Connecting Spaces
Entry Foyer - Before
An outdated brass and glass light fixture didn't visually fill the floor-to-ceiling (blah) beige space. The lackluster traditional wainscoting was less-than-attention-grabbing with the original honey oak hardwood floors. The upstairs hallway, open to the foyer (see picture at right), also lacked much-need personality. Finding a way to introduce design elements in our entry foyer and set the tone for the whole house was a priority.
Entry Foyer - Today
Neutral paint, a mix of antique furniture and modern accessories, and large-scale wall décor have transformed this space. Our thrifted leafy chandelier fills the double-height space in an airy and organic way, and sets the farmhouse tone for the entire house. The antique curio cabinet, a friend's castoff, and the reworked settee are freshened seasonally with pops of color and texture. These vintage pieces give visitors a sense of comfort and nostalgia from the moment they enter our home. Having the oak hardwood floors sanded, refinished, and continued throughout the main floor add warmth and a beautiful backdrop for furniture and rugs.
Upstairs Hall - Mid-Refresh
Farmhouse appeal is apparent in the large quilt-like stencil pattern hand-painted (I worked on it over the course of a week, during school hours only) above the existing wainscoting. Simply adding a painted dresser, artwork, and a display of family photos atop vintage knobs mounted onto a salvaged board adds more charm.
Upstairs Hall - Today
Because we're always finding beautiful new ways to update our home, we've recently added this amazing bird motif (peel-and-stick) wallpaper in our upstairs hall. The pattern and color are uplifting in this space that we wake up to each morning. A textural round mirror paired with a paint color plucked from the wallpaper adorns the stair landing. A refreshed small chest of drawers with whitewashed wood drawers, cream paint and original gold-tone hardware is the perfect complement to our flock of birds.
