Zillow Advice: Decorating & Design - Any ideas for putting wow in dull entryway?

In my opinon, and take it ...

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 03:48:00 GMT

In my opinon, and take it only as that, I would paint the balusters a light color such as white and stain the banister a medium or natural color to the wood which should match the treads. I would paint the risers of the stair treads white or a light color to match the balusters. Paint the walls to the entryway a neutral light color which would appear to open the area up. Can't cover the vent so I would suggest getting rid of the clutter and this can be done by a small amount by putting a bench or hall tree with a bench built in to it t store all the shoes inside and has hooks on it to hang a scarf or hat. A mirror always helps to give the appearance to open up a space and is a nice place to have near the door to give a once over before heading out the door. Simply put, paint is the cheapest and most dramatic change you can do. A nice solid wood Hall tree can be purchased at some mill store cheaper than the fake wood ones sold at high end stores and you can paint it or stain it to match any decor. Good luck, but be patient.

While you are at the Ikea ...

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 22:00:00 GMT

While you are at the Ikea website, check out their section on entrances that addresses realities of living (rather than perfect staging) yet reduce the clutter effect.

Color and a bit of art work add to the WOW you want!

Thanks for adding the pictures. ...

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 21:46:00 GMT

Thanks for adding the pictures. NICE DOG!!

While so many have commented on getting rid of the hooks and putting coats in the closet, I'm more practical. I live in a very wet climate, and if we put our wet coats in the closet we end up with moldy (stinky) wet coats. ugh - disgusting.   Our shoes also are often very wet after running or walking the dogs. Therefore, a shoe drying rack is essential (somewhere convenient so mud isn't tracked through the house).

Looking at the photo, the key is the clutter.   Currently I see a number of storage units (little table, drawers, pegs etc), and there isn't place for everything that wants to live in the area.   I suspect you have a very active family and the coats go flying as they come in.

Therefore, the first question is what do you want to accomplish in the area?
1. Coats need a home
2. Shoes need a place
3. Visually appealing.

Are there options for coats and shoes?   If not, how can they be handled without making such a visual clutter?   A shoe rack is probably better than shoes in a row on the floor if your shoes are as soggy as ours. It keeps them corralled rather than wandering higgled piggledy all over the floor. (The are also good for drying out damp doggy tennis balls).

Okay seriously, the number ...

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 21:13:00 GMT

Okay seriously, the number one way to make it look great is to put away the junk. The duct is the least of the problems. You must clean up the space. Replace the rug with a Sisal Rug (they also make imitation indoor/outdoor sisal rugs).

Then you can see my previous post:

1. Get rid of the pegs for coats and shoes. In a small space, added storage like this takes up valuable visual space. And you live in Tega Cay, SC, it's not that cold for most of the year. Sure today it's 40-degrees out, but you can put your coat in a closet somewhere else. And shoes in the entryway? Put them away.

2. Try adding moulding to the entry way. Wainscoting and beadboard or other materials added to the walls can actually incorporate the 30" x 30" furnace intake into the design and you will not notice it any longer. This can be done inexpensively with 1" x 4" particle board which can be painted very inexpensively but give you a GREAT upscale look. If you want photos of similar project, email me back.

3. Also, dont be afraid to paint the banister. Some homeowners find that this helps enlarge the space by eliminating a big dark "LINE" running through the space. But this would depends on the overall design of the space.

I added the pictures -- please ...

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 20:03:00 GMT

I added the pictures -- please revisit and see what you think I can do (besides getting rid of shoes and coats) to make this look GREAT when I walk in the door -- notice the duct at back of hall, white walls, beige stairway -- NICE rug --- but what else can I do? (Also storage on landing below duct) Thanks -- sorry it took so long to get pics up.

I figured out how to add ...

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 20:00:00 GMT

I figured out how to add pics, now picture this without the stuff -- but I also need storage spots to hand coats and put shoes --- can you help?

Many of us have mentioned ...

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 09:27:00 GMT

Many of us have mentioned the photo idea; perhaps the writer is new, as I am, to this site&does not know how to import a photo here.

HOW does one do it? Can anyone give specifics clear enough for all of us who need an "IMPORT PHOTOS for 'Postings; DUMMIES" handbook.

I am remodeling my entry ...

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:28:00 GMT

I am remodeling my entry and stairs and hallway presently. I would suggest using a light neutral color for hte entryway. A light color or maybe add the bold bright white moulding to a neutral palette will brighten up a small space that gets limited light. Additionally one centerpiece will help to attract attention to the location, but you only wanna draw the eye to one spot and no more than that in a small space. I agree a nice vase and fresh flowers or a plant is an excellent suggestion. No coat rack or anything like this. Have a closet close to the entry to hide all this. If there is none, build one or get a hall tree or bench with storage under it for shoes and things. Crown moulding helps with the wow factor and I believe would draw the eyes upward and make it appear to have a tall ceiling. Additionally stairs can always be touched up with paint and/or waxing/refisnishing the wood treads and bannister. The way I look at it this spot should give the punch ...it is where the wow factor should happen upon walking throught he door. Good Luck, it has taken me forever but I have had zero help and am meticulous or OCD as my wife would call it.

I think that you want understated ...

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 10:28:00 GMT

I think that you want understated 'bling' that is homey, restful, uncluttered, and that would make people WANT to continue into such a house, as THIS is YOUR entry statement to your very own home.

Have you seen some of the mirrors that look like windows, sideways? I have seen some on line and they look rather intriguing; some even have a hint of wrought iron ,as if it were an opening to 'an outside' that 'fools the eye.'...I think that might be a neat look, with a small shelf here and there (asymmetrically placed,&not much) on some of the surfaces of the wood between the mirrors, with a bit of greenery (small plants that love shade & neglect) with recessed lighting would be a definite improvement.

About the Greenery: Thumbs UP! Have a few plants in attractive pots that coordinate, & remember the adage of, "Less is More!" I'd vary the types, heights & styles of the few plants.Try arranging and re-arranging them UNTIL you find the winning combination that is balanced visually for your most critical eye. If unsure, ask another family member or neighbor who ENJOYS being fussy about such aesthetics. One doesn't have to be like "MONK" on TV & neurotically obsess almost endlessly; just be careful & selective, even if you have to ask for a bit of advice from someone who loves such arranging! AND, Try to put yourself in the potential Buyer's shoes, honestly asking yourself, "Does this really advertise what I want my home to say to people when they come in?" 'Would I myself want to enter such a home, if THIS is the "Previews of Coming Attractions'?" NOW What is your Real Answer after asking yourself those questions?Alas, I also think a photo would be helpful, although I confess, I do not know HOW to load one here. Lots of luck to you...

You already have wood at ...

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 05:14:00 GMT

You already have wood at the base. Â Rip out the carpet to the top. Â Cut out the old particle board runners and install comparable prefinished stair treads. Â Paint the risers or install 1/4" veneer oak or whatever appropriate wood stained to match. Â Finish the base and top of the veneer of the riser with a trim detail. Â You can also have a custom wood vent made to replace the nasty metallic hvac return. Â My local flooring store produces them by the SQUARE INCH no kidding. Â It's like 50 cents a square (inch). Â Â