You had me at Hello!

 

 First impressions are everything. At least that's what I tell my children when their manners are left wanting. But the truth is first impressions do count for a lot. When you meet someone for the first time they form an opinion about you based on your appearance, your body language, your demeanor, your mannerisms, and how you are dressed. The same could be said for your home. An entry hall does not have to be big or lavish to make a good impression, but it needs to be welcoming and it needs to have a personality, something that tells your visitor about who lives in the home.

If you have the space, having some sort of table or chest as a surface for display is a good starting point. You could choose a decorative table that doesn't need much adornment....

....or you could decide on  more simple version.











You could opt for a rustic look....

...taken to the extreme by these old workbenches.

Whatever you choose, make sure it expresses something about you.

Deciding what to display on your table is entirely up to you. Plants, glassware and candles are popular choices...

 

 ...as are books, ceramic or pottery pieces.

Lighting in the form of table lamps or wall scones will help set a more ambient mood.

 

 If you have the space, some sort of some seating is a practical idea.

Also pay attention to your wall space. A mirror is always a good choice as it adds light and depth to a space.

Framed photos give your visitors something interesting to look at...

 

...and an eclectic grouping of paintings, sketches also provide great visual interest.

Adding baskets under the table is both decorative and useful for storing those bits and pieces that collect at your front door.

 

 

 If more substantial storage is required, you could consider using a chest of drawers or a low cabinet in your entrance hall. Here are some lovely examples..

 

 So go and take a look at your entry hall and consider the message your are sending your visitors...if it says, dull, boring or just plain messy (which I know you aren't) you might want to spruce it up!

Wishing you all a lovely week ahead from a very rainy Cape Town. (Hopefully the dams will fill up for summer!)

Till next time

Sharon x

Making an Entrance

 

If you want to make your house into a home that really reflects your personality and interests, the best place to start is in your entrance hall. A table or chest filled with a collection of things that have meaning to you, or that you find interesting or beautiful is a great way to tell your visitors a bit about yourself. Take a look at these lovely examples....

 This collection of things is quite eclectic, but the symmetry keeps it from looking chaotic.

The vase of blossoms add just the right height and scale, preventing the mirror from overpowering the table and objects below.

Such a lovely combination of textures.

Placing baskets or other similar containers under the table adds interest and can be useful as storage for shoes or other bits and pieces.

A weathered door placed on a trestle, some old books and battered suitcases, driftwood and other found objects.... you can put something like this together without spending a cent.

Using materials found in nature looks wonderful and is easily changed when you tire of your tablescape.

 

Also pay attention to the backdrop...I love this collection of mirrors. Gather some old picture frames from junk shops, place mirrors in them and voila!

Play with the height, scale and arrangement...until it feels right.

Fewer, larger items usually make more of an impact than many smaller ones.

Don't be afraid to put the practical evidence of your daily life on display, as long as it is done with some style.

Hopefully you have been inspired by some of these ideas so you too can "make an entrance".

 

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead.

 

 

Till next time

 

Sharon x

 

Image source: 1. Estilio Rustico, 2. Tumblr, 3. Atlanta Homes Magazine 4. Simply Pix, 5. Designer David Easton, 6. Veranda, 7. Velvet and Linen, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Tumblr 14 Josephine Ryan 15 Tracery Interiors, 16. Tumblr, 17 Casa decorada, 18. Decorista Daydreams 19. Decorpad 20. Estilo Rustica 21. Remodelista, 22. Style for living