Category: Small Space Living

One of the last areas of our home to get the romantic treatment was the front entry hall. Again, I wanted to use what we had, create some warmth and texture – both inside and outside as you approach our front door – add privacy to the side-light windows and make the area more usable. Of course, I will work mostly with items we already have.

Here’s a before picture.

OK, but needs some freshening up.

The blinds work well and will stay. But curtains or sheers for the sidelights are expensive. Window film at Home Depot was less than $20. It cuts to size, adheres with soapy water (low-tech) and comes in many patterns. This leaf pattern looks good, provides privacy and lets the light in.

I replaced 60 watt bulbs with 75 watt bulbs in the light fixture. This brightened the area overall at minimal cost.

The sofa table was given to a friend and the armoire was placed in the entry area. I have learned that large pieces of furniture can successfully go in small spaces. It works here. The mirror on the armoire door bounces light around this darker area. A bright shawl and pottery highlight the dark wood.

Next I replaced the worn rag rug with a silk oriental rug we already had to complement the armoire. A hook rack (purchased on Craigslist, $5) for guests’ coats and jackets was hung on the opposite wall.

That’s it. Total cost less than $25. Here’s the after.

Outside, a small basket with bright children’s garden tools was hung on the door. I placed a bright, red pot near the entry to contrast against the light brick. This area gets little sun so plants here must appear bright even in the shade. Mint, impatiens and lavender add scent, color and various heights. It smells great as you walk by and it looks colorful, even at night. Sometimes luminaria (votive lights) in white bags light this outside walk-way for guests. It looks inviting, especially sitting on top of the snow in winter.

The back door, office and laundry area are next on my list . . . stay tuned.

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You may remember that in adding romance to my life this year I decided to add some to our living space. I started with the bedroom and bathroom. The dining area followed. Now the living room.

You can see the inspiration ideas from a previous post here. Below is an inspiration picture that I liked for its energy, lightness and fun colors.

Our space needed to lighten up. I wanted joyful color with plenty of white and a summery feel. My desire was to add more layers, with space for books, candles, plants and space to entertain. The futon would remain, as it serves double-duty as a guest bed. Plus the space needed to be compatible with adjoining dining area and kitchen spaces since those are being re-done as well.

Whatever was done would need to flow with the rest of the townhouse. Colors shouldn’t be jarring with the bedroom and bathroom. And of course it shouldn’t cost much. I prefer to donate money rather than spend it on decorating. But economics shouldn’t prohibit creating a beautiful space with light, energy, warmth, casual feel and hospitality. At least it’s never stopped me in the past. 😉

I forgot to take a before picture – but previous colors were red, gold, sage, white with light teal. A sage blanket was on the sofa. A brown runner anchored the sofa and coffee tables. It was OK, but some new energy was needed.

Here’s a picture from three years ago so you can get an idea of the space.

I removed pillows and other accessories. The sofa, now a futon, has since moved to the opposite wall. The coffee table was given to a friend and the two end tables serve as coffee tables. Last summer, book cases from the small bedroom were moved to the wall opposite the sofa (not seen in this photo).

Searching my linen closet, I found the rag rug for the table and an Indian cotton throw for the sofa in similar colors. A new candle and some fun toys (jacks, Silly Putty, Playdough et. al.) in the glass hurricane on the coffee table are just for fun. Next, new cotton rugs were layered under the tables. I purchased four new colorful pillows and pulled one from a bedroom. We found the rose-colored chair and ottoman on Craigslist.

Now the space is totally changed. Before, the artwork seemed to compete with the room. Now the artwork sets the color and tone, supported by the entire room. Candle light adds to the warm, romantic look.

Here’s the more romantic after.

Now it’s light, bright, relaxed. We enjoyed dinner in here tonight. Easy and comfortable . . .

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