decorating question

[annette]

Hi anybody! I am moving into a house which only has an eat in kitchen. I have a dark china cabinet and table which is kinda formal, duncan phyffe style. This was my mother's and I don't want to part with it. We are painting blue and yellow in the area. How can I dress down this formal set to fit in there? Perhaps the objects I put in it? Or since I need new chairs, maybe having each one a different style or color and keeping a tablecloth on the table? I'm going for a casual look overall. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[imamama]

The tablecloth is a good idea. What about sanding and staining the table and china cabinet? You'd still have it, but could make it fit in with your new decor a little better. As far as the chairs, you might want to stick the all the same kind, but could get some casual slipcovers or seat cushion material.
Good luck!

[AnnW]

If this is your permanent house and you won't ever be having a formal dining AND this is more of a sentimental attachment rather than it being a valuable antique, I agree with Imamama...I would sand and stain them a whitewash.

[Diane]

Originally posted by AnnW
If this is your permanent house and you won't ever be having a formal dining AND this is more of a sentimental attachment rather than it being a valuable antique, I agree with Imamama...I would sand and stain them a whitewash.

LOL... I certainly have a different style of decorating. I would NEVER sand and whitewash someting like this... 8o I like the idea of the tablecloth and getting some casual slipcovers. I've seen them do this on HGTV and I love the way it changes the looks of the chairs. Good luck... I hope you find something to make it work.

Diane...

[AnnW]

I wouldn't either unless it fit the parameters that I listed! LOL ;)

[annette]

Forgot to mention--I am not opposed to painting furniture. I do it all the time on bargains I find that are perfect candidates for it. But the china cabinet is a valuable antique in excellent condition with the original curved glass. I just could't paint it.
Thanks for all your suggestions.

[AnnW]

Most definitely do not paint it then!!! How about using it as a bookcase/display in another room?
I think a tablecloth and slipcovered chairs would be great, plus easy to change if you get tired of the design.