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jensie

My front entry is boring, boring, boring - please help!

14 years ago
last modified: 14 years ago
My front door area is a snoozefest! I have two sidelights that I don't know what to do with. I'm not sure about my rug. I thought I would like the iron piece above the door better than I do. I'm open to simple decorating ideas and bigger ideas, like changing out the molding/trim, but no moving of walls. I would like more of a statement. Also, keep in mind the hardwoods will eventually be dark wood (walnut or espresso). To set the stage - Way above the front door is a 4 x 4 square window. As you face the front door, the dining room is to the right (white columns, white wainscoting about 5' tall with picture ledge with black and white family photos propped) and the office is to the left (weird gold/brown paint that I'm going to change to match the creamy gold of the entry, dark desk and bookcases with a few lighter pieces thrown in). Also, the area is not very big, as you walk in the front door, there's a staircase to the right leading to the 2nd story - about eight feet from the doorway. Any ideas appreciated - thanks!

Comments (29)

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 14 years ago
    What about a ledge/shelf between door and window above? A hanging light? Some decoative panels like in this picture:

    http://livinginmedia.com/upload/editor_files/briller_door.jpg
  • 14 years ago
    What's missing for me is a great chandelier. You have a vaulted entry that would be perfect for some dramatic lighting.
    Iron 5-light Black Chandelier · More Info
  • PRO
    14 years ago
    last modified: 14 years ago
    Its a Lovely House , why not keep the Welcome sign , at a more appropriate place so its visible ?
    and How about changing the small rug to a more vibrant one after the door sweep . Try painting the Panels of the door .
  • 14 years ago
    Your tiny little decor items just look too country and too Hobby Lobby for this entry. Have you thought about leaded glass for the window up top and the sidelights? Could give some lively sparkle to the area. I like the black door idea - might even be the right touch on the exterior side! A wonderful chandy to hang between the door and niche would be fantastic. A larger, rich rug two beautiful plants in huge pots flanking the column entry to the living room (I assume the architecture matches on each side) and you're set.
  • 14 years ago
    I feel like you're disappointed in the iron piece because it's too small on that tall wall. It seems the theme is all the fixtures and accessories need to be larger scale. I had to look at the pics 3 times before I spied the Welcome sign, so maybe move it to make a cheerful entrance at the back door.
  • PRO
    14 years ago
    For your front door and your two side windows I would suggest hanging a drapery rod over the door and 2 windows and handing 2 side panels on both sides. Pick a fabric with color and pattern to help add interest to your doorway. I great chandelier will help define your entry and make it feel more welcoming. What are you thoughts about stain glass for your upstairs window. It will add a lot of interest and color!
  • 14 years ago
    Love what Jade suggested. All of it.
  • 14 years ago
    Lanie is spot on. The iron piece is too small and too lonely. I would rather see two nice tables on either side with those plants than all the little pieces with things hanging all over.
  • 14 years ago
    Seems to me that the trim on the door is too small and it seems disjointed with the two side lights. I would add trim from the sidelight to the floor and between the sidelights and the door trim. I would then put one big board with crown above the sidelights and the door. This would make the unit one. Get rid of the black thing above the door. Paint the inside of the door glossy black. Put two small tables n the walls or me table and a dresser. Mirrors above would be nice at least on me side. The rug needs to be much larger. There should be a large and dramatic chandelier. A chandelier in black would look good with the black door.
  • 14 years ago
    you have the perfect place to hand natural fiber drapery panels on each side of the window above the door that hang all the way to the floor over the side lights. Wow, what a pretty spot.
  • 14 years ago
    Loving all the ideas!!! First thing I can easily do is paint the door - and I've actually thought about that before this. It seems the general consensus is to "bulk it up", bigger and more dramatic. I've also thought about bulking up the molding and trim and making it look like one big piece with some type of crown molding on top. I'm not very handy but I might try to work on that over the winter. I also really like the ideas with tables with plants and not too much other fluff. I actually have a large, very dark (oil rubbed bronze?) chandy - but it's way up there - maybe I should drop it down somewhat (see picture). Keep all the wonderful ideas coming!! Thanks!
  • 14 years ago
    patriciarhall and stanton designs - tell me more about the drapery idea - I'm intrigued! What type of rod? drapes? linen? Any pictures would be appreciated!
  • 14 years ago
    Save up your money and get a new door with some wow factor. Have some trim installed at about the 10' level on both walls which would draw the eye down , as far as your taste in acessories thats what you like and thats what should use.
  • 14 years ago
    Buy a beautiful, stunning, statement making front door!!!! I don't think paint will cut the mustard, its a builder grade door and its bringing your look down. Its an investment piece, one you'll keep forever and will add tremendous value and wow-factor to your house, inside and OUTside. I think doors are an overlooked opportunity for beautify.
    Adding some decorator touches inside the room will be the final icing on the cake, but you cannot put lipstick on a pig.... or it goes something like that???
  • 14 years ago
    I encourage you to purchase a new front door, I have this exact door on my garage. If you have to keep it, PAINT IT BLACK and upgrade the doors hardware, all of it. I personally think the knick knacks aren't helping making the statement front entry you desire. Drop the chandelier down so the bottom of it's at the 9-10' height. No curtains on the sidelights, bolder trim and a new rug should do the trick :) Don't be scared of a black door search it here on houzz, amazing
  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 14 years ago
    I like the drape idea this is perfect to soften it up you can pull them back in the day but close at night for privacy! I saw it on Pinterest but couldn't find the pix it's under Home Decor!
  • 14 years ago
    I like this idea
    Tietjen Foyer · More Info
  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 14 years ago
    More...
    Two Story Foyer · More Info
    you can paint the same way door
    Steven Gambrel Time and Place · More Info
  • 13 years ago
    Okay - here's an update! I took your advice and put my own take on it. I took everything down, painted the door black, bought a new larger rug and made some curtains. Although I would love a new door - that will have to wait. I have two little tables, black with marble tops (on the right) and a little metal container (on the left). What do you think? Any ideas for wall decor? I need some color but I'm not sure how to incorporate it. I have a lot of red, brown and gold in my home. I've also attached a picture of the little table, lamp, etc. that is in the front of my entry (you look at it when you enter the home). I know I need to paint or replace the mirror and am open to ideas. Thanks!!!
  • 13 years ago
    Really pretty, Jensie!
  • 12 years ago
    That looks a ton better.. For a color what about something above the door? Or a large planted pot on the right side?
  • 12 years ago
    I like the black door very much!
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I think a beautiful chandelier would really transform the space! Especially since you have a high window as well, the light could come in and really make it glisten even when it's not on. :)

    I love the black door! It's really coming along.

    http://www.houzz.com/projects/397391/Custom-Tanzania-Chandelier
  • 12 years ago
    Take out he side windows add a big tall dark wood double doors. Expensive but worth it. Add a big chandelier hang low. Nothing over doors because they will be much taller than one now. Round area rug, in your colors. Black,hardware.
  • 12 years ago
    A long mirror where other item is. Nothing small on walls. Keep it simple.
  • 10 years ago

    Looks nice but I would put an oversize piece of art above the door.....something with more color and coordinate the entry rug with the art..I wouldn't keep the draperies or the milk can and small desk..I also like the idea of topiaries on each side of the door.

  • 10 years ago

    oops didn't see the exact same post above, sorry. I agree.

  • 10 years ago

    DEAD THREAD - dilemma resolved October 2012!

    jensie thanked decoenthusiaste