Creating an Inviting Entry to your Home

 Today I was searching for ideas for entryways and came across some great examples that I thought I'd share with you.  Since the entry is the first area of your home that guests see, it is important to set the tone for the rest of your house there.  Entry's should be welcoming and organized.   It is likely that most of us throw down handfuls of stuff there when we are walking in the door from our busy days and I'd say it's safe to assume that we don't want our guests tripping over all our piled up stuff when they come to visit us.  Entryways are also a great place to get creative and add some fun color.  They are usually small spaces to don't be afraid to make this a "wow" space.  So here are a few examples of entryways that are both welcoming, colorful and organized:

This is probably a larger foyer than most of us have, but I love the symmetry of this space.  Some ideas that we can take from this example are:  Using two console tables, matching mirrors, plant and lamp all add to the cohesive look to this area.  Including a unique set of doors and a fun light fixture will add interest to the first room in your home.

 Bright and airy walls and door add to the open feeling of this entry.  A simple furniture piece covers what looks like to be an unsightly radiator.  Simple artwork and some fresh flowers are welcoming.  Notice only one pair of boots are here, not ten pairs.  The patterned rug adds some subtle texture and interest here.

 

 This is one of those "wow" entryways for people who love color.  For those of you that think this is too much color, don't be afraid to paint one wall or use bright colors in the accessories and furniture with neutral walls for this small space.  If you are someone who wants a completely separate entry space from the rest of your house, adding seamless glass doors like this that are un-framed will visually separate the space without looking heavy.

 

 Using some standout pieces in any entryway is really fun.  Take a look at that beautiful ghost chair.  Usually seating in this area is a must to aid people in putting on their shoes, so an extra garden stool shown here under the table is great.  A beautiful container for storing umbrellas is a wonderful way to keep the entry neat and organized.  The table in the space allows enough room to throw down mail, keys and other items that you might need in this area.

 

 This entry screams real life to me.  Families have a lot of "stuff" and it all needs a place to be.  Take ideas from this entry by hanging wire baskets to store mail and other items that pile up in this area.  Large baskets on the floor can encourage your children to toss in their mittens and scarves and keep this area organized.  Hooks for jackets, umbrellas, watering cans and brooms can make it easy to keep the entry clean and accessible to grab items on your way out the door.  A bench with built-in storage will allow you to keep unsightly items hidden away.

 

Another way to keep your kids stuff organized is by adding cute cubbies like these to encourage each child to take care of their own space.  If  you don't like to look at all of your jackets and boots, adding doors to this shelving unit will hide everything away.

 

Add some drama to your entry by painting the walls a dark, rich color and adding a small, comfy sofa to sit on.  Some fun artwork and lighting will finish off your welcoming and cozy entry.

 

Adding subtle stripes to your walls with paint can make the entry area interesting without going over the top.  A mirror is nice to check yourself before you walk out the door and plant life is always a good idea here.  Adding two chairs on either side of a console table adds to the formality of an entry, where a bench will be more casual.

Hopefully these ideas will help you get going on creating a welcoming, organized and interesting entryway that you will be proud to invite your guests into your home to see!

Images from House Beautiful and Canadian House and Home 

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Welcome back?

Hey everyone! I made it safely home from Arizona and am catching up on laundry and unpacking. Unfortunately I left a sunny, warm Arizona and was rudely welcomed home to cold, wet snow. I had a great time visiting my husband's grandma and grandpa and other warmer climate relatives. It was so great to see how well grandma is doing despite the brain cancer and I'm so thankful we got to spend some quality time with her while she still knows what is going on. It really is amazing to see answered prayers.

Here is a photo of my last day in Arizona and what greeted me here in MN upon my arrival today. Here's hoping you have better weather where you are and that you had a great week while I was gone! I'll be back to regular posts on Monday!

Off to warmer weather!

It has been cold, snowy, rainy, you name it, here in MN.  Sort of a depressing fall.  So tomorrow we are off to sunny Arizona where the latest temps have been in the upper 90's and have even reached 100 this week!  I can't wait to enjoy some warmth during the coming week and spend some quality time with some family.  I'll be sure to take plenty of pictures while I'm there and share them all with you!  I know a flea market is on the to-do list for the weekend and I hope to find some good stuff.  We also plan on doing some hiking and swimming and whatever else we come across.  Hope you all enjoy your weekend and upcoming week!

Also, be sure to check out Kristin's blog, Discover:Interior Design today.  I've been featured in her At Home Series!  Thanks, Kristin!

Unique Headboards

 Image from Domino

 

Image from Cottage living via Little Green Notebook

 

Image from Little Green Notebook

All other images from House Beautiful

Headboards are a quick way to inject some interest into a bedroom.  Many of these headboards can be DIY using some plywood, batting, fabric and a staple gun and will be less expensive than most headboards you can buy.  Even using a folding screen or an old window or door can be an easy way to create the look of a headboard.  Not only will a headboard ground your bed, but it will also help to establish the bed as the focal point of the bedroom, not to mention add some serious personality! 

Inspiring Interiors: Thom Filicia Style

I haven't been able to get my hands on a copy of Thom Filicia's book, Thom Filicia Style:Inspired Ideas for Creating Rooms You'll Love, yet but I have seen his work in pictures on the internet and I really like what I see. 

I love his style, the layers of interest he creates in his rooms and the masculine touch to the decor.

  Here is a peek into his Designer Visions Showhouse that was featured in the November issue of House Beautiful.

When I first saw this room, I fell in love with the large horses on the wall.  I'm not sure what it is about them because I don't particularly like horses, but the sheer size of them is striking and beautiful.  Definitely a focal point worthy of your attention.  The unexpected pops of yellow on the chairs is fun and make the traditional klismos chairs feel modern.  I love the round rug with the round table, the pattern on the drapes, the lantern style light fixture above the table and the reiteration of the round shapes in the room with the sculpture in front of the window.

 

Bright and colorful place settings are simple, yet glamorous.  I don't think you'll be bored at a dinner party in this dining roon.

 

Grass cloth wall coverings, 2 fabrics on the sofas, the movement of the rug, the light fixture over the seating area and the two leather wing back chairs add so much interest to the living room.  I can't decide what I like the most.

 

 

How great is the rope railing along this staircase?  I love how unique this is.  The one stripe leads you up the stairs in a clean and simple way with lots of impact.

 

This landing at the top of the stairs is so warm with the grass cloth wall covering, large, eclectic art in similar gold frames and wall sconces.

 

I'm not really a fan of this bathroom.  It would be fine on it's own I suppose, but to me, it looks out of place with the rest of the home.  Too cold and modern for this home.

 

This console table is amazing!  Obviously that fact that it is white helps to keep it from looking gaudy-instead it looks clean and sculptural.  The basket and grass cloth walls add texture and the simple lamps and mirror add symmetry that is pleasing to the eye.

 

A shot opposite the bed in the bedroom.  The floor lamps are beautiful and create a nice symmetry around the dresser.  The pop of color is so nice in the dresser and striped ottoman.

 

This bedroom shot is my favorite.  I love the moody, dark gray walls broken up by thin white stripes, the copper starburst mirror, and the quatrefoil 4 poster bed.  Notice how your eyes follow the lines on the walls and on the bed.  Perfection.

All images from House Beautiful

Snow Update

I'm seeing about 3 inches already this morning. Ahhhh....Winter has arrived too fast!

 

Hope it is still beautiful and fall-like in your area.  I'm sad to not have a fall this year since fall is my favorite season.  I guess MN is skipping a season and just going from summer to winter this year!

Seriously??

I know that I live in MN and the likelihood of snow is possible at any time of the year really, but seriously?  It's not even Halloween yet!  I remember being so frustrated as a kid when it would snow on Halloween and we would have to wear our winter coats OVER our costumes!  I really don't think it should snow before Halloween though!  Argg...  Here is what I woke up to this morning:

 

It's almost noon now and the snow still has not melted.  I haven't even brought my plants in from the deck yet.  Better get on that...  Hope some of you out there are still enjoying fall in your neck of the woods!