A Reader's Design Dilemma & Entryway Inspiration

A couple of weeks ago I was contacted by an old High School friend who reads my blog regularly. She is always supportive of what I do with my design ideas and thought I could give her a little advice on her entryway.

My friend Liz and her husband built their home about two years ago. After they moved in she found out she was pregnant and now has a beautiful little boy. So...she has not had much time to decorate her new place!

Here is what she wrote me:
Help! I need decorating advice!  I attached a pic of my entry way that I have yet to decorate. What are your thoughts on painting the inside of the front door? I just feel like it is so cold looking. I love when people paint them black but I am not sure it would go in my house. Also, I am at a loss on what should go on the walls on either side if the door. Any suggestions you could give would be greatly appreciated! 

Don't you love her home already!? I am in love with her ceiling light...anyway here are a couple more pics so you get the feel of her space.

Around the backside of this wall is the door to her basement.

Liz has a great space to work with. We just need to add a little character with lamps, pictures, plants, pillows, a mirror and accessories! 

Here are a few ideas that I sent her and where I think the space needs to go.

Let's start with the console against the wall to the stairs. I am thinking a round mirror to replace the picture. This will help balance the square console.  Also a lot of layering of items such as a plant, tray for phones & keys, a brightly colored lamp and/or lampshade as well as a family picture.

Even though this isn't a round mirror, I love all of the layering and how the antique look balances some of the more modern touches. There are so many different textures that totally work in this space.

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If she didn't want to purchase a new mirror, she could always bring a small gallery wall above the console to fill the space on the wall or the second picture makes it simple with two prints stacked one on top of the other.

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Now on to the bench area in the corner...

The bench has some great texture to it, but I would add a little pop of color with some pillows. Maybe a couple of wicker baskets underneath for a quick removal of shoes. Even a little task lamp would be neat!

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She definitely needs a place to hang coats and/or scarves when company arrives. I would add either a small coat rack in the corner behind the door or some fabulous hooks above the bench.

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If they decided to add a coat rack in the other corner or if they have a coat closet nearby, she might decide to do a gallery wall above the bench instead. I love this corner gallery wall where it wraps around two walls. It really makes a great statement and she could display all of her family photos as well as art prints.

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Last, but not least is that entryway door. How do you all feel about painting that door black? I know it is very popular right now. I am not sure that it is needed, but if she were to paint it black it might look a little something like this.....

What do you think about Liz's entryway? Any other suggestions you might all have for making her space shine!?

I can't wait to see how she works her magic....pics to come!