"Impressions" by Susan Rios from Susan Rios, Inc. and Pierside GalleriesHow does one create the impression of an entrance, in house with no foyer, no hall or entry way? In older homes, there always was a place to hang a coat and put an umbrella and place your keys and pocket book. I suggest putting a table by the front door for this purpose, and getting what is called a "coat tree" which usually includes an umbrella stand. A little desk or high table by the front door provides the feeling of an entrance area. I have seen short book shelves used to divide the area from the living room, making you feel as though there is a hall there.
Regarding bookshelves and small children: we have large pieces of furniture that might tip, hooked to the walls with the metal hooks and eyes from the hardware store. Children sometimes are tempted to climb on a book shelf. Put all the heavy books in the lowest shelf to anchor it, and the lighter ones at top, and it is less likely to tip. You can wedge a piece of wood on the front of the lowest shelf and make it lean back against the wall slightly, for safety. The ideal bookshelf is what is called the poet's shelf. It looks like a staircase, with the widest shelf on the lowest part.
There are many things of interest to place on an entrance table. On my own entry table area I have a little stand that holds out-going mail, as it is close to the door. A vase of wonderfully scented flowers is a great idea because when the door opens, it sends a breeze with that scent througout the house. Another nice touch is a guest book, which you can make, yourself.
10 comments:
There is no need to envy those stained glass or leaded front doors.These days you can go to the craft section of any store and get the strips to put on a window that give the impression of cut glass, as well as stained glass kits to fill in the little squares. Some of it is removeable.
Thank you so much for the shorter posts! Now I can ponder one or two thoughts at a time instead of trying to remember so many. :)
And it's easy to read a whole post now with just a snippet or two of time.
Thanks again!!
J.
Some entry "halls" like mine aren't big enough for a table or book shelf or coat tree. That would be nice! With mine I hang a mirror to make it look as though it's bigger and add light. Also, there are pegs for coats or hats for our guests. Pretty pictures and greenery add a nice touch.
These are great ideas! Thanks :)
Thank you so much for these posts! I am getting many ideas to try. We live in a rectangular log home and now I look forward to making it sing! I check your blog daily and am always so excited to see a new entry! Thank you for your hard work - I know this must take a lot of time - but I appreciate it!
I have really enjoyed this series. I am looking forward to your next post.
Ours is a ranch home with the front door opening straight onto the living area. There is a small strip of tiled floorspace that leads straight to the hallway that goes (right) to the bedrooms or (left) to the kitchen. On that wall that faces our visitors at the 'T' I've placed a pretty mirror with a gold frame. It not only makes the entry area look larger (because of the reflected space), but ladies can check their appearance! (Actually, to be truthful, it USED to be there but I recently broke it. . . it was a little bit of a traffic hazard while negotiating that intersection).
We don't have a foyer, but as you open the front door, you walk right into the heart of the house (or one of many hearts of our house :) ) the living room. Most often, whomever enters is greeted with a smile by those hovering near by.
Another really nice post =)
Just want to say that I've just found your blog and really appreciate all you're doing to inspire other women in the area of homemaking. It is a great blessing to me and I'm sure to many others.
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