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Design Dilemma
zoonerdog

Large Entryway of a bungalow ideas

zoonerdog
8 years ago
My entry is south facing by the front door. From arch to arch is 7 m and 3m wide. There is two doors, 4 windows and a large skylight. I am open to taking out north facing doors and windows and closing off hallways leading off. But I have no idea what to do or how to make this somewhere useful and still look good
Featured Answer
  • PRO
    Dytecture
    8 years ago
    Closing off windows would make the space feel darker. The curtains are over-powering this foyer at the moment.

    Comments (26)

    • Red
      8 years ago
      Agree and this space could use bigger items , like two facing chairs..keeping the small table for drinks. Add small commode for sundry items...or add piece of furniture that can hold books
      zoonerdog thanked Red

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    • zoonerdog
      Original Author
      8 years ago
      Thanks for reply. Would you give this space a purpose like library or mud room..... Agree with curtains hate them. Friend suggested panelling and shelves and close off hall with double doors.
    • Jennifer Abbott
      8 years ago
      When you come in the door do you turn to the left or the right to get into the main area of the house? What do each of the halls lead to?
    • zoonerdog
      Original Author
      8 years ago
      Turn right to bedrooms and main bathroom,study. To the left is the main living area. The house is designed as a H for all the world with the entry represented by the central line.
    • decoenthusiaste
      8 years ago
      last modified: 8 years ago
      With skylights and the windows flanking the entry, closing the wall of windows wouldn't make this foyer too dark. Then you could arrange an art gallery on that wall, lowering the chandelier above a larger round foyer table. You could place a matched pair of benches under the remaining windows from which to enjoy the art. May I suggest that the art I see in your photos needs some tweaking and lowering? The large piece above the table under the left arch is too large for the table and is hiding behind the arch. Place a piece 5" above the table surface that is 75% of the table's width or smaller. The piece above the chair there is also above the top of the arch and should be lowered to 5" above the chair. If the chair is removed, the center point of the art should be 5' above the floor. Do you have enough pieces to develop a gallery? I think it could make a stunning entry.
      zoonerdog thanked decoenthusiaste
    • zoonerdog
      Original Author
      8 years ago
      Removed curtains and put in garden furniture to scale the entry. Don't have enough pieces for a gallery. Wall space is very limited and window is low 40 cm from ground. With small kids I would like this space to have a use alongside design.
    • zoonerdog
      Original Author
      8 years ago
      Photo
    • zoonerdog
      Original Author
      8 years ago
      Clearer view.
    • Red
      8 years ago
      I sure wouldn't take away any light in the room...but if u need a mud room (I am assuming this is the main entrance from you car to your home) then put two sofa table height matching storage units that attractively close up that would house shoes,back packs, bags, flanked around the double doors that go outside to back. You still need an entrance table, however IMO, to fill a welcoming space when one enters front door. Maybe a round oak table with beautiful floral, wheat, whatever display. Yes, it would become somewhat of a catch all if this is your most used entrance, but you could solve that by using attractive bowls or other containers to put odds and ends in..plus the top of you storage units could have pretty baskets for small items..,stack boxes on the other storage it for other items to be unseen.
      zoonerdog thanked Red
    • zoonerdog
      Original Author
      8 years ago
      I don't need a mud room as I have a laundry room/ mud room at side door. Considered it as Really unsure how to use the space, to its potential. Would I get built in library shelves around windows and doors maybe panelling and some armchairs. Really interested to know what you think about closing off hallway.?
    • Red
      8 years ago
      Now that I've really looked at your room..and noticed u took down the curtains..wow what a difference already...it's not about the pattern now....and the garden furniture helps to scale the room..you are right....this really will help you decide what u want going on....
      All these ideas thrown at you by all of us is to help stimulate what YOU want to use the room for now and something that you can change in the future if it doesn't work out.
      A center rug ..maybe round to help anchor the entry.
      A hall tree of some kind..looks like you may lean towards craftsman or early mid century styling
      A bookcase in far right corner as you enter front door..that can be moved to another location if you don't like it later.
      Two small love seats facing one another with the coffee table you had there before ..as long as one could get easily around to exit to back.
      A comfortable chair with ottoman in front of bookcase.
      A drop leaf table in center of rug to be used for extra seating for dinner parties. Put extra chairs flanked on either side of rear exit patio doors.
      Let your imagine go...pick items put them in space
      Maybe paint to darken color to a mid tone (not dark, dark color)
      to counter the flood of light and then put blinds on windows/patio doors
      get $2.00 sample paints at Lowe's to change color and you will see it at all times of day to know the true color...and live with it for a while.
      It's been fun throwing out a stream of ideas...trust yourself...go for it!
      Put your project on here to show us what happened...remember there are no mistakes..everything can be moved or changed...
      zoonerdog thanked Red
    • Patti Gagan
      8 years ago
      I agree the drapes must come down.

      I like someone's idea of using this as the library. Add a table with chairs and good lighting for games or puzzles, and a good reading chair. As it's an entry, maybe a coat rack or wall hooks and a place to drop your mail and keys. Umbrella stand.
      zoonerdog thanked Patti Gagan
    • decoenthusiaste
      8 years ago
      Here are some variations on a large entry foyer. Agree a family game table would work here. When your kids are older, a pool table might work too. This would keep them and their friends confined to a game room, which you might appreciate some day. Dad might appreciate it right now.
      St. Simons Island, GA · More Info

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    • Jennifer Abbott
      8 years ago
      If you close off the hallway on the right, is there another way to get to the bedroom wing?
    • zoonerdog
      Original Author
      8 years ago
      No. That's the only way
    • Jennifer Abbott
      8 years ago
      Do you have enough room to make two separate areas? In front of the windows to the left of the patio door, put a small table and a couple of chairs. In front of the windows to the right of the patio doors, maybe a chaise.

      This is a fabulous space; I'm so envious :)
      zoonerdog thanked Jennifer Abbott
    • zweiback
      8 years ago
      Rug!!!
      zoonerdog thanked zweiback
    • Dar Eckert
      8 years ago
      Why don't you use benches or love seats under the two windows. Add additional bench/chair to form L at each end of the hall. Add tables and you have conversation areas. I love the open feel of the area. Leave the area in front of the doors open.
      zoonerdog thanked Dar Eckert
    • PRO
      Valley Design Center
      8 years ago
      definitely a rug, nice big square one , and tall artificial trees.
      You should also consider a little added touch of color w/ decor. Even a more vibrant centerpiece
      zoonerdog thanked Valley Design Center
    • zoonerdog
      Original Author
      8 years ago
      There is lots of space for two areas, from arch to arch it's seven metres long. I am located in Southern Ireland and haven't come across the term love seat? Is it something like a modern chaise.? Colour side of things leaning towards the greige and white panelling and built in bookcases . Going to keep all the doors and leave space open .Floor space still at a loss exactly what would work. Would a sofa be too large considering its 3 metres wide. Really appreciate the input and advice.
    • MarleneM
      8 years ago
      Hi, you have a lovely home! I read through your thread, and I like Dar Eckarts suggestion above the best. I think because of the symmetry of it as an H shaped house is symmetrical, and it would also keep the space looking decorated but still open and uncluttered which is what an entrance should be. Sorry, but I don't care for the bookcase idea in an entrance.
      I also noticed the masks you have, and think it would be great to decorate the space using them as inspiration. Here is a photo to show you the kind of rug I think would work here.
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      zoonerdog thanked MarleneM
    • zoonerdog
      Original Author
      8 years ago
      Thanks for all the advice. Less is more!
    • Maureen
      8 years ago
      last modified: 8 years ago
      I agree, with the arches and multiple windows, you don't want it to look cluttered. Adding an elegant rug and perhaps three matching hanging lanterns may be enough. I might move your round table to the corner near the rad and add a beautiful vase plus art or a mirror above. If you want a bit more drama, you could paint the hall (a soft creamy yellow might be pretty).
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    • btydrvn
      8 years ago
      With all that light no one has suggested an atrium..some large potted trees perhaps..the purpose of an entry is to shelter the rest of the house while people are entering..can't think of an activity that suits this area ..the closest possibility is a library... With maybe a reading desk and chairs.. Possible location for homework or games...But for your climate I think a warmth factor would be nescessary ..perhaps a fireplace..it is a beautiful space but really doesn't have the needed feel for an actual room..still feels like a hallway
    • btydrvn
      8 years ago
      Would further suggest a zen atrium with minimal Asian vibe to create a serene welcome to your home..maybe incorporate coat closet storage to store and hide all your coat ..boots..umbrellas and any other things that you want handy when you leave or arrive thru this entrance
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