Seeing the Light in a Small Entryway
When I moved into my Boston condo I felt grateful to have an entryway, albeit a small one. With no windows. It needed some love which is an understatement. The floor tiles were cracked, the light fixture was dated, the walls were plain. But, I had an entryway. In Boston. Cheer up.
I did renovations prior to moving in – thank God! Part of it was to change the light fixture, repaint the walls and I laid a black and white marble tile in the entryway. I continued the egg and dart molding in the entryway (as I had in every other room except my tiny kitchen and two tiny bathrooms. A clean and classic slate in which to work in. Then I let the magic of decor step in. Here’s what I did in the order that I did it.
Mirrors
Mirrors reflect light, are practical (especially on your way out the door), and expand a space. I found this beauty at a consignment store in Falmouth, MA along with this hat and umbrella stand that apparently came from the same home. I was thrilled when I purchased them, but not quite sure where I would use them in my new place. Once I got in, I knew exactly where they both would go.
Moldings
There’s nothing that creates more visual interest, emphasizes high ceilings and looks amazing than a chunky architecturally relevant molding. I’m in love with this aspect of my condo and am so glad I made that investment and brought it into my foyer. Hoping for more moldings to come.
Wallpaper
Although white walls (Benjamin Moore White Dove to be exact) were nice, I thought it would warm the space up to wallpaper it. After searching endlessly for a continuous pattern wallpaper, I landed on this beauty – Wisteria by Farrow & Ball in Elephant's Breath. Don’t you love the names of their wallpapers. Spendy yes, but I loved the pattern, color and quality of this almost three dimensional aspect of the paper. They’re hand made in England and in this case you get what you pay for. Thankfully, as a decorator I got a discount and it was a relatively small (but tricky) space to hang this wallpaper.
Flooring
My intention was to try to stay true to the character of this old building I’m living in (120+ years old) by using the products that would have been used then. You can’t go wrong with a black and white checkerboard marble. Can you? I think not. I wanted it laid out in a diagonal pattern so it allows your eye to move forward. I did put this oriental rug I’ve had for 20+ years over it for some protection and it complements the colors in the wallpaper.
FINAL PRODUCT
So, there you have it. A few ideas on how to put some pizazz in a small (and dark) entryway. Obviously these things can be applied in a more grand entrance to a home, but these were my ideas to create a welcoming foyer with a hint of things to come when you enter into my city home.
What do you think?… If you’ve ever done anything like this, send me an email at nancy@nancymichaelsinteriors.com and let me know! If you have pictures, tag me in them on Instagram at @nancymichaelsinteriors