Help figuring out what to do with this space and how to design it!

last year

Hello! I'm looking for help figuring out what color to paint this space and how to properly design it. It is located in the front of my house as soon as you walk in the front door. I'm interested in potentially making it some kind of reading nook with bookshelves and couches but am open to any suggestions. Basically, I want to make the space much warmer and emphasize the woodwork on the fireplace and staircase. I already have a separate living room, so it's more of an extra room but i'ts right when guests walk into my home. Any thoughts would be much appreciated!

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ptreckel

last year

Beautiful paneling! I would keep it. Place two chairs on the wall to the right of the fire place with a vintage table (Eastlake) between them. And a period lamp for lighting. A lovely oriental style rug would look great in this spot. I had a similar grand entry in an early 20th century home that I owned years ago. I only had the space for one chair, a table, and a lamp in front of the stair paneling. No fireplace, darn! But…I did purchase a Persian rug that I still have in my entrance hall 30 years later. You might look for Barrister Bookcases. The stackable wooden ones with glass front doors. If you are serious about including a book shelf in the area. But I think two chairs (possibly wing style) would look great in that space. And… ART over the fireplace.

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Comments (32)

Kat M
last year
Great staircase. Room purpose? Room measurements? Floor plan?
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Gina Lauren Interiors
last year
I know you said you wanted to preserve the wood, but I would actually consider the opposite and paint the wood trim white with the exception of the banister rail. The ballustrades I would also paint white as well as the post and detail, the wood paneling and the base boards, trim should also be painted white. I would also paint the wood matel white, add an area rug for this space, a an entry table/buffet on the wall to the right of the fireplace, with a mirror. Above the fireplace I would add a round or geometric shaped mirror, two sconces, and a round seating ottoman in front of the fireplace.
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HI -- Well the wallpaper was just done so there is no changing that , soooo I think you should paint the rest of that wall the same white as the white background of the wallpaper and paint fireplace mantel too. Then have two small matching cabinets painted the blue from the paper or the leaf color placed on each side of the fireplace. . Then have white or glass shelves above , maybe three is best . Now the rest of the room painted the exact color of your sofa . Because the room looks small I think it would look best to have the sofa blend into the walls color wise. Now just keep some of your room accents in the blue color but not too much. Remember not to clutter the shelves and if you don't want the shelves then have a large painting on each side and have a big round mirror over the mantel and keep the small items off the mantel and onto the side cabinets .
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kandrewspa
last year
If this is a pre-war home, please don't paint the woodwork. I agree with @ptreckel's suggestions.
Kiki Kit
last year
Im sorry but PLEASE do not paint the trim white. It seems everyone thinks splattering everything with white these days makes it better. KEEP the character.
partim
last year
Somehow I can't see this being a space for a reading chair. How about a chess/games table and a few chairs? I could see doing a puzzle in front of a cosy fire...
keltikmom
last year
Ooh…an oversized comfy chair,,small side table for drinks, and a Tiffany style lamp for cozy reading.

And for all that is holy, DO NOT paint the bannister and railing. It is gorgeous.
Yvonne Martin
last year
Is there already a coat closet in the entrance? If not consider a coat tree.
gurukaram
last year
I notice the shoe rack, maybe a cabinet under the light switch or a bench with a shoe rack underneath? Think about what you want the area to do. Obviously it needs to be a welcoming space into your home. Do you come and go via this door often? If yes, maybe an armoire for coats and outdoor wear with a chair or settee?
gurukaram
last year
And yes, please keep the lovely woodwork unpainted
Kelly Jones
last year
last modified: last year
Lovely space!

I think it would be really nice to have a bookcase/desk and 2 chaise loungers with small round side tables for each. Then you'll also need table or floor lamps or one of each.

I also think you need a rug. but with the fireplace on an angle and your floor register (can it be covered?-doubt it.) and also your runner, I found it hard to fit a rug!

It would also be nice if you found another place for your shoe rack.

Following are ideas for one chaise , bookcase, and different rugs:
Kelly Jones
last year
Kelly Jones
last year
Kelly Jones
last year
Kelly Jones
last year
Kelly Jones
last year
last modified: last year
It looks like you have room for the chaises parallel to the walls on either side of the fireplace, but without measurements and knowing if the register in the floor is your source of heat or can be covered, it's hard to know for sure.

Also, an oval rug may be a good fit, especially if you can cover the register.

I'd love to see what you come up with... please share!

And for the record, please do not paint your wonderful wood!
Kat M
last year
Is your style Victorian? Classic or with a twist?
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
last year
Is the home large enough for this living room to be repurposed as simply a foyer?
P.D. Schlitz
last year
Reading nook or a ‘library’ vibe would both be cool. In lieu of your shoe rack, I’d build a window bench (with shoe storage underneath) to span the length between your door’s sidelight and the wall, with some simple hooks for coats between the windows above.
RedRyder
last year
An antique table and chairs can create a cozy game or study area. Scour antique stores and see if you find inspiration. Online chairing.com has beautiful furniture that might spark an idea.

I would be careful about having a piece of furniture that can too easily become a dumping ground (such as a chaise).
Muriel Thompson
last year
Renovation Husbands on instagram have a similar entry room--old victorian home, beautiful wood, fireplace feature included. You may want to check out their instagram page for inspiration.
PRO
Flo Mangan
last year
Wow! What a beautiful home! Do not paint your wood please. Need measurements but lots of sweet ways to style this space. I lean to a afternoon tea spot depending on your needs. A bistro table set for tea for two in vintage style also for morning coffee and paper/magazine reading. Just choose ways so not cluttered up.
Barbara Almandarz
last year
DoNOT ruin your beautiful wood by painting it! It is such a huge part of the character of your house! Back in the day, this would have been a waiting room/ receiving room, where you come greet your guests. Adding a lovely set of chairs facing the fireplace would be lovely, with a little table between them. Then look for a great armoir for the large wall that can serve as a place to hang coats, change shoes etc. Beautiful room! Good Luck!
PRO
Beth H. :
last year
beautiful.

The walls need to be repainted w/a less ghastly bluish/green color. (also check your light bulbs to be sure they are in the 3000-3500K range. if they are 5000K, it's going to give off very cold bluish light)

This modern bright white just doesn't work w/the antique wood tone or style.

Since you have the black fireplace, bring in some leather, maybe some black trim on the inner portion of the window, a rug w/black in it, and some greenery.

heck, I'd embrace the wood and dark fireplace and make the room dramatic.

if you like the white walls, here are some layouts w/furniture

I'd choose a slightly warmer wall color that plays well w/the wood tones.
ffpalms
last year
last modified: last year
This William Morris wallpaper showed up in today’s Latest Stories. It struck me as perfect for this space if it is cohesive with the rest of your decor.

Anthony Abode · More Info
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Flo Mangan
last year
So many ways to utilize this space. Convert the one ceiling light to have a pendant over a small table. Add comfy chair and a couple leather ottomans in front of fireplace. Use a faux animal skin to anchor the space. Do you have a collection of some kind that could be displayed in this area. Perhaps golf clubs, or a tea cup collection etc. This could be space to enjoy this collection.
PRO
Flo Mangan
last year
Maybe you need a drop zone here. Perhaps you could find a vintage hall tree to stow things on when entering.
PRO
Flo Mangan
last year
Check out on line sources for antique hall tree. Like Facebook Marketplace. You might find one not in great shape but you could paint or refurbish it to meet your needs.
PRO
Flo Mangan
last year
I wouldn’t use as divider because that will diminish the sitting space.
Kendrah
last year
Let's first figure out what your most *needs* are for this space: Shoe storage, place for guests to place shoes, coat closets here or elsewhere? Is this the main entrance that you and the rest of your house hold come and go from? Are there other places in you home where you are inclined to sit and read? Does the floor register need to remain uncovered? Do you not have room elsewhere for your books or do you just like the idea of having them here? Do you want guests to feel welcomed in this space, or do you want it to be more of a "you" space?

What do the other rooms and decor look like that you can see from this room?
RedRyder
last year
The website I meant to suggest is chairish.com. It respelled itself in my first post.
roarah
last year
Would you consider wallpaper?
Craftsman Family Home | Ocean Park · More Info