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Should I Go For It??

November 5, 2012 by Amber Filed Under: DIY, foyer, personal design style 24 Comments

Thank you all for your encouraging comments about my last post. I am happy to say that my writer’s block is dwindling and I am slowly getting my blogging mojo back in gear! I have been thinking about trying out a little project in our foyer, but not ready to commit. Here is where your input is key! This is what our foyer looks like as of right now:

Our Foyer

While I love the light that comes in from the sidelights, there is no privacy at the front of our house. I would like something that can be swept away, so the sidelights can still be used during the day. Here is what I found on pinterest that has me thinking…

Source: southernliving.com via Amber on Pinterest
Source: jonesdesigncompany.com via Amber on Pinterest

What if I installed a curtain rod and drapes? I could pull the panels back during the day and have the privacy I need at night. Here’s the dilemma and where I need your opinion…
I am trying to go for the less is more mantra and don’t want to crowd my spaces too much with things. I am worried that if I try this, it might look too busy in my little foyer nook, as the space isn’t that large to begin with. I love the way these two images look, but their foyers are also larger than mine. I also worry about drilling holes into the wallpaper, as that would be so permanent.

Any thoughts? What would you do??
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Comments

  1. Sandy A says

    November 5, 2012 at 2:35 pm

    I love that look–and it is functional as well. What about a gauzy fabric in the same color as the wall paper background so it blends in more You would have privacy and still light will filter through…

    Reply
  2. Kim@Chattafabulous says

    November 5, 2012 at 3:19 pm

    I absolutely love that idea and you should do it! I've thought about doing that myself for my entry doors when I change them out for French doors.

    http://www.chattafabulous.blogspot.com

    Reply
  3. Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says

    November 5, 2012 at 3:20 pm

    I say go for it – it'll look great!

    Reply
  4. Patty Day @Pattys Epiphanies says

    November 5, 2012 at 3:28 pm

    I love the look and think it would look great. I would go with a solid panel, not a print. And I wouldn't close them at night. I think the panels pulled back would give some privacy at night and add to the warmth of the space.

    Reply
  5. pam {simple details} says

    November 5, 2012 at 3:46 pm

    I would give it a trial run with a couple of sheets or large pieces of fabric to see if you think it feels too cluttered. I agree it's a great look!

    Reply
  6. amber wallace says

    November 5, 2012 at 3:49 pm

    Do it!! I love the look. I would keep them a solid probably if you are going for less is more or do a solid rug with patterned curtains.

    Reply
  7. penny says

    November 5, 2012 at 4:01 pm

    Hi, I really was just stopping by and this caught my eye. I think it's a great idea and while I totally understand the advice to go solid with the panels, I think a narrow stripe could also be really pretty. Using the two tones of the wall treatment would give you a more subtle look, or the two tones in the rug could really tie the floor and wall together. Either way it would be striking and add another layer of sophistication to your very pretty entry. Just my two "cents". 🙂

    Reply
  8. McKae @ Kaes Corner Design says

    November 5, 2012 at 4:05 pm

    I say go for it! It's such a cool look! I agree with Penny, stripes would look really good! I also think solid panels would work well. Good luck , I can't wait to see what you do!

    Reply
  9. penny says

    November 5, 2012 at 4:30 pm

    P.S. I'm throwing in a third "cent" cuz I'm cool like that. 🙂 the only thing that really bothers me in this entry is the pillow. I just don't think the color is working with the gold tones of the floor, hardware and mirror. That's an easy fix. Since the bench is a little on the light side, I'd consider a flat cushion with a natural material, like linen or burlap (or if you really love pattern, which it seems you might, a small or windowpane check!) with a little welting on it. Or you could even do a box-pleat slip-cover. In that case, I'd probably stick with the neutral linen/burlap to help make the bench relate better to the mirror since one is so contemporary and the other rustic/natural? Either approach would blend with the more traditional look of your wall treatment. If you prefer the bench au natural, then maybe go with a sleeker looking, oval mirror (depending on the decor in the rest of your house). I hope you don't mind me, a total stranger, giving my opinion. I can just so clearly picture this entry in my mind all dressed out. I think you've got such a pretty start, though, Far better than most. You're doing a great job in your home.

    Reply
  10. penny says

    November 5, 2012 at 4:37 pm

    okay, so disregard everything I said…I see you're a designer and don't need input from me! (Although, if you're like me, it's easy to see what to do in other people's homes, but when it comes to my own…?..massively indecisive!) 🙂

    Reply
  11. Holly says

    November 5, 2012 at 6:41 pm

    Our neighbor across the street has panels over her glass doors and I've often thought about being really nosy and asking her if I can see what they look like from the inside. My opinion is if there is a need for the privacy and you like the look then I would definitely do it. The panels would soften this area a lot, but you would also need to consider if having the panels installed would hinder anything as well (traffic flow, space, etc.) Looking forward to seeing what you decide.

    Reply
  12. Interior Design Musings says

    November 5, 2012 at 10:19 pm

    Hey Amber!
    I think it would look fantastic. Ditto the comment to find a sheer linen in the same tones as the wallpaper and I might also consider neutralizing the rug, just so the wallpaper is the main focal point! Also, one of the images has an accent chair in the entry and that would also look good to give you the sense of more space (rather than the bench). Love the idea, can't wait to see how it turns out! M.

    Reply
  13. Amy @ Five Kinds of Happy says

    November 5, 2012 at 10:25 pm

    I love the idea of using curtains there – but I think you'd have to make sure they were not patterned and maybe just a plain cream/white colour so as not too add visual clutter. An altenative could be those frosted glass panes. 🙂 Good luck!

    Reply
  14. michele says

    November 6, 2012 at 1:25 am

    i can see why these images tempt you. it really softens the space and enhances it. wondering if you will be happy if you stick to white/off white for the rod and billowy panels to keep things light and airy.

    hope you'll stop by when you have a moment.

    smiles to you.

    michele

    Reply
  15. Gild and Grace says

    November 6, 2012 at 8:18 am

    Such a great concept Amber! I say give it a go 🙂 Thanks so much for popping past G&G 🙂

    Abbey x

    Reply
  16. LUCY WILLIAMS says

    November 6, 2012 at 5:45 pm

    hmmmmm….so it wont look crowded, what about doing the drapery thing in a linen that matches the tan in your wallpaper….then nuetralizing the rug with a sisal? good luck! i am sure in the end its going to be awesome!! its always harder being your own decorator!!

    Reply
  17. Andrea says

    November 6, 2012 at 8:07 pm

    If you're worried about holes in the wallpaper, what about affixing the curtain rod to your molding? It wouldn't have the open look as a curtain rod installed way up high, but you'd save yourself the heartache of wallpaper holes… holes in molding are easily filled and painted over when you change your look!

    Or. Go for a ceiling mounted (suspended) curtain rod or cable!

    Reply
  18. Decora Adora says

    November 9, 2012 at 1:47 am

    I love that look–and it is functional as well. What about a gauzy fabric in the same color as the wall paper background so it blends in more . I love love you blog.

    Reply
  19. Jessie says

    November 9, 2012 at 4:17 pm

    Go for it, Amber! It will give you privacy and will soften the corners! Win-win! If you are concerned with the area looking too crowded, get solid curtains instead of something with patterns!

    Enjoy your weekend!

    Jessie
    http://www.mixandchic.com

    Reply
  20. marble columns says

    November 13, 2012 at 9:43 am

    yes please go ahead right away. I love that look. You may like to do some patterns on curtains. xo
    ~ Herman Swan

    Reply
  21. James says

    November 13, 2012 at 10:28 pm

    I love that second photo! Looks great! A lot of light too.

    Reply
  22. concrete contractors Cook County says

    November 21, 2012 at 7:42 am

    Those examples are really elegant. With such a smaller space, it would be best if you make use of light colored drapes because these will not only allow more light but will also prevent the “bulking” effect which you do not want to achieve. You can go for a lighter of such material like that of the first example. Go for it!

    Reply
  23. Anonymous says

    January 15, 2013 at 6:58 pm

    Where did you get your rug?

    Reply
  24. Amber B (Simple Dwellings) says

    January 23, 2013 at 2:06 am

    The rug is actually a target find about 2 years ago!

    Reply

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Welcome!

Hi, I'm Amber... a wife, mom and interior decorator. I am the writer of Simple Dwellings and the designer behind Amber B Design. Blog topics are all things design, with the occasional DIY attempt! Thanks for stopping by.Read more...

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