As I made my daily cup of Tassimo latte this morning (well, not really daily anymore, more like a once a week treat now; super splurge, I know!), I looked over to our morning room just off the kitchen and I noticed the sun was extraordinarily bright and the light was coming through all the paper shades getting my creative juices flowing, so I decided to snap some pictures of our morning room and share. Just that fact that the sun was shining at all was a major improvement over the previous week – let’s see, an earthquake, hurricane, oh and tornado (we all weathered just fine, thank goodness!).
The morning room was an “option” when we were building our home and we knew it was a must-have. Although, without it, we could be eating at a round pedestal dining table (love!) with a slightly larger backyard. However, the long rectangular shape is more practical (which is the mode my brain usually excels in HA!). We also opted for the two additional windows on the right side, making the morning room completely lit on all three walls.
The floor in here is the same cherry stained oak as the kitchen, entry way, dinning room, and powder room. We purchased the table from Raymour and Flanigan before the move along with the furniture for the family room. They delivered all the furniture on the same day as the movers, Lowe’s appliance delivery, and the cable company (doing any projects without the cable TV on is a big no-no in this household). The table is espresso color with four chairs and a bench. I love tables with benches.. I think it’s because growing up my parents had a table with a bench (and still do).
Of course, the paper shades are temporary until we can decide on window treatments. They certainly get the job done! I really like the look of white plantation shutters for this room and for the family room, but I am still mulling it over. I want something neutral that can be shut completely but that also can be opened to allow a ton of light in. Another project for this room (and all downstairs rooms) will be to put UV protective film up. I’d like to protect the hardwood floors from color changes as best as possible. UV films would def make a great weekend DIY project!
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the ceiling fan light we added. The room gets pretty warm during the summer between the sunlight and the proximity to the kitchen, so having a fan is a must. We purchased an espresso paddle colored fan from Lowes with pewter finish metal. We (John) also added a 32″ extension rod in pewter as well because the ceiling is vaulted.
Our dog, a miniature schnauzer named Mr Finegan, prefers to hide under the morning room table as his first choice whenever he’s snagged a neglected pusher (or as John calls it a “channel changer”??). In order to retrieve said remote, Mr Finegan demands to be playfully chased for it or handsomely rewarded with treats in order to free his electronic hostage. John goes immediately to the treats, but I prefer to run him down! We love him, but he’s def in it for the snacks.
The Decor:
Here’s a great white pitcher filled with hydrangeas that’s always on the table… and my favorite quilted place mats (they’re Waverly). It ain’t much, but it’s a start!
We’ll be running over to the paint store to check out potential paint colors for this room. I am thinking .. ready … NEUTRAL! Ha! I would like a super creamy khaki color (like in the Pottery Barn catalogs). The color has to coordinate well with the dark hardwood floor and our carpets. I would also like to paint the entire first floor the same color (with the exception of the dining room).
Any design thoughts for this room? We’d love to hear your suggestions.
What about your home? Do you have any rooms in the house that brighten your day and inspire you? Do you have a dog that loves to be mischievous? Do you have to negotiate with treats or is that just us?
