extra photos of different angles

This hall is crying out to be an art gallery. I’d find art first, then rug, then bench.

I think you could have been more creative in your solution for your foyer.

Every item doesn't have to be white to have a 'Coastal Style'

I prefer solving the problem by having the bench under a table to be pulled out when needed.

Very true, that would have looked really nice, wish i would have thought of that before. I'm stuck with the console now honestly, i even measured it today in height to see if I could put it elsewhere, but its too tall. To be honest, I am not very creative with decorating at all. I find it so stressful, like I want a nice looking home, but struggle with ideas.

Pretty home! Because the entry is so long and the console is as deep as it is, I think a bench on the opposite wall will narrow the walkway too much. And putting a bench on the same side as the console will look too lopsided. I might do something like this with two chairs, to give you a place to sit if needed and also some softness and maybe color in the area.

eta: I like how they coordinated the mirror and chairs so there aren't four disparate pieces in the arrangement.If you do a mirror, be sure it is large enough. adding: I also like the roundness of these pieces as they would play nicely with your beautiful light fixture.

I agree no bench but the two small armchairs and round mirror proposed by Olychick is a great idea. The new chairs would be a solid blue fabric.

On the wall opposite the mirror, a gallery might be too distracting, so a large painting in your soft color palette would be a nice preview of the living room and view beyond.

https://www.greatbigcanvas.com/view/subtle-mist-i,2500611/

You have great furniture and a good start.

Yes to art in blues, cream, and black.

Large Abstract Painting on Canvas Modern Acrylic Skyline, 48x48, Blues and White · More Info

Rug should be close to the width of the front doors.

Turquoise Painted Weave Contemporary Modern Area Rug, 5'x7' · More Info

Striped Blue Jeans and Cotton Rug, 8'x10' · More Info

Safavieh Aria Collection ARA121 Rug, Cream/Teal, 2'x8' · More Info

Get a black lacquered bench to echo the top of the console. Or a pair of black chairs on either side of the console--something with curved lines like this one.

Foyer: Timothy & Associates Interior Design · More Info

For an actual bench, something modern with upholstered seat. The legs of this one match florr finish, so good. I like the art work above it. You could find something like that on society6.com and put "blue black abstract" in their search engine.

The console you bought for the foyer just brings down the look of your home, like you moved it from a previous house that was a completely different style.

Since you say you aren't good at design ...

Why not use a local Interior Designer to help you out?

Well, we are here.

The console feels heavy in black and white. Maybe paint the console? Chalk paint is very easy, no prep. An all over pale sand color would be beautiful...Coastal.

Or blue

Is the console centered under the light fixture? Because the console feels awkard partially across from the closet door.

Hang a large painting on the closet door wall centered in the wall space to the left of the door.

Place the console and mirror opposite....so the painting will reflect nicely in the mirror.

Determine final placement before thinking of rug size.

You have a beautiful home, so please don't lose sight of that. While the console might not be what you'd (now) prefer, it is a beautiful piece and certainly looks good in your home.

In the meantime I think I would see about accessorizing the console wall and working with that. Some of the artwork that 's been suggested would be lovely, but it has to be your call if it speaks to you. I would definitely look to embrace the console. As it is now, it looks more disconnected but I think it could really look so great in the space.

Looking again at your photos, when you enter the house is the console on the right?

Would that smaller wall on the left be able to hold a shorter bench?

I

Good advice already - the height of the ceilings make scale super important — A brand new home that needs lots of furnishing & decorating is often the perfect time to get a local designer to help - would you be open to that? It would save you so much stress

I think the rug comes much later even the one for the LR that you chose is not great in such a big open space . The console not really good either . A home comes together slowly and when done slowly you will always love it . The entry needs art and IMO that art will drive many other choices . To start look for a large art piece , I mean large . It might be even great to then have abench under the art . The entry is wide so a console table and a bench can fit but mostly it will be a visual fir more that just the measurement . This is kind of what I am saying . Art very personal and find a piece you love to drive all the rest of this entry decor. I always do decor to go ith my art work not the other way around , I am not syaing you need to do thta but take your time this looks like abeautiful home so do it justice

my home inspiration: https://www.instagram.com/citrineliving/

Your home is more modern and clean lined than that inspiration house, which is why your console doesn't look like it fits. I rarely suggest it, but you should really look for a local Interior Designer. Your house and water front location are really nice ... so don't "skimp" on coming up with a plan for the overall design of the furnishings. If you end up making a few more mistakes, it would have easily paid for a designer to come up with a plan.

Ive always been a more is more person

If you can cancel your rug, before it arrives, get one with some blue instead to get the flow you said you wanted by harmonizing with blue and cream chairs. If it has a little black as in one rug I posted, then good. That will echo console top.

The comment "you should have bought a different home" is rude.

I think the post by Patricia Colwell Consulting meant to keep the furnishings in step with the type house she has bought and wasnt intended to be rude, of course I’m just interpreting the way i read the post.

Also, here is a link where you can purchase items from the inspiration pic home you like so much on instagram https://www.shopltk.com/explore/citrineliving?tab=products

@tracefloyd: "The comment "you should have bought a different home" is rude."

No surprise there. SOP for this poster.

Oh my @Kendrah! At least to my eyes, you really nailed it. While I might not love every idea or example you posted, they all would work beautifully. to give what I think the original poster is seeking. I particularly love that pillow and the white bamboo chairs. Well done.

I'm so tempted to post a pic of mine, andhave you suggest some finds.

All I can say is in this instance, I think you did great.

Of course, I'm really curious to see what the OP thinks because that's all that matters.

Thanks @salonva. I don't know if each and every piece makes sense together but it was easy enough to pic things to show how she can emulate the style she is looking for. Ballard Design, Serena and Lilly, Visual Comfort, and some good Etsy finds would be go-to places for her look.

Once the gold and brass are in the space along with decorative elements, I think the dark top and front panels of her cabinet are going to feel like intentional choices to match the floor and will be great.

Sure, start another thread and post pics of yours. I'll have at it. Shopping for others is a wonderful distraction from my life. I particularly like trying to adapt a style of decor to a house of a different style. We don't all have the stars align to be able to live in homes that match our tastes, so why not try to bridge them?

Seems like we drove away the OP. Best wishes if you read this. You have a beautiful home.

Thank you so much, Kendrah—you really captured my style.

I’ve saw a comment suggesting I should’ve chosen a different house, and honestly, that’s a bit discouraging. I love this home. My husband and I designed the floor plan and built it ourselves, and the real challenge has been merging our two very different styles.

My taste is evolving, and I enjoy stepping outside the expected. This house blends modern with modern farmhouse elements, and I’ve realized that as long as everything feels cohesive and works for me, there’s no need to stick strictly to one style.

I was a little disheartened when someone suggested I should’ve been more creative. If I already had all the answers, I wouldn’t be asking for help! Also, photos don’t always reflect the true colors in person—like the foyer console, which is actually the same dark brown as the floors. One more thing: the carpet photo I attached isn’t the one I’m using in the foyer; it’s actually going in the living room. A designer from the furniture store we frequent selected it for me a month ago, and the colors next to the living room chairs are a perfect match.

In my last home, I used a lot of earthy tones—greens, oranges, browns, reds, and yellows. This time, I wanted to go in a new direction, but it’s been a challenge to balance what I love, what’s practical, and what my husband will agree on. He’s drawn to white furniture, which isn’t really my style. The inspiration photos reflect my preferences, but they’re not exactly what I envision for this space.

I’ve been shopping at Ballard lately and will check out some of the other stores recommended. I truly appreciate all the thoughtful and constructive feedback—it means a lot to me.

Forget the naysayers. I created some A.I. rooms for you.

Oops here is one with a fireplace.

I forgot you would like some earth tones so I added your brown tones to the prompt in an ottoman, etc:

I hope this helps. You're almost there!

Jennifer, don't be discouraged. You have a beautiful home! Some people (and oftentimes it tends to be the same ones) are a bit too blunt. Don't take it personally. Some people don't read everything-it was very clear the rug you showed was for the LR. If you hang in, you will find you can get some valuable help here.

May I ask-what is that view? It looks like a great water view!

There is so much talent and help on this forum - i learn something every day. But just try to scroll past unhelpful comments, it’s not personal.

Also just a plug of encouragement to take your time pulling the home together - we all tend to make mistakes when we rush

Thank you so much! @tracefloyd I have no idea how you got AI to create an image that matched exactly what I had in mind—so cool! I never even thought to try that. @kcooz07 It’s in Florida, on the St. Johns River. @la_la Girl, I totally feel you. I’ve been so tempted to just “get it all now” (who isn’t?), but I’ve noticed that when I slow down, I end up finding things I truly love instead of just settling for something that’s “fine.”

Hah, that is so cool I nailed it for you.

I always start my prompt with "Designer room with.... " and then list the furnishings, colors and lighting I want to see according to the comments. Thus the Ginger jars for example. I guess AI loves Ginger jars lol.

Decorating is supposed to be fun!

i used ai to get ideas, here is what it showed me, thought i would share lol

I suspect your husband would like the last once because he likes all white, correct? It also has the best looking light fixture. The fixture in the first two look anemic. I think you have to get the light fixture right because it is a sculptural piece that has a ton of impact on the space. The wall molding does not make sense in isolation and I suspect it is not carried through the rest of the home.

Wow --- I agree that the last light fixture looks great.. I'm just confused - maybe it's been explained but each one is putting a bench in front of a (closet) door?

I think all the renditions look great but do agree the last light fixture is better than the others.

@salonva lol. you should see my chat history with chatgpt. I am yelling at it to stop putting the benches in front of the closet, but it just doesnt understand. so I gave up

🤣

poor quality photo, but the rug i ordered for the living room came in. Now I can pick a rug and bench for the foyer a little easier. than furniture like coffee table etc. yayy

the rug didn't come any larger, so we created a sitting space and it will look more cohesive when i place the newer bird cage and other furniture in