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Introducing Rashida’s Dining Lounge Plan And Our First Ever EHD Reader Nationwide Vintage Hunt (You Bet There’s A Reward)

Hello EHD Loves! I’m finally back. I took a long and much-needed break from in-depth renovations after the kitchen reveal. Honestly, that project wiped me out and I didn’t want any more construction in my home for a while. I think a lot of us can relate to the woes of living through a renovation that took much longer than expected. But is it even a kitchen renovation if it doesn’t take longer than planned?

For today’s project introduction, we’re not going that far away from the kitchen. Actually, we’re stepping just a few feet away from the kitchen and designing what I’m calling our “Dining Lounge”. I live in a row house in DC and everything is narrow. So although this space is dedicated to be used as a dining room, there’s really not that much space to add a table and chairs with enough pull-out clearance. This is why I will utilize built-ins and turn it more into a breakfast nook. I like the term dining lounge more because honestly, that’s exactly what happens in that area. Even though the living room is a few steps away, Jasen (my hubs) and I are always lounging in that area. Whether we’re doing work, eating, surfing the internet, etc we’re always in that dining space. In fact, when we have visitors, they also flock to that area. No one ever wants to sit on our sofa. I think it’s the sunshine that attracts. That area gets THE BEST sun throughout the day, and we as humans just naturally gravitate to it.

Before I move any further with this post, I want to encourage you to read until the end. I’m going to need your help with something. And there’s a prize involved! But don’t peek and skip to the good part. Promise!?

Chandelier

Now I have some pretty cool ideas for this space. I want it to feel like a cafe in my home. Fun fact: I’m obsessed with cafes and coffee bar design. So bringing that same vibe into my space let me know what to search for when looking for inspiration. The first thing I needed to decide on was layout. I knew I wanted a built-in banquette with storage flanking on either side of that long wall. The question to myself was, do I have built-ins going all the way to the ceiling or leave them at counter height. Ultimately, I decided on counter height for a few reasons: 

  1. I didn’t want any structural piece interfering with my good sunlight. 
  2. I need a place to display an accessible and functional coffee and tea bar. 
  3. Going with the counter height is less work and less money.

Once I had my layout in mind it was then time to dream a bit about the design elements that I’ve been swooning over for months. Because the wall is now open and a main focal point, I wanted to do a wall treatment. I’m personally not a fan of wallpaper (*hear me out! lol*). I love wallpaper when I see it in other spaces, but in my own space, I tend to get overwhelmed by too many colorful patterns. So instead of wallpaper, I decided to do an artistic wood wall that’s not your traditional paneling or shiplap (like in the photos above). I’ve been gawking over these spaces with abstract shape textured walls, and I want to try that in our space. (shhh DIY coming your way).

design by paradowski studio | photo by pion studio | via dezeen
design by studio paolo ferrari
design by claude cartier | photo by guillaume grasset | via the beauty of design

I decided to go with a round glass table just to filter more light throughout. I love the base of this Crate & Barrel table. It’s so sculptural and will tie in with the black elements from the kitchen. 

I saw this wavy headboard in a bedroom and thought this would look beautiful against the wood wall treatment, and add some softness to the space. 

headboard by cuff studio | photo by laurel wood creative

But the disruption for this area will be the chairs. I’ve made it a rule to always have one “disruptive element” in my designs. I love when the eye looks around the room, thinking that it knows what’s coming next but then there’s a design element that interrupts your assumption and makes you pause and think. For this dining lounge, it will be the chairs that will disrupt and interrupt. And now that I think about it, probably the wood wall too!

I want two vintage chairs that of course don’t match (because why not). I’ve had these two chairs (pictured below) on a Pinterest board for a while. I love the chunkiness, but also the simplistic but unusual design of each chair. I know it will be hard to find those exact chairs, and if I did happen to find them, I know it would be crazy expensive. So I’m looking for vintage chairs that are similar or chairs that fit the “chunky unusual” criteria. And this is the part where I need your help!!!

*Trumpet sound* I’m calling all “obsessive Facebook Marketplace browsers”, “vintage shop goers”, and “thrift store hunters” to help me in this nationwide search (hahaha it sounds like a manhunt) for the perfect pair of chairs for my dining lounge. Below are pictures of chair styles from my Pinterest board, and also a graphic of what I want and don’t want in a chair. That criteria is really centered around my dogs. I love them so much but living with two pups that have shed constantly for the past 8 years has taught me what pieces last and look best living with pets.

To sweeten the deal, if I choose the chair or chairs you send me, I will send a surprise Design Lover’s gift box to your home as a special thank you. I know you’re probably wondering, what’s in the box??? It’s a SURPRISE! But if we here at EHD have anything to do with it, then you know it will be good.

I’m so excited to engage with those of you who are willing to participate! To make things run seamlessly, I created an email specifically for this: findthosechairs@gmail.com

If you see something on Facebook Marketplace or other sites, send it to that email. If you see something on Instagram, you are more than welcome to DM me, but I do prefer using the email to keep everything organized. However, it’s a hunt, and time can be of the essence, so DM works if that’s faster and easier for you!

As always, I look forward to revealing this space to you all and I especially look forward to all the beautiful chairs you send my way. You can find me on Instagram @rashida.banks. And again the email for the chair search is: findthosechairs@gmail.com

Until next time…Be well Loves! Happy searching!

Opening Image Credits: Design by Rashida Banks | Photo by Keyanna Bowen

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Love your ideas! the C&B dining table is GOR.GEOUS. i love it so much.
Okay, so for these chairs, what’s your budget? No point in wasting time looking if they’re out of your budget. Thanks!

Rashida Banks
3 years ago

Thank you! And I’m swooning over that dining table. I wish it were a size 40 or 42 in circumference but I think I can make it work. Thank you for asking about budget. The most I would spend is $500 on one chair. But of course a good deal is always best.

Meredith
3 years ago

This is SUPER FUN and I hope we get a round up of some of the favorite near-misses from readers, too! This design is stunning – a total 180 from my own style that has me thinking “uh… should this by my style instead?” Cause it’s gorgeous.

3 years ago
Reply to  Meredith

Thank you! I’m definitely growing more into what I see as my personal design style. I feel your pain though. It’s so hard to choose sometimes. So many good ones out there.

Katie
3 years ago

Those rust stools! Where are they from?

Kj
3 years ago
Reply to  Katie

Click on Rashida’s kitchen reveal which is linked above in the first paragraph. Search “stools” and you will find them. Or here’s the link to her kitchen reveal to make it easier: https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/rashidas-kitchen-reveal-tile-trend

🥰 Rusty
3 years ago
Reply to  Kj

You. Are. Good.👍

3 years ago
Reply to  Katie

They are from Industry West. I have the cognac color.

🥰 Rusty
3 years ago

Hi, from the global community.👋

Cris S.
3 years ago
Reply to  🥰 Rusty

And hi! back at you Rusty! Thank you for your note here when I was sick – you brightened my day!

🥰 Rusty
3 years ago
Reply to  Cris S.

😘

3 years ago
Reply to  🥰 Rusty

Hey Global Community!

3 years ago

I love this chairs. They are so creative.

3 years ago
Reply to  Cemre

Thank you!! I hoping to find something just as beautiful and creative

Jeanne
3 years ago

You’re really making your home your own! Having a banquette and storage will make every day living so much better. One thought … if you’re a person who notices dog hair on things, you might also be someone who notices smudges. Having a glass topped table in a place where light streams in and highlights everything might drive you crazy! At least, it would me.

3 years ago
Reply to  Jeanne

Hi Jeanne! hahaha You’re right. But I don’t mind wiping down the table, and the light streams in to the left of the window and the banquette is to the right.

Cris S.
3 years ago

Rashida – I LOVE your kitchen redesign and I’ve sent it to several friends who are thinking of doing the kind of renovation you did. Your tile wall, the art, and reuse of your cabinets is just inspired. I was wondering if you find you actually use the bar stools in your kitchen/dining lounge space? I ask because 1. we’ve had stools at our island for 3 years and no one ever uses them (we have a kitchen table close by that everyone sits at) and 2. the bar stools kind of intrude on the space you want to use for the dining lounge area. If you removed the bar stools (if you don’t use them) and made the overhang into a shallow shelf/cabinet area, you could have more storage and more room for dining chairs in the lounge space and more room to center the table. OR you could build a banquet into there also. Just an idea. I wish I had given over our bar stool space to more storage instead. 🙂 Best of luck on the chair search! If I find something in Chicago I will let you know! If you could let us know budget/willingness to… Read more »

3 years ago
Reply to  Cris S.

Hi Cris, Thank you for your message and sharing some possible configurations. We actually use our bar stools and neighboring table everyday. I have the layout drawn to scale down to the inch lol. So everything will fit perfectly if I can find the right pieces. As for chair price, I’m willing to go as high as $500 for one chair. But the chair has to be GOOD for me to spend that much. And I will reupholster the right chair for sure!!

Amanda
3 years ago

SO inspiring – i love your aesthetic

3 years ago
Reply to  Amanda

Thanks so much Amanda!

emily jane
3 years ago

So good to see you Rashida : )
I am VERY excited to see you transform this nook! Your kitchen was/is loooovely -I found your engagement of the space inspiring (+ your patience and DIY skills are impressive!). I wholeheartedly agree that a banquette is EXACTLY what the space is aching for and am intrigued by the direction you are heading with all the other pieces/details. Also, your request for assistance with the “disruptive element” will hopefully make for it’s own blog post of epic proportions ; )

3 years ago
Reply to  emily jane

Hi Emily. Thank you! I’m hoping all my ideas flow seamlessly together. I can’t wait to see the space myself. haha

Kathryn
3 years ago

I love this. I am doing something similar in a remodel, and love to see what others are doing. I also really appreciate showcasing a style that is rooted in the glamour of a city.

3 years ago
Reply to  Kathryn

Hi Kathryn! Thanks for stopping by. And much luck to you on your remodel project. I’m excited to reveal this space to you all.

Lynn W
3 years ago

This is fun!!! Can’t wait to see/hear what is found and where 👍
Rashida…I love your thought of the dining area as a lounge The wood wall will be fantastic!

I’ll see what I can find in my area…AZ 🌵

3 years ago
Reply to  Lynn W

Thank you so much Lynn! And I will actually be in New Mexico tomorrow visiting family! I’ll be right next door to you. Thank you for helping me with the search.

mouseface
3 years ago

What’s your budget for the chunky/ unusual chairs??

3 years ago
Reply to  mouseface

No more than $500 per chair. I would much prefer to stay below that, but for a GOOD chair, I would pay for its value.

Amber H
3 years ago

I’m so excited for this contest!! Thank you for this opportunity!! I hope you enjoy all the entries, good luck All!!!

3 years ago

I find it interesting that you have to give so much consideration to the functional aspect of the chair design, due to the dog’s hair. I had to chortle because I want to say ” try living with a Husky’s hair!!” It’s everywhere no matter what you do to avoid it clustering. Good luck and I’d be watching just to see how you resolve this functional issue.

Sara
3 years ago

Wowza I’m in love with the dining table with the stone base in the Claude Cartier designed photo. Anyone know where I could get something like that in the US?

deb
3 years ago

You should follow @moderncommerce.tacoma on Instagram. He seems to find amazing stuff.