This is the (much used) back entry door from our garage. I had been thinking of a fun wall treatment in this little area, but decided to just “get it done” for now. We often forget—myself included—that just doing something is better than doing nothing.
I painted the door this color. I also painted the trim around it to make it feel a little more grand. I found the light at a second-hand store several years ago and stashed it away in my attic. I knew I’d eventually find the right spot for it. I sprayed it the orangey red color (that I can’t remember the name of now. . . ).
We also needed a little console to drop things in this spot. “Little” is the operative word. I couldn’t use anything too bulky or deep since it’s a high traffic area. I finally found this slim gray one on Joss & Main. (It’s 13” deep.)
And, a play-by-play of how I styled it. The bamboo-inspired mirror was a $20 thrift store find. I always work in layers, placing my bulkiest and tallest pieces first:
I leaned a couple of framed black and white photos and added vintage books for color:
A few more books, a bowl for keys, and a pair of brass birds. Once I have everything in place, I step back, (over)analyze and tweak. I turned those bottom books around because I wanted a little less shine. (Picky, I know.)
Back to those topiaries. . . We didn’t put an outlet on this wall when we did the renovation, and I wish we would have. Since I couldn’t have lamps, I used these (from IKEA) for height. I think they look real enough—and this area gets very little natural light. I haven’t found the right planters yet, so I spray painted the plastic containers blue and added some moss.
console table // lighting // topiary // basket // mirror
vintage photo // books // brass ducks // bowl
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You’re such a pro when it comes to styling! Looks great, Emily!!
So cool to see how you “work” =). I find my process to be similar (which is comforting) but my result isn’t as good =(. Now when would you like to come over and do my house?!
We can exchange styling for childcare :)
Don’t tease. I will pack my husband up and start house hunting in Charlotte.
that mirror is devine! great way to dress up a back entry.
Your styling abilities are always a treat to see. Love how this turned out! xo
I love that mirror. I’ve been on a hunt for a good bamboo mirror (larger) for ages…but can’t seem to find one under $100.
I love your statement about something being better than nothing. So true! Sometimes we need a reminder that things don’t always have to be perfect. Although, this looks pretty perfect to me! I love decorating with Readers Digest books too :)
Very nice indeed!! :)
I love when you share your thought process and as always, your end result! Looks great!
I love how you pulled this together! It looks so great. But I must admit I do not get the backwards book thing. I know you’re not alone-I see other designers do this too all the time-and maybe I’m being a fuddy duddy-but as a book lover it makes me shudder. :)
This is so great Emily. I totally agree about doing SOMETHING. Its really just the getting started that’s the hard part in most cases. Its so hard to find console tables to accommodate super tight spaces and I love the one you chose here. It all looks amazing. I also REALLLLLY love the abstract piece you have styled in the entry on IG. So so good.
Great reminder that something is better than nothing! I have been stuck in “Nothingland” for far too long. Looks awesome- perfect styling as always!
love the chandelier!!
I love little projects that make a big impact and appreciate your styling tips. I’m inspired to do “something”. Your back entry turned out great!!
True, something is sometimes better than nothing! I should probably apply that to some parts of my house! Your entryway looks great.
It looks even better than my front entry! LOL! Love the pop of red on your lighting and those topiary, makes it welcoming to everyone!