Tiffani's Entry

Hi Christine,

I found your blog the other day and I was so excited because I really need help with my entryway.  I have two large art niches that have me completely stumped as what to do with them, and the large circular area next to the stairs seems to only be good for a Christmas tree.  I have thought of putting a large fiddle leaf fig or kentia palm there because I have heard they are easy to take care of.  Also I think the sconces for the wall going up the stairs are too small or they need to be farther apart and a little higher up, but I'm not sure if they will even work.  Any help you may be able to give would be wonderful.

Thanks,

Tiffani

Hi Tiffani,

Whenever I see tall curved walls like yours my first thought is wallpaper.  Honestly- what else could be a more perfect solution? In one day a wallpaper installer could add some serious personality to your space.  I would select a pattern that gave a glimpse into your home's personality. 

I love the rhythm that you get with the movement of these branches:

In your empty curved space I would add an entry table with a potted something or other on it.

This table is 47 x 31, nice and narrow, but still long enough to not be too small from a scale standpoint, and large enough to add a large plant.

I am also a big fan of the fiddle leaf fig, as well, but I think your entry needs more than just a plant.

You could also add a smaller table with a chair or two:

Depending on the size of the space and the furniture, you could do the same thing with one larger chair:

Since Mother's Day is around the corner, I will tell you what to ask for:  A fabulous runner for your staircaise.  Talk about a huge difference.  This would look awesome!

Then for Father's Day you can add the slide ;-):

As far as those "niches" go- I hate those things.  I'd have it filled it.  I think they take a lovely space and make it look cheesy and cheap.  I see them in million dollar homes around where I live all the time and absolutely dislike evey one.  And yes, your sconces are way too small for the space, but once you put up your wallpaper- you won't need anything else.  If you want to go all out- you could add wainscoting and wallpaper.

Your entry has a ton of potential.  It was clealy built to be a great first impression.  Remember that your entry is the window into your home.  It should tell a little something about the people who live there.  It should welcome not only guests, but also your own family.  Ideally it is the space where your children enter and feel safe and happy.  Give it some real thought and consideration.  What feeling do you want to envoke?

White Walls #5

Interior Design can be a bit frustrating, I know.  Some of you just got done painting your white walls a warm dark shade, and here I am telling you that white is the hot color.  The rest of you just got done replacing your brass and gold fixtures- only to have me say....  "they're back!"  Dont' worry- the ones you had before were still out of date.

photo from classy in the city

P.S. This is why the rug has to move....

This post is answer to some questions asked from my last post- where I told Rose to change the direction of her area rug- without an explanation.

Let me start by explaining about the direction you should install your hardwood floors. As you walk into the house- you should be walking WITH the wood planks- not against them. Even if your entry is wider than it is long- you still would install your flooring with your entry. (That does not mean that you might not change the wood direction at different points in your home- but this is the entry that I am addressing.) Why? Subconsciously it is more comfortable and welcoming to walk in with the grain. Yes- we do this for the subconscious benefit of peace and comfort. It FEELS better.

The same principle works with an area rug in the entry. It feels better subconsciously to walk in with the length of the rug. This is not to say that I would never break this rule - especially if an entry were extremely shallow and very wide- etc. However- if I were to be working with such an entry- I would go with a pattern that did not accentuate the shape of the rug- such as an all over random pattern- or a sisal- that kind of thing.

In Rose's entry- I can tell that she has the space to move the rug the long way. For those of you out there that want a practical reason rather than my psychological reasons- you also get more steps to walk off dirt- and it would give you cleaner shoes in your home. :)

Will it ever get to the point where people will just believe what I say- and need no explanation other than "I said so?"

Photo from the Rug Goddess

Rose- I just noticed that your wood floor is installed the wrong way- don't worry about it- what's done is done- I am sure your subconscious will still be super happy in your new home!

Lisa's Hallway Makeover

Christine,
I'm in need of your help. As you can tell by the pictures my front hallway, stairs and my hallway upstairs, are in need of a serious makeover! We do plan on putting a carpet runner down the stairs, they're a bit of a death trap. I do live in Ontario, Canada so mats are needed at the front. My main concerns are paint colour, seeing as how everything including the floor and doors are painted the same colour. It's my New Year's resolution to get this sorted out, we've lived in the house for 3 years and don't plan on moving anytime soon. Thanks for your time, looking forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
Lisa

Hi Lisa,
I see that your first concern is paint color- but as I have said many times- paint is the very last selection. So- I will not start there- and neither should you. ;)

Your bench is too large. Move it to a better location in your home. If you want a bench here- that's great- but I'd get a smaller one.

I would remove the chair rail. You have some terrific moldings - great size base and window trim- but the chair rail is first of all- installed too high, and secondly- too small. Look at the size of the chair rail next to the window trim- it is smaller than the window trim. (All of you should now be appalled- and gasping for air.)

Add some wallpaper. What a perfect place for wallpaper. You can add style and interest and personalization and color and pattern and texture- all with one selection. Wallpaper. I selected a toile for you- trying to find something that coordinated with your trim color. However- if changing the trim color is part of your plan- select whatever wallpaper you'd like to- than select paint colors from there. Get wallaper samples - make sure they match your trim color. Get a style that is consistent in color and style with the decorating in the rest of the home. You don't want to create a disconnect by falling in love with a contemporary paper if your home is decorated in a traditional style.

Your floor should be a different color than your trim. I would paint it a shade of brown- again- wallpaper selection first- then use the colors there to make the perfect paint selection.

I love your door panel style. I can tell that you have a charming older home. The new California tract homes that I live in don't begin to have such great style in their doors and knobs.

I liked this toile from York.
For your stairs- I would go with a sisal runner. Simple and classic- a bit more modern than the paper- keeping the look current and fresh- while at the same time traditional and charming. Remove your wall decor- add a cool mirror like the one from Uttermost at the top of the post. I don't have a great shot of your wall space in the hall itself- but if you have a good location- add a sconce or two. Can you see it? I can and it looks terrific. A true makeover for your hallway. If you don't want to do wallpaper- do it anyway- you will thank me later. ;)

Happy New Year everyone! Anyone else have home improvement New Year's Resolutions?

For more hallway posts click here.

More Options for Michelle

This is a continuation of the last post. Michelle, Here are a few more options for you. This cabinet from Decorize is 67 inches high and 36 inches wide- it should fit great... Most armoires are much higher.

Padma's Plantation has this storage unit- which would work all right if you didn't mind the kids' jackets in baskets rather than hanging.

Thanks,
Christine