landed on Stella as her new moniker because she’s definitely a stellar addition to the future dining room. Har har. And since we already have Ed (the bed) and Karl (the sectional), I felt like I needed a lady-friend to balance things out.
Update: Everyone’s asking about the paint swatches in the background – but they’re actually really old. Here’s that post for ya.
And here’s the varied carved top that I described more here. It’ll be great for hiding those dings and dents that happen when you live with kiddos. And when you yourself aren’t known to be the most coordinated person in the world. I may have had one or two incidents involving flying salad tongs in the past.
The great thing is that although the top has a nice rough texture – and it’s made of super durable (and sustainable) sheesham wood – that gorgeous hand-carved look isn’t so “dented” (for lack of a better word) that you can’t balance a glass on it or you worry that crumbs will get stuck in the crevices. We’d best describe ’em as nice mild waves.
We also love that the base isn’t as invasive as something with legs (or even a leggy-pedestal) could have been. So once we pull eight apple green upholstered chairs around it, no one will end up straddling a leg throughout the meal. Nice.
Yup, Stella is nothing if not balanced and poised. She instantly created that casual and inviting vibe that we were going for in the future dining room. We centered her right on the giant picture window, which still leaves some room on the other side of the room to create a nice defined entryway so it doesn’t feel like you’re walking right into the middle of a dining room. And once we add our 6′ opening between the kitchen and the future dining room (which we plan to line up with the picture window for some nice balance) and drop a chandelier or pendant over the table we think it’ll really be a huge improvement.
But back to Stella. Her welcoming round shape isn’t too stuffy, but it’s still classic and even luxe looking thanks to the rich-toned wood (we really really wanted a wood toned table over something painted so it could get weathered and loved over the years while wipeable chairs and colorful art and curtains could add some punch and interest around our big round table). And speaking of those chairs, I’m convinced that Stella will look endlessly more fab when we pair her with some fun apple green leather (or faux leather) parsons chairs down the line. I may have mentioned them, oh, seven or eight times. I’m thinking something like this after we build up the ol’ bank balance. I just love the idea of mixed and matched dining furniture so it feels casual and kind of library-esque (thanks to upholstery instead of lots of wooden chairs paired with a similarly toned wood table). Because let’s face it. This room will definitely multitask as a big surface where kids will do crafts and school projects and all that good stuff. At least if we’re lucky, because I painted that quaint little picture in my head and I want it to actually happen.
Anyway, enough soul baring and dream sharing for now. Until we get those green chairs, Stella will just be hanging out in the middle of our future dining room alone. That is once we figure out where those slipper chairs that used to be in the living room will end up. And after we finally craigslist the white slipcovered sofa (we’ll share the link over to our craigslist ad for any interested locals when that day comes). Yes, this is what the room actually looks like these days:
Feel free to have a little caption contest with this awkward setup. My entry would be: “Gary was such a couch potato that he preferred to eat his potatoes on the couch.” Um, yeah I suck at captions. Please come up with something better.
The point is that we’ll get our little furniture smorgasbord straightened up sooner or later. And then our girl Stella will be the true star of the room. Cause she’ll be the only thing in the room. Hah. But somehow I don’t think she’ll mind living it up in there alone. She’s all woman. And she can totally hold her own. Do you know how heavy that chunky wood tabletop is? Let’s just say it took two muscled men about 30 minutes to wrestle it into place. Gotta love a strong (& sexy) femme fatale. Go on with your bad self, Stella.
Psst- Our babyproofing adventures have begun over on BabyCenter. Let’s just say we’re taking baby steps, so you can check out some riveting outlet cover chatter here. Oh and feel free to share your babyproofing tips – we’re total novices to the point of hilarity.
Callie says
The name certainly seems to suit her! What an impressive table! I’m reminded of Elaine from Seinfeld…”STEELLLAAAAAAAA” :)
Donita says
“There she stands, in all her grandeur, amongst the misfits.” Ha Ha
P.S. I actually like the looks of the dining room now. It is very inviting, and modern looking. LOVE LOVE LOVE how you painted the inside of the bookshelves. Once again, nice job!!!
pam says
We bought a table from World Market a few years ago made from the same wood (love it!). Went back last summer and bought a buffet table, too. It’s great – even 3 cats sliding across the top haven’t “ruined” it. You’re right – it’s extremely heavy (thank goodness for strong neighbors!).
Heather says
Us too! And we love ours – and all the seating it provides. :)
Patricia says
“STEEEELLA!” (Enter Elaine Benice voice from Seinfeld.) Love it. Can’t wait to see the chairs.
Shelley @ Calypso In the Country says
I don’t think I have named any furniture but I did have a lovely green Gremlin for a first car. HIS name was Gremmy. He just seemed like a boy…
Andrea says
OMG!!
My daughters’ names? STELLA & CLARA!!!
Hahahahaha
YoungHouseLove says
Crazy! Now I have daughters with the same names! After all I did promise to love that table like it was my own to get such a good deal from the guy at The Dump…
xo,
s
Julie says
You could buy these chairs from IKEA and reupholster them with whatever shade of green you like. The straight lines of the chair would make it easier, as would the fact that the cover is removeable, so you have a ready-made template. Just a thought.
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80176806
Cara says
Stunning Stella! The blend of rustic wood with a modern shape is just perfect! Even though your kitchen will probably be the biggest before/after transformation in this house, I think I’m most excited to see how the dining room comes together. I love to see a “repurposed” space and this one will be awesome. Do you know yet what style of light fixture you will search for?
YoungHouseLove says
No idea at all! But we’re hoping to find something with a lot of wow factor (which might be something we have to alter or DIY to keep it within our budget).
xo,
s
Crystal @Beautifulhaven says
LOVE Stella. Such a great find. I also think your slip cover chairs look great with the her. They add a nice balance to the dark table.
Caitlin @ Desert Domicile says
I. LOVE. IT. So jealous of your awesome find!!!
You guys never fail me :)
Izabela says
I think this was the best post I’ve ever read. Not just about a table, but overall. You guys are amazing!
mary W. says
HellO Stella!!!
“She was so beautiful, so magnetic, that couches and chairs, from near and far, all gathered round, just to gaze at her beauty!”
hjc says
Great caption!
Jessica O says
Stella’s a looker!! Speaking of apple chairs, Overstock has these for $285 per pair. Not too bad, they’ve got great reviews!
http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Cameron-Apple-Green-Dining-Chair-Set-of-2/3431293/product.html?cid=123620&fp=F&mr:trackingCode=46A03CD7-D7C6-DF11-98FF-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the link! We were eying these for $79 a pop, but we have to save our pennies before we can pull the trigger…
xo,
s
Andrea Surrey says
Love the table and the name!
sandy says
So awesome! Robin’s egg blue, nail head parsons chairs would also be amazing. Something similar to link below? (Though these arent exactly Robins egg or nail head) cant wait to see what happens next…
http://www.exava.com/shop?q=blue+leather+chair&pid=215166397&bskuid=1174237727
Sara says
I’m OBSESSED with that table – what a find! Can’t wait to see it “all alone” in the room :)
Sarah@StyleandCentsability says
Poker night here you come.
The table is so fab it doesn’t even need chairs! I don’t have a dining room- so I am a jealous.
http://styleandcentsability.wordpress.com/
KiM says
I love it! I also love how we can kinda see the new computer chairs, but cant tell if yall have done anything to them yet. Hee hee
I have a question though. Is the couch white or beige? And is it a Pottery Barn couch or Ikea? My husband and I have been looking for a couch just like it.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Kim,
We haven’t touched the chairs yet. Other priorities- but when we get there we’ll post pics for sure! As for the sofa, it’s a creamy white color. It’s a Rowe sofa from our local retailer (Sofa Designs). Love it so much we tried to find a spot for it, but alas, we don’t need two living rooms!
xo,
s
Liz@WashingtonPharmGirl says
It’s ginormogantuan!!!
Monika says
I am very intrigued by your choice of table, she seems like quite a departure from many of your smaller/lighter pieces of furniture. It’s interesting to see how this house is beginning to depart in style from your previous home, I like seeing the evolution. Stella looks beautiful in the space and I’m very excited to see the rest of the room come together.
Karrie says
I love, love, love that table! Really nice. Love the fact that there are no awkward legs underneath too. I’m going to have to search out something like this after we move!
Stephanie says
Looks great! It’s hard to picture 8 chairs around it though, seems a little too small. I can’t wait to see the final product! :)
Carolyn@SweetChaos says
Off the top of my head…
“Gary brought a lot more to the table than the other two.”
“Pull up a couch and sit for awhile.”
lindsey says
i’m loving the sound of the apple green chairs! & i can’t wait to see what you do with that huge blank wall opposite the built-ins… i’m thinking a huge expedit with pretty baskets if you’re wanting more storage, or a photo gallery-type wall. so fun to decorate vicariously :)
Carrie says
What about ‘Henry’ for the chairs? http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S29861433
I didn’t see a green slipcover, but what’s another project, right? Ha ha The option is there to change colors down the line.
Love the progress so far! :-)
Melissa @ HOUSEography says
Wow – the table looks amazing! It’s so “you”! The green chairs will be a super addition for sure. Maybe you want to keep the slipper chairs hanging out nearby in case you have a major crowd for dinner? The desk chairs could also serve that purpose. (sorry if someone already mentioned this – didn’t read every comment!)
Tanya Quinlan says
Well this isn’t a caption, but the last two pictures totally had me thinking about a stop motion movie. I can just picture you’re other furniture nervously welcoming the new gal. Hmm…As I’m writing this I realize how crazy I sound. Lets just say there’s a good chance that my love for random stop motion movies may rival your love of ceramic animals.
Corey says
I am not usually one for round tables, but Stella is the obvious exception. That is an awesome table and a great find. She looks great in the room too.
Jana says
I’m currently looking for a couple of small’ish chairs for our living area. Do you like the Dolce chairs? Have they held up well? Thank you for any feedback you may have. :)
ps – L.O.V.E. the table…that’s gonna rock!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes we love them! 3+ years later they look new and are still quite comfy!
xo,
s
Janette says
“I might be a couch potato, Stella, but your hefty thigh makes me think you dipped in the cookie jar one too many times.”
Sara says
Haha, this one made me laugh!
Jackie says
Stella is looking mighty gorgeous!
kelly says
Wow, youngsters! I’m actually weirdly loving the table/couch/chair arrangement!
Question: Have you considered a banquette along that wall to mix in with the apple green chairs? It would be totally fun & casual, as well as provide a range of seating options. Also, it would prevent a “Knights of the Round Table” vibe you may get with too many chairs. Hehe.
Maybe something like this, but in apple green?
http://www.amazon.com/Bossa-Banquette-Red-Leatherette-Seat/dp/B003J6U3I6
Or something more built-in and substantial?
YoungHouseLove says
It’s always a possibility! We’ll have to see where we end up!
xo,
s
stacey erin says
Am I really the first one to bring up a “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” reference? Groove… like the the grooves on her table top? Get it?! :)
Felicity @ Our Little Beehive says
Cute set-up, but I have to admit I’m not envious of the living-with-mishmash situation :) We’ve moved so many times in the past 10 years that watching you guys is making me appreciate being settled even more. And I’ve got all my fingers and toes crossed that we won’t have to move next winter.
Laura @ Starting Out Fit says
That table is FANTASTIC!!!! Hmmmm something just like it, but a tad smaller would look amazing in my dining room! ;)
Jim says
I want one!
Jo says
Did you see these?
http://www.timelesselements.com/os-met86gn.html?source=cashback
Seriously 24.01! They say they’re out of stock right now but they be something you want to keep an eye on.
And I love the table!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes!!! I called them to ask when they’d be back in stock and was told they’d call within 24 hours with that info. That was a week ago. So sad.
xo,
s
Reenie says
Oh man….I’d be calling every 30 minutes! HA!
Nini Sarmiento says
Hi John and Sherry-
I enjoy reading your blog and watching your house transform into a home.
When you have a chance, check out desiretoinspire.net and read today’s entry about Carden Cunietti. There is a photo of a round dining room table with an unusual but amazing seating choice that I thought you might enjoy seeing.
YoungHouseLove says
Off to check it out!
xo,
s
Elizabeth says
Oh my gosh…love the “pets on furniture” pictures on that website. Too cute. Burger should be submitted!
Pamela says
Just checked this out. Maybe the seating isn’t right, but that chandelier belongs in Sherry’s house–every single one of those white animals!
hillary says
I love the utensil mobile in the first kitchen on that post! Awesome!
Tanya from dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com says
So amazed at how quickly things happen at your place – even delivery-wise. Am I the only one that is plagued with delivery horror stories and looong drawn out projects? The table looks great! Can’t wait to see the chairs.
YoungHouseLove says
Well we were out of a kitchen for 113 days in the last house. Haha. So we have our bad days and elongated timelines too…
xo,
s
D says
Such an awesome table. I am really diggin’ your new deeper colors. I looooove it!
Robin says
how cool would it be (maybe terrible) to have all mis-matchy chairs? I’ve seen ideas with white non standard dining room chairs all together at a table. Could be cool?!? anyone?
YoungHouseLove says
That could totally be fun! Who knows where we’ll end up…
xo,
s
heartartz says
Green chairs on sale at Home Decorators $79 each
http://www.homedecorators.com/detail.php?parentid=0238500&aid=froogle&CAWELAID=517030157
YoungHouseLove says
Someone else mentioned those a while back. They’re definite contenders!
xo,
s
KathyG says
Delivered? Say What – you couldn’t fit this in the back of the car next to Clara? *wink*
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, yeah there are some limitations when it comes to John packing things into the Altima. Sadly.
xo,
s
diana says
Congrats for the new addition to your (furniture) family. Beautiful “baby” and beautiful name!
YES! I now know what the chairs in the office are making me to think of: (bear with me) parisian café, the counter at the window, sipping a “ralongé” and watching people passing by on a sunny and breezy late June afternoon, somewhere not too far from the Esplanade. It does exist this café, it’s at the angled corner of two streets, and personally, I had a strawberry vanilla tartelette to go with that long espresso!
And the chairs are identical to the bar stools at that counter, and, hey, my last baby was somehow dreamed that afternoon! You, what are you doing to me!
Kristen J. says
I’m so jealous of this table. I tore out a magazine pic of a similar one months ago. I hope I can find a great deal too when I have the $$ available.
Kiran says
Stella got her grooves ;)
Jamie says
I love the table guys! While I was looking at it a co-worker asked about it and mentioned an expandable round table. You have to check this out, it’s one of the coolest things I have seen.
YoungHouseLove says
Amazing and absolutely gorgeous! Love it.
xo,
s
Michelle says
LOOOOOVe the “wave”iness to the table top!!! Thats my favorite wood texture and I think it looks amazing in your room!
Just a thought on your slipper chairs – your office area. They could flank your desk (or be on the backside of the built ins) to give an inviting “we even have chairs for other people!” feel. (Even if you aren’t actually going to bring anyone in there to sit.) Just a thought – or a temp solution!
Patsy says
I’m sure you guys mentioned this or already know it, but Stella means “star” in Latin. No wonder she’s the
Star of the Room!
Julie says
you guys are awesome.