Friday, January 14, 2011

Making An Entrance…


When I see a nice entrance hall I wish, wish, wish I had one myself. I had a cute little one in my last apartment, but in this one, I’ve taken another approach – make the most of what you see when you first walk in, because here there isn’t one. Stay tuned for more on that - a work in progress…

An entrance hall is the first thing you see when you walk in - a place to unwind and settle in when coming home, and the last stop on your way out the door. That said, it HAS to be great. Size is a plus, but sometimes smaller rooms are my favorites. Always keep in mind moldings take on an unexpected grandeur in rooms with small proportions, so go Big and spare no expense in this space.

Here are a few of my entry must haves: number one - an eye catching light fixture, a coat closet, a table, a great mirror, a fun chair or center ottoman, pretty doors, amazing moldings, artwork or wallpaper, and interesting floors. Seems simple…but that’s a lot of bang for such a little room. And always flowers – one of the most important places in my book to have them.

I’m working on a project upstairs where we redesigned the layout to create an entrance hall. In the current layout you walk into a wall when you come in, and there's no orientation to the amazing view outside or the light – this kills me. The new entrance involves moving the door and reimagining the living space. This will absolutely MAKE the apartment, but I must confess, I have entry hall envy…

In my apartment without an entrance hall, I’ve created the wow with a few key elements, and it works. In fact I’ve been open housing with a friend who is looking for her next renovation, and after seeing tons of apartments, I came home and immediately thought – I really Love mine… It’s fun when your own space catches you off guard. That said, I’m always dreaming of my Museum, Park view, so I’m hopeful there’s a formal entry hall in my future. No surprise - I’ve planned out all my options depending on where I land…

2 comments:

gabrielle904 said...

I am the friend that Kelly is helping with open housing (she is such a darling friend, even more than you could imagine). I haven't told her this yet, however when we finish running around the UWS looking at my list of potential properties we go to Kelly's apt, I collapse on the sofa and wistfully look around her apt.....I love this massive window, I love these ceilings, OMG that bathroom....how come I didn't see anything like this out there?
The upside and downside of having such a talented friend:)

Kelly Giesen said...

You are so sweet...I need you to find this new place so we can all live through the fun of yet another renovation. After all mine is close to done, so bring on the next one. I have to admit I remember being in yours when it was finished and mine was a mess, and dreading going home. Can't wait to see what you find! No doubt it will be even more amazing as your last one...