Round Oak Table

Furnishing our new cottage

Once the new wood floor in the living area and the tile floor in the tub area were finished, we started moving our old furniture into our new cottage.

We started with several of our white, wrought iron spring chairs. In the old, shoe box shaped porch, the six matching chairs lined the walls on three sides. A step-table between two chairs on the east;  wrought iron nesting tables between the two chairs on the south; and a slat-table between the two on the west side. A low, square table for plants nestled into the south-west corner. Unfortunately, it gave the room a rather “nursing home” appearance that I wanted to avoid in our newly expanded cottage.

The openness of the room yelled to have a circular conversation area that would facilitate heat to circulate from the small gas fire-place in the south-east corner, as well as traffic flow to and from the tub room and the dining area. Our old rectangular and square tables were not conducive to the spaciousness I wanted to create.

We needed a round table. We found a brochure in our Post Office and read it carefully. We liked the idea of commissioning a local craftsman to make a round, oak table for us.

James Maddison came out to our home to find out exactly what we wanted. As we sat in our cottage and explained about thinking this area needed a four-foot diameter round table that was taller than a traditional coffee table. He agreed the proportions were compatible. One last request was that it had to be ready prior to the Cottage Blessing ceremony planned for early spring.

To our utter surprise, he phoned two weeks later to say he’d like to bring our table home. He said he’d noted how anxious we were to have our table in place before our gathering. It was (and is) a well-crafted, beautiful heirloom piece and perfect for the space. Of course, I insisted he sign this masterpiece.

We found a simple round, earth-tone color rug with a tasteful wreathe of stylized flowers in the center. The oak table, rug, fireplace, and comfy chairs coordinate well to create a welcoming spot for family and friends to come together any time of the year.

Thank you, James M. Maddison, Maddison Woodworking, 4075 Canandaigua Road, Walworth, NY 14568, 585-746-7814; FaceBook:  look for the, Red-headed woodpecker logo.