I am assuming there is a closet opposite the console near the front door. So I would move the console to where the chair & nesting tables are now. Return the chair, no one is ever going sit there. Get a long bench for where the console is now, so if someone to needs to sit to remove shoes & coat they are near the closet. Found these on houzz

[Jonathan Charles Gilded Iron and Leather Bench 494150-G[(https://www.houzz.com/products/jonathan-charles-gilded-iron-and-leather-bench-494150-g-prvw-vr~37666042)

[Noir Furniture, Colonial Canning Bench, Hand Rubbed [(https://www.houzz.com/products/noir-furniture-colonial-canning-bench-hand-rubbed-black-prvw-vr~17431469)[https://www.houzz.com/products/halifax-linen-banquette-bench-beige-prvw-vr~32298803[(https://www.houzz.com/products/halifax-linen-banquette-bench-beige-prvw-vr~32298803)

[Normandy Coastal Solid Carved Wood White Wash Grey Bench [(https://www.houzz.com/products/normandy-coastal-solid-carved-wood-white-wash-grey-bench-ottoman-prvw-vr~38797440)

Thanks everyone. To answer a few questions and make a few points:

- there is unfortunately no closet in the entry. Across the current console is the formal dining room
- the console is very big, 19 deep and 72 wide, 36 inches high. However, it fits just fine by the stairs. The mirror is also big - 49 by 35 so I'm not 100% sure it would fit the stairs wall. The question is then, can I just have a bench which is much smaller where the console is now or will that look too small for the space?

Also, I do agree with possibly a more interesting chair and a larger, maybe round table instead of what I've thrown there now. Would it be weird to have consoles in both areas? Probably? What about something like this by the stairs or is it out of place?

I think the problem is...where you have the chair next to the stairs isn't a corner. I like the idea of a side board there with lamps and art. Good luck!

I agree that I like the idea of a console/sideboard by the stairs. So the question is what do I put by the door? Can I leave that space empty? Do a large mirror only? Do a bench? Or another console?

Thanks Beverly. So you think the mirror should be hung that way? I was thinking to hang it horizontal but I guess I'll make that decision once I see both options. I do agree the nesting tables don't belong there. I saw this picture which I like and is similar to what you described. Now the question is - would you exchange that chair? It's not that exciting and I feel like I need one with a higher back??

I think your entry wall is really huge, and you need more furniture than the current console to make it look populated (and help cover some of those switch plates). I really like the chair-console-chair solution for that space, for both looks and practicality.

Then your current "console" (which is really a dresser) is great for the wall by the chair (with or without that chair)...

If you move the console to the stairs, would you consider putting an armoire in your entry? The height would fill up the space and since there isn't a closet, you could use it to hang coats :)

Because of the great height of your entry, mounting the mirror vertically seems natural to take advantage of the height of the room.

I do like the chair with the higher back. You have the room and it will make a better statement.

Lovely armoire, but not deep enough to hold a hanger

The armoire idea isn't a bad one! It would be great to have a place to hang coats. It's still blowing my mind that they didn't build a closet. I know we don't come through the front door but when guests do it would be nice not to have to lug their coats all over the house! Would it look weird there though? Too bulky? What about by the stairs or would that look even worse putting it there ?

I also like this console with the little ottomans under it. If I had that by the stairs it would be nice to have extra "seats" to pull out when we have a lot of people over. But again, that would be two consoles when you walk in - one on the right and then again one on the left and I don't know if that would look weird. The previous owners had a poker table or something like that in that space.

I think the console is very nice piece and the mirror you chose is just perfect, it will be bringing brightness and cheer
I would get rid of the chair and replace with bench or settee with fabric complementing the chairs in your living room and hang a painting preferably landscape to make the space look inviting and open

Also add a hallway runner

Bench or settee would be nice there too. Is it too close to the navy sofa where it would look like two long pieces of furniture almost next to each other? Or is that ok? And don't worry, working on rugs/runners/drapes as we speak lol still lots to do!

You could probably have a custom closet/armoire made for the entry but the cost might be $$$$. These samples can be customized from Habersham Furniture.

So it wouldn't look weird to walk in through the front door and see such a large/tall piece of furniture right there?

I tried to find something with an armoire, but not much success,,this is the only thing close..With the space you have, I don't think it would look strange there..you have plenty of space

Kristin,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,yes it's not the best look, but she doesn't have a closet. What's she going to do?

It doesn't have to be configured as a large armoire. It could be two narrow closets with a console between the two to satisfy all the requirements.

Thanks! That looks like it's deep enough to hold a hanger? Where is it from?

Oh that's interesting Beverly. Do you propose the armoire should go by the stairs or should I put it where the console is now if I went that route ?

Your second photo shows some sort of an electrical inlet or outlet over the console. If you need to use it, you can't put anything above it. You might have to move the console or rethink that wall space.

There used to be a wall sconce there. We took that off and the electrician capped it. We won't be using it so the mirror we will hang there will just cover that cap right up. We didn't fully get rid of it in case we ever decided to use it (but I doubt it).

Don't give up. Take your time. Seeing that chair there looks like you are wanting a seating area even if its not used that much when you walk through your front door. Start with a settee as was suggested earlier (perhaps in a beige color). That would allow you to dress that area in color without worrying about it clashing with the settee (throw pillows that perhaps show some of the colors leading into your living room would allow that room to flow into your living room. The lamp you have there already would be a nice touch. Also perhaps a throw rug on your wood floors would nicely round it out.

Not sure you need another settee for your home. I can't imagine you need to sit two people at the same time.

The chair concept by the staircase is going to be less bulky. Space is luxury.

Tthe chair seems out of place there. The wall seems to be the focus point so something up against it would fare better I thought. I had the same issue in my home and I started out with a chair. It just didnt look right until I realize its the wall that I needed to focus my attention on -- what needs to go up against it. Once I placed my settee there everything else fell into place. Wish I could upload my sitting area but I cant seem to attach the picture. She could also try moving the (taupe sofa) to that area to see what it looks like (if that is what you are referring to as her settee). I thought it was a small beige couch along with her blue one in her living room.

I think a mirror would be nice over the entry table to open that space up and to catch light from the front door and reflect it further into the room. I would opt for art over the orchid near the upholstered chair.

To solve your storage, you could do something like the idea below and use your stair wall to its full advantage and also get a bench which I think is very handy.

I would move your console down to be centered and add a chair on either side to make that wall feel more balanced and suggest a very large piece of art.

Hmm now that's an interesting idea Maureen. Is that a built in bench/storage type thing? Would I call my carpenter for something like this?

To have that look, a carpenter would be needed.

Hello


I would put a larger console in that area.

The furniture there now does not work well in that space.


Best of luck !

KHB Interiors New Orleans

Hi - to be fair I didn't read all the comments above before posting this comment. My first impression is that the front entry area would benefit from an area rug to anchor and define the space. I would also suggest a window treatment for the large window above the door as the ceiling seems to go on forever and this is why it might not seem cozy as of yet. Rather than decorate the little corner that might not be used for sitting, I would focus on the entry and then add a sideboard at the base of the stairs as this could hold scarves, keys etc upon entry. In a triangular wall space such as the one at the bottom of the stairs, I always opt for a grouping of pictures rather than one because they can be arranged to balance the space better. ie; three different sizes in a group. Think tall lamp on the right side of the sideboard to add balance, use some color from the metal railing also as it will anchor the space.

Thanks. I never thought about a window treatment on that large window. I plan on changing the chandelier - I want a bigger crystal one. That's next on my list after I get some rugs and art/mirrors hung on the walls.

You might need some artwork above the chair. We specialize in custom art, wallpaper and wall murals. Here are a few pieces we think you might like:

https://www.limitlesswalls.com/

Kristin M, I'm going to be very rude & ask you if you just won the lottery? You have so many threads going on different dilemmas. I also think your current designer is not really working for you, huh?

Lol no I didn't win the lottery - we bought a house! It needed a lot of work, we got a good deal on it and went with it. I initially hired an interior designer to help with the kitchen remodel but then decided I didn't really need him because I had a pretty clear vision of what I wanted. The only designer that's been helping me is the one that works for the furniture store, but even with her I have a lot of my own ideas. I find asking you guys here and then making my own decision is working best for me. I don't like working with a designer one on one so muc.

Sorry. I would've done the same thing if I was in your place I think. I'm so glad you got a good deal on your house. I've been stuck in the same old house for 35 years & I'm so tired of making changes to it. This is why I am on this site so much.

Haha yup, we pretty much only agreed to buy it at the right price because there was a lot we wanted to do to it. We are very happy with it but it's been a lot of work for almost a year now and we're still not finished. But as you said, even 35 days later you're never truly finished with a house! I love houzz!

So just wondering if you have decided which options to choose from, just have couple of more suggestions for you :)
Leave console whr it is and you can place a coat hanger next to it
Rearranging the existing chair to the middle with existing table towards living room and lamp in the corner
Add a couple of family portraits of different sizes and frames
You can also add a digital frame to make events more personal for your guests when you are entertaining
Hope that helps

Kristen, a designer who works for a furniture store is not a good example of an interior designer. They are basically furniture salespeople. Too bad you had a bad experience. A good ID will save you so much money, helping to avoid big, expensive design mistakes and help you with your vision, working with your budget.

Thanks! I still haven't decided so more ideas are definitely welcome :) Sandy, this is a higher end, local furniture store and I think some (if not all) of the employees are trained as interior designers? But I get what you're saying. I had initially hired one to help me with all the home remodeling but didn't use him much as I had a pretty clear vision of what I wanted. In a way, I prefer to do things on my own (with some help from all of you) because it gives me many more options. With some designers I've found they can be a little pushy and I find it awkward to reject their ideas lol

Well since you're still looking for ideas check out my artwork for your large walls. I have many sizes and colors to choose from - and I think your large entry wall is a good candidate for a huge piece. All listed here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShoaGallery

Some samples below. If you'd like, send me photos straight up from your walls and I'll send you some suggestions by superimposing the artwork on your walls.

Enjoy decorating! Your house is beautiful :-)

I would turn it into a small meditation area

you can make it interesting ....add some more lights and also a large original art piece...will gives your wall a new life and more colors....fore more artwork check my shop too...

https://www.etsy.com/shop/PooArtGallery?ref=profile_shopname

Some trump Lloyd keep it simple not overstated it should take you away you can try an opening doorway to your favorite spot when you see it it makes you happy maybe Brite and inviting

Well that is a new one, lol. I think the previous poster meant Trompe L'Oeil.

So if you think outside the box I would build a stone pond with s water feature running down the wall but not outside stone I mean
White granite very square linier http://www.vancouver-naturescape.com/Landscape-images/stone-fountain.jpg this is just a picture of the idea also you haves plug on that wall which makes it easy. And the entry way area with tall ceilings it could look cool to have an arch way to divide the spsce https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/2f/12/38/2f12387f54b5ca9ff9d50e4632778d72.jpg. Sorry I can't find better pics

The chair just looks like a timeout spot to me

Thanks for the correction sandy c I'm not a designer just a guy with an idea

I would keep the emphasis on your large foyer wall. You will need to fill that space but keep it "warm" - may I suggest a high back upholstered settee perhaps in a blue to echo furniture in adjacent room. Above the settee hang a very large tapestry or perhaps tall, triptych art panels. Additionally, offer a ceramic holder for umbrella and walking canes, etc. On the other side of settee a modest table to hold a lamp and a wicker basket(s) beneath.
Use your console on the stair wall if it will fit. It looks a little large and if so, perhaps it can be used behind your navy sofa adding two lamps to provide reading lights for that room.
I agree with a previous poster that the lone chair is awkward for many reasons - it is uninviting, doesn't make sense there and also looks like a "time out" chair.
A smaller chest and appropriate mirror at the stair wall would give good service both to the foyer, stairs and adjoining rooms.
It's a lovely home and I especially like your living room chairs and navy sofa. I agree with another poster that the beige sofa is troubling....but perhaps once a rug is in place and other pillows and a throw it might pull it all together.
I also agree that you are not well-served using "designers" from stores - they often lack important knowledge and I do worry they have a vested interested in selling you their furniture.