We have been in our circa 1894 farmhouse for a year. We bought after it had been renovated so there were no big projects. There is one minor problem that we have yet to address. It is a big black hole in the dining room. For the purpose of this discussion, please ignore the plant and chafing dishes in the bottom of the black hole.
When we bought the house there were three long black warped shelves attached via brackets on the back wall. They came down immediately. We have just stared at it for the last year. I thought maybe someone might have an idea what to do with it.
The dining room is opposite the kitchen. That is the black hole on the left.
This is the dining room.
We have country farmhouse decor.
The finish inside the black hole appears to be painted wallpaper or very bad texture. This is the top.
This is the wall.
We plan to keep the woodwork as it is throughout the house. The carpet is being removed and replaced with large black and white ceramic tiles on the diagonal. The hardwood floors in the kitchen were installed in the 1960’s after being removed from old railroad boxcars. I love them and they aren’t going anywhere. Since we can’t replicate them in the dining room, we are going with the ceramic tile. We have black and white tiles in all the bathrooms and love it. So, if you have any ideas feel free to shout them out. We are certainly stumped about how to deal with this little bit of architectural charm.
Kelly says
I like the buffet idea. You could put shelves and glass doors on the top, solid doors under the counter space and a nice stone slab for the counter. I’d put lights in the top cabinets if possible.
Kerry says
I love the idea of the beverage bar. My first thought was to add some nice big barn like doors on a roller track and use as storage or an extra pantry. Example http://www.pinterest.com/pin/213287732325362788/ or here http://www.pinterest.com/pin/532761830890475907/
Diane says
Love the whole farmhouse look!! What I think you need is a fireplace or wood stove to set the mood! I’m guessing you don’t have a chimney right there though. They make some “old time” looking pellet stoves that show the flames with little ventilation required. They even have some pretty decent electric ones out there.
Talya Tate Boerner says
Don’t be surprised if I knock on your door someday. Love your farmhouse, chickens, blog, everything.
Mary says
Thank you so much Talya! Just ring the doorbell!
MaryB says
Looks like a great place to display a collection of cookbooks or vintage glassware (or whatever your collections might be). I wonder put in lighting, maybe directional can lights, to make your collection a focal point. Another idea would be to make it into a beverage bar/coffee or drinks cabinet and counter. Depending on how much you want to spend, you could even install under counter fridge with cabinet like door so it was “hidden”, even a bar sink if finances allowed although just glass fronted cupboards to how off pretty glassware and counter top to prepare beverages would be nice. Another idea would be one of the free standing fireplaces installed to add some real coziness to the dining room. Have fun!
Mary says
MaryB you have given me some good stuff! Your idea of making it into a beverage bar reminded me that we no longer have a buffet in the dining room. I am playing around in photoshop putting in a bar height countertop for serving food with storage below. I’ll post pics when we decide what to do! Thanks so much for all the good ideas!