The second to last look I feel is best. With the sofa against the entrance wall, looking at the stairs give you so much more space and you can still talk to everyone that is in the kitchen and dining table.
I think the large beautiful wood table needs to be in the kitchen area with a beautiful light above the table. I would also purchase another couch and have one on each side of the room with the one on the right having a library table behind the couch with 2 lamps and flowers. In the middle of the room against the wall where once a TV hung, I would purchase an antique armoire and place it there for linens, silverware etc. You need a larger plant for the staircase or a corner table with a lamp to brighten the staircase. Just a thought.🌺 Enjoy I know we are watching, thank you. The outside lamps are the perfect choice. You could place a coffee table in between the couches for people to put their feet up to relax and face the kitchen happenings and cooking where everyone can take part. Yikes, I had better stop!
I think your best option in the living area is to move the dining table in front of the kitchen, so that you have the whole lounge area for seating and then you could put a television on one of the walls, so you can enjoy watching on the sofa or when you are cooking.
Yes, and bring back the two red sofas and place on either side of the green sofa which is facing outwards towards the kitchen - more seating. The table negates the need for the island and becomes the central gathering point of the room.
I agree. I don't think that the table needs to be next to a wall. Have it float in the middle of the room by the kitchen unless the space is too tight. Remove the island if need be.
I liked the second last set up the best. Having the couch facing the dining table. It opens up the entire room and you can chat to someone who is at the kitchen island. 😊❤
I like the table by the stairs ,opens up the room and sofa against the back wall for people to communicate with anyone cooking in the kitchen ,which I can’t wait to see in situ🎉🎉🎉.Ive watched you since Covid and applaud what you have achieved and Carlo is a much appreciated asset (his English has improved enormously and shows his wonderful personality) and you too ,you project so much enthusiasm and verve,and I think you needed this move,you seem so excited ,vibrant and uplifted about everything I can’t believe that the previous owners were allowed to take the kitchen,walls ,lights and anything that was attached.In the U.K one has to leave fixtures and fittings🥴.So sorry that you had an extremely harrowing purchase of the property but ,onwards and upwards, and looking forwards to an exciting recreation,it looks fabulous already with cleared pathways on your property and outside lights.
put up one of those wildlife cameras on the trail to see what wild animals are roaming the area! those cameras are pretty cheap and can be strapped to a tree. they often come with motion activation and night vision
Furniture placement - I think you should put the large dinning table in the kitchen, using it as a food prep table as well as a dinning table and use the whole living room for TWO sofas and TWO club chairs in a conversation pit, as we call it in the US, surrounding a nice large coffee table in the middle, so all guests can have space for a drink and snacks. You seem to have several guests over at a time and need more seating in the living room. I might even suggest replacing the dinning table with a taller counter height table with bar stool height chairs to make food prep even easier. You can always put the current dinning table in your sunroom. Have fun figuring out your furniture placement. The options are endless lol. So happy for you and enjoy watching you in your new home, congratulations! ❤
As someone else said, I think the dining table would look best in the kitchen too, plus you can dump all your groceries there when you get home from the market 😊 Then you can even fit a love seat or TV stand in your living room, if you wanted too. Also, Carlo's new jacket looks great on him!
We used to back on a 65 acre nature preserve and had a 5lb Yorkie that thought she was a German Shepard. I would let her out in the yard by herself and she would venture to the edge of the Preserve. One day I saw her prancing toward the house with a Yellow Lab following her. I thought, how cute she brought her friend home. As the lab got closer I realized it was a Panther escorting my pup out of the Preserve and back to her home. My dog had the "I was a bad puppy" look on her face. The Panther looked at me like "keep her out of the Preserve, it's dangerous." Obviously, the Panther could have eaten puppy but didn't. Interesting the Panther knew where her house was.
I think your table should be in the center of the room between the kitchen and living area. It looks a bit squishy and odd pushed up against the wall. This would open up the living area with more options for the sofa. BTW ... the driveway lights look amazing!
You’ve probably already asked your neighbors but in case you haven’t….. talk to the people that’s lived in the area a long time like the two men that helped when Carlos got the car stuck about the wolves. They will probably have good advice. Loved the video. Everything is looking great and it’s coming along fast.
Nicki, I just read that there is a large wolf population in Tuscany. A farmer in Tuscany, who had five sheepdogs to watch over his livestock, lost two of them to wolves. According to someone who has been involved with the wolf population in Italy, he gives the following advice: “Should you ever meet one or even a pack of wolves, never ever turn your back and run. If you have a coat or oversized clothing, pull it outside, alternatively wave your arms, make yourself big and a little larger than life, emit loud random noises, avoid eye contact, and slowly and gradually step backwards.” They are very territorial. He also recommends putting a leash on your dogs and fencing them in, if outdoors. Perhaps google Tuscany and wolves to get more information. It’s unfortunate but better safe than sorry. Love to you and Carlo. ❤️🇨🇦
I agree 100% with @mj24672! Though they are nocturnal you can encounter them during the day. Many times if you see one they are others watching you that are hiding so be aware and follow the advice! I live in an area in Canada where wildlife is abundant and so we are reminded almost always that we share this area with other 4 legged wild creatures and we need to be careful. Though that doesn't mean staying indoors it just means being aware and doing the necessary steps to keep you and the dogs safe.
Wolves will not approach humans unless starving. You won't even know they are there, being very stealthy animals, also they don't waste energy on small dogs...hunting takes a lot of energy so they are mostly after something that will provide a decent meal (sheep mostly)
My two cents, for what it's worth. Difficult without having boots on the ground, but if possible, I'd take the large table out of that room, and put it in the room that you said was going to become a solarium/sun room, I believe? I think it's through the door that you put in the kitchen? Find a slightly larger table, that seats 4, and swap it out for the small table you have in the kitchen now. Then you will have a large area to place your living room items in. You've done an astonishing amount of work, in such a short time - it looks great.
I'm with Elizabeth, I don't care for furniture against walls. Put dining table in kitchen as it's too large in living room and now acts as a work table and eating area.
I use a battery operated horn (loud) to wear off wolves, bears, lynx and cayotes. The horn is so loud, it scares any animal and they run away. I've used it and it works. I would also suggest glow in the dark dog collars so that you can see where the dogs are at night when taking a walk. Each dog can have a different colour.
Wouldn't you have to see them before blowing the horn? 😬 yikes. I suspect they are out at sunset or nighttime. It's probably best not to be out during this time. Be careful with your pups!!
Never heard of such a thing. How annoying for people living in the area. We have wolves and lynx, mink and wolverines. When walking my dogs, 2 yorkies, I have never equipped myself with any tools. Never seen any animals in the daylight. Only cought on my wildlife camera.
I like number four, but what I really love is your approach to home decor. No stressing about every piece of furniture and accessories. I love that you buy second hand, and make it yours. And your home is so warm and welcoming. I can’t wait to see your new kitchen.
Liking the last two. You all are so social I think they open up the room to the continued conversation & don’t disengage the chef in the kitchen either. They rather include who’s ever there. So fun!
Thumbs Up 👍 for room setting 4 from us too. The dinning table enjoying light from the window is great, but the settee 🛋️ opposite the dinning table does create a more interesting cosy look.
We have Coyotes here in Southern California, and they do attack smaller dogs. When walking in the wilderness we always take shock sticks with us. We also have mountain lions so those work on them as well. Amazon sells some.
One configuration not considered which I've thought about, is having the large table in the centre of the room, doing away with the small square table, centring the sofa against the wall facing the kitchen. Your large table can double up as your prep area, allowing you to face seated guests, and of course be your dining table when needed.
I liked #4 the best, with the couch against the entrance wall. But, I really wish you would move the table into the center of the kitchen, getting rid of that smaller table. Put the couch in the middle of the back wall, and have a bigger actual living room space. 🙂
Carlo reminds me so much of my dad who was also a wonderful family man, handsome, sweet, handy, resourceful, and found working outdoors to be very relaxing.
mine too, he lived to age 91 and the last thing at home that he did was help to hang a clothesline, he passed about a week later quickly. Italian too ! Loved the autumn and outdoor work, shovelling snow into his 80's. Gardening in his tomato garden was a hobby of his too, almost a life style ! He was a great griller too...making italian sausage on the grill and chicken too, no one could match his grilling! I can't believe all the things he did. He built bicycles in his childhood in the 1930s. Yes, a WWII veteran too!
We think the 2nd to last look for the sofa(I think it was the 4th stage) looked the best. You and Carlo are doing such an amazing job of making that YOUR home. You both are so talented. With your sense of design and Carlo's ability to complete all aspects of craftsmanship your going to have a Gorgeous Tuscan Villa! But, I do admit, I miss visiting Positano. But we're following Elizabeth as well, and get our Positano fix with her and the girls! 🤗 Love, Joe and Terry (from Texas 🇨🇱)
@anna: Yes, wnd in addition, what about bringing a loveseat back down and putting it in front of the couch(back to kitchen), chairs still against wall? Funny, I actually liked pre couch configuration with loveseats in corner under stairs the best. The couch almost too big for room but yes, that last config I like but the added loveseat would allow for a group of 7 vs only 5 to sit there.
As a designer you never put any furniture against the walls. My suggestion is to put the dining table in the kitchen get rid of the island. Put the rug in the middle of the living room and the sofa and chairs on the rug. It will look a million times better plus make the house look bigger. ❤
I was thinking that the table set and living room furniture in the same room made it seem cramped and tight fitting. I like your idea, maybe Nikki will try it and show us 😊
Agree! Table in line with the doors and that leaves expansive room for the couch and single chairs. There is much more room here than in Positano so opportunity to spread out.
For your consideration, use the room off the kitchen that has the sink as your dining room. Turn the sink area into a Espresso, Cappuccino coffee bar & wine storage area made from terracotta pipe cylinders. The beautiful dinning table & chairs Niki found would look amazing placed in the center of the room. Hang an old Tuscany chandelier over the table & maybe consider installing a wood stove & a set of French doors to enjoy the warm seasons. Following through with this concept would open up the living room area & create space for your furniture to be placed to incorporate a wall TV. I must mention, the attractive banister that was removed should be reinstalled, it enhanced the Italian style of the house & gives an allusion the living room space is separate. I'm of Italian heritage & Canadian Designer of interior Heritage properties & Collector of original International Art. I see everything as a design solution to enhance the Italian style of living, eating & enjoying your family & friends.
Nicky, please dont be afraid of the wolves. Since its only one footprint, it most likely is a single wolf, expelled from his pack. He is long gone by now. We get strays through our property every year. I picked one up on my wildlife camera. The next day he was spotted in the next village. The wolf had scratchmarked in the ice outside my door, and left a big pile of poop, it was full of fur from a moose, and bone fragments. We still have snow, and the wildlife camera, no pawprints or video footage since that time. Check with the locals, if there is a wolf pack in the area, if not it is what i call a stray. 😘 (I live in the woods, an hour from Oslo, Norway) Loved your video. Thank you!
Love you two❤️👍🇺🇸 I’ve used fog horn I bought off amazon clips to belt don’t run from Wolf ever ! throw things at it loud noise: blast horn. Just a thought: like couch on last video against wall (can see fireplace talk to people in kitchen) or against wall with pics above. Loved sm table when it was in LR have Carlos cut bigger round top out of wood and attach or use round bigger glass top with your pretty tablecloths under it: your 4 pretty painted chairs with sm. Table: Put in LR Infront of window heater area. put big table and bench outside by your door to enjoy eating out since your new kitchen will have a long sitting work bench/table in kitchen. That way you don’t end up with two long rectangular tables so close and your sweet sm. Table will be cute by window in LR. Just thoughts I love anything you do! ( till your new kitchen comes in you can put big rectangular table in place of sm one and use as work top/ island in kitchen it’s big and long: ( like the one that’s being built for you) then put outside when your new work/table comes) just vicariously living thru your fun times! You’ve got this Nicki love your ideas thx for letting me share have fun fun glad you got coffee table for Infront of couch it’ll keep couch grounded and will be used a lot, can put foam Ontop and create lg ottoman with it using staple gun : too Infront of couch 👍🥰 exciting times ahead wish you posted twice a week because it’s fun seeing your walks, doggies, etc! 🌹PS nice job Carlos lights outside: perfection! Just found small to put on key ring : alarm and light just pull end off makes really loud alarm it’s flat maybe 3 in. Long much more practical to keep on you while walking 👍( on amazon) it’s called “she’s birdie “ personal safety alarm: keychain alarm. Just bought one for myself and 3 friends .
sweet Nicki., if i may ask.....why does the kitchen table have to be in that area at all ? Try placing the table where you are standing when you are asking the question..closer to the kitchen area.,and leave that space only for the sofa, lamp, two chairs and vase. I would place the sofa against the wall where the window is, but it must be centered on that wall. leaving space for the black lamp to the left of the sofa in the corner.,to give height to the corner of the wall...add carpet of course., and then the little table and two chairs as you like. the vase on pedestal with dry pampas grass could go to the right of the sofa minus the pedestal,.in other words the vase on the floor. The pampas grasses are high enough that they do not need more height. Not to sound so designer-ish but ive just finished re-vamping a 45 year old condo in Florida for a friend and the ideas are just flowing out of me LOL. I had so much fun shopping for deals ....you would have loved helping ME ! In the end Nicki it is your home and a lovely one at that, this is just another idea from a follower of the diaries... .PS: is there ANYTHING Carlo cannot do ???????
My opinion, for what its worth, I'd move the dining table away from the stairs, I think maybe it's just too much furniture trying to cram in a small space, place the sofa facing the kitchen and the chairs either side and find somewhere, maybe the middle of the room for the table and chairs. One thing I learned from an interior designer a few years ago was not to put all furniture against the walls. Wow i don't blame you for being cautious about the wolves, no advice to offer I'm afraid. The lights look awesome.
Yes, agree. Why 2 tables in such a small space? Maybe Nicki wants a kitchen island and a fining table, but the space si just too small. I would use the dining table on the kitchen side and maybe buy another marching sofa. I assume this house will see a lot of guest, so sitting space is needed.
If it were me, I would center the sofa on the wall as in last option, with 2 arm chairs facing it. A small console table on the stair wall. Then open up the upstairs area for the pups like you had mentioned in an earlier video. I would use the dining table more in the kitchen area, instead of the small one there now.
Nicki, I use solar lighting for my garden and balcony, so I don't have to deal with cables. 😅 it works pretty good. and it will automatically switched on when it's dark. so, when I'm leaving town, my house is not pitch dark.
My Goodness woman you have so much energy!! I don't know!!! any thought to moving that big table more in the kitchen area.. centered and then have a bigger sofa area (and 2 fluffy soft arm chairs with ottaman?)
I love the markets, and the food looked delicious. Carlo's jacket fit him and looked great. It looks like a wonderful place to live. Look three looked the best, and a bigger lampshade would look nice.
Pepper spray will send wolves running. You don't need to spray them directly, just a tiny bit will do in the air. Your pooches won't like it either so be mindful.
The last look for the sofa/table!...We had Coyotes in our area...There were dogs attacked here and they were the smaller dogs like Holly...However, 2 or more could also pursue a larger dog...A hand held "horn" to blast and/or Bear Spray were used....January - March is mating season when the Coyotes were more aggressive here(Northeast USA)....We kept our dog leashed when walking...We let him run free in a fenced in yard only during the day..Never at night...All the best....Beautiful Italy!
I agree the sofa against the entrance wall looks the best. But I am conflicted that that area is a dining area and lounge...It just seems too cramped in. I would just create it as a lounge area and would put the table next to the kitchen.
Hi Nicki, I love your home, Tuscany is so beautiful. My suggestion is, if it’s possible to put the table in the kitchen area so you can have the area as a family room…?
We lived on a reserve in northern Italy and the wolves would come around the house at night so I never let my dogs outside on their own in the evenings. During the day the wolves kept away and usually slept but when out and about in day time I kept the dogs close to me. I came across the odd wolf during a day walk I would stay still and slowly backed away they seemed to move away from me. They have an amazing sense of smell so know when your around beforevyou see them. I was more worried about the wild boar with her young!!
Too much cramped into small space. Leave the sofa and chairs only. Move the table to the kitchen area or make the dinning room out of the extra room where 2nd kitchen was. I think big table in the kitchen area would be amazing - it is where you spend a lot of time::)
I'm confused as to why the table was shoved in the corner to begin with?? Furniture does not have to be against the walls. I'm not sure if any of those are what could look and work best.😊❤
Luv the cushions, the rectangle stripe cushion may look nice horizontal , infront of another cushion or at the side near arm rest, 🤔 The last two looks are fantastic, the beautiful dining table really looked good away from the corner, having the dining table a slightly more away from the heater and putting the lounge a little more away from the wall with a slight overlap on the rug will relax the look aswell.
I’d put the dining table in the middle of the room in front of the sink, get rid of small table.. it will be used more there and free up the living room area, put sofa in middle of back wall, lamp table either side 😊
I like the nook and this idea. I was looking to see if anyone else had my idea to try. The table as the room divider closer to the kitchen, then it’s even more room for sitting room. Couch in the middle of the back wall.
I agree ...it will give a bit more living space . And for me the dining table doesn't work in that spot anyway . I did like the banister on the stairs ...you can paint it to match the room ...
The jacket was made for Carlo! 5 ⭐s!! I think that once your kitchen is completed, you might find that you don't need the table. I would put it in the back room and make it a cozy eating space when you have lots of guests. Then I would put the sofa against the opposite wall facing the kitchen and two chairs on each side with a nice big ottoman or coffee table for everyone to spread out. Seems to be the right design option in terms of function and scale. I'm excited to see the finished kitchen!
I like your fourth room arrangement. The light behind the sofa is nice, as well as the window at the end of the dining room table. Nature light with food, a jolly combo. Wolves are shy and very wary of humans. I imagine that they may see you, but you won't see them. Carlo is so busy. Very entertaining. A man of all trades.
FOOODDDDDDDDD MARKETTTTT! This is the ONLY vlog series that I'm watching now. I love your journey and the small clips that you share with us of your Italian life.
Yes, yes - the table by the stairs. It’s lighter and brighter. In the other corner, it looked dark and out of place. And like someone else said, the couch on the front wall opens up the space because of the big white wall. Great video!
I love all that ornamental lawn furniture. Can easily see those four rockets out front on the porch & the small wrought iron table with two chairs on the side patio or on the other side where you come up the stairs you cleaned up. The outdoor lighting was a perfect choice. I was waiting for some lights in the trees & along the drive. Your place in Positano looks so pretty at night.
Another option. Put the dining table near the kitchen, whether near the door or near the door way to the toilet then place the sofa almost at the center and the chairs at both sides, leave some space for people to walk behind the sofa and chairs, so you can put additional side or corner tables, mirrors, decors, lamps, small cabinets, etc for additional storage.
@@gailnel8812 check how it'd look first maybe they'll love it maybe not, then decide on kitchen counter. I'd like that set up, because it'll make the table multi-purpose, if not an important part of the kitchen, to put things on and easy access to ingredients being prepared while cooking, plus it has a lot of temporary space for stuff
We're on a hill, 3 acres of woodland surrounded by natural prairie & wetland. We have coyotes, much smaller than a wolf, 35-55 lbs but they do carry off small dogs. I rescued a Great Pyrenees dog who is 120 lbs and an awesome protector. They are known to chase off wolves and coyotes. In 5 years we haven't seen any coyotes. Our boy has definately made his presence and territory known. He's loving, sensitive and protects anything small. They are perfectly content to live outside. The cold weather dosen't bother them at all. Maybe a gentle giant dog is in your Tuscan future. ❤
I googled tips for what to do if you encounter a wolf 🐺🐾🦮while walking your dog: Leash your dog, have a bell on its collar, walk, don't run, away, don't panic if the wolf follows you a short distance--It's assuring itself that you're going away. Use bear spray if he attacks your dog. Keep your dogs indoors at night. I loved your tour of the outdoor market and Carlo's new jacket for working outdoors on your Tuscan property. I love the placement of the outdoor lighting. Good going, Carlo! And I liked the second and fourth placement of the furniture. But whatever feels most comfortable and pleasing to you is what's important.
I like the last two options, with the sofa on the right and the table by the staircase. It feels more open by the stairs and the sofa in the corner feels more cozy. I am sure you will place things that feel best for you and your family. Love your sweet home and duly impressed with all that you have done to it and the property so far. ❤
Is there any way to not have the sofa and the dining table in the same area. Is there no room in the area where the cooking is done to have a dining table and chairs.
I'm Italian, we have a house in northern Umbria. Every time I watched you walk the dog without leash in the countryside, I shivered. It's not the wolves you should really be afraid of, in my opinion. First, as it's already happened to you, the dog could get lost going after some wild animals. They won't stop when they are chasing wildlife and it's not true that they always, always find their way back. They could get too far and get disoriented, they could get on some sort of trouble and not be able to come back even if they know which way to go...they could meet other animals, as wild boars or deers, who would be dangerous themselves, feeling threatened by the dog. But mainly, the greatest threat in my opinion, and you should as soon as possible check with people who have knowledge - and are not tied to the respective 'clans' -, are poisoned bites, left by a) hunters, b) reserve guards (and these two categories of people leave them to exterminate carnivores who are considered 'competition'), or c) truffles hunters, who wish to yet again eliminate their competitors' dogs. It's a plague in our region and I bet it's very similar in Tuscany. One of my dogs, prior to us installing an adequate fence, once escaped after a wild animal and was found some days later killed by one of those bites. It's heartbreaking and it's something against which we all have little to no power. Please do not let your dogs roam free outside your garden and do not walk them without leash, and always watch the ground when you do and make sure they don't pick anything up from it.
Also: from late spring to September at least, always keep your grass and bushes well cut and as short as possible. Educate yourself about vipers, their habits, and always be very aware of where your dogs are, what they are doing, what sounds they make, when they are alone outside. I learnt the different bark they make when they see an animal outside the fence or inside, and if it's inside I run to them every time to make sure it's not a viper. Listen if they whimper or whine or cry even a tiny bit. Check their extremities and head if they do. Dogs almost don't stand a chance against vipers, but don't know it at all. Living in the countryside is a blessing but it's also difficult and being aware of a lot of things is vital. (Also toads and processionary caterpillars are great dangers for dogs!)
As I was reading this I could tell you spoke from experience. After having seen some pretty terrible things happen I will never allow any dog under my supervision without a leash. The 0.1% chance something can happen is too great for me.
@@Nicole-mr8po Exactly. And it has nothing to do with how well trained a dog is. Nature's call is stronger than any education or any attachment to their humans. They simply think "I'll chase this deer just a bit and then obey my human"! And I once saved my dogs (I have six) for a split second before one or more of them were about to be bitten by a viper they found in our garden and started barking at while surrounding her. She was up (they can lift up to a third of their length) and hissing and was just turning from one dog to the other. Maybe if it was just one of them she wouldn't have lost time picking and I would have been late. I scared my dogs away and then scared her down a slope outside of my fence. I don't want to harm them but the only way to keep them away is to make the area inhospitable (impossible to an extent) or...get chickens! And I can't keep chickens. And if I did...then I'd have also the wolf problem at my door! 😅
@@videovedo36 I didn't know about chickens and snakes! Good information, thank you. I don't live in a country setting but I'm surrounded by wooded areas and it's good to be aware.
I definitely love furniture arrangement #4. But I would try switching the bench next to the stairs to the outside of the table and put the chairs on the staircase side. The front curved flower bed will look so beautiful planted full of flowers! Would be such a welcoming display to come home to. And some topiary evergreens in containers on each side of your front door!!! I really like the exterior lighting fixtures you chose! What a difference they made! Your property is becoming so beautiful and charming!
I just wonder could you put the dining table in the center of the room,nearer to the kitchen with the four chairs, put the bench under the stairs and the couch as per the fourth option you showed. It’s a shame to have that beautiful table squashed up against a wall. All the best from Ireland ☘️
When on walks it’s good to carry a whistle. Blow on it if you hear any rustle in the brush or as needed along the way to scare any wild animals. We do this when hiking in bear country, we also have bobcats and wolves here in the Pacific Northwest. Love how well you and Carlos work together on the house, it’s really looking so lovely. Those lights outside make such a huge difference. Can’t wait to see you enjoying the outdoor patio as summer approachs. Also I like the last arrangement the best.
The fourth look. The table by the small window looks gorgeous! Wolves are nocturnal, and dogs will probably never stray near dens… but do ask the locals for advice. Those lights out front are epic. Good choice!
