Making a Grand Entrance

And, so, we meet again. In my entry way. Welcome!

Amanda's house2 5x7

One of the challenges I had when defining the hallway was the vaulted ceiling. The space felt overwhelmingly spacious. Intimidating, really. The empty walls seemed to go on forever, and the hallway felt more like a runway.

The very first purchase I made for our home were 4 over-sized frames:

Upstairs Overlook 2007

I knew I needed to create an eye line — otherwise, the tendency upon entering our home was to look up, up, and away. Originally intended as wedding frames, these over-sized babies are literally showstoppers. They demand to be noticed — both when entering and exiting our home. Lesson here? Think outside the box when filling a space.

The color of the original hallway was, shall we say, soul sucking so painting was the very next item on my "to-do" list:

Blackhawk 2008 (24)

I wanted a simple + sophisticated + soothing color. Too much to ask? No, and this color does all three splendidly. Every single day.

The next project was to "weight" down the hallway. Enter: 2 bookcases + 1 bench:

Blackhawk Hallway Entrance 2009 (2)

The "runway" is over 12 feet long — and finding the "right" thing to go the distance was, perhaps, the most time consuming project for this space. My solution? 2 inexpensive but HEAVY bookcases laid down horizontally side-by-side. And on the much shorter opposing wall, I added a basic black bench.

Throw in a few lamps + flowers + a rug + 1 painting, and VOILA! You have yourself an entrance:

Amanda's house0 5x7

Here is what I know for sure about building your spaces:

(1) Take your time. Allow a space to organically "tell you" how it will be best used. There is a noticeable difference between a produced space and a well-composed room. Both have style, but only one showcases your beautiful personality.

(2) Don't be afraid to try out an idea. I moved tables in + out, pictures on + off walls, lamps came + went, rugs went down + were pulled right back up. Give yourself permission to make mistakes {suggestion: HOLD ONTO ALL YOUR RECEIPTS}. Mistakes almost always generate better ideas.

(3) Stage improvements. Make one adjustment, and live with it a while before moving forward. The featured pictures were, quite literally, taken from 2007 through 2010. Remember, when you get it right, it is well worth the patience + effort.

(4) Make sure your building blocks {bookcases + bench + frames} can withstand different styles. Your tastes will change over time…and you can easily transition through various looks if the "bones" of a room are solid from the beginning.

Next post: The feng shui behind my entry way….

{Have questions? Email me at apinspired@yahoo.com}