Foyer: Before & After

I have been working with Urban Grace Interiors on a design for our foyer.  Yes, we have been in the house for almost one year and I am just now finishing the foyer.  I just want everything to be just right, not too plain and not too fancy, I just can't help it.  I have told you about the long distance design in previous posts.  I am going to walk you through the whole process since this is a relatively small space to discuss.

I email Allison and tell her that I want to begin the design plan for the foyer.  She checks their calendar and lets me know when they can begin.  She asks for measurements of the space and any inspiration pics or ideas I want incorporated into the design.  Here is what I sent Allison to get the whole thing started:

{Traditional Home}

I tell Allison that I love the Lillian August lamps, the scale of the artwork, the gray table, the whole enchilada. She starts pricing some of the pieces. The artwork is by artist Janet Slom.  I Googled the artist and quickly decided I could not afford any of her work, so I immediately tell Allison to find something affordable, see this post.  She found a table that looked really close to the inspiration and priced the Lillian August Lamp$$$.

This is what we came up with:

 

{Before}

{After}

{Before]

{After}

Sources:

Paint - Sherwin Williams, Grassland

Light - Kate Lantern, Visual Comfort

Artwork - Sarah Griffith

Lamps - Madison Lamps, Ballard Designs

Upholstered Ottoman - Ballard Designs, I already had this

Console Table - I already had this too

I saved some money by using the existing console table that I originally had behind the sofa and tucking the ottoman underneath to fill the space.  I also purchased the Madison Lamps instead of the Lillian August because of the cost. 

I am super happy with the design and the result! 

Foyer Love

I have had these pics for a long time and I am not exactly sure where I found them.  I need to start thinking about a design for my foyer.  I think the space should certainly be welcoming, it is the first impression of the inside of your home that visitors must pass through.  I think the space needs to be functional with a place to sit in case you are waiting on someone, a piece of furniture with a drawer to store your guests keys, a lamp or sconces, a pretty runner, and a mirror to check yourself right before you open the door.

I think this entry is beautiful.  I love the settee and the gorgeous floor mirror, the art and the gourd lamps.  I think I am really drawn to this look because of the symmetry.  I think this space is balanced and welcoming.  I am not sure where you would have your guest put their keys, but besides that I think it is perfect.  I am sorry I do not know the source of the pic, I have had this saved for a very long time.  I look at it frequently.

This photo is from Traditional Home.  I just love how the zebra print runner going up the staircase looks as a backdrop for the slip covered entry table.  I still have the issue this picture came from.  I look back through my old issues for inspiration all the time.  I love the classic style.  This entry really has a wow factor to me with the red silk fabric and animal print.

Sorry but I do not have a source for these pics either.  I know this is not a foyer but this could work nicely because the mirror, the table and the two garden seats tucked underneath.  I like the idea of having upholstered ottomans/stools placed under tables so you can pull them out for extra seating if needed.

I have been thinking of wallpapering our foyer because that would create impact and it would basically only be one wall.  This is my favorite wallpaper so far, Farrow & Ball, Lotus Paper.

I can picture this paper with a nice chest or settee and a gold mirror.  I like gray and gold mixed together.

This Ballard's Design star burst mirror may look striking against the gray pattern.

Possibly this Martha Stewart buffet would look nice against the paper. Having a buffet/sideboard would be quite functional for my foyer because it opens up into my dining room.  This would give me additional storage space for large serving pieces.  This type of cabinet would also lend itself to guests storing their handbags on the shelves inside the doors.

There are so many options and possibilities that I just don't know what to do.