12 “modern” chairs that look good with antique dining tables

Home Decor

12 “Modern” Chairs That Look Good With Antique Dining Tables

Drescription

I’m helping two of my best friends decorate their new homes and I feel like the luckiest person in the world to use my time/talents/connections to relieve their stress and help them love their homes more. I guess thirty years of extremely close friendship warrants some perks:) And because we are all busy moms with demanding jobs, this is a guaranteed way to be able to see them frequently. So today I’ll show you R’s dining room highlighting the only piece of furniture that I think we are keeping (all the rest were starter pieces that she is ready to part with after a decade – please note the sun damage stripe on the back of that sofa – isn’t that nuts!!!!??!). Her dining table is a family heirloom and we really love it but the chairs she had were really lightweight and felt cheap/old (while admittedly they didn’t look bad). I ended up pitching this whole project to Rejuvenation and the plan for it looks so perfect for them I can’t even tell you. Here you’ll see some that we played with.

To be honest many of these are above our budget and some just aren’t going to be right for the rest of the design, but I figured I’d show you all the ones I pinned and talk through why.

Monte Ivory Performance Fabric Dining Chair

Ugh, I love this chair. It felt a bit delicate to them and the shape at the top might be too trendy but the undertones of the wood worked well with the table. But hot tip – performance fabric doesn’t mean that they can’t get dirty, just means that when they do they are easier to clean (so to be clear – you still have to really keep white furniture clean). This was a no-go for their family (two boys and a dog).

Zoey Caned Armless Dining Chair

This is a solid choice – I love the simplicity of the lines of the legs against the turned table legs. And the mix of materials is really nice.

Molina Dining Chair

This chair is def on the hyper-traditional side (feels very 1940s) but those lines are so pretty and classic.

Dalton Leather and Cane Dining Chair

Again, above our budget this time (when you times it by 6 it’s like GEESH), but I think that leather and the caning is so lovely. I think that it might actually be too busy and a simpler chair would let the lines of the table stand out.

Easton Dining Chair

I’ve GOT to use this chair somewhere – incredible. Out of our budget here but my goodness it’s awesome.

Ambrogio Dining Chair

I mean, the joinery on this one… so simple and pretty. We might actually use this in a different project stay tuned.

Biscoe Wood Dining Chair

We shopped for more budget options and Studio McGee/Target is killing it. I want to see one of these in person to better understand the scale (again, three big boys in this family).

Lana Curved Back Dining Chair

Another great and affordable Target option. The lines are simple but elegant. Comes in black too which I might prefer.

Enzo Solid Oak Wood Dining Chair

My SIL just bought these for their house that is super high-end, and these (very affordable) look so good in there. They look far more expensive than they are and are super comfy and classic. Pottery Barn also has a version that is much more expensive but looks very similar.

Sandia Leather Dining Chair

I LOVE these chairs. They seem like a modern version of a cozy pub or library chair.

Ida Dining Chair

Now these might be too simple for you, but remember that the rest of the room isn’t designed yet and we are likely putting a wallpaper, and adding darker paint. So the room will have a lot more going on and thus the dining chairs (at least the side chairs) could be simpler.

Byers Arm Chair

This is a solid contender because not only is it beautiful but we sat on them and they were a really good size, super ergonomic, and substantial. Plus the curve is pretty and will stick out a little bit – enough to see it, but not so much that it obstructs walking.

More to come on this project. I’ve been soooo busy (lots of trips) and very busy in life, so hopefully you’ll see more of this very very very very soon.

The Best—and Worst—Times to Travel Over Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day weekend is almost here, and whether you’re staying home to get some much-needed rest or traveling across state lines, the streets will be filled with bumper-to-bumper traffic. Knowing the exact times when traffic will peak is an important part of planning your holiday weekend, but don’t worry—we’ve gathered the best and worst times to travel over Labor Day weekend, so you don’t have to. Follow our advice and save yourself from the gridlock this weekend. When Is Labor Day? This year, Labor Day 2024 will take place on Monday, September 2. The federal holiday was designed to celebrate workers across the country and their contributions to the American economy, and as a result, most working people are granted a three-day weekend. The holiday is hugely popular, with many people getting on the road and treating their weekend as a mini-vacation—but the journey can be grueling. The Best and Worst Times to Travel During Labor Day Weekend If you’re traveling by air, avoid scheduling flights for Friday, August 30, especially during the midmorning and midafternoon (the busiest time for air travel). The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates August 30th will be its busiest day, with an estimated 2.86 million travelers expected to fly. Additionally, multiple airlines—including United Airlines and American Airlines—are expecting to host a record-breaking number of travelers this year. For road travelers, the worst time to drive on Thursday, August 29 is between 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., with rush hour traffic at its peak during the midafternoon. On Friday, August 30, the worst time to hit the road is between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. On Monday, September 2, the roads will be packed from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. How to Beat the Crowd Ahead of Labor Day If you're traveling, it's likely you'll be delayed by large crowds at some point this Labor Day weekend, but by knowing what to expect and planning ahead, you can be better prepared. Leaving an hour or two early can help you avoid peak congestion, especially on Labor Day. If you’re traveling by plane, arrive at the airport several hours in advance to give yourself enough time to check in, go through security, and find your gate. Remember: this isn’t your average get-to-the-airport-an-hour-before-the-flight experience. Additionally, now is the time to optimize your TSA pre-check and E-ZPass to speed through as quickly as possible. The faster you make it through routine processes, the quicker you’ll get to your destination. Don’t forget to drive safely, hydrate often, and practice the virtue of patience.

Should You Prune Cucumber Plants? 3 Tips For Success

Cucumbers grow on vines and, like most vines, they grow rapidly and prolifically. When several plants are grown together vines can quickly become tangled, overgrown, and difficult to maintain. Trellising your cucumber crop and pruning each plant to just one or two vines directs energy into producing fruit rather than making more vines. Should You Prune Cucumber Plants? Pruning cucumber vines is a personal choice. If you only grow one cucumber plant, pruning probably isn't necessary. However, reducing the number of vines on multiple plants improves the vigor of each plant. Fewer vines mean better air circulation, and that translates to less opportunity for fungal diseases like powdery mildew and bacterial wilt. Overcrowded vines also provide plenty of hiding places for insect pests like cucumber beetles, which carry disease and damage foliage and fruits. Reducing the number of vines can reduce the number of fruits, but will greatly improve quality. Since cucumbers are generally prolific, your harvest will most likely be plentiful whether or not you decide to prune. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! How to Prune Cucumber Plants Pruning cucumber vines is much like pruning tomatoes. At the junction where each leaf meets a primary vine, there is also a flower that eventually becomes a fruit, a tendril that attaches to a support structure, and a new growth point, commonly called a sucker. Suckers grow into secondary vines which produce more suckers that become tertiary vines and so on. Follow these steps to prune your cucumber vines: Locate the point where a large leaf meets a primary vine. These large leaves are called "sun leaves." They help protect the fruits against sunscald and are the primary foliage needed for photosynthesis. Identify the new growth point. You want to leave the sun leaf, flower or fruit, and tendril at each juncture along the primary vine but prune out the sucker. Pinch out the sucker with your thumb and index finger when it's under 2 inches long. A hand pruner will take care of longer suckers with thicker stems. Each plant can be pruned to the number of primary vines of your choice. A trellised two-vine system produces good results. When to Prune Cucumber Plants To work with one or two primary vines, start pruning your cucumber vines early in the season. A week or two after plants have established, they start to send out sun leaves and tendrils. As soon as you see new leaves start checking for suckers at the juncture of the sun leaf and primary vine. You'll need to continue to pinch out suckers throughout the cucumber growing season which runs through June and into mid-July depending on your growing zone. Don't panic if you miss a few days. Just start from the top of your vine and work your way down, removing suckers as you go. Tips For Cucumber Plant Pruning Whether you grow one plant or several, pinching out the earliest flowers helps get your vines off to a good start. Only pinch the first few flowers that appear early in the season and remember that every flower can potentially become a fruit. If you want to establish a two- or three-vine system for your plant, start pruning early. For a two-vine system, allow the first sucker that appears on the primary vine to grow. For a three-vine system, let the first two suckers on your primary vine continue to grow. Keep in mind you will then need to remove suckers from two or three primary vines for the remainder of the growing season. Growing your cucumber vines on a fence, trellis, or other structure gives you easy access for pruning and maintenance.

Shopping For Dining Chairs…Consider A Curved-Back Option (Wisdom From A Pro Stylist)

Shopping for dining chairs isn’t easy! There are SO many options where even the “most affordable” ones still add up to A LOT of money because you at least need four for most dining tables. But Emily discovered one easy way to narrow your search…The curved-back chair. There’s honestly no downside. They feel great to sit on, you can comfortably converse with the person next to you, AND they look great. Why do they look great, do you ask? Well, if you know us, you know we love to mix and match shapes (ie. you don’t want all squares or all curves in one space). What a curved-back chair does, especially for a rectangular table, is nicely contrast that shape. Your guests will ask you if you hired a designer! Isn’t that what we all really want?? But the truth is you are just smart and learned all this good design advice for free, here:) It’s all about visual interest baby (and comfort)! This green mohair dining chair from Crate & Barrel was an INSTANT love match for Emily and her sunroom. It’s also what really made her “team curved-back” dining chair after getting some real use out of them. Sure, they are clearly beautiful, but more than that, they are so comfortable to sit in. And I can attest to that! I usually sit in that middle one on the right (my unofficial farmhouse sunroom work chair). So while this table is a pill shape and isn’t technically a rectangle, there are SO many other straight, graphic lines in this room. These chairs really soften the overall look. Then when you want to chat with the person next to you, that little curve gives you a really comfortable armrest. 10/10! So in hopes of helping you find a functional AND beautiful dining chair. Here are our favorites online right now: Sienna Boucle Dining Armchair Let’s start out real strong with what looks (and is rated high) to be a beautiful and comfortable dining chair! The color is gorgeous and also comes in three other more neutral options. At $399 it’s not cheap (few good dining chairs are) but it is a stunner and a bestseller so that is saying something, right?! Also, it could easily be a great accent chair:) Malin Whitewash Ash Wood Dining Chair A modern take on the classic wishbone that I truly love. The light ash wood is so pretty with that natural flecked wool-blend fabric (which also looks very forgiving with spills). The curved back may not be upholstered but I’ve sat in wishbone chairs because and love how they feel. Originally, this chair was $349 but Crate & Barrel is having a Dining Room Event (aka a good sale) so right now this puppy is $279 each. Oh, and it’s made from sustainable wood! Dame Dining Chair Back to upholstered backs! If you know me you know I love this one. The scale of the tubular back is slim and chic but still looks substantial enough to be comfortable for maximum eating and conversation time around the dining table! While this cutie is $648 each, it’s a very special and unique chair. If you go to the product page and see it in people’s homes you’ll see what I mean. Inesse Boucle Dining Chair Modern and moody! This is the same fabric in a different color as the first one but this one is clearly more sleek and minimal. I also think the style and color are wildly versatile and can work with a ton of different home styles. This cutie comes in at $379 with a 4.6-star rating! Mathilde Leather Dining Chair What a vintage Shaker-inspired stunner. But I also feel like the design very much took cues from the Scandinavian vintage dining chairs we saw Em considering for the farmhouse. Honestly, it makes total sense since the style/vibe of Emily’s house is Scandinavian Farmhouse:) It’s also a beautiful dining chair that looks comfortable and is easy to clean up with that leather seat. Carlyle Dining Chair More leather and more modern shapes! This pricey ($995) but beautiful chair would elevate anyone’s home. It’s current yet timeless at the same time. I just think it’s the coolest. Orion Luxe Dining Chair I found an affordable AND colorful option at $100 a pop! Target came through with a simple, luxe, and fun dining chair. A gently curved back with a gentler piece tag. It also comes in cream and green however those colors seem to be sold out online but you can check back for them. Lennox Karissa Dining Chair Man, I love this one too! Very similar to Emily’s chairs but the wooden, darker, warmer version. Look at that joinery detail that says “modern” instead of “only farmhouse”. The seat also comes in a cream but I feel like this color is a bit more forgiving. Both are beautiful though. Love the options! Solid Real Wood Leather Cushion Elbow Dining Chair Another vintage-inspired piece that is made from real wood and is still only $269 (I know that is still a lot but it’s a great price for a piece like this). It also comes in a few different colors if you love the shape but want another tone. Rimrow Dining Chair I clearly needed to add in some other materials so rattan it is! This chair truly looks like it’s giving you a hug and how the seat is shaped also looks really comfortable. It comes in this natural color, black as well as white, and is $520 each. It would add not only that beautiful contrasting shape but also help you mix in another texture into your home! Valissa Armchair For this one, it’s a little less rattan and a little more cushion which is nice for you and your guests. It’s neutral but still interesting and again looks really comfortable chair! The price tag of $600 isn’t nothing but if you have the budget and want a beautiful chair, this could be it. Lana Curved Back Dining Chair Another far more affordable option at $130! No assembly is required and this sleek but rounded design is perfect for almost every home. It also comes in a light wood:) Raleigh Dining Arm Chair Yikes, I also love this one. You can lean back with extra cushion and comfort, the frame wood is kiln-dried which they say makes it sturdier, and it’s gorgeous. Not the cheapest but not the most expensive at $449. Reid Wood Upholstered Dining Chair (Set of 2) How good is that wood detail under the arms? It’s super simple but a nice touch. This one also comes in a handful of other colors and for two chairs it costs $750. Frederique Cerused Natural Oak Wood Upholstered Dining Side Chair This one might be cheating because calling this a curved-back dining chair is a stretch but look how COOL it is. The shape of the back is too good and that dark mauve color is just to die for. This chair comes in at $349. That’s it for curved back chairs! More than anything I hope this helps you think about mixing shapes and profiles when designing a room. This is a great start if you are in the market. Love you, mean it.

Are You Harvesting Your Oregano the Right Way? What to Know Before Your Next Batch

Bursting with flavor, oregano adds a robust dimension to dishes and carries health benefits. How and when you harvest your herb can greatly affect its flavor and health in the long run. Learn when and how to harvest oregano for the best results possible. Meet the Expert Lindsay Etemadipour is a holistic herbalist and the founder of Symbi. What Is Oregano? Oregano is an herb often used for cooking and as an antioxidant for health benefits. Its pronounced flavor is often described as herby, peppery, and minty, with an underlying faint bitterness. As a perennial, oregano will continue to grow year after year without replanting.1 Oregano's name is derived from the Greek, and it means "beauty of the mountain;" oregano can be grown for its appearance, developing small purple flowers that bloom during summer. Left unharvested, oregano can reach up to three feet high. Different Types of Oregano Oregano has 45 species, but a few types are used most often:1 Common oregano (Origanum vulgare): This popular type of oregano is frequently used in tomato sauces and on pizza. It pairs well with basil and thyme. Golden oregano (Origanum vulgare 'Aureum'): Golden oregano has a milder taste than common oregano. It is often used as an ornamental plant due to its yellow foliage and pink and purple flowers. Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens): Mexican oregano has a more lemony-minty flavor than common oregano, since it's closely related to the mint family. Though its taste is strong, the bitterness is lessened, making it a staple of Southwest and Mexican dishes. When to Harvest Oregano Oregano should be harvested during the growing season, right before or when the flowers have developed.2 Harvest in mid-morning, after dew has evaporated but before heat picks up. The growing season for oregano varies, but in many areas, it is from spring to early summer. Common Pests Though oregano is relatively pest-resistant, watch for aphids, spider mites, and thrips. Harvesting Fresh vs. Dried Oregano While milder herbs like cilantro, basil, and parsley taste better fresh than dried, oregano's bold flavor carries through into dried form. "I keep both [fresh and dried oregano] stocked for different reasons," says herbalist Lindsay Etemadipour. She prefers fresh oregano for concentrated flavor—like as a garnish for salads and pizzas—and dried oregano for soups, stews, and sauces. Harvesting Oregano for Fresh Use When harvesting oregano, snip off the tops of the stems. The stems include the leaves that will be removed for use. Below, leave at least four to six pairs of leaves per stem; this helps the oregano produce more leaves for future harvesting. "When harvesting oregano, you want to focus on three things: time of day, frequency, and maturity," Etemadipour says. "First, you want to ensure that you wait until oregano is about to flower, but not after it flowers. Once the plant flowers, the leaves will start to become bitter." Choosing the best time of day for harvesting is also critical. Harvest mid-morning, after nighttime dew has dried but before the day's heat picks up. "The herb's flavor is most potent at this time due to the oils," Etemadipour says. Be sure to use sharp scissors or pruners, and cut about a third of the way down the stem to encourage it to re-shoot later on. Companion Plants Oregano and basil can be planted together, as they work together to keep mosquitoes, spider mites, aphids, and pests away. Harvesting Oregano for Dried Use Harvesting oregano for dried use is similar to harvesting for fresh use, with a couple of differences. Harvest a few more leaves, and choose stems that are about to flower. Bundle them and hang upside down in a warm, dry area. Give the bundles at least a week to dry out entirely, and then pack into airtight containers until you need to use it. How to Care for Oregano After Harvesting After harvesting, it's important to care for oregano to enable regrowth and for the oregano plant's continued health. "Regular harvesting helps keep the plant healthy and producing," Etemadipour says. "I usually harvest when the plant stems are about five inches tall. This will guarantee a few harvests a season." Water and fertilizer are important, as well as regularly cutting back any flowered stems. Tips for Harvesting Oregano Pick the right time of day, usually mid-morning. Snip the leaves rather than pulling them off by hand. Prune (or harvest) oregano to maintain health, even if you don't plan to consume the herb. Bundle the snipped stems with a rubber band, placing the band on the snipped end. If pruning for plant health only, prune aggressively: as low as 2 to 3 inches.3 For cooking use, harvest oregano around two times per year.3 Rinse the oregano right after harvesting to give it time to air-dry before use.