Family room and adjacent dining room

by Mimi
(Milford, MI USA)

Just purchased a house on Lake Michigan. Very tall ceilings, walls of windows, lots and lots of natural light and views of the beach and lake.

I want it to have a "seashore" theme but not cutesy.

I want to use lots of natural materials and keep the colors blue, sand and white.

For the dining room, I have my eye on a rectangular farmhouse-type table with a distressed wood top but the apron and legs are painted white.

I'd like 6 rattan chairs to go around the table.

I'm trying to keep things simple and more contemporary, not ultra modern but just simple.

So I'd rather not use the old-style wicker type chairs.

I was in a local furniture store and they have these rattan chairs that are simple but have rounded arm rests and are not as contemporary-looking as I'd prefer but I sat in one and it's absolutely one of the most comfortable chairs I've ever sat in!

It has a plump cushion on the seat and on the back. I've never sat in a dining chair as comfortable as this!

But I prefer a woven chair with straight lines, like one that Crate and Barrel is selling. Pottery Barn also has a cute new chair called the Wingate and it has simpler lines than the comfy one.

Here is my question: Do I go with COMFORT and use colors that will look great? Or do I put style over comfort?

Please help!

I can't afford to make mistakes on my purchases as I'll have to live with them for a long time!

My second question is this:

I have a sleep sofa in blue denim from Ethan Allen.

I want to get two comfy lounge chairs and a chaise to use in the family room with that sofa.

I, again, love the idea of using a woven chair.

The ones I like come in so many finishes. Should I get the lounge chairs, chaise and 6 dining room chairs all in a painted wicker (like white? or light blue?) or get a natural (light tan) colored finish?

Any advice will be appreciated!