Thursday, June 30, 2011

To Skirt, or Not To Skirt ... That's the Question

This dining room by the iconic John Saladino, has been on the top of my inspiration pile since I started my mini-renovations here at CDLV. The oval table, skirted so beautifully in three different colors of neutral Belgian linen is the real showpiece of the room, highlighted and complemented by the stunning mural on the back wall. A color story of greys and taupes, it's soft, serene, elegant, and sophisticated - all of the things that a formal dining room should be.

Another triple skirted table, and another stunning dining room. As you can tell, I'm quite fond of the layers. This time in varied shades of solids and stripes, the table is still neutral, timeless. It's not the fabric that stands out, it's the drape ... the silhouette.

Here the full cloth is solid white, and only the cover, which doesn't completely touch the floor is patterned. Now, although I'd ultimately love to have a story of solids like the Saladino table, I happen to have two PERFECT fabrics, one (a heavy linen) the new color of the walls, and another in a mysterious sort of blue gray and olive (a sumptuous pale silk) that I could possibly make work. Neither have enough yardage to do an entire cloth alone, so I suppose it's best they be married like above.

Yet, I love this bold statement, too. A strong color, pulled pulled from the rug and scattered about in accent fabrics around the room, you can't help but notice the table and its draped form. I can't decide whether I need my dining room to have a statement like this, or simply adorn the dining room like the pictures before it.
Here, the pattern is on the bottom and the solid is on top. It's less bold than the other table with the reverse composition, but it's still lovely. I'm starting to be fond of patterns, even as I write this post. Perhaps a pattern, maybe a complementary fabric to the drapes would be the best fit for the small space.

Yes, just like this. Divine inspiration from the "old" Cote de Texas dining room. When Joni decided she didn't want the yellow anymore, she opted for no pattern, but I still find this dining room to be one of the most beautiful in blog-land, and say a little RIP to it now. My drapes are the most beautiful shade of gray blue silk, and I bet I could find a plaid to coordinate, possibly even a stripe.

So the question: to skirt or not to skirt? 
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16 comments:

  1. Cindy @ a curious gardenerJune 30, 2011 at 8:44 PM

    skirt!!!! A skirted tale brings more softness and texture to a room.

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  2. PatinaJune 30, 2011 at 11:16 PM

    SKIRT!!!!

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  3. DeseraeJuly 1, 2011 at 9:35 AM

    I love a skirted table...they are just so elegant! The best part is you can change the look totally by just layering on a different cloth over the top! Can't wait to see what you decide :o)
    ~Des

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  4. DianneJuly 1, 2011 at 5:55 PM

    I do not like skirted dining room tables. You cannot put the chairs around it without problems and if you have to skatter the chairs elsewhere in the room , it better be a large room. If the table were in a living room or a foyer then maybe it wouldbe worth the cost of all that fabric but not in a dining room .

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  5. Barbara Jordan DettweilerJuly 2, 2011 at 1:05 AM

    Although I love the look of it when I see it (your examples are beautiful!), I think I'm a no-skirt person...they just look too fussy for my more masculine style! Although I think I'd consider it for a round table tucked into a corner somewhere, especially if it wasn't a nice one underneath, to give it new life. ;)

    http://bjdhausdesign.blogspot.com/

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  6. AnonymousJuly 2, 2011 at 1:28 AM

    Love that bust on the table, so fun to look at!
    -Jessica & Holly
    Etsy.com/shop/chezjolly

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  7. cotedetexasJuly 4, 2011 at 6:46 PM

    eek!!! such an ollddddd picture!!! oy. thanks though, you are so sweet. happy 4th!

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  8. mrsbenJuly 5, 2011 at 8:20 AM

    I must admit I do love the esthetics of a skirted table however at the same time feel caution is to be taken when utilitizing or dressing it. If it is to be the showcase of the room then I say go for it and use plenty of layers and lavish fabric. On the other hand if you decide to use it for dining (function), then I personally would dress it with simplicity. I guaranty; like a well tailored garment it will still make a statement!
    -Brenda-

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  9. Wall ArtNovember 25, 2011 at 6:53 AM

    nice post like all the paintings

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  10. AnonymousMarch 22, 2012 at 2:10 AM

    Really great work,I would like to join your blog anyway.Cab Services Mumbai

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  11. infusion artApril 2, 2012 at 5:14 AM

    Really great skirts, as you like to call them. Thanks for the post!

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  12. Mohka.co.ukApril 27, 2012 at 9:22 AM

    Wow, I love the decadent style here. All that fabric can look be a bit cluttered though. Maybe a few floral canvas prints would suit it well.

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  13. RogerMay 3, 2012 at 6:37 AM

    What a great post, really love the furniture and the style!
    kitchen canvas

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  14. ArthurMay 14, 2012 at 5:56 AM

    Great post, I think it's lovely if you've got the right skirt for the room. Otherwise leave it.
    http://www.canvasartprint.co.uk/category/modern-canvas-287.aspx

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  15. Vaidehi GargJanuary 15, 2022 at 11:32 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete

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