Making An Entrance | Make It Count

Photography by Kathryn Feldmann

FIRST IMPRESSIONS MATTER! THE ENTRY TO YOUR HOME—THAT FIRST STOP FOR VISITORS AND THE FIRST THING YOU SEE WHEN YOU RETURN AFTER A LONG DAY—IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE GUESTS FEEL WELCOME AND PUT A SMILE ON YOUR OWN FACE. HERE, TAKE A FEW TIPS FROM FOUR LOCAL DESIGNERS ON STYLING AN ENTRY WITH FLAIR.

ELEGANT SIMPLICITY
While capitalizing on the stunning antique dresser, Jessica Durham of Magnolia says, “Keeping the vignette simple was key.” A modern, texturized lamp in stark white from Regina Andrews contrasts well with the deep warmth of the furniture piece. Carson Overstreet’s artwork adds visual interest with a pop of spring color, while a stack of books adds height and additional color notes. To bring in a natural element, Durham included a succulent masterpiece from Emily McCahill of Bay and Branch Plant Design. “We envisioned this vignette in both traditional and transitional spaces,” says Durham.

COMBINING ELEMENTS
Elaine Stephenson of Elaine Stephenson Interiors creates a stylish mix by combining antiques with contemporary art. A curated collection of Rose Medallion porcelain, antique Chinese mud men, African snail shells and an antique openwork basket is framed with green tole lamps that enhance the colors in the porcelain. The Tom Lawson semi-abstract further adds to the color scheme and provides an unexpected element to the vignette. Stephenson says, “I like the objects on the chest to have some relationship; in this instance, it is the colors that work well together.”

MAKE ART THE STAR
“A striking piece of artwork is the foundation to an eye-catching tabletop design,” says MaryJean Levin of Halifax Fine Furnishings. Here, the autumnal Nan Mahone Wellborn painting picks up the warm tones of the antique dresser, while a bronze horse almost seems ready to enjoy a drink from the painted lake. A crystal orb captures color from the surrounding accessories. “Make sure some of the accessories overlap the artwork,” advises Levin, to help unify the display, and stagger accessories across the tabletop. Including a natural element is always a good idea. “Even faux botanicals can work their magic!”

EMBRACE THE TRADITIONAL
Traditional elements are the star in this vignette by Ellie Proctor of Ellie Proctor Antiques. A vintage Italian gilded mirror leads the eye and reflects accessories in front of it, offering depth and detail. A vintage tole urn lamp with lion head handles and a custom shade gets necessary height from the cocktail table books it rests on. An antique English silver-on-copper pedestal bowl holds fresh greenery. “Using live plants or fresh flowers adds an organic component to the vignette,” says Proctor. A footed tortoise box is a one-of-a-kind treasure found on one of Proctor’s recent buying trips, which lends provenance to the overall design. ✦