New Project! An Entrance Hall
I’ve begun a new project that I thought would be fun to write about from start to finish. It’s my own entrance hall. I expect the project to take several months to complete since I have to work on it in my spare time and I know just what I’m looking for.
Of course, what I’m looking for probably doesn’t exist. So, the project will involve some sleuthing and thinking outside the box. More to the point, since it’s a personal project, I can write about all the decision making, pricing, that goes into a job without worrying about a client’s privacy. I’m hoping you’ll find it both interesting and helpful.
The entrance hall may look great from the photo here, but the wallpaper has some water damage, the ceiling is looking ragged (especially upstairs), the lighting needs improvement, and it’s time for a change.
I’m looking into using a bold color – purple. The hue will blend better with the others in the home. It will also bring out the red tones in the wood. This is my rather quickly done Photoshopped image of what it might look when it’s done.
I love the color, but the walls need some depth. I’m looking into wallpaper, including (perhaps) a custom print. My idea is very specific – a purple ground with an indigo damask sort of print. The pattern is traditional, but the color palette is contemporary. If I can’t find the right paper, or custom is too expensive, I’ll have it stenciled. Egads – don’t want to think about that right now! :)
I’ll write about all of this in much more detail when I return from vacation in a week. In the meantime, let me know what you think. Is purple way too “out there”? Don’t be afraid to comment. That’s what blogs are for and we all need some fun in our lives. Purple isn’t for everyone. So give us your thoughts. I thought it would make a good topic for conversation.
5 Responses to “New Project! An Entrance Hall”
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Posted by Bacchus on August 8th, 2008 at 3:08 am
OK first of all I love/hate you for having such a big entrance hallway. That is the size of my living room. Seriously though I love the purple. I can’t wait to see what options you have. Do we get to vote and then you put up what we decide? Oh wait, I’m the ONLY crazy person to do that.
Hope you are feeling better.
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Posted by Jennifer on August 10th, 2008 at 10:57 am
I love a lot of color – something many people are kind of afraid of. “We’re going to paint your ceiling red!” always gets a sort of terrified response from clients until I work my magic spell and then they see that actually it’s a great way to go. :)
As with anything, vibrant color can look fantastic with any style when it’s used correctly. Orange was very popular in mid-century rooms.
Anyway, I really thought it would be fun to see all the decisions that go into a project like this. Lighting is a concern and, of course, finding just the right purple. So stay tuned!
And of course there will be voting! As I said, opinions are (at least for me) half the fun of writing a blog. Can’t say I’ll go with the popular choice! But you never know where the next great idea will come from. And I’m not averse to saying, “Wow! What a great idea, Bacchus. Glad I thought of it.” :)
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Posted by Christina on August 17th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
Just passing through… Personally I like the orange but the violet works too; just a little dark though. Rather than a solid color I would consider stenciling a pattern (fleur de lis? I don’t know what the rest of the house’s style is) in a semi-gloss or eggshell version of the same or slightly lighter shade of the color. It’s a thought. I don’t do much painting, but I do think that would look nice.
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Posted by Jennifer on August 19th, 2008 at 7:24 am
Christina, we’re on the same page. We must have been separated at birth- have to ask my Mom about that. :)
I’d really like to find a wallpaper with this color ground and an Indian-themed pattern in indigo. Think it exists in real life? I’m going to be looking into custom. I think everyone might like to learn about what’s involved, as would I. I’ve never done a custom paper before.
The other answer is to stencil. The Stencil Library has the widest and best selection. So that will be my last stop if the paper doesn’t work out.
Walls this dark need dimension. Also, the orange is wonderful. But it’s seen better days and needs to be replaced.
I love the purple. I think one of the great luxuries of owning one of those great old homes with loads of glossy white moldings is that you can really be bold with your paint choices. I’m more of a mid century girl…but when we lived in our 30′s bungalow we had beautiful, vibrant colors in almost every room.