My Entry Renovation

[Julie-Ann]

Hi I thought I would start a new thread on my entry renovation so it is easy for people to follow. If you have any ideas let me know - I love bouncing ideas around.
If you have a project your working on big or small I would love for you to start a thread about it so we can all follow your progress. Sometimes it's nice to live vicariously through others when we haven't got our own project.
It will be kind of like your own little blog.

Unfortunately I didn't take before pictures of the entry. One day I walked into the house through the front door instead of the laundry door. And I had one of those 'what was I thinking' moments. Seizing the moment I convinced DH that we needed to change the rug. I had him out at those rug shops pronto. Here's the new rug(the photos are all below).Not what I really wanted but the best we could find.

Next I told him the floral arrangement on the table needed to change. I find it is best not to overwhelm him with all the changes I actually had planned - he might add up the dollars if I did that. So after weeks of looking for just the right vase you can see the new look.

The next stage was all the gold picture frames. But by now I thought I might be pushing my luck with the budget so I suggested I paint the existing frames. After 2 coats of undercoat, 3 layers of silver paint & a coat of white paint rubbed in here is the finished result. So these now will go off to the framers to have the prints put back in.

Next is the mirror. DH said the other day "you know the mirror won't match the silver frames". No problem I said I have found something ideal for there- of course I had ages ago. This is the existing mirror. Wait for the new one in a few weeks.

The light fitting will stay.

My aim is to give a more eclectic look instead of purely traditional. I want to mix it up a little but to work with the traditional style of the house and the light, airy look in adjoining rooms.

Don't be shy in commenting or making suggestions.

[Elements]

Hey JA, once you have the prints back in the frames that will help visualise a little more the look you are going to achieve.....are they colourful prints or photos.
I have seen some fantastic fabrics that would tie all that together beautifully and still maintain that eclectic feel you are after....

Maybe we need to set up a decorator items swap rotation so we can all change around our items without it making our hubbies eyes roll back in their heads. I have some beautiful magnolia sprays and casablanca lillys that would look perfect there.:D

[Julie-Ann]

What a great idea Elements. But those flowers replaced some pink magnolias. I would have stayed with magnolias but I didn't want the pink. Milena has the same mirror, I was thinking I could give her mine and she could have a matching set. Problem is she wants to get rid of hers too:D.

So I went to the picture framers today. The photos (seepia) and the print we have, looked even better than I imagined. Don't you love it when a plan comes together. And the best part the framer said new frames would have cost $400+ and not the $50 I spent on paint. So according to my calculations I now have $350 to spend on a mirror - right???:D

So I have attached 2 mirrors I am deciding on. I think the last one which is from Freedom. It looks much better in real life as those dark edges are cut rectangles of mirror.
Which one do you think?

[Milena]

I really love the second mirror especially how it looks so shiny :)

[Elements]

I know that exact mirror.....love it. It will suit your look perfectly.
By the way my magnolias are white but either way you don't want to go backwards you want to go forwards;) So I understand......
FYI..... those mirrors have alot of blemishes in the actual glass so look ove rit completely before you take it home....or there is always blemish discount;):)
...and yes I think $350 is your spend amount:D
I look forward to seeing the pics up on the wall.

[ablancspace]

I like the mirror with the ****bly bits on it.
I also like your thinking with the spare 350!!!
x Justine

[jennymbutler]

Frames look great Julie-Ann!!

Maybe instead of flowers you could get a potted plant instead?

[anastasiaC]

looks cute!! love the frames and how they turned out!!
i dont really have an entryway - wish I did as I love the impact you can create!

i did a blog post ages ago about black feature walls
love the lsat image of the dark entryway - its Rita Konigs home in NYC - wow factor!!
http://anastasiac.blogspot.com/2009/08/black-feature-walls.html

[Julie-Ann]

gorgeous pictures Anastasia:D

[Julie-Ann]

A temporary hiccup with the entry renovation.
I picked up the pictures in their new frames from the framers and happily hung them on the wall. DH came home and commented that the large picture of our angel looked great with the new silver frames and the white mat board. But he wasn't so thrilled with the seepia toned photos. These 3 smaller photos had a double mat board, the inside one was coffee and the outside was now white. DH suggested we should make it a double white mat- don't you hate it when they are right:mad:.

http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab86/jamhind/angel.jpg

So before I could even take a photo for you, DH had those photos of the wall and in the car to go back to the framers. They should be ready early next week.
I am checking out my final shop for mirrors today and will make that decision. Then I just have to convince DH:D

[Julie-Ann]

Oh dear, another slight hiccup with the renovation of our entry hall. Apparently my DH has a dislike of round mirrors:mad:. So back to the drawing board. I have told him he will now have to go out with me in the soaring heat this weekend to find a rectangular shaped mirror. I'm not sure what he is looking for as he doesn't want traditional or very modern. But if anyone knows of a mirror that fits this description let me know.
Did I ever tell you my DH is my most difficult decorating client:(.

[Lorraine]

LOL!!!! Julie-Ann, you can always trade your DH in!!!!!!!!! KIDDING of course.

[Lorraine]

OOPS Julie-Ann's DH. xoxox

[Julie-Ann]

Let's hope my DH isn't reading the forum today whilst you are suggesting divorce over a round mirror:D.

[Lorraine]

LOL!!!! If your DH reads the forum, he will want to know why he is being picked on.....LOL!!! There is nothing wrong with a round mirror at all. :D
BTW Julie-Ann, I have a large "white wash" rectangular mirror in my hallway, I love it. :)

[Julie-Ann]

Hi
I picked up the other pictures yesterday and everyone is happy with them - phew!

http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab86/jamhind/Hall1.jpg

So now all we have to do is find a rectangular mirror the DH is happy with to replace the gold mirror above the hall table. I want the room to be about mixing traditional and modern but also to be very light and fresh- if that makes sense.

http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab86/jamhind/Hall2.jpg

This is the hall from the other direction. Not sure about the milk urn but will worry about that after I have found the mirror


http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab86/jamhind/Hall3.jpg

All suggestions and ideas appreciated:D.

[Lorraine]

Stunning!!!!!

[Milena]

I love what you have done for your entry. Especially the frames, the rug and even the wall colour. In fact I just love it :)
Fantastic work, very classy.

[Julie-Ann]

Thanks- I think it's getting there.
Any ideas of what style of mirror? Remembering that it has to be rectangular.
We are disagreeing on what is the focal point. Is it the large painting on the rear wall? Or is it the table and mirror?
Normally you would say the painting but with the frames and mats being so quiet and identical to the small photos maybe it is the mirror which could be very different to the frames???
Help settle another one of my family decorating disputes:D.

[Milena]

I found this website about mirrors

http://www.printdecor.com.au/mirrors/cat_10.html

So maybe have a look through their website and it might give you some ideas when you go shopping with dh for a mirror. Hope you can find something on the weekend :) Looking forward to what you buy.
I think the focal point in this entry is the large painting on the rear wall because that's what catches your eye when you first enter the house.

[Lorraine]

That is a great website for mirrors Milena.
I hope Julie-Ann finds something this weekend, looking forward to seeing her entryway complete. :)

[ablancspace]

ok I'd go with a really large mirror even one that's on the floor with an old thin iron rim around it. I'll hunt for a pic for you. But big so it makes a statement. There is a shop in Palm Beach called Les Intereurs and they have these stunning mirrors around $1200 and they just look amazing .
Ok pic hunting I go
x justine

[Lorraine]

WOW Justine, that mirror sounds amazing, and no doubt it would look gorgeous in Julie-Ann's entry. :)

[Milena]

Thanks Lorraine, I really like the mirrors on that website and I really hope it helps Julie-Ann with what she is trying to achieve :)

[Lorraine]

So do I Milena. I could never find anything like that where I live. Trying to find different pieces for your home can be frustrating at times. :(

[Milena]

It is hard to find things but there is more and more great stuff coming out on the internet all the time. What did we ever do without it? :)

[Lorraine]

Yes I agree with you there Milena. Internet has a lot of things, I guess you need the time to look for stuff though. :)

[ablancspace]

Hey there - Sproost says my interior design style is:
43% Nantucket Style
29% Rustic Revival
28% Cottage Chic
i'd agree
x justine

[ablancspace]

whoops posted that in the wrong spot sorry

[Julie-Ann]

The website is great Milena:). I have another website too www.allstatesframes.com.au (http://www.decoratingforum.com.au/www.allstatesframes.com.au) between the 2 I should get some idea of what DH wants.
I did love the idea of a big mirror. I will go and search for a picture to show DH but I don't think he will go for it:(.
I will keep you informed. By tomorrow I should either have a mirror or be divorced:D.

[ablancspace]

ok here is something to help with the idea re a tall mirror.

[URL="http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/80171842"]

This one is only 165 high and the frame is thick. but imagine 2m high with the frame made of dark iron/steel thin edged around the edge.
Also have no table & bring the milk urn closer to the other side of those doors.
:-)
x justine

[ablancspace]

http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/S19875893
this mirror is more similiar for the idea re the frame
again imagine taller and without the two extra mirrors
Not suggesting to purchase at ikea knew they'd have something
for ideas.
x justine

[Lorraine]

OH not DIVORCE..........LOL!!!! Hope you found a mirror xox

[Lorraine]

Have yo9u found the perfect mirror yet Julie-Ann? xox

[Julie-Ann]

So here is the update. Bad news is no mirror yet:(
Brilliant news we have agreed on what we want:D.
We actually found what we wanted but it was too big. So we both liked a square mirror with quite a simple silver frame. I like the square shape because it is more contemporary.
So the next step is to go back to the websites tomorrow and see if there is something similar there. If not we will go to the art framers and have something made up. A more expensive option but less expensive than divorce:D.

[Lorraine]

Oh that sux Julie-Ann, I thought you would have your mirrror by now. Oh well at least you have both chosen one you both like YAY!!!! I agree divorce may be a bit more expensive.....lol!!!! :)

[ablancspace]

Oh yay, happy you found something, sorry haven't got that photo yet I will still drive up to palm beach and get some shots for you though. you never know.
It is quite a statement piece.
I like those. Less furniture needed...
x

[Lorraine]

I'm looking forward to seeing that statement piece too. :)

[Julie-Ann]

Me too. It's always great to see new ideas. But the table is sentimental and an antique so I want to keep that- much to Mr16's disgust- he dislikes antiques.
Can't wait to see it Justine:)

[Lorraine]

LOL!!!! Can you ask MR16 to leave if he doesn't like your taste. :)

[Julie-Ann]

Maybe when he has finished school:D.
We have actually specified in our will's that he is not allowed to sell our few antiques until he is 21- we hope he will have some appreciation for them by then:mad:.

[Lorraine]

Well then he just has to live with it. I hope he doesn't ever want to sell the antiques.

[Julie-Ann]

A piece of good news for the day.
I rang the picture framers and the mirror DH and I have agreed on would be $500 max. That includes a large bevel edge and 6mm thick. So with the $350 I save painting the frames - the mirror is only costing $150. I actually managed to get away with that calculation when telling DH:D. So on Saturday we off to the framers to choose-yay.
By the way a 4mm thick mirror can create distortion- which could be good or bad depending on whether it makes you look skinnier or fatter. And there is no way to predict which way it will distort. I have a cheaper mirror that has this effect. It wasn't until I saw some photos of myself that I realised this mirror makes me look 1 dress size smaller:D. And no it wasn't just the camera causing me to look larger, like I hoped. I checked in several other mirrors and this one is definitely faulty. If I could guarantee which way a 4mm mirror would distort I could make millions selling skinny mirrors:D

[Romantic French Cottage]

You could save $500 to spend on something else by giving the existing mirror the same treatment that you gave the picture frames & hanging it portrait-wise.;)

Di

[Julie-Ann]

Great minds think alike:). We tried that on the weekend but the mirror was too small. Plus I kind of want a slightly contemporary look.
I am really into mixing old with new at the moment. I did this in the lounge room and loved it. So we will have to go and spend the $150 (remember not $500:D) on the weekend

[Romantic French Cottage]

I do agree a bigger mirror would be better. Just a suggestion: What about placing it on the back wall with a tall floor vase beneath it containing a silver branch or something modernish, with the branch just overlapping a small area of the bottom of the mirror? The mirror would reflect back light from the door, whereas the glass in the picture frame catches the light, making the picture difficult to see.

Di

[Julie-Ann]

Very good suggestion Di.
The picture was hard to see because of the glare at that angle. But most of the day it's fine. It is the most hauntingly beautiful picture of an angel. We call her our guardian angel.
I was also worried that if placed the mirror opposite the door that it was bad Feng Shui- but I am not sure? I think I heard you reflect all your good luck back out the door. I'm a little superstitious:D and need all the luck I can get after my FB saga yesterday.
But you have got me thinking I might be able to use it in the Meals area above a chandelier. I will get DH to hold it up there for me tonight and I will let you know:)

[Lorraine]

Julie-Ann If your mirror is going to face the front door I would not go with that idea at all. Not good feng shui. :)

[Romantic French Cottage]

There are all sorts of 'cures' for bad feng shui. Will see if I can find one for you. I have had a mirror opposite my front door (pictured below) ever since I've lived here (14 yrs), also my house number is 4 (supposedly bad feng shui, but I found a cure), but this is the luckiest house I've ever lived in, and the best ambience ever. (Touch wood!) :D Have pictured below, a mirror that I recently bought for my staircase. It looks like a window and is almost as tall as I am. Maybe something like this on the back wall would complement your double French doors? Also, yes, I noticed that incredibly beautiful picture of your angel. How unusual & delicate. It needs a spot where it can be seen to its full advantage, your own choice of course.

Di

[Julie-Ann]

Wow they both look so good.
Our house is number 4 too. What was the cure for the bad Feng Shui?

[Elements]

I always thought you put the mirror facing you as you enter through the front door to deflect the bad spirits from coming in....

[Julie-Ann]

I couldn't remember if it was bad Feng Shui or not so I asked an expert I follow on Twitter. She said yes it was bad to hang the mirror so that you see it as soon as you enter. She recommended that you hang a picture instead.

[Elements]

Good to know...thanks....lucky I never really did anything about that:D
Looking forward still to seeing the end product, I bet you can't wait.:)

[Julie-Ann]

Some progress on the mirror- silver is not popular with picture frames, gold is. I'm so glad I went to all the trouble to paint those gold frames silver:rolleyes:.
So there wasn't a lot to choose from even in the catalogues. But we did find by putting 2 frames together we got the look we are after. So we will get a price on Tuesday. Plus there was one in the catalogue that we are getting a sample of before we make the final choice. Getting very close to doing the deal. i will keep you informed:).

[Lorraine]

Getting very impatient now Julie-Ann. RFLMAO!!!! :D

[Julie-Ann]

Today my DH was working from home, so at lunch time we called in to the picture framers to see the samples they had bought in for us. We all loved it better than our first choice and it is $4 cheaper. I just keep making big savings on this renovation - I think I deserve a reward, maybe a new handbag:D.
So the mirror should be ready in a week - yay

I took a picture of the frame sample for you.

http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab86/jamhind/silverframe.jpg

Fingers crossed it all works together:)

[Julie-Ann]

Exciting news - the picture framer just phoned and the mirror is ready. So I can pick up tomorrow morning.
Stay tuned for the great unveiling:D

[Lorraine]

Julie-Ann, why haven't you got your mirror now???????????

[Julie-Ann]

Lol I was waiting for you to nag me first:D.
Actually I'm just looking for a picture of that Enjo dust flexi. I think I found it and will post it.
I promise the mirror will be hanging up by 4pm your time:D

[Katrina]

Waiting for the mirror......yippeeeee!

[Lorraine]

Still waiting patiently young lady.......lol!!!! :D

[Julie-Ann]

So here is the mirror:)

http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab86/jamhind/mirror.jpg

It looks great in the room. It love blending the modern with traditional- so I am happy:D
The last job is too polish the antique copper urn so it actually looks like copper:D

[Milena]

Great you got your mirror :) It looks really effective and matches your photo frames. I like it!

[Katrina]

Excellent choice! You happy? I love silver...my kind of colour :)

[Julie-Ann]

I prefer the silver too. It was surprising when we were choosing the frames that 80% of the ones available were in gold and only 20% in silver. So maybe we are unusual and the rest of the population prefer gold.
Any volunteers for polishing the copper urn?:D:D

[Lorraine]

LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!!!! Julie-Ann, the mirror looks stunning. Now you can come here and sort out my family room as I still haven't done it yet. :D:D:D:D

[Bonvivant]

Hi Julie-Ann
Love your floor, white walls, ceiling light and sold on the mirror! I had done a yarn, then saw (doh) that you had chosen a square silver mirror and am very pleased with your choice! Looks great. I like how they placed chairs on either side of a hall piece in a picture I found. Still, you may not need it. Kudos!

[Julie-Ann]

I love the chairs too- thanks. I will have to look for something special:).

[Julie-Ann]

I need your honest opinions here. I keep looking at this entry and sometimes when I see it from the family room (which is picture 1) I think it is perfect- simple and elegant. But then when I look from the front door I think it is to plain.
Should I add more ornaments to the table? I was playing around with shapes in the second picture, so not these ornaments just the idea of them. Some modern glass candleholders and something in the front in ceramic perhaps. I now have my antique chair that I could put to one side but which side? And do I add something to the other side? Or am I returning to my traditional taste and cluttering it up?
Can you tell that I have had too much time to think about this by being house bound with this broken foot:D. I think I have driven myself insane going around in circles:(
All suggestions are appreciated.

[Milena]

I like the look of it in the 2nd picture. I see what you mean that it may look a bit plain and I would suggest to have some ornaments or even a table lamp just for the show. I am not sure what else to suggest but here are some photos I found for the inspiration.

[Julie-Ann]

Gorgeous pictures Milena:). There is no power point nearby and the table is small so maybe something like 2 of these candlesticks and maybe a small silver photo frame. Yay or nay?
I'm thinking no to the chair as it made it very traditional again. Yay or nay?

[Milena]

Thanks:) I think I would choose some kind of ornament rather then candlesticks and agree to have a photo frame. I remember Katrina had a really good arrangement in her hallway but then her table was longer and not sure if it will suit your house style?
Personally I wouldn't have the chair and agree it would make it traditional:)
It's really hard to suggest as my style is contemporary.

[Julie-Ann]

No this is great that you have contemporary taste because I want to make it more modern. Do you think no to candles as they are too traditional?

[Milena]

You are really making me think about this one:) I think I don't mind candels but I would change the candle holder instead of clear ones could you use wooden one like the one I am attaching and ornaments around it.

[Milena]

Maybe a good idea is to buy a bigger table;)

[Julie-Ann]

No the wood isn't grabbing me although that is a lovely photo. I guess I am after contemporary/eclectic in a classical elegant way. I have been pondering this for about 4 weeks but can't find just the right thing:(. I can't change the table as it is a french antique table with lots of sentimental value. Even in our will Mr17 isn't allowed to sell it until he is 25. Hopefully by then he will appreciate its value:D

[Katrina]

I am reading and thinking.... I think on the whole it looks great from your family room, but I agree it could use more. Do you think personally JA that it may be too small for a long wall? Just wondering :) It's lovely though!! I like to have large arrangements on smaller tables that have height that go over the mirror.

[Julie-Ann]

I think it being too small from the angle of the door is part of the problem but looking at it from the family room it's fine. But because it is a special treasure I will have to work it. Do you have a picture of what you mean by large arrangements Katrina?

[Katrina]

Oh and I meant to say you don't need to have a power point for a lamp, just have the lamp for show! I do this all the time :)

[Katrina]

Ignore all the colours of course... but the big arrangements look great in small spaces... or I love the lamp one side and arrangement the other. Love the use of stacked books and white frames.

925

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928

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[Julie-Ann]

Too true about the power point. Maybe a lamp taller than the flowers and something else in front of them. Some great ideas - thanks both of you:)

[Julie-Ann]

Of course now I have to find the right lamp- it never ends:D

[Julie-Ann]

Apart from adding some height and bulk to the table if I could add something to the sides of the table it may help with the scale of the table to the space. But I don't think the chair. I have seen cane baskets but that's too casual for me. In that 1st photo of Katrina's it looks like a glass umbrella stand- that looks interesting. Has anyone seen anything this shape?

[Elements]

How about adding something like a decorative trunk or a couple of pieces of old luggage which will give you some sold colour down the bottom and then a pot or floor lamp on the other side to give a highest to lowest effect and maybe a stack of books with coloured spines for your vase to sit on top. You can get the eclectic look, keep it within the look you have and add some subtle colour with the books aswell

http://cdn.overstock.com/images/products/P11068440.jpg

http://firefliescottonwood.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/armchair-bookstack-vase-htours0506-de.jpg?w=360&h=460

Today I also saw a stack of boller hats and a stack of old cigar boxes for decoration....

[Julie-Ann]

I love suitcases- they look so cool. But because the house design is so traditional I think I want to add ultra modern pieces as a contrast. Does that make sense? Fussy and annoying- aren't I. And you haven't even met my DH- he's worse:(.

[Elements]

How about running a line of frames with mixed art work along one side of the table.....sort of like the pic, if the wall was straight.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JwKcIkr8tIo/TBuiEMG63aI/AAAAAAAAKyI/rk9Xlkw7bU8/s1600/HALLWAY-DECOR_1.jpg

[Julie-Ann]

I thought of art too - although your idea is even better. There are 4 pictures in the area already though so maybe a different texture. I just was joking about putting 2 ceramic waist high tigers either side (a girlfriend actually has a pair). I have officially lost the plot:D. What about 2 white square leather pouffes? Is that too short and simple? Or wall sconces but maybe something long in shape?

[Elements]

I actually had in my head also... A tall free-standing bus scroll or basically art work or a sculpture or covered canvas feee standing agaist the wall next to it and then found that pic and thought the frames with different artwork would look great also.
Yes the ottomans(pouffes) would be good only if they fit under the table properly.
Maybe you could find an old wishbone chair and paint it black or something quirky like that.... with the book stack.

[Elements]

You could do a wallpaper canvas.:)I have been a little bit wallpaper side tracked lately;) A tall slim one.

[Julie-Ann]

OMG Elements DH has said maybe to the wallpaper:eek:. And I really wanted wallpaper. Now to find the right wallpaper. Thanks <3

[Julie-Ann]

DH suggests 2 floor lamps? Yay or nay? So over this one:D. Clutching at straws now.

[Elements]

This is where I have been going for all my inspiration and where I ordered they also have a store in Freo if you are up for a visit. They are open tomorrow.;).... Quick, strike while the iron is hot.;) I found that if I presented ones that were not too flowery or girly(howdy doody as hubby puts it) I was able to get a bit more excitement out of him...
http://www.wallcandywallpaper.com.au/

[Elements]

I think you would really have to get the exact right floor lamps and I have a feeling you want that eclectic look but you may not find it that easy to find exactly what that is in Floorlamps...Where other things may work better for the look. Also your lamps would have to be solid based to get a better look and they are not easy to come by.
I think because of the openess of the bottom of your table but the solid look of your mirror you need the opposite to balance it.
So something that will fill up some lower space next to the table.

[Julie-Ann]

Love Wall Candy- great designs. And not liking the 2 floor lamps ideas either- husbands:rolleyes:. I will just have to wear him down with time - he is a tough nut to crack. I agree something solid on the bottom would be best.:) Wish me luck:D

[Elements]

Remember, just get a couple of samples and leave them sitting at the entry for a few days and mention every now and then "I am really starting to love that wallpaper and leave it at that"....very soon it will become his idea to actually go with it......;):D Good luck;)

[Julie-Ann]

Lol you are the queen of manipulating husbands:D. He actually can handle the pattern aspect but says he wants something more 3D. A cubed canvas???:mad: I am going around in circles. His latest idea is 2 plants either side. I am starting to like the tigers:D.

[Katrina]

Ok, back up JA... I missed all of this! LOL

Fill me in! Where are we up to? What has been decided? Loving this project!

[Julie-Ann]

I think we got up to me divorcing my DH over this:D:D.He has agreed to no changes- yet;).
As for me I will today try to convince him about a tall lamp to sit above & behind the flowers. And a silver square frame in the front. To show him the bigger scale works better.
I love the idea of wallpaper but DH sees this as work and I could die waiting.
So I need something solid and modern next to the table on the right but maybe both sides.

[Julie-Ann]

I've found this lamp. What do you think?
I'm also thinking of keeping the chair but need a little something modern to put on it. And now to find the photo frame.:)
By the way DH is out and has not agreed to any of this but a girl can plan:D

[Milena]

I love the lamp it should look good in your entry hallway:)

[Julie-Ann]

Good news- DH likes the lamp and is happy to find a photo frame. I also suggested we remove the antique copper milk urn and replace it with a very large glass vase that we could use as a umbrella stand as in this photo that Katrina posted.
The only bad news is he is not convinced about including the chair. But 1 step at a time and we will nudge him along:D.

[Katrina]

can't wait to hear what all the final bits will be :)

[Julie-Ann]

So today I went out to buy the new lamp from Freedom. What do you think?
Now I need to find something to put in front. I was thinking of a square silver photo frame but I am open to any suggestions.

[Lanne]

I dont mind the frame that is there..
but it needs something.. maybe a placemat (i am very guilty of buying one for this sort of thing) or some books to stack the frame on... something to tie it together and give it some more cohesion?

[Julie-Ann]

I don't mind the frame that is there either. Of course that means I now have to find one to replace that one on the bookcase:D.
Do you have a picture of how you have used the placemats? Always interested in new ideas:).

[tryingtodecorate]

Lovely lamp Julie-Ann!

Okay so I'm thinking out loud.......how about removing the vase and having a few silver frames (don't have to be all the same) there instead :confused:

[Lorraine]

I would remove the vase, have a stack of books in place of this, maybe add a piece of coral to sit on top of the books.

[Lorraine]

Or maybe sit a nice box on top of the books, or maybe buy some Mercury Candlesticks or...................

[Julie-Ann]

Well I am happy to report the lamp has the tick of approval from DH. He also liked the frame there. I think I might change the picture and do a large white mat to give it a more contemporary edge. Thanks for all the ideas. Funny how the flowers don't seem to be popular and yet the men here love them and want them to stay. Maybe they look better in real life.:D
Today's task will be to look for a large glass vase to use as an Umbrella stand. So if you have seen anything suitable let me know.

[thisisme]

So today I went out to buy the new lamp from Freedom. What do you think?
Now I need to find something to put in front. I was thinking of a square silver photo frame but I am open to any suggestions.

Love it! Looks gorgeous :)

[Lorraine]

Julie-Ann, I think if maybe you changed the flowers it would make such a difference to the overall look you are trying to achieve.

[Julie-Ann]

I tried the books under the frame and I think I can sneak them on to the table without any men around here noticing. Do you think they will notice if I sneak the antique chair next to the table:D? I love the coral Lorraine I might try to find some to put on the bookcase- where that silver frame was.
Stay tuned:).

[Lorraine]

Good idea to sneak the antique chair next to the table, and of course the men will not notice a thing at all...... I think the books would look amazing on the table Julie-Ann, I just think it was the vase of flowers. I will stay tuned.............is it done yet?????? LOL!!!!! :D

[Julie-Ann]

I have been shopping Lorraine - a woman of action. I found my glass Umbrella Stand for only $70 in Thingz. I would have done a jig for joy -if I could:D. I also found a square silver photo frame, so will be deciding which one goes where. No luck with the books yet but there is always tomorrow. I have decided the flowers are staying- thanks for everyone's input but we all like them. It is very rare for all 3 of us to agree on anything.
Now I need to find some white umbrellas- a trip to Garden City tomorrow:D.

[Julie-Ann]

I have been very busy finishing this area off and I am finally happy. DH agreed to everything. I think he felt that he was having to argue with all of you as well as me- and it was just too much for the poor man:D.
So this is my entry to our cottage. It is traditional (which suits the house) but with some modern twists. I think it looks more interesting now.
Thanks for all your help:). I hope you like it because I don't think DH is going to let me make anymore changes:D.

[dmplus3]

Julie-Ann, your entry is beautiful.

I like all of it, but I especially love the umbrellas. A practical, but also friendly touch. It makes me feel like if I visited your house that you would look after me (particularly if it was raining, ha, ha!!!!).

[Janine]

Just beautiful!:)

[tryingtodecorate]

Looks great, I really like it. Had a chuckle when I saw that the flowers were still there :) I thought of you the other day when I went to Ikea and saw a large vase for your umbrellas, but I knew that you already had bought one. Glad everyone is happy, enjoy!

[Julie-Ann]

Thanks all:).
Dmplus3 - I'm afraid the umbrellas are purely for decoration. The men in the family have been warned there will be severe penalties if they are removed. I have to be so tough because of the umbrella eating monster that lives in my DH's office:D. You see any umbrella that goes to his office is never seen again:(. But if you were leaving the house and it was raining I would happily use it to walk you to your car- and then put it straight back where it belongs:D

[dmplus3]

Fair call! If the umbrellas were at my front door they would be being paraded around the house all day long!!!

[Julie-Ann]

You will have to teach those little munchkins that opening an umbrella up inside is bad luck:D. I told my son's friends from about 8 years old it was bad luck to leave the toilet seat up- they all closed the lid in our house after that:D. Whatever it takes;).

[dmplus3]

Very clever, I will remember that for when my little guy is old enough to need to put the toilet seat up and down!

I have tried the 'bad luck' saying, but unfortunately they don't care quite yet. Instead, the umbrellas just get left in the back of the car, now. We'll get there eventually!!!

Come to the Decorating Forum and learn about more than just good decoration and design!

[Elements]

Your entry is perfect JA, not to complicated and very classy....your umbrellas are like my pillowcases;):D
Very nice.

[tryingtodecorate]

i told my son's friends from about 8 years old it was bad luck to leave the toilet seat up- they all closed the lid in our house after that:d. Whatever it takes

oh lol :D


....your umbrellas are like my pillowcases

:D

[Julie-Ann]

Your entry is perfect JA, not to complicated and very classy....your umbrellas are like my pillowcases;):D
Very nice.

Exactly- for decorative purposes only. Never to be touched lol. Thanks for all your help with this. I am happy with it but if you ever want to give up that gorgeous Bass sitting in your entry I could make room for it.:D

[stormy]

Well done Julie-Ann, I think your entry looks lovely!! Very inviting indeed!

[Julie-Ann]

Thanks Stormy. You are all always welcome:).
That seat being there is coming in handy too. It is about mid way though the house and it is handy to rest things there for when I going past next. Kind of like you do with piles at the bottom and top of stairs.

[Katrina]

J-A I love it. Good job!

You need me to talk to hubby re further changes? LOL

[Julie-Ann]

Lol if you and Elements came over Katrina to discuss decorating with my DH- I don't think he would stand a chance:D

[Milena]

I love how your entry looks. It is very inviting and welcoming. Great job:)

[Julie-Ann]

Thanks Milena- it was lovely to have your family over. And if had been raining I promise I would have let you use the umbrella:D

[Milena]

Thanks Julie-Ann. We had so much fun and really enjoyed the afternoon:) We have been talking about it all day lol Thanks for everything:)