Hoping to make improvements to your home? This ditto post is particularly helpful to those who may have to do some floor planning and need renovation inspiration. But this foyer, renovation planned or none, will possibly makes you want to add some wainscoting…

I just love this foyer, and I thought that it was worthy of a ditto. We could learn much from its use of space and design.

ditto :: {what I would steal from this space}:

1. The detailed wainscoting with a lip on the upper trim. Just beautiful. Little details like this can transform a small, boring box of a room into a fascinating space.
2. I adore the contrast between the rectangle shapes in the wainscoting versus the arcs above the doors and windows. The arcs are an expensive, custom-built feature {not to mention the added cost for arc windows and doors}, but if you can afford this feature, it truly is a stunner. Some older homes are treasures and are lucky to have features like this one.
3. A lively yellow brightens up this entry. We often see the walls painted with a color, and the trim and wainscoting painted white. Here, that concept is reversed, and it draws attention to the amazing architectural features this foyer offers.
4. Black doors against the yellow. They are hard to see in this photo, but black glossy doors against yellow walls is a stunning look!
5. Wood floors in an entry are so practical. They offer a warm and soft welcome, and they are also easy to clean. It doesn’t hurt that they match the color of dirt!
6. One of the most stunning features in this space is the “foyer within the foyer” that does so very much for this entryway:

• It turns a simple rectangle of a room into a fascinating architectural space that is both practical and a feast for the eyes.
• It enhances and highlights the symmetry of the room. The side windows actually stand out more, despite the fact that they recede. It is as if the breezeway frames the windows with symmetry.
• It adds the practical element of a breezeway, which helps protect the home from both temperature changes and dirt.
• Wish I could see inside that breezeway. It would be the perfect spot for slender-profile built-ins, or coat closets. Just perfect!
• It creates two instant nooks. I love nooks! They are the perfect spot for daydreaming.

Sometimes, one needs a kick in the pants.
We are getting so close to pulling our boys’ room together, but I am finding that I am in avoidance stage right now. Does this happen to anyone else??
Motivation comes. Great ideas come. Great plans ensue. and Great finds are had.
and then, just like that…
I somehow allow myself to get distracted from my project. life happens.

Of course, in a home like mine, with 2 small boys and a lot of maintenance issues that crop up {have I mentioned recently that Fieldstone Hill is about 180 years old with several mowable acres, a well, steam heat, a septic and water filters galore?}, there is much to be offered in the way of distractions.

But I know that all is not lost! I need to get back to my original vision. AND. I also need some fresh inspiration.

So, I had some fun last night and I played around looking for beautiful spaces that would keep me moving forward with our boys’ room. {despite the fact that I am currently mattress shopping………… ugh.}
Here are a few of the gorgeous pics I found that are spurring me on toward the finish line; and my thoughts about them:

I have had a hard copy of this room in my files for a while. I love the vintage circus-inspired prints, and the light blue/navy blue combination. I also love the plaid bedskirt. {ElleDecor}

Again, a room that I have had in my files for a while. Just perfect for inspiration. I adore the circus feel… it fosters child-like imagination. Those window treatments are amazing. {Elle Decor}

Janell. You are sweet and brilliant! If you have not seen this room from Isabella and Max, or met Janell, you will not be disappointed. Navy, lime-ade, and nautical maps. What more could a boy want? {Isabella and Max}

Thinking about this rug for their room… {Dash and Albert}

To paint them or not to paint them? It depends on the day that you ask me. The beds I found are so gorgeous as is… but I love the look of navy painted beds. {Ashley Putnam via Decor Pad}

Gorgeous inspiration, no?
I know my motivation will return when I am done with silly ol’ mattress shopping.

How do you get back in the game when you are feeling yourself losing motivation in your home?
-{darlene}

Irish?
me neither.

Kelly Green?
yes, please.

{is it just me, or does kelly green make you want to golf? or join a tennis club?}

{nenavon via etsy}

{nenavon via etsy}

{TheHomeCentric via etsy}

{drapery panels at MilkandCookies via etsy}

{glass knobs at Uneek via etsy}

and by now, you have probably figured out that I believe handbags are an essential part of home interior decor. fact.
nothing makes a sofa look more fabulous than the perfect handbag.
{fantella via etsy}

good luck to y’ this day.
I will be gently enjoying some of my husband’s home-brewed green-dyed Irish Red Ale.
-{darlene}

I received this question from a client the other day, and I know it is a great design question that many people wonder about. Below is posted her question, and then, my thoughts on the matter:

{Lisa}:
I’m actually in the process of changing around our kitchen “theme”. I am going with a wine theme. Are themes stupid?? LOL. Like is that a big design no-no…to go with one theme or is it better to mix and match stuff for a more eclectic feel? 
{darlene}:
Your question about themes is a great one!
 
My opinion? {keep in mind, design is all about opinions!}: I think it is better to think more broadly, and go with color schemes as opposed to decor themes. My reasoning is two fold:

1. long term value
2. real is better than faux

1. Long term value
If you fill your kitchen with wine-themed items, it will require an investment into items that you cannot use again once you are ready to redesign, or if you tire of your theme.

2. Real is better than faux
Usually, using a theme involves purchasing items that have your theme printed on them or painted on them.  I, personally, think that this cheapens your decor.

Instead, use your wine idea as Accent Pieces throughout, but not actually printed onto any fabric. Use REAL wine stuff… not pictures or images of wine stuff. How about using wine glasses, bottles, decanters, even beautiful bowls overflowing with grapes etc.?


For example, try to avoid buying a rug that has pictures of wine items on it… instead get a rug that ties into your color scheme.
Decorate your counters with a line of beautiful wine bottles, a decanter, and a tray of gorgeous wine glasses. Make an effort to keep fresh grapes on display.
Then, if you cannot resist the itch, you could buy one sign that you love that declares your love for wine {try to avoid vines and painted wine glasses; just words} and hang it among real art {not prints! support your local artist and add class to your decor in the process} that depicts wine or grapes. You could also go with beautiful, framed photography of black and white wine glasses or bottles, or beautiful color photos of the tuscan landscape.

here are examples of what I would call faux decor: