Friday, January 14, 2011

My foyer's new look

Truth be told, since the day we moved into our home I have never liked the contrasting marble on the floor of our foyer which is about 20' long by 13' wide.                                   
Finally in December I got around to tackling this design "flaw" and had a custom size area rug made. I used a very large remmant and had it cut to size. Remmants are excellent options for creating custom size rugs! Not only am I thrilled with covering up the contrasting marble, but I love the way the space feels brighter.      
Since this space sees a good amount of traffic I went with seagrass carpeting. Seagrass is durable, easy on the feet (sisal and jute are too rough for my liking), works well for a home in the 'burbs and looks stylish when pulled together with other elements of the foyer.   
What design challenges have you had to work with in your home?

38 comments:

The enchanted home said...

Looks fabulous...really lightens up the space, makes it look bigger and I love the contast of the light and dark...good call!

Party Resources said...

It looks great! I like the contrast of light seagrass and the dark marble. Have a great weekend! xx

Kelly Frances Dunn said...

Goodness, you are just a bunny pulling tricks out of your hat left and right! I love it when you post pics, solutions and inspiring thoughts based on your home :) It looks WONDERFUL! Still loving that wallpaper too :) To answer your question, I am so big on lighting and it's so not my ideal set up in this home. Lighter paint has been a friend of mine, it can help a lot! XX

Unknown said...

Lisa, this looks outstanding! Really brightens up the space in such a fresh, modern way! Love what you have done here!

quintessence said...

Looks fabulous! And I love the little niche you can see in the bottom shot with the lovely lucite console - gives the space - gives the space some extra depth and variety!

HAMPTON HOSTESS said...

the foyer looks great! I used sisal in Southampton too--so sturdy and looks great! Am working on a teens room--enough said!
You tell me when you are free for lunch?

Andrika King said...

The rug definitely did the trick! And the white boot umbrella stand is so unexpected! Loving it!

Natalie {Designer Bags and Dirty Diapers} said...

Looks awesome! I love that dresser in your foyer! I really like the floor lightened up the whole room!

Susie @ Maddie G Designs said...

Looks great. I love how it lightens up the space. The lighting (or lack thereof) in our upstairs hallway is my big challenge at the moment. Have a great weekend.

Deepali Kalia Interior Design Blog Filling Spaces said...

Looks great..my challenge these days keeping it clean with a 2 yrs!!lol

Anonymous said...

I love Seagrass too... love the natural element and texture it brings to a space. I love how it brightened up the foyer! Your home is just fun. xo

debra @ 5th and state said...

lisa, you knew in your heart what MUST be done, what a difference!
crazy for the new look, bravo
debra

Yahnay said...

Wow the transformation looks amazing. The custom made rug was a great idea to fit this space.

Loretta Fontaine (EcoHappy Blog) said...

Lisa- What a cheerful, bright difference the seagrass carpet in the foyer has made.

I'm amazed it is so light. (I'm wondering if your house also has a nice big mudroom on the side!)

Loretta

Unknown said...

So brilliant! I love how that brightened up your foyer. What a warm and inviting welcome for anyone stepping across the threshhold!

xo Elizabeth

Stacey said...

Stunning transformation! The space is so much lighter and brighter too-gorgeous foyer you have there!:-).

Unknown said...

Love it! I love the way it contrasts with the stripes! You are too talented, my dear! We are living in a pre-war apartment in downtown Savannah while we sell our house, the design flaws are many, but it has its charms! XX!

M.A. the 2nd ~ Frances Russell said...

Dearest Lisa .... I absolutely love the seagrass carpeting. It looks gorgeous and lightens the floor. It all looks so elegant and you have done a fabulous design job. Your home is so beautiful. I am so happy you used my risotto recipe on Christmas Eve .... that is special. I hope you are well and I will email soon .....
hugs and best wishes always
Frances

The Buzz Blog said...

We had a similar situation with a family room that had a slate floor. The previous owners decided to lacquer it and it was peeling - nothing like a great area rug to cover up the faults!
xxoo

designchic said...

I am amazed at what a difference this made in your foyer...fabulous!!

Lilacandgrey said...

looks amazing!

Amber B (Simple Dwellings) said...

I love the space! It's amazing how it instantly opens it up and makes it feel brighter. My current dilemma is adding a unique, chic look to my foyer and front entry hallway. I was thinking about large print, neutral damask wallpaper! Please check out my blog and tell me what you think!

Stevie said...

Your home is lovely and the carpet really does brighten up things.

Kathysue said...

Lisa, this is a wonderful exampe of how one element can make an area totally look different. I can not believe what a difference the rug makes, it really looks great!! Kathysue

Silvia C said...

I love the feeling of seagrass too. Great choice. I also love the color palette in your home. The piece of furniture in the foyer is fabulous (the one with the stripes). Did you paint it?

Acanthus and Acorn said...

lisa,
it looks fabulous...without ripping out the marble...great solution!

Danielle Sigwalt Interiors said...

What a difference! Looks so chic and inviting now...fabulous job!

The Devoted Classicist said...

The light tone for the floor now that you have the rug is attractive to be sure. Next time you change, you might consider adjustments to the lighting, however, as a dark floor can be very smart with a white wall scheme.

My Interior Life said...

Love the look and feel of seagrass. What a smart way to conceal something you're not wild about. My home has so many design challenges it's hard to know where to start!

Karen said...

What a beautiful way to brighten the space.

Hamptontoes said...

Thanks for all of your comments!

Casa Bella,
The dresser is stained, not painted. I bought it from ABC Home that way!

pve design said...

I love the way it has a chic boutique sort of entrance....looks bright, elegant and lovely to come home to. Love the way the custom carpet gives it a couture finish.
pve

Unknown said...

My biggest challenge is space/ storage issues. I don't know why, but here in England nobody has nice closets. One day I have to send you photos of my place. I'd love to know what a designer would think of my house. I worked really hard on decorating it to my taste, its been totally designed by Moi.
*kisses* HH

La Dolfina said...

Love the upgrade! It made a world of difference. Great job!!

Unknown said...

Wow Lisa! What a huge impact a little change like that made! I love it. I also like the chest a drawers - that one has been one of my favorites for years- now it is 'featured' ... before it just got lost with the dark floors. Everything looks GREAT! How did you finish off the edges of the seagrass?

That Girl in Pearls said...

Holy cow Lisa!! This looks so incredibly chic, clean, and sophisticated. Great idea. It worked out beautifully!

PS I am so glad you liked that video I posted. It's amazing isn't it??

All my Love,
B.

Anonymous said...

Hi-
I just started following your blog and am reading past posts... I was wondering if you could tell me where you got the coat rack? I am looking for something similar, and love it!

Thanks!
Andrea
andreamercedes1110@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

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