Fabulous Finished Foyer ~

     

Each weekend I attempt to fit a fairly sizeable to-do list into two precious days.  Weekends are not so much about resting as they are about activities that take me totally away from Eileen the Technical Professional.  So I sew, knit, paint, craft, ride my horse, hang out with hubby, bake and nest. 

Last week I'd begun working on the foyer.  While I wanted something fresh, I did not plan to purchase anything new - instead using what I already have and shopping the house for extras.  I planned to use the existing hall tree and bench, adding a nice rug from storage and a tall plant stand.  A couple of days ago I had primed and painted an old oval picture frame, a small notions chest and the hall tree a lovely inky black. 

Step #1 ~ Clear everything out and begin with a blank canvas. 

 

The foyer is a nice size.  The space is lofty, over 19' tall, with a lovely medallion and custom chandelier lighting the area from above.  Crown molding circles the ceiling.  To the left of the foyer space is a large entry closet, to the right is my study. Above the study door is an art niche, and the beautiful sculpture that sits inside it is softly lit from all sides.  I'm not fond of these glass entry doors, as they're a black hole at night - which,in the winter is about 16 hours a day.  The style isn't quite right either, its heavy, leaded glass panes are angular, but not entirely a craftsman-type.  The floors are ceramic tile, in a silvery grey and ivory stone design. 

Step #2 ~ Gather and place the main elements.

 

Much better.  It's still very much winter here, minus 15 degrees or so, and the warmer tones and textures make a big difference on how a space feels.  I admire those lovely, shabby, chippy, white on white schemes I see elsewhere, but it doesn't translate well in Alaska. 

First the rug went down, it's nice size grounds the space and warms it up.  Next the bench and hall tree.  The tall plant stand went beside the bench - a good spot for the little lamp to sit, and the petite notions chest went over by the door.  I wanted something dark on the opposite side of the area to balance and draw the eye.  A curtain in a fabric that coordinates with the rug helps lessen the wide expanse of glass.  I'm not sure the curtain entirely works, but I'm fine with it for now.  Gloves and scarves are held neatly in a heavy rustic basket under the bench.

Step #3 ~ Add the stuff.  I like this part best.  

 

The little plant stand was perfect for the old lamp - I saw a lamp exactly like this on the Vignette of the Moment at the most lovely Romantic Thoughts blog.  A vintage book with its teal cover and rusty colored title seemed perfect next to a plant frog with a similar patina.  A nest of robin's eggs, although spring in Alaska is months away, and a favorite clock.  I have dozens of clocks...I wonder what that means?

The little notions chest in the opposite corner needed something to give it some height, but a live plant was out - too cold for a real one, it would freeze everytime the front door opened.  Hanging off the old chest is a weight and chain from an old stove draft.  Seemed to fit.

 

As for something in the urn, I thought I'd "plant" an altered book I'd made several years ago after taking a Beth Cote class.  I'll do a post on this book later in the week.  It was a humble effort, but really fun. 

 

Finally, the little entryway needed someone to greet visitors.  Miss Cat volunteered.  She's a sweet girl, recently arrived from a lovely lady on Ebay. 

   

She had a bit of an accident prior to coming to my home, something about a stove and whiskers.  Don't ask.  

 

Eileen

Comments

[Marcie]

Your home and creations are beautiful.

[Judy @ In His Grip]

Looks so great! I will be looking for the post on the altered book. My girls love to do them and I have yet to make one. Yours looks so interesting.

[Beth]

It turned out so pretty! Everything has a beautiful whimsical feeel:)

[Rhoda]

Not sure that last one went through. Great job on this, Eileen. I love the transformation. You did a wonderful job. Thanks for stopping by the party!

[Rhoda]

How pretty, Eileen! I love the transformation, you did a great job. Thanks for playing along in my party!

[Melissa P]

What a trasformation. I just love it!

[the pleasures of homemaking]

Your foyer looks really welcoming - good job!

Manuela

[Becky]

WOW! Now that is amazing!

[cielo]

What a lovely and cozy home you've created here.... I love all your photographs, you've done an amazing job on that entry hall way, it looks lovely....

Have a blessed day

cielo

[Laura Ingalls Gunn]

Thunderous applause coming from Phoenix!