Dishin' on Design Dilemmas No. 2

Hello, Hello!
I'm so excited to have started this new little installment.  It's fun to hear everyone's design dilemmas and try to come to the rescue to solve them!  There were so many I wanted to answer today, but because of time {make that lack there of...} I'm just doing one.  Normally I'll answer two or three.  Look out next week for more!


This week, I was intreguied by my pal Ashley from Run With Me, when she said:


"My dilemma is this big empty corner in my apartment. It's supposed to be the "dining room." Apparently midgets were supposed to live here because there's NO way a dining set could fit there...what's your recommendation? It's big enough for a piece of furniture but not a dining set?!" 


She's funny. I like her  a lot.


I asked her to send me a few photos so I could see this little space.  Here they are:

Here's what I've come up with:



Option 1: Dining Corner
I know she says the space is small, but I'd be willing to bet this smaller-than-average dining table would fit if placed at the correct angle.

A fun rug, two small dining chairs, some floating shelves for added storage and display, and her cute mini existing gallery wall- and she's set.  I chose this table because not only does she need a physically small table, she also needs a visually small table.  This table doesn't take up too much space to the eye, and the chairs covered in the lighter fabric will help this cause as well.  Pillows are always a fun way to embellish (:  Floating shelves are great for a small space because they provide vertical storage without taking up any floorspace.  I could see some fancy cups and bowls up there...or just some pictures and books.  The rug helps define this little space.


Option 2: Reading Nook

This is also a great option! I would place this tall Ikea bookshelf right next to the TV console in order to make that area look more like a built in media center.  I added a fun wall paper behind the bookshelf to take it from ordinary to personalized. Of course she can choose to wallpaper, paint, or leave it!  Then, I'd angle the chaise lounge out into the room a tad to add some depth.  Throwing down the same cute rug at an angle will help define this little reading corner.  Filling the bookshelves with books, vases, and knick knacks is a great way to display things she loves.  The existing photo wall would be a great finishing touch.


{Next time I promise not to use purple in a design board. I may be addicted. #help}


What do you think? What option is your favorite?  What is YOUR design dilemma this week?!
Love,

ps. my best friend from home is coming to visit me tomorrow! Can't wait. If you think of her- pray for safe travels (: