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Big Makeover, Little Expense for a Design Studio's Foyer
Redecorating and rearranging a room can create a huge impact even without major new purchases. See how one design studio did it
We are the mother and daughter behind the blog Design Chic (www.mydesignchic.com).
We are the mother and daughter behind the blog Design Chic (www.mydesignchic.com).... More »
A foyer is one of the most important rooms in a home — it gives guests their first and last impression of the space. In offices, this is even more important. Elizabeth Reich and Elizabeth Cb Marsh (yes, that's how she spells it), associate interior designers at Jenkins Baer Associates, wanted to make sure their office foyer allowed visiting clients to visualize the same type of creativity in their own homes. Using pieces taken out of the office archives, they combined their two styles into a playful but sophisticated space that helps clients feel at home.
Get some tips from these designers to make your home or office foyer a polished and comfortable space.
Get some tips from these designers to make your home or office foyer a polished and comfortable space.
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by Elizabeth Reich
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| Showcasing artwork was a priority in this foyer, and both Marsh and Reich loved the idea of creating a gallery-like display on the existing charcoal gray wall. The designers designed this vignette organically, simply combining their two design styles — putting in one piece, then another — with no set plan in mind. This casual plan resulted in a space that has a little something to appeal to any client's taste. Tip: A gallery wall can help add life to a boring hallway, and the design possibilities are endless. If you like the look of mismatched pieces but want a touch of uniformity, try framing all your unrelated pieces in matching frames. |
by Elizabeth Reich
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Comfortable armchairs in one of the foyer corners create a cozy seating space for waiting clients.
The pair had the challenge of pulling from inventory at Jenkins Baer, which Reich admits stifled creativity a bit. But by focusing on comfort and combining their styles, the twosome pulled off a chic and appealing space that still has a homey feel.
Tip: Books add personality to a room. While these books provide reading material for waiting clients, you can also set books underneath lamps to create a light source that's just the right height for the table.
The pair had the challenge of pulling from inventory at Jenkins Baer, which Reich admits stifled creativity a bit. But by focusing on comfort and combining their styles, the twosome pulled off a chic and appealing space that still has a homey feel.
Tip: Books add personality to a room. While these books provide reading material for waiting clients, you can also set books underneath lamps to create a light source that's just the right height for the table.
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by Elizabeth Reich
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| One of the main objectives for this space was to allow clients to envision the work of the designers in their own homes, so it was important to make it feel like a residential setting. Using a higher table like this might be unexpected in between a pair of low chairs, but the layout works well in a foyer. The height of the table allows it to be eye catching to visitors on foot, but it still feels comfortable for guests sitting in the chairs. Tip: Neutral ottomans are versatile but can sometimes seem bland. Using a tray breaks up the block of color and creates a useful place for storing essentials, such as the TV remote, and placing drinks. |
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by Elizabeth Reich
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| Although all of these pieces came from the design firm's archives, Reich and Marsh arranged them in a fresh and unexpected way — proof that you don't always have to get rid of your furniture to find a new look. "It's amazing how even designers think something we have is 'new' when they see it displayed in a new and fresh way," says Reich. Tip: Adding extra seating to a room can be tricky. Small ottomans in an exciting shape or pattern, like these wooden pieces, can add interest. Use their versatility to fill dead space under tables and keep them near a chair for extra seating or propping up feet. |
Comments
olldbobbi Half tables mounted to the wall make good space saving sense. I think the wall and table should be the same color, otherwise it just looks awkward. At least to me.
8 months ago · Like
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PrintedArt Fine Art Photography Collection Not sure about the table color - making it the same as the wall would take away a lot of the contrast. But the reflection in the artwork actually seems pretty severe. Even with the shades drawn it comes out very pronounced in the photo. I would recommend using acrylic instead of glass next time around, ideally facemounted (bonded with the image), which will further decrease the reflective properties.
8 months ago · Like
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brock2wyatt what is the paint color? beautiful
8 months ago · Like
Elizabeth Reich Hi, the foyer is re-done every few months and we use items from our current inventory. The wall color is gorgeous and we can't take credit for that, it had been painted that color for the last few years.. However, since we did the foyer you see above, it's been re-done twice and the paint color has changed from the deep charcoal (sorry I don't know the paint color name) to a bright orange, and now it's current state which is a deep rich green. Nice comment on the artwork, that definitely is a great idea to reduce the glare. Thanks again, Beth & Kristy, for such a lovely article. Have a beautiful week!
8 months ago · Like
hutchygirl I just love the way this looks, especially with photos hung low on wall!
8 months ago · Like
Rodney Bain just a simple question how come all of these mags and shows always have pics of not your average homeowner homes its always homes that are at least half million dollar homes how can the average home owner get real ideas from this you cant get an idea of seeing pics of homes that their foyer is bigger than the average persons house coustom trim that your not going to be able to find at a home depot or recreate i have been doing construction for over 20 years custom cabnets, trim, paint, ect. i have seen it all but someone thats looking for real ideas like a single mom on a strict budget or someone who isnt well off doing hands on projects or older folks that can do the work but are living on there retirement i would just like to see more pics of what your average hard working person has like 5+8 foyer or closets that are 3+4 or 5+7 or a half bath in you downstairs for guests that has room for a sink toilet and a mirror if these designers are that great lets see some realistic ideas like that not somebody that DOES NOT HAVE a unlimited budget or space in there home i mean come on we all like to see beautifull homes but when your looking to do your own home at least give the average person something they can compare or relate to
6 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on Sept. 20, 2012.
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