Form and Function

Christine,
I saw your design blog and wanted to enlist your help. I have a space in my entry way that I want to decorate. I'm also limited on space in my house so I was hoping to make it functional as well. When you walk in my front door you see our stairway that curves around and the white wall below it. The first picture shows the wall from the front door. In the 2nd picture I've turned around showing you the front door with the stairs so you can get a sense of the space. I was planning to put some kind of table with plant/decorations on the wall below the stairs it but what I really need is a place for coats/boots etc. I have six kids and the house has no coat closet. We live in Utah so we use coats or jackets a big part of the year. I thought maybe I could put a wardrobe there but that seems so boring and I have no idea where to find one. The wall is 5' wide and 63" high from it's lowest point going up to the 2nd story. I want the entry way to be inviting but I also need the space to be usable. Do you have any ideas? Thanks for being so generous with your time,
Michelle

Hi Michelle,

Let me start by saying that that your entry has a lot of potential- but it is untapped potentential. The wall with the entrty door is very symetrical. Remove the picture- and go symetrical on your wall decor- with two matching mirrors. The one above from Uttermost is 30 x 60. This would also be a fantastic location for two generously sized sconces.

I found a storage chest from Decorize that had a lot of "functionality" for you. But with more style than an armoire. This is the first look that people get of your house- this is your focal point. Also- armoires are usually more like 80 inches in height. This piece could give each child a spot for mittens and hats, as well as an "inbox" for paperwork. The small door could house a stray coat or pair of boots.

Your walls are really putting me to sleep. I selected some wallpaper for you from York. This deep bluish gray would be beautiful.

For your rug, consider a "runner" size. It appears that you have the length for it, and whereas the entry is not deep, it is also not small, and the little rug is out of scale for the room. The rug above is from Momeni.

It will be gorgeous!