Winter in the Midwest can be harsh. Chicago is known for its blustery wind, with sudden gusts that knock you over while trying to shovel the sidewalk- speaking from experience!  But we aren't here to complain about the weather. Let's kick off those snow boots, grab a hot toddy, and discuss foyers. Foyers and entryways are the first impression of your home's inner personality. It should feel welcoming and functional.  

As traffic flows in and out of your home, it's inevitable that debris and weather will creep inside. Installing flooring material that can handle the elements like mud, salt, and rain is key. Tile is a durable solution.  Porcelain tile is a manufactured product that is non-porous, stain resistant, and easy to clean. The surface is screen printed to replicate the movement of natural stone or trendy graphic patterns.  Aesthetically, porcelain can appear flat because it is missing physical texture and ability to patina.  Ceramic tiles have many similar benefits as porcelain while providing a wide variety of colorful glaze finishes and exciting mosaic patterns. 

Porcelain Floor Tile. Image Source: Luxe Interiors and Design

Entryways crave impactful statements and bold wallpaper give a boisterous greeting. Over-scaled botanicals, high contrast patterns, and quirky animals are currently some of our favorite themes.  We collaborate with our vendors to specify commercial grade printing in these locations.  This allows the paper to withstand the conditions and be wiped clean if necessary.  Painting the walls and ceiling in moody colors is a budget friendly way to set the tone of your home.

Bold Patterns by Osbourn and Little. Image Source: House Beautiful

Small details offer subtle cues to your family and guests. An upholstered bench signals "take a seat and please remove shoes here." Make sure there is an easy spot to store coats and gear. Closet space is ideal to keep the area tidy. Add pizazz by continuing the foyer wallcovering and flooring, or purchase brass hangers. Wicker baskets, wall hooks, and coat trees also provide handy storage. 

Welcome Bench with Art. Image Source: Jen Talbot Design

Entry tables anchor the room, but they should not be a dumping ground for catalogues and bills. Keeping this space clutter-free is the first step to creating a calm, uplifting environment. A few simple accessories are all that's needed to complete the space, such as a vase of fresh greenery, a tray for keys, and something visually intriguing like a sculpture or a stack of books. Finally, a well placed mirror has two jobs: it reflects light allowing the area to feel brighter and makes sure you leave home looking your very best! 

Foyer Table with Accessories. Image Source: Jen Talbot Design

Author Sydney Piwowar

We have seen and heard of cement tiles for years - that is nothing new. What is special about the ones we are seeing today is that they are Encaustics. Encaustics are paintings and ceramics using pigments mixed with hot wax that are burned in as an inlay. Each tile is handmade and dries slightly different from the next, with variation in depth or bleed at the edges of the pattern. The inconsistency adds to the overall beauty of the tile when laid. There is a slight variation and shadowing in the tones of each tile, when installed in mass the result is pure sophistication and character! These beauties can be used for indoor/ outdoor flooring, in bathrooms and kitchens on the walls or floor and splash backs.

Check out these uses of my current favorite color: soft dove grey. It literally makes the space glow!

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Author: Sydney Piwowar

On October 31st, many Americans were standing on each others door steps. Accompanied by our children, doorstep-to-doorstep ringing door bells and listening to our kids yell "TRICK OR TREAT!"  As a creative person, I was paying as much attention to the costumes as I was the doors. After half a dozen of white and glass doors, I was pleasantly surprised with a bright yellow door. Everyone knows that the kids' favorite house on the block is the one that gives out the full size candy bars – but this one was my favorite. 

When thinking about design, people often get stuck on the soft goods. We think about the potential for a sofa, coffee table, maybe some chairs. Things like windows, trim, doors, and passageway areas are neglected. The bones of a space are just as important though! They hold the power in a room to pull everything together, and I think they deserve our designated attention. 

The options are endless when it comes to paint colors, finishes, and details though. Here are some of our favorite doors to help inspire you to give your home some character.

If you are going for more of a natural look, one of my favorite wood options is Cypress. The long, rustic woodgrain although it looks very rough, creates balance in space to create the perfect rustic modern look. 

This door has a high gloss, lacquer finish. This finish is absolutely stunning! It is guaranteed to make your home stand out from all the others on the block.

Not every great door has to be a bright color. Not every home calls for bright color. A white on white showstopper may be the perfect way to give your door some much needed texture and character.

The antique look isn't for everyone, but I believe that antiques bring character into a space that some contemporary design cannot replace. There are some amazing dealers out there that sell beautiful doors like these to implemented in a modern home. 

Maybe you are looking for a more bold move. Consider these unique door painting patterns. It doesn't need to be all one color! Did this for a clients tween bedroom, mixed with black and white checked head board and leather pillows. 

This is a fun approach for a more temporary option, using Washi Tape to create a pattern or design to freshen up the front.  And when you are tired of it or want to change things up, you can easily removed it and start fresh. This is a great way to jazz up a kids space as they grow. It's also a great way to get them involved in the process because it is not permanent.