Wednesdays are the time of week Cindy and I overlap and share space, ideas and comments.  We enjoy it because it’s almost like we’re having a conversation even though we live far apart (and we miss our conversations!).  Our structure has been to share opinions on Thumbs Up/Down and shopping ideas on Top 10. 

We’re going to mix it up a bit - we’ll still share the space, but the topics will be more free flowing (like a conversation) and vary as the mood strikes us.   If you’ve got something you’d like us to discuss/explain/offer differing viewpoints, etc. just let us know.  We’re open to suggestions.  Today we’re taking a favorite designer quote and offering interpretation and photos to illustrate.  Really more my interest than Cindy’s, but she’s willing to play along.

 Terrie’s Featured Quote

“Entering is an extraordinarily important part of experiencing a house.  If you’re not welcomed by the house as you enter it’s difficult to remedy the negative impression once you’re inside.”  – Susan Susanka, The Not So Big House (available through our Bookshelf Amazon link above)

We haven’t paid much attention to entries/foyers yet, so this seems like a good time.  Whether your home has a grand formal foyer or a little tiled space right in front of the door, decorated properly guests will get a little preview of your home and personality.  First and foremost you do not want to welcome your guests with clutter.  Shoes scattered by the door, keys and mail tossed on the table does not present a welcoming atmosphere – for you or your visitors.

Entry begins with the front door; photo via Lookiloos.com

Chicago Idea Home '09 via MidwestLiving.com

 Many of us can relate to an entry like this – open the door right into the main room and a stairway.  The addition of the ledges (or shelf units if you don’t have built-ins) trimmed out in white molding really help create a sense of place.  Of course the key to having this work as a welcoming entry is to keep the main room tidy and pulled together.

Entry with personality (from somewhere in my archives)

It can be fun to display a collection in the entryway.  This person’s style and pleasure in things vintage is what sets this entry apart.

Photo via HouseBeautiful.com, designer Tobi Fairly

This more formal entry feels that way to me primarily because of the wallpaper.  The oversize damask is dramatic and the foil finish adds a touch of sheen to the small space.  While I’d probably have only used one lamp, I love the spark of aqua color in the neutral entry.

Photo via Westchester magazine, photographed by Phillip Ennis, via Room Remix blog

What vibe do you get from this entry photo?  To me it says the home is going to be traditional with a tendency to formality with the symmetrical placement of accessories.  The beadboard and slate flooring do bring in a touch of casual so it also says the home may have little touches of the unexpected.

Mirrors in the entry, designed by Vincente Wolfe

This foyer is much more grand and these two oversized mirrors (flanked by the 3 sconces) reflect the space and the decor on the entry table.  That entry table looks as big as many dining tables!  And a grand staircase light fixture to boot!  Simple and stylish.

Take some time today to evaluate your entry.  Use your most critical eye and ask yourself, “Would I feel welcomed by this entryway?” , “Do I get a sense of the people who live here?” and “Does the entry reflect the next room in the house so I feel comfortable moving from one space to the next?”  Need to make some changes?  Do it today, now, while you’re thinking about it.  There’s no time like the present. 

Cindy’s Featured Quote

“The only thing that separates us from the animals is the ability to accessorize.”  -  Clairee Belcher, Steel Magnolias

Bears hibernate in a cave.  Birds build a nest.  Humans live beneath a roof.  All animals find a space in which to survive.   But, as Clairee pointed out, a key difference between these habitats is accessories.

A home without accessories is impersonal.  It presents a cold, empty feeling.  Accessories add life, warmth and energy.  They tell a story about who you are, the people and things you love, and places you’ve lived or visited. Accessories reflect bits of you.  In addition to infusing your personality into your home accessories create a sense of comfort and belonging.

Photo bhg.com.

Accessories in this room indicate the owner enjoys casual comfort (toss pillows and a print throw – beverage and fruit bowl), appreciates natural beauty (branches in bloom and a plant on the mantel), loves family and/or friends (photo frame on table between chairs and bookcase shelf), relaxes by reading (books!), perhaps by a crackling fire.

Photo southernliving.com.

Even a room as functional as a bathroom reflects an owner’s personality through accessories. The crystal vase with roses and the bromeliad plant reflect someone who appreciates nature’s beauty.  The multitude of small bottles and the small sized clock indicates a woman uses this room.  Because the bathroom is such a personal space, the framed photo is most likely a much loved family member, a child or spouse.  The artwork on the brick wall and at the end of the vanity were placed by someone who enjoys being surrounded by creativity.

Photo bhg.com.

This room’s owner loves summer and the beach.  The straw hats hanging from the curvilinear mirror are both functional protection from the sun and decorations for the room.  Continuing the hat theme, a hat box elevates a bedside lamp and perhaps also serves as storage. Old glass bottles reflect the color of water and seashells bring a bit of the ocean indoors – yet they look perfectly at home with the blue of the room.  Three small “treasure chest” boxes probably stash tiny beach finds and mementos.

What do your accessories reflect about you and your family?  Are they projecting the a true story about the people, things and places you love?  If not, reconsider what you’re using – pick and choose what you  want in each room and make sure you use only accessories you love or that mean something to you.

Quote Happy

I’m quote happy – Cindy, not so much.  But thanks for ‘playing’ today Cindy!   Do you have a favorite quote relating to design or decor?  Do you read a decorating article and find the comments resonate with you and you wish you could remember them later?  Share a fave quote with us and maybe it’ll show up here some Wednesday.  You can leave it in the comments (just after the ads) or email us at solutions@YourDecoratingHotline.com. 

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