my front entry needs help!

13 years ago

last modified: 13 years ago

I bought a turquouse cabinet that I love and have had a hard time deciding how to decorate it plus to the left is a huge art niche I dont have a clue what to do with. Any ideas would be helpful.

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PRO

Sandy G. ltd.

13 years ago

last modified: 13 years ago

-- Hey Candice, at one time I was all caught up in "Perfection" and it was literally making me sick! My therapist said to me, "Do not do a perfect job, do an ecxellent job!"
This statement has served me well over the years - it literally changed my life!

Your tray is excellent! Cannot believe you found it! You have a good eye and you need to trust that! You probably don't know what you want but you know what you like, and that is all that matters. We can find the pros and cons in all of this decorating stuff and finding the perfect thing for everyone's taste is just not going to happen! The only one who calls the shots is you.
If you like it, it's done!

Would love to have been able to underline and put in bold and italics many of the words above!

You will be finding new things, changing out cabinet tops, forever, hopefully, - so what is happening now is a learning process for you - and you will gain more confidence in your choices going forward.

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Comments (343)

PRO
Alicia Heyman Studio
13 years ago
Not sure I would have repeated the shapes from the chest for the tray... but thats just me. In fact, I would probably not use a tray there at all. If you get tired of the tray there...it might be the right size for that ottoman in the other room. And I'd try the candle holder on that other tray (which was too big for the tray/ottoman, on this chest. You know...just keep moving things around and trying them until you feel 100% about it. That kind of stuff doesn't have to be permanent (at least at my house it isn't). I'm moody about my decorations. I have my big items that stay in one place (of course my friends and family would roll there eyes at that)...but the little things move because I tire of them.
Candace Adkins
Original Author
13 years ago
The candle holder in the living room is huge. I bought the stuff today for the cabinet except lamps that I am still deciding on. Well not sure if I'm gonna get this right. I do like the tray but I see what your saying
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Mark
13 years ago
Candace just keep it simple, Look at Potterybarn or online for a nice mercury lamp, then add an arrangement of flowers. ( you said you like hydrangeas and I sent you a link where you could buy them ) this mirror from Uttermost would look perfect.
Candace Adkins
Original Author
13 years ago
So what part is wrong all of it? Are you saying to change my mirror now? Dont use the flowers? Whats not simple cause you said a group of 3. Im lost now
Mark
13 years ago
Candace, I said from the beginning that I thought the lamps you had were fine, perhaps lose one of them , just have an arrangement of flowers and something in between. I thought now after seeing the hundreds of messages to you that " you " now wanted to change what you had because you were looking for new lamps and everything else. That is why I offered this latest example because I thought you wanted to change everything you had. You can't listen to everybody because everybody has different taste. There was nothing wrong with what you had to start off with. You could keep one lamp add and arrangement of flowers and a nice bowl or something in the middle and that's it. Look at the picture I just posted, nice and simple. That's what I mean.
Candace Adkins
Original Author
13 years ago
I took everything I had back cause I didn't like it either. I put the few things I have on there now yesterday. Other than a lamp. I went off the hundreds of pics on here but bought the frame and small mirror I liked with the rose floral. I like what I bought I just haven't found a lamp yet. Maybe I have misunderstood the way it should be.
Candace Adkins
Original Author
13 years ago
In the pic above.
Mark
13 years ago
In decorating there are guidelines to help people, but that's all they are just guidelines. If you like what you bought then find a lamp that " you " like and be happy with your collection because it's your home, surround yourself with things that you love, who cares if it's not what other people say it " should " look like. You will never satisfy everyone, just be happy with what you like that is the important thing to remember.
Candace Adkins thanked Mark
Candace Adkins
Original Author
13 years ago
1 lamp or 2 and use a dark base or light base? I thought about putting tray on right and then 1 lamp on the left.
Mark
13 years ago
I like one lamp and then put the tray off to the right but get a vase with flowers that are a bit higher just to keep some balance when you put the lamp on the left side.
Candace Adkins
Original Author
13 years ago
I agree. Does the stuff I just put look that bad lol maybe I could arrange it different. Even though yes I want stuff I like I want a very put together look I saw a drexel heritage mirror yesterday at homegoods. I think it looked like one you have. So cute but cant afford it right now. Its kind of fancy for my house but so beautiful
Candace Adkins
Original Author
13 years ago
Yes I like the idea of the tray on the right. I had it that way yesterday but then changed it. :)
Mark
13 years ago
The tray looks fine, very pretty. It's all your style Candace, very traditional, timeless.
Candace Adkins thanked Mark
pattiegoode
13 years ago
I've spent a good part of my day reading through all of your comments! Great thread! Candace, I love your chest & right away wanted to suggest that you try it under the niche. But I think the iron doors on the niche will make you very happy. Now, my vote for a lamp on the chest is one fatter lamp. The chest has a lot of mass. I'd look for a heftier lamp base. But as Mark explained, that just my taste. I'll see if I can find a couple of pix to illustrate. I hope you are having fun!
Candace Adkins thanked pattiegoode
Candace Adkins
Original Author
13 years ago
I have fun interacting with all of you, but no fun on the decorating part because I really dont come across too much I love except for cute stuff on here. Ft worth tx stinks for cute decor shops and I have a bad eye f. For putting stuff totogether.

Pics are very welcome actually send me all you can. I need a visual to go by apparantly on everything lol
PRO
Alicia Heyman Studio
13 years ago
Hi Candace.... I think what Mark said is right. Its YOUR style. If you like something then use it. Every person that comments on here is going to speak from their own style. You've seen how once you saw something you really liked you stuck with it. Here's a quick "course" :-) on Scale and Proportion from bhg.com (slideshow). http://www.bhg.com/decorating/lessons/lessons-on-scale-and-proportion/#page=1
Candace Adkins thanked Alicia Heyman Studio
face39
13 years ago
I like the iron gate idea. Do you have children? It might make a fun time-out space oh wait...that defeats the purpose of to e out.

Seriously though: you get your wall back and your husband keeps the niche. You don't have to put a thing in it. Simple, yet beautiful. Don't know your budget, but an irons ith might make a custom gate for you.
ikebanoun
13 years ago
True pearl finish would do it
Candace Adkins
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you. Yes my problem is finding things I like or really love. I dont like to just put something in to fill a space although its not really expensive its cute and simple. Marks page gave me the idea of the roses and small box and the frame in glass was different for me. I usually have basic ones (although his home is perfectly beautiful and no comparison. I tried to pick out the things I could easily obtain because I am so tired. I want to love it but this area has frustrated me to no end. I still have my living room and rotunda another wasted space to do. I have dark moss green sofa and love lol. Yep I said green. :)

On another note wish I knew all of you other than in houzz your so kind and have been patient with me.
PRO
Designer Glass Mosaics
13 years ago
How about a mosaic sculpture by www.designerglassmosaics.com? See photo of example in your niche. We can make something custom in your colors.
pattiegoode
13 years ago
This chest looks like it's about the same size as yours, but it only has 3 items on it:
San Francisco Pacific Heights Residence · More Info

See the scale & proportion in this vignette:
Entry · More Info

Another one:
Traditional Entry · More Info

Plus:
San Francisco Nob Hill Highrise · More Info
pattiegoode
13 years ago
Just read your last comment, and I want to tell you to have fun. Your roses look great! There is no perfect arrangement, and I bet if I was there you wouldn't have to buy anything! We would use items you already own! lol Only buy things you love, love, love! Here are a few lamps that I think could work for you from Target, just search for these names on their website: Mattias Table Lamp (the base is slate and I think the coloring would work well with your chest), Threshold Mercury Glass Lamp (this shape is classic, which always works with traditional), and Table Lamp - Bronze (this metal base would tie-in with your iron niche-gates without being matched). These are just ideas. I've bought many lamps at flea markets and estate sales - a good healthy addictive habit that I miss terribly living over seas in the ME! lol
Candace Adkins thanked pattiegoode
pattiegoode
13 years ago
Ahhh, I meant to ask if you ever tried the first mirror you purchased over the chest and posted a pic. I missed it if you did! Often our first instincts are right-on. Wasn't it a metal frame?
pattiegoode
13 years ago
Detective work on my part : If the niche weren't there, what would be your vision for that wall space?
Candace Adkins thanked pattiegoode
r2p123
13 years ago
glass or a mural would be beautiful.
Candace Adkins
Original Author
13 years ago
Well if it weren't there maybe a picture
Candace Adkins
Original Author
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
Ill read more when I'm home and take a look at your suggestions :) thank you
PRO
Landscape Design West, LLC
13 years ago
Cover up the niche! A narrow vertical rug that is darker to not compete with the floor rug would be lovely.

The lamps are too distracting, I would remove them. This is a beautiful turquoise colored chest that is trying to make a statement. I would remove some of the other objects on top because it is hard to enjoy the chest right now. An oval or round mirror is a classic and would keep your eye circulating back to the chest time and again. An accent paint color on the two walls behind (the back wall and the wall with the 45 degree angle to the left)would pull this all together. Perhaps a color inspired by the rug, ochre or one of the muted reds. Great existing mirror, move it to a lonely wall.
Candace Adkins
Original Author
13 years ago
Update...... so this is my cabinet with the new decor. Tha lamp base is antique mercury so its actually not a bright silver. I feel it all goes together. At least it beats my before look :)
Candace Adkins
Original Author
13 years ago
Better pic
Candace Adkins
Original Author
13 years ago
The art niche AKA hell hole is still empty though :(
vjs12
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
I would remove the wall sconces. Here is what my friend did for her niches. Both of these are painted a different color than the wall color. Also I saw, at a model home, family photos hanging on the wall and the sill. It looked nice.
Candace Adkins
Original Author
13 years ago
They are removed its a clean slate.
Candace Adkins
Original Author
13 years ago
Did she paint a design in the top niche. Looks nice
vjs12
13 years ago
No, it actually is two pieces of wood about 6' tall with a hand painted design. She ordered them online.
Candace Adkins thanked vjs12
PRO
Sandy G. ltd.
13 years ago
-- Your chest looks very nice! Good for you because I know you have agonized over this grouping for a while now. I hope you have learned that these things are organic and you will want to change things around from time to time. Decor items are not nailed down and that is so that you can be your creative self and just try ideas out!

I am not being nosey [promise], but your struggle with this space has been challenging and I'd love to know what have you decided re: your niche? On hold for a while? You get to do that, you know!
Candace Adkins
Original Author
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
Lol. Right. Well im not sure. I would like an in style beautiful floral but idk how to make them and buying one is way too expensive who knows its taken me forrrreeevvver to do this cabinet wich im sure is not designer perfect. The lamps were the hardest I liked none of them but the antique mercury lamp I love. Its way cuter in person.
Mark
13 years ago
Very nice Candace ! You should be very pleased with yourself.
Candace Adkins thanked Mark
Candace Adkins
Original Author
13 years ago
Now for a cute pic of my gandaughter. Naomi for the frame
PRO
Sandy G. ltd.
13 years ago
-- Naomi? Absolutely!
Valerie Sell
13 years ago
I was browsing for iron sconces and came across your post. Then I saw your beautiful cabinet and got sucked in because if the color. Good job on decorating it. I'm also from the southwest and love nichos (niches). Since your cabinet is the focal point, I wouldn't put anything substantial in the niche. I'm a fan of orchids and the simplistic elegance. I would get one or two white orchids. Or I'd get a nice silver piece that would Carry over from the lamps. One of our faves in New Mexico is nambé....www.nambe.com.
vjs12
13 years ago
Candace, you stated you live in the DFW area. Have you tried Hemispheres or Michaels for the floral arrangement for the niche? They usually have 40-50% off at those places. Also, Sam Moon on Harry Hines, Dallas has a home store with nice decor. Another idea is to buy a large statue from an outdoor garden shop and put it there. Good luck!
Candace Adkins
Original Author
13 years ago
Hi vjs12. I tried Michaels but not hemispheres but I will thank you. So does sam moon home store carry florals? They closed my location at heritage for a clothes mentor?? Ill look this weekend thank you.
vjs12
13 years ago
Come to think of it.. no....Sam Moon has flowers but not made up. Hemispheres has lots of beautiful ones.
Kathy
13 years ago
Just a thought, I saw this rug in Grandinroad catalog today and it looks like a painting on the wall. Hung on a rod in your entrance it would just cover up the niche.
Kathy
13 years ago
Better pic
Candace Adkins thanked Kathy
qcade5871
13 years ago
The lamps are too tall
Kathy
13 years ago
http://houzz.com/photos/460133
I have seen these urns at pottery barn in gold.
Eleanor Smith-Litt
9 years ago
I love the niche because it has old world charm. I would either use a tall piece of ceramic, a sculpture, or a large vase with flowers or have glass made to display a collection of either glass or pottery, whatever you love. I think the niche competes with the "cabinet" for a focal point. There is a lot going on in a small space. I would put a small seating such as a narrow bench where the cabinet is and do raw silk pillows on it to pick up the colors of the piece(s) you choose for the niche, or a large painting. You could leave that wall blank and let the art in the niche be a big statement piece.