HOME TOUR

I feel like I have been fiddling with my entryway for years. The narrow footprint and made-do pieces has made it feel rather incomplete in a way. Although I have loved it through all the stages, and more recently following the renovation, it has always felt in-transition in some ways. Given other projects throughout the years, it’s been low on the priority list for fine purchases, although finding some antiques and a good runner has always been a wish in the back of my mind. I’d find myself in the evenings on Pinterest pinning antique tables and beautiful runners until it dawned on me, I needed to actually start looking if this design was going to come together. And although not quite to the finish line, I’ve found some purposeful pieces I truly love. I am excited to show you fall in the entry with Serena & Lily because the design is unfolding in a lovely way.

Quality pieces have higher price points.  For many of us, this means it takes a longer to pull the space together. Which is probably why it feels like I’ve been fiddling with this space for ages. Investing in quality pieces doesn’t have to happen all at once and it usually doesn’t. There’s something very rewarding about saving, dreaming and finally getting there. Be comfortable with the wait as design has a way of eventually coming together.  This old home has sure journeyed the distance to lovely.

THE RIVERDALE RUNNER

For the last 5 years I’ve had a vintage rug in the entry that was just a little too big. One I already had and was trying to make work from our old house. It covered both a heating vent and the separate air return on the floor and was never meant to be in there for the long haul. Several months ago after years of searching, I found a vintage chest that I wanted for an entry way table and the purposeful design of the entry started to take shape. Crossing the much-wanted antique off the list has left me on the hunt for a runner. But with bold floral wallpaper in the dining room, I needed to be careful with the pattern on the rug. The two spaces very much merge into one with the new widened opening.

When I think of good rugs, Serena & Lily is the first to come to mind because the quality is exceptional, design classic and lovely and the sizes, always just right. After seeing the Riverdale runner in person at my local Serena & Lily store I knew it was “the one.” Don’t hesitate to make an appointment to visit the store or order a swatch. It looks so much more lovely in person. When the Riverdale runner arrived and I unrolled it, I realized it was as though it was made for this room. It’s much narrower than the old rug which means it actually fits the walkway and doesn’t cover any vents. It’s soft and thick underfoot. Especially because I bought the premium rug pad to extend the life of this rug.

The Riverdale rug is hand-knotted and takes months to make–truly a work of art. Its colors are soft and muted yet classic and able to transcend many design styles. It has a softness that works quietly into a design yet it is so lovely it stands on its own yet. This is the foundation piece you have been looking for. The show stopping design and feel of it underfoot makes you walk a little bit slower to the mailbox. How pretty would this one look in a kitchen though!?

STYLING THE NEW TABLE

A few weeks ago an antique piece I had sourced months ago arrived and wouldn’t you know it, the dimensions were wrong. Getting it from a professional antiques dealer, it didn’t even dawn on me to double check measurements because this is the foundation of a listing. How on earth do you get this wrong??? But it was several inches taller and much bigger than expected and I have learned my lesson. ALWAYS ask for measurements. Thank the good Lord this isn’t a client’s design.

I had ordered it to replace the gifted console in the entry which is moving to the basement when that renovation is finished. I realized quickly after the moving men left that it was never going to fit in that exact spot, where I had envisioned it. It was much too big for such a narrow space and it made everything feel wrong.  Have you had purchases like this before? Not getting the big purchases right can make you cry. I wasn’t about to ship it back to Denmark and I LOVE it. It is exactly what I have been looking for for years, it just didn’t fit in my predetermined spot. However my friend talked me off the ledge and suggested we move it under the stairway. It felt initially like I was hiding this beautiful piece away but after scooting it there it became very clear that this was where it was always suppose to be. Suddenly the entry felt wide open. This narrow space I’ve battled felt like it had breathing room. And from the new spot, you can actually see it so much more. You can see it from the couch now. Now I’m searching for a narrow bench to ground the design and some art for the wall.

Here’s where Serena & Lily comes in again. Their designs are fresh yet classic and pair beautifully with antiques. So whether you are designing a whole room with Serena & Lily (always a dream of mine because I love everything on their website) to mixing in pieces that compliment your style, you can’t go wrong with Serena & Lily. Here on our new (old) chest, I’ve added back the Morris Table Lamp because the ceramic glazed base is just so lovely. My only plan is to highlight some of Serena & Lily’s beautiful fabric by the yard to cover the lampshade, stay tuned for that lovely DIY.

With intention and purposefulness, high quality pieces from Serena & Lily can be the foundation of a good design plan. From the Morris Table Lamp to the stunning, hand-knotted Riverdale runner, we’re that much closer to an entry of my dreams while working within the confines of our very historic home’s footprint. This is a sponsored post but I love sharing companies and products I love and own and I know it helps me so much to actually see some of these furnishings in real homes. The beautiful images are by Ruth Eileen Photography.

I put together a mood board of some favorite Serena & Lily finds for an entryway. I actually have the mirror and can’t wait to show you how I styled it above our mantel in a few days. Everything at Serena & Lily is 20% off so now is the time to bring some classic pieces home, perhaps some pieces you’ve been eyeing and saving for.

| 1. Blue and White Still life by Carol Saxe  | 2. Lisbon Mirror | 3. Morris Table Lamp | 4. Blake Dresser | 5. Kent Lantern | 6. Riverdale Hand-Knotted Runner | 7. Bowdon Pillow Cover | 8. Miramonte Pillow Cover | 9. Ashland Throw | 10. Harrison Bench in Surf Stripe Navy Fabric |