Over the weekend, I ran into Kirkland’s to look for some mirrors for our bathroom (that’s another story for later. . . ) and I was pleasantly surprised to find this:
I have to admit, I don’t normally think of Kirkland’s for unique furniture pieces, but I loved the look of this little chest. (Can’t you just see it updated with some pretty, brass ring pulls?) And, to make it even more appealing, it’s only 12 inches deep, which would make it the perfect addition to a narrow foyer, like mine.
I love pretty entryways (in fact, I did a whole post on it here) and have always wished for one in our home. I’ve been doing some experimenting as of late, and am considering adding a piece of furniture to the narrow little hallway leading into our family room. Not only would a pretty chest and mirror make a statement, but it may help to disguise some of the 42 light switches, the thermostat, door bell, etc., that are placed not-so-strategically on this wall. (Why do builders do that?!)
The good news is that small spaces don’t necessarily mean that you can’t create a big impression when you come through the front door. Here are a few examples of small entryways that create the illusion of a grand foyer and why they work:
This small wall inside the doorway could’ve been easily neglected. Instead, they’ve treated it with a pretty mirror and a great pattern on the wall. Another tip–When you have a small wall, it’s a great opportunity to think big. Instead of opting for something small or a grouping of several items, choose one large mirror (which helps to open up the space) or piece of art that fills the space and adds height visually.
Caitlin Creer Interiors via DecorPad
If you don’t have alot of space horizontally, work your way up the wall, maximizing your vertical space. This tall leaner mirror visually adds “another room” to this tiny area.
(a beautiful, online textile shop–lots of pretty stuff to look at. . . )
I’m loving the impact of the wallpaper in some of them. I especially like the simple trimmed out area with a small hit of paper between the sconces in #2.
My teeny little early ’80s foyer is always a challenge! I’ll be updating my light fixture and I have a couple of small scale pieces there, but I would love to have it make more of a statement. Great inspiration here, Emily~ :)
It looks darling! Look forward to see you you put your unique twist on it, if you use it in your foyer! x
It is definitely hard to find just the right piece for small foyers. I have been searching forever on Craigslist for a small demilune table to no avail and have been searching all the Goodwills and Salvation Armys. That small dresser looks perfect…great storage and sleek. Also thanks for sharing all of the great images. I especially like the one by Anne Coyle!!! Also, I’m hosting a girly GIVEAWAY today if you’re interested :)!!
I’m loving the Southern Living picture … that wallpaper is beautiful.
Hi Emily,
Love all those photos, such inspiration. I like when people pose the dresser and lamps with something on the walls, I think that looks nice.
I’ve done a few things with our foyer. Still need a rug and window treatments and I’m always changing out the decor. Here it is with winter decorations:
http://www.decoradventures.com/2011/01/winter-around-house.html
I forget about Kirklands, must go see what they have!
I have the opposite problem. I have the longest entry ever leading to the living room. Long wall on right, office, dining room, and kitchen on left. I still don’t know how to decorate it, everything looks small in comparison.
Oh, my word! LOVE the lavender one. My daughter lives in our converted attic space which has a little upstairs foyer of its own. Hello, inspiration! Thanks!
Wow, thanks for the inspiration! I loved the last three pictures, good stuff! I’m going to go check out the dining rooms post next.
Love the idea of making a big impact in a small foyer. We recently remodeled our home and the foyer got a huge makeover. You can check it out here:
http://oakridgerevival.blogspot.com/2011/02/where-is-foyer.html
Emily your find is perfect, I too need a narrow piece for the entru hall!
The images are also terrific!
Do come and enter my Artful Offering!It is truly beautiful!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Love the one with the purple table. I just like how everything is arranged and kind of layered on it.
I have that yellow Ikat fabric that’s on the wing chair for the Fabricadabra ad at the end of your post. When I ordered it I didn’t realize the width…it’s the perfect width for a table runner as well as a pillow. They have some lovely things. ~Ann
Emily, I would love your input on my tiny foyer! I put a huge chalkboard map that I found thrifting in the small space I have hoping to accomplish the very thing that you wrote about today, but I’m not sure if it works. I know you’re a busy lady, but if you have a chance to stop by and let me know if you have any ideas or if you think it is working, that would be awesome!
http://the-savage-family.blogspot.com/2011/03/small-foyer-big-art.html
Emily, I would love your input on my tiny foyer! I put a huge chalkboard map that I found thrifting in the small space I have hoping to accomplish the very thing that you wrote about today, but I’m not sure if it works. I know you’re a busy lady, but if you have a chance to stop by and let me know if you have any ideas or if you think it is working, that would be awesome!
http://the-savage-family.blogspot.com/2011/03/small-foyer-big-art.html
Emily, I would love your input on my tiny foyer! I put a huge chalkboard map that I found thrifting in the small space I have hoping to accomplish the very thing that you wrote about today, but I’m not sure if it works. I know you’re a busy lady, but if you have a chance to stop by and let me know if you have any ideas or if you think it is working, that would be awesome!
http://the-savage-family.blogspot.com/2011/03/small-foyer-big-art.html
Emily, I would love your input on my tiny foyer! I put a huge chalkboard map that I found thrifting in the small space I have hoping to accomplish the very thing that you wrote about today, but I’m not sure if it works. I know you’re a busy lady, but if you have a chance to stop by and let me know if you have any ideas or if you think it is working, that would be awesome!
http://the-savage-family.blogspot.com/2011/03/small-foyer-big-art.html
Emily, I would love your input on my tiny foyer! I put a huge chalkboard map that I found thrifting in the small space I have hoping to accomplish the very thing that you wrote about today, but I’m not sure if it works. I know you’re a busy lady, but if you have a chance to stop by and let me know if you have any ideas or if you think it is working, that would be awesome!
http://the-savage-family.blogspot.com/2011/03/small-foyer-big-art.html
I know exactly what you mean about a small entry way — our home doesn’t have one, the front doors opens directly to the living room — I built some ledges for a short wall that door opens on to – we placed our wedding pictures on the ledges, love the statement it makes and works well in the room.
The small foyer table you found would look amazing and YES for the pull rings too cute :)
OK my foyer has all those light switches etc. too! So frustrating. I am still looking for the perfect lamp!
I have a narrow console table I picked up from a Crate and Barrel outlet a few years ago. I just added a beautiful silver bowl for a key catchall. Now to find a coat tree and lamp!
Entryways and powder rooms are the best places to create the magic. Great images.
‘Tan with pops of beige’ just cracked me up. I’m so stealing that.
Great inspiration!! I saw a picture on a blog recently (maybe here?!) with really bold floor tiles in the foyer and thought, hello?? I can totally do that! I always focus on what can’t be done in my house (can’t wallpaper since all the walls are somehow connected) instead of the things that would work perfectly.
These are great — I especially love the wallpaper ones. Nothing creates impact and drama like wallpaper, in my book, anyway. Great images.
i love this idea, esp with the two lamps. and its great for storage! xoxo jcd:: cornflake dreams
Love those striking entryways! My favorite is the first picture!
Love this post and so well timed… I’m working on a makeover of our front hall right now! I totally agree that the front hall is a place to be bold. I’d love for you to pop by and check it out.
designithome.blogspot.com
Emily thanks for the ideas! I decided to try and use your advice while still utilizing what I had around the house. I think it looks quite a bit better and I didn’t even have to spend a dime (although I think I would like to add a mirror and another lamp to the mix eventually). I posted the update on my blog if you are curious, but either way, Thanks again!
These are all excellent ideas! My front door opens directly into my living/dining areas so I created a ‘moment’ (I love that!) to the right side of the door. I posted a pic on my blog last week if you are interested!
http://jpmdesign.blogspot.com/2011/03/friday-at-my-house.html
OMG…I had no idea Kirkland’s had a website. I have not even stepped foot in one in maybe 3yrs. That is a beautiful chest. I am so ready to do my foyer or even anything in my home! Hopefully I can have some kind of start in the next few months.