7/01/2013

Entry Makeover

Wow...can't believe it's been over a month since I posted. Clearly things have been a bit too hectic for blogging lately. Anyhow, I'm coming up for air now and hope there are a few of you still out there reading despite my vanishing act. I do have lots to report, so stay tuned!

I've been trying to rework some things around my house over the past couple of months and it's definitely been a struggle because I just haven't had spare time to focus on it. Slowly but surely, I'm chipping away at my list and I have glimpses of progress to share. First off, I changed up my entry. Step one of the process was installing wallpaper. I chose Schumacher's Mosaic in silver, which looks white but has a subtle silvery tile-esque pattern...



It feels really light and fresh and is a good change of pace from the dark bluish gray paint that was on the walls before. This shot shows the pattern a bit more closely...


The new wallpaper called for fresh paint on the trim and ceilings...and I took that opportunity to change out the baseboards and beef up the door frame moulding. I'm pretty sure the existing moulding was original to our 1952 home, so it was pretty spartan. I asked my carpenter to layer a trim piece over the old moulding to create more interest. This route meant I could improve the look without ripping out all of the old stuff. Here's a look at the trim before it was primed and painted...

After the walls and trim were dealt with, I sent the main piece of furniture in the space, a commode that belonged to my great great aunt, off to be refinished. I chose an ebony stain with a light wax finish because I wanted to highlight the lines of the antique and its pretty hardware. The original finish was a flat light/medium walnut and it just wasn't doing the gorgeous chest any favors.  After the finish facelift was underway, I selected a Calacatta Danby marble remnant for the top and voila...

Another major change in the room was the rug. I transplanted one from the living room and I'm loving it in the entry. It's amazing how different something can look in new surroundings. It brings just the right amount of color to the area.

In case you never saw it (or don't remember), this is what it all used to look like...

So, the entry is almost finished aside from hanging more artwork and improving the front door situation. Our door is pretty ugly so I either want to get a new one or just change the glass (it's that rippled Flemish glass) and have it lacquered or restained. I'm anxious to get that underway. It's totally one of those things that I've tried to ignore since we moved in four years ago and I think it's officially time to make a move.

So, what do you think of the changes? I'm liking the new vibe...it definitely flows better with the adjoining rooms and it just feels light and airy.

22 comments:

  1. I love the contrast now with the light walls and black chest its looks great!

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  2. How gorgeous! The refinishing of the antique piece is so great. Glad you're back. :)

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  3. absolutely stunning. I've always hated the through of painting stained wood, but I am sure rethinking my stance now. glitter and glam with elegance.

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    1. Thanks! And the wood is actually not painted...just stained with a pretty opaque formula and finished with wax!

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  4. HOLY MOLY!!!!! I'm so in love with the makeover!!! Now I want to see your whole house!!! xoox

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    1. Thanks Love! You can come over anytime! We need to plan a pool day :)

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  5. I love the lamps, please tell me the where did you get them from.

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    1. The lamps are made by Arteriors...I can't remember if they had a name, but they are polished nickel in case that helps!

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  6. Kyle, it's so fresh and inviting! I thought the palette and styling in the "before" was gorgeous as well (how could you go wrong with coral, grey and silver!). But how incredible the mirror looks when contrasted with the updated commode! Very nicely done...

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  7. LOVE the dresser. So incredible. Any chance you would be willing to share what stain, etc. you ended up using? It's gorgeous...and the wallpaper and rug too! Thank you for sharing.

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  8. LOVE the dresser. So incredible. Any chance you would be willing to share what stain, etc. you ended up using? It's gorgeous...and the wallpaper and rug too! Thank you for sharing.

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  9. Ohhh so glad you are back! Did you ever do a whole room reveal for your bathroom? Your bathroom is the best bathroom I think I have ever seen!
    www.lasscreative.com.au

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  10. I love these entry way makeover ideas. What a great way to update your home without going overboard!! Also that blue and white umbrella holder is too die for cute!!

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  11. Swoon. Just pinned. So gorgeous!

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  12. So beautiful! It was lovely before, but I do love the update as well. I bet the wallpaper is even better in person. LOVE LOVE LOVE those lamps too. I know you already had them, but I had to say it.

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  13. Love the chest. How expensive is it to have a marble remnant cut? Would love to copy in my dining room.

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  14. I love the chest makeover. Was it very expensive to have the marble cut? I'd love to copy in my dining room.
    Thanks

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  15. So gorgeous! Loving the mix of the modern lamps and antique commode---the new finish on it is just fabulous!

    The wallpaper is a dream.

    Mackenzie

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  16. K - what happened to the previous entry rug?!!?!?! i lOOOOOVED that. actually saw one like it on eBay a while back and am kicking myself for not buying. LOVE

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    1. Bethany - I moved it to a bedroom, but it might get changed out of there too. Will let you know if I end up selling it!

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