Consider large 20+" porcelain tiles on the diagonal or straight on the entry walls to protect against gouges in the walls.

We have a row of those under our bar tops at kicking height, to prevent those sitting in stools from kicking in the drywall. Works like a charm!

This post was edited by desertdance on Sat, May 4, 13 at 15:37

Very interesting -- I like the idea of concrete paneling. Galvanized sheet steel? Some kind of glass? Unglazed quarry tile?

(I have stainless counters -- love 'em)

Pyrolave?

Here is a link that might be useful: architectural uses for Pyrolave

The cement tile is almost like quarry tile. It will probably be Ann Sacks Hacienda for the front hall and bathroom floors. I had a plate-glass backsplash in the place I sold and it got a stress crack in it, so I am kind of hesitant to go that route again, but I've considered it, because it could be whatever the wall color is.

Whatever I use it has to be a material and/or color that is used elsewhere throughout the house. I realize this sets some limitations.

If I had the budget...

Dare I suggest linoleum? I don't know how old your house is, but it may be period correct.

Just saw some cement tiles online -- beautiful & sophisticated.
Are you thinking along these lines?
Concrete tiles

Frosted glass tile?

Porcelain is a possibility if I can find a color or non-color in one of the extra large formats, say 30"x30" or larger so each wainscot will be essentially seamless.

Linoleum is a product I hadn't thought of in this application and it could really fit the bill as a simple, monolithic, but sturdy wallcovering.

Oh, just saw your mention of Hacienda. Funny, I was going to say saltillo but didn't think that's what you were after. I love the Hacienda tile -- gorgeous. I've had a hankering for that look. (Also for 2x2 mosaic, which is starting to look fresh again to my eyes.)

The concrete look tiles you posted were one of the original concepts I had, but I think they are actually a bit "too sophisticated" for this house, which is actually a bit rough around the edges. There is an exposed rafter and sheathing roof in part of the house that is very raw and part of the original intent of the house, so I have shifted to a different type of concrete tile that is more like a paver and a bit rustic.

I've been waiting to move into this house for almost two years, and my ideas about it have shifted somewhat during this period. Actually I have shifted to the extent of looking at other houses even, but luckily haven't found anything even more suitable than this (at least that I could afford).

We've been following your house adventures for so long, I feel like we've all mentally moved into this house with you . We're at home in the Brutalist building already -- you can't leave, even if you're not there yet!

Thought you might enjoy this picture. Isn't the stair rail wonderful? I love the mesh with the concrete and wood:
{{!gwi}}
(hope this picture loads...Never can tell anymore)

Trying again with the mesh stair rail pic:

Copper sheeting? Doesn't sound like it is being used elsewhere though.

Maybe this is too rural for you, but I love flex grate and cocoa matting in my mudroom and I would love it with slate tile wainscoting. Hmmmm, I may have just created a new summer project for myself.

Here is a link that might be useful: harbor farm

Copper may be used on the exterior. There is patio on behind a parapet and right now it is flashed with some really ugly white stuff. It's not huge so I may replace with with copper.

The grate and matting is a good idea that I will put in my mental rolodex for other uses. Here we are faced more with urban grime and winter salt and rain.

That railing is really nice: the details like how the smaller brass tubing trumpets out to meet the wood--thought went into that.

Well if you like copper and want continuity of materials, you could consider it for the exterior use, for the entryway and for the kitchen countertops. . . .

Cedar plywood treated in shou sugi ban would be interesting.

Cork?

Cork! I like that suggestion. Seems to come in a variety of textures and colors, too.

It's really tough to direct link to pictures on the net now. Frustrating.

Have actually been considering cork wallcovering for one of the bathrooms.

Another vote for concrete tile.

Cork. Takes me waay back. We bought a house with cork wall covering in the 60's. Just know, it will absorb odors, and you can't get rid of them.

Maybe they seal it better than they used to.

I really like the idea of less sophisticated concrete panels or pavers for your entryway. I think it will be fabulous.

I am having trouble visualizing g the space. Are you intending to use the wall treatment as wainscoting or all the way up the walls?

I like the cork idea for the walls, too. So much warmer than concrete tile.

A customer told me he did an iron coating on his wall and loved it. Very industrial. May be worth a look?

The Iron Coating material oxidizes and changes color upon drying leaving a stabile Iron surface.

(I think this is the company he used)

Here is a link that might be useful: Mineral Life

kswl, It is going to be a narrow hallway, with a set of pocket doors on one side, a single pocket door on the other and a door at the end (Either pocket or paired). Probably a bit under 4' wide and 10' +/- long. Whether or not it is set as wainscot depends upon the material.

It will be a transitional space to prevent the feeling of being so close to the sidewalk, and it will take the Frank Lloyd Wright's notion of "Compression" at the entryway literally.
But there is not much alternative.

As far as cork picking up odors...dunno, we don't smoke, and I don't have the impression any of our houses have stunk despite all the rugs and textiles. One of the running positive commentaries when our last house was on the market was how it smelled good or it "didn't have a smell" so I am not really afraid of using cork as a wallcovering.

Whatever it is it has to be very durable and cleanable because it's the only way into the house.

A friend of mine actually had Cor-Ten steel panels in their house, including the backplash,

How about waxing the concrete, to dress it up entry-style? Would be handsome and also keep it from staining.

You know, regarding the way that house has been used in the past, marketing experts design store layouts knowing that customers don't slow down to examine merchandise until they're at least 20 feet into the store. They need that transition to feel "inside." Many millions of "front" rooms in housing developments are neglected for very similar reasons (the typical front lawn being semipublic space), so it's not surprising that the entire front room of a home with the sidewalk on the other side of the wall would become a place to move on through. I'm guessing your little vestibule will be a really valuable improvement.

Sort of an out there suggestion but they make slatwalls for garages or store displays and you can get them in a variety of materials including metal. It would also give you the practical option to easily add or move wall accessories like hooks, shelves or baskets, something you might want in an entryway.

Here is a link that might be useful: Slatwalls