Enviable Summer Entryways and Foyers

FREE IMAGES

There are your "traditional" elements that no entry or foyer should be without - but shoe storage and a key tray don't necessarily make an entry way that makes you smile when you walk in the door.  Here are a few elements that do...

Art with impact.

via Pinterest via Waiting on Martha

Live plants/flowers.

via Pinterest via 11 Magnolia Lane

An oversized mirror.

via Pinterest via Desert Domicile

A dramatic entry rug.

via Abbey Carpet of SF

...and of course, your best friend waiting for you.

via Pinterest via Chango.co

Different ways to use a buffet table

FREE IMAGES

Think you don't have a reason to have a buffet table? Think again! There are so many different uses, you may just realize you need one.

via cityfarmhouse

It makes a beautiful entryway!

via dearlillieblog

Adds storage to a kitchen!

via honeywerehome

Creates a beautiful space for extra seating in a dinning room.

via betweennapsontheporch

Makes an awesome bar indoor or outdoor!

via perfectlyimperfectblog

Makes a great divider in between rooms and also a great backing to a couch.

via ana-white

What would you use your buffet table for?

Truly fresh and inspired spaces

FREE IMAGES I strive for a home that is thoughtfully decorated and put together, but at the same time not so styled and polished that it doesn't look like anyone lives there.  It can be a hard balance to strike though, but if you take the time to pick out pieces, colors, and textures that are meaningful to you and fit your lifestyle, your home will feel beautiful to you even if there are shoes left by the door and mail piled on the counter.  Here are some spaces that I think are really beautiful, but have enough personality to shine even if someone really lives there!

via Rue Mag

via Bungalow

Even though this space is small, seating is ample for a family, just scaled down to fit in the space.
via Rue Mag

I don't iron my sheets either, though this be is prettier than mine with the gorgeous emerald shams and quilt!
via Bungalow

This space reminds me of the courtyard rooms in Morocco.  What a treat to have that skylight!
via Rue Mag

One of my favorite looks is well-worn books mixed in with family photos and travel souvenirs.
via Bungalow

via Bungalow

via Rue Mag

Grand Entryways to dream about!

FREE IMAGES I'm in a day dreaming kind of mood today. I hope you enjoy what I found to day dream about below:

via madebygirl

via decorpad

via belgianpearls

via zillow

via homebunch

Which one is your favorite?

Chic, affordable ways to get your home ready for guests

FREE IMAGES Undoubtedly at some point this holiday season you will be invaded by at least one guest.  For me, the toughest part of hosting is having a place to keep the extra "stuff" that comes along with a guest, or all of my stuff that has accumulated in the guest room, which tends to become a storage room.

Here are a few furniture storage solutions to help you solve these issues.

 A storage cabinet or shelving unit with baskets.  This one is an oldy but a goody.  During the winter/holiday season you need extra storage in the entryway to house scarves, gloves, and hats. A cabinet with bins or baskets provides storage space that attractively hides all of your/your guests' stuff.

 via Pinterest via Country Living

via Joss & Main in the "Tidy Up For Visitors" sale

via Joss & Main in the "Tidy Up For Visitors" sale

A wall cabinet/storage unit.  I don't know about you, but my guest room is SMALL.  When a space is small you really need to take advantage of vertical/wall space.  Even a slim wall cabinet can be a thoughtful touch that gives guests a little bit more room to unpack and feel at home.  It's also nice when it doubles as a mirror.

via Pinterest via Shanty 2 Chic

via Ideel in the "Furniture for every room" sale

A rolling bar cart with trays is a multitasking machine.  It can follow you and your guests from room to room and encourage them to help themselves.  Also, when you are ready to take it to the dining room just remove a tray and use it on the table.

via Pinterest via Crate & Barrel

via Rue La La in the "Guest Ready Essentials" sale

Extra linen storage.  Your guests should not want for clean sheets and towels.  That being said, our linen closet can barely fit enough for my husband and I.  A stand alone unit is an attractive and affordable way to add extra linen storage in the bathroom.

 via Pinterest via Flickr

 via Pinterest via Interior Magasinet

via Gilt in the "Bath Organization and Storage" sale

Feminine, glamorous interiors

FREE IMAGES

Loving this pink and gold.  I don't know how much of this my sweetums would tolerate.

via Recently

If only my dining room was ever this clean and serene.  It's being used as an office until Chris is finished with his masters, and promises that once he's done the table will always be clear.  Time will tell...

via Rue Mag

via Adore Home

via Lonny

via House Beautiful

via House Beautiful

Add A Little Interest To Your Hallway

FREE IMAGES Since hallways aren't meant for hanging out, we tend to leave them out of the decor process. Here are a few ideas to bring your hallway a little more love:

via dustjacket

Add a touch of luxury with decorative molding. It's eye catching without taking up necessary space so it's perfect for small hallways and tight corners.

via Pinterest

Add decorative corbels or moulding for some character.
via Home Stories A to Z

Add a dynamic impact to your hall by adding a chair rail and painting one half a contrasting color.
via Pinterest

via houzz

Adding some floor to ceiling curtains can make the hallway feel more luxurious and grand. A beautiful light fixture makes the space seem well thought out.

Show Off Your Design: Ann Ueno

FREE IMAGES

Today we are showing off the lovely design from Ann Ueno who blogs at House and Host (not to be missed!). Check out her space and what she has to say about her design process:

Entryway – I LOVE wall galleries and the inspiration for this space was to be inviting, attention-grabbing supported by stories.  This gallery features all of my own personal photography (great way to create cheap art) of places my husband and I have traveled, combined with smaller accent pieces that welcome people into our home.  Our last name initial.  The ‘chateau’ sign from Anthropologie.  Small trio mirror (of course, you always need some mirror in entryway to apply lipstick, right?).

Dining – the next two shots are our dining area.  The main asset here is the table.  I was very inspired by one of my favorite authors, Shauna Neiquist and the importance of hospitality, hosting and feeding friends and family alike.  In order to do that, you have to have enough space and a welcoming space.  So when I saw this amazing farmhouse table, which was relatively inexpensive and plus when I bought it, it was on sale (from Restoration Hardware).  The moments and memories we have had around this table will forever be stamped on my heart.  There already stains and spills and I love it.  It’s the way it’s supposed to be.  Imperfect, with incredible stories shared. (the chairs are Z Gallerie and I always get asked where they are from!!)

Master BR – since becoming married, a challenge I face is trying to make sure our house isn’t TOO girly.  Of course, some areas still are.  But, I really tried to ensure our master bedroom had a balance of masculinity and femininity.  And the inspiration was from a hotel room.  My husband and I are both in the hotel business so that was my vision.  Dark navy walls, personal artwork and photography in the form of a gallery, clean white linens.  It works perfectly for us and I do think it creates a nice balance and a personal touch with our hotel backgrounds. 

Last – just a fun styled shot of our living room coffee table.  I change this often so no big story here, other than taking cues from blogs and Pinterest on how to style a coffee table!

Isn't Ann's space fab? Don't forget to submit your Design to Show Off here on Decorology (See Instructions here)!