Hey, there! Today I’m here to share our before photos and plans for the entryway. I am really excited about this space!
The first time we looked at this home we didn’t notice how large it was because it was packed with a ton of furniture (a giant clock, a large record player/side table and several chairs). So the first time we walked into the empty house (on closing day), we were kind of blown away by how spacious the entryway was. As we’ve begun to plan the decorations and furnishings, Jeremy and I both agree that we want to keep it pretty minimal (UGH—I used the word minimal. I promise this is just a one time thing!) because it just feels so GREAT with less furniture stuffed in there. We’re searching for solutions and pieces that are simple, useful AND beautiful.
Here’s ze plan!
I struggled long and hard over the chandelier. It was my favorite fixture that came with the house, so I considered keeping it and tried to work my plans around it. But ultimately I just kind of had to admit to myself that even though I liked it, it didn’t really match the overall style I was going for. And I really want the entryway to set the tone for our space and make a statement.
As soon as I decided to replace it, one of my friends asked if we were keeping it (hint, hint, hint). So I felt like it was meant to be.
Wow—long story about a chandelier, Elsie.
Moving on…
The wallpaper isn’t my jam. But it’s also not the worst. And somehow that DOES make it the worst because I feel more guilty hating it than I would if it had ballerina teddy bears or something…even though to me, they’re kind of equally incompatible with my vibes.
And even though I know it’s not the worst, it’s definitely not growing on me. You know how I know? Every time a new person comes into the house (friend, Craigslist stranger, contractor—ANYONE) they ALWAYS compliment the wallpaper and assume that we’re definitely keeping it, or even that we had it installed! And even after all those compliments (and the subsequent soul searching), I still know there is zero percent chance this wallpaper is going to grow on me.
It’s not you, wallpaper. It’s me.
Obviously dying to paint that door pink. It’s all I can think about. My husband has agreed to it and then taken it back several times already. UGH. It’s OK. I’m very patient and very determined. Time will tell.
We are keeping the marble flooring. It’s about forty years old and needs some TLC. We’re looking into options for freshening it up!
Last big consideration—the entryway opens up into the living room (which now has bright turquoise floors). For that reason, I’m planning to keep it pretty neutral in the entryway, but I haven’t committed to a wallpaper (still!) or alternative wall treatment. #sendhelp
The doorway had a ton of damage from a larger dog (I guess he really wanted to go outside???), but I love the door and I will make it work no matter what. Everything is fixable if you have enough time and turn on the problem-solving side of your brain. That’s one thing that this renovation has taught me. When one contractor says, “It can’t be done,” the next one will come along and say, “Oh, that’s super easy,” ESPECIALLY if you say that another contractor said it couldn’t be done. Haha!
Problem solving, you guys. Never underestimate the power of an optimistic attitude.
More before pics. (More wallpaper. More yellow. More carpet.) We’ve already come a long way since these photos were taken in May.
One last look at what we started with.
I’ve often heard that the entryway is a good place to “go crazy” with the design. Since it’s not a room you actually spend that much time in, it’s harder to get tired of bold color or pattern. But since it’s the first impression that guests have when they come in, it’s a good opportunity to show your personality and make a statement.
Ugh–no pressure or anything!
Maybe that’s why I’m a little stuck. You only get one first impression, right? xx- Elsie
Author and photography: Elsie Larson.
I love the chandelier and I actually like the wallpaper, below I would paint a medium blue gray, the interior doors facing the hallway black and the outside of the front door a nice lemon yellow, can’t wait to see what you do.
Maybe you could tint the wallpaper instead of replace it? I don’t know if that’s even a posibility, and I don’t know if that would make you feel better about it, but it would definitely jazz up the space while keeping the wallpaper (which is pretty cool, I’m not gonna lie).
What I’ll you be doing with the chandelier ? I would love to have it.
I have to say, I feel like you picked the perfect house. Such a well lit, character-filled place. I’m sure you will make the right call with which character pieces to keep and which to pass on. Don’t worry you’re not the only one who’d fuss over that chandelier and try to make it work like you did, but sometimes, things have just got to go to go with your vision for the big picture.
Can’t wait to see the end result!
ELS! If anyone can do something awesome with that wallpaper, it’s you. I think you should accept the challenge.
I kinda like it. I can see you doing something super cute with it.
Can you create stencils to cover yellow portions on the wallpaper in your color of choice?
Girl, repaint that yellow with some bold black and white stripes. I feel like that might pump up the modern fun vibe and make it feel a little less old school. Other then that, I really like that space, it’s got a Versailles sort of feeling going on. Loving watching all your changes!
can’t wait to see the finished product!!
http://www.yumiandyuji.blogspot.kr/
What a great space! I too really don’t like that wallpaper, it was so popular last decade in Denmark where I’m from, so the quota for that kind of wallpaper has been spend for the next many decades ahead. I imagine the hallway with either just a white or a brass/copper paint where the yellow paint is now, and a pastel color on the wall, that would suit the pink and turquois, maybe with a simple painted pattern or a potato like print (and maybe I just gave you another idea of what you really don’t want, no thanks needed). I’m exited to see what you come up with, it’s always inspirational.
I love ur house so much, it’s so stylish and cosy=)))
arcticraspberry.ru
I am so jealous of your entryway! I’m sitting here imagining what I’d do to it if it were mine… I’d keep the chandelier, paint everything white, including the front door, get rid of the wallpaper and hang up some really lovely large scale artwork and bring in color with a really nice colorful rug. And I’d put an entryway table with a nice mirror over it. Also I would definitely keep the marble floors. You are so lucky to have such good bones to work with. My home doesn’t even have an entry at all.
Http://designthriftmag.com
Can’t wait to see the progress! That room has some great bones so I’m sure it will be amazing!
Spoonflower! You can get almost any design as a regular wallpaper or removable wallpaper. 🙂
xx- Elsie
Hehe! I don’t think it’s negative, just WAY opposite of my style. And I do LOVE it when Jonathan Adler says, “minimalism is a bummer”. haha!
Yes- it reminded me of my grandparents too (when we first looked at it and it was still fully furnished with their things, especially) and I found that really comforting and nice.
xx- Elsie
SO much fun! There’s no way my husband would let me paint the front door pink, so good luck with that one. 🙂 Any time I have a crazy idea I blame it on it being a good idea for the blog, and he all of a sudden is totally OK with it …
Good luck with that wallpaper! Removing it is the worst, but I totally know what you mean about it not flowing with the style for the rest of the house. Can’t wait to see it once it’s done!
Chelcey | www.chelceytate.com
It’s funny to me that “minimal” is a negative word in your mind, that’s about where our styles differ! but I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for all your home renovations, because I know you’ll make it beautiful.
This new house of yours reminds me of my grandparents’ house for some reason. My grandfather was a doctor and had 8 kids and their house was much like yours in that it had a very well-loved, family-oriented vibe and is a bit of a time capsule since it never changed much from when it was built, although his was built in the ’50s not the ’70s. My grandparents passed 5 yrs ago and we had to sell the house last year, but your recent posts have me daydreaming about what it could look like if someone as stylish and driven as you modernized my family’s home!
I saw on Snapchat yesterday a few of the wallpapers you were considering for this space … where did you say you got those at? I know you mentioned it but I can’t remember!
thats hilarious about the wallpaper, because when I saw it in your dining room too, I thought,,, ummm,,,, nah. But then I thought you had put it there, and i thought maybe it looks better in real life, maybe it could look ok….trying to convince myself too!
The dog REALLY wanted to go out ╘[◉﹃◉]╕
Hehe, love from Cosy Hippie!
It went home with one of my good friends, so I’m not too sad! Wait till you see what we replaced it with!!! 🙂 xx- Elsie