An entrance to remember

When welcoming guests into your home you want to make a big impression - a "wow" moment - something that they will remember long after they have left, and possibly even want to duplicate in their own home!

 

elizabeth kimberley

As an integral part of a home, an entrance should just look good - it needs to be practical too. And you don't need a large space to be able to have an entrance with impact - a small shelving unit, a bookshelf or a table can be used to make even the smallest space stylish!

m.design

One simple and very affordable way to make an impact - even in a plain entrance - is to add a console table. Just this one single piece of furniture will make a statement when dressed to impress. These tables can be a beautiful focal point in any room in a home, but are definitely a "must have" for an entrance way! Once you have your console table it's time to get down to the dressing and styling to create your new entrance.

While the secret to the perfect display is creating a vignette (a small collection or display), it's not always necessary to go to that extent - it’s a matter of personal taste and ensuring that you keep in mind a few design rules: balance, colour, texture, and scale of the items you wish to display.

BELOW: When taking design elements into consideration, this setting has balance, the colours fit in with the setting without overpowering or disappearing, various textures are incorporated and there are various heights that flow from side to side.

james michael howard

When designing and decorating your entrance, bear in mind three commonly used arrangements:

1. Symmetry

While an arrangement that is symmetrical appears to be more formal and organised in its layout, a symmetrical arrangement is one of the easiest to create. The eye is naturally drawn to ordered arrangements.

BELOW: To create a symmetrical arrangement two table lamps are placed on either side of a wall-mounted mirror. Additional symmetry is added with two chairs at either side of the console table, with art hung directly above. All these components create an ordered and well designed vignette.

james michael howard

Now add a mirror - perfect for creating the illusion of space if you are tight on square footage. A piece of art will also work well.

ABOVE: Two tall lamps are placed on either side of a smaller artwork.

Get together all the pieces that you would like to display on the console table and start arranging. You can take as long as you want to set everything out until you are satisfied.

Finally, it's time to add some atmosphere lighting.

2. Asymmetrical

While we are naturally drawn to an ordered arrangement, an asymmetrical - or casual - arrangement can be just as intriguing! With a table vignette this is normally achieved by placing one tall item - in this case a vase - alongside a single or arrangement of smaller items.

3. Private collections

A collection of like items showcased together can make a powerful statement, especially where objects are of a similar colour but of varying heights, shapes and textures. - adding visual interest.

mary mcdonald

james michael howard