Get the Look! Making an Entrance.

It is said that the first impression is a lasting impression; so why not make the first space people see upon entering your home amazing! Create a bold statement in your foyer or entryway without killing your wallet. Let your guests know that they've arrived somewhere special, still warm and inviting, but with a certain "wow!" factor added in.

The Inspiration

We recently noticed an fantastic image featured in House Beautiful Magazine ("Tour a Little Red Schoolhouse that One Designer Calls Home"). Although this image itself was taken in a living room, we thought these pieces would easily translate into making a huge impact in an entryway.

Get the Look

We scoured our showroom to find pieces and in many cases offer several alternative options for you to recreate the designer look at do-it-yourself budget price points. Here's what we've come up with!

The Cupboard!

Let's start with an impressive cupboard. We've chosen this 18th Century Country French Cupboard (item #61204) from our current inventory because it features an engraved floral and vine motif, paneled sides, and cantered corners all accentuated by its gorgeous amber patina. Alternatively, you could easily interchange this piece with any one of our many quality chests in stock like our Fine New England Cherry Chests (item #62929) or Custom Quality Mahogany Block-Front Bachelor's Chest; which are no less impactful.

Seating!

Next, you should include a place for you and your guests to sit and take off their shoes or wet boots. For our "Get the Look" we suggest this Antique Nathan Margolis Queen Anne set of chairs (item #55481). Although this is a set of eight chairs (one or two for the foyer), you can easily work the other chairs into the rest of your home's design. Likewise, we offer a multitude of seating options that can switch-hit for your budget and aesthetic like this beautiful pair of Theodore Alexander Mahogany Arm Chairs (item #61457), an Early 20th Century Carved Walnut Accent Chair (item #60983), or if space allows, this stunning Theodore Alexander Upholstered Mahogany Bench (item #61456).

Lighting!

Add some dramatic lighting like our Satsuma Style Ginger Jar Lamp (item #6405). Of course, there is a plethora of other styles in our current inventory of lamps from ginger jar styles to figural and vase lamps. You'll just want to keep in mind the scale of the lamp. You'll want to choose something that's short and stout so that it has the weighty feel you need, but wont be so tall that it will block the artwork on the wall. For instance, swap out the Satsuma lamp for a Chinese Archaic Style Bronze Lamp (item #60992) or our Green Salt Glazed Embossed Lamp (item #34927).

Wall Decor!

Moving on to wall decor! You'll want to choose a mirror with an impressive frame. For our "Get the Look," we've chosen this Gilded Carved Wood and Gesso Framed Mirror (item #16590) mounted above the console table. Other good alternatives include this Paint Decorated and Inlaid Mirror (item #62033), Antique 18th Century Gold Leaf Mirror (item #55486), R&Y Augousti Shagreen Sharkskin Mirror (item #46785), or this Beveled Wall Mirror with Custom Patinated Gilt Frame (item #54557). Let the mirror be a piece of art on your wall!

Add to the wall a collection of curated (not necessarily matching) pieces of art. In our "Get the Look" piece, we've chosen a Henry Niestle (Swiss, 1876-1966) Oil on Canvas Titled Still Life with Apple (item #5889), a Group of Signed Walker O. Cain Illustration Art (item # 42880), a colored woodcut in an ebonized faux bamboo frame depicting a profile of a figure with earring below character letters by titled "Purim" by Leonard Baskin (American, 1922-2000) (item #59407), and a large piece from the "Fragment" Series by Kevin Paulson (item #29554) subtitled "The Folk Tradition of Itinerant Art." Of course, BRG's extensive inventory of art (both fine and decorative) offers plenty of options to suit the scale you need to fill your wall, as well as choices to suit your tastes, styles, and budgets.

Decorative Accessories!

Strategically place some decorative accessories like this smaller Pair of Antique Picture Frames (item #57984) featuring brass openwork scrolled surrounds with brass stands on the backs and this pair of Chinese Blue and White Covered Jars with Foo Dog Finials (item #3726) for some added umph!

The Backdrop!

Once you have your pieces collected, you need to consider the backdrop. Think of it as your canvas. Bring your collection all together with a lovely textured wallpaper (think grass-cloth, linen weave, or even rice paper pattern) in an on-trend neutral (much like the inspiration photo) or go super bold (test your mettle) with a pop of vivid color like Benjamin Moore's "Razzle Dazzle" or "Patriot Blue."

Voila!

And that's it! If you have an inspiration photo or magazine clipping, consider perusing our website to see if you can get the look by finding similar items in our showroom at various price points. Or if you want to challenge us to create a "Get the Look" piece let us know!

Keywords: House Beautiful, Little Red Schoolhouse, entryway, foyer, impact, interior design, interior decor, making an entrance, Thomas Look, photo, get the look