Foyer Ledges


Foyer ledges started showing up in homes in the early 90’s.  Ever since, I’ve noticed that most people leave them empty.  What do we do with them?  I started looking around trying to figure out how to decorate this space myself. 
I’ve not been a big fan of the statues or floral arrangements that can be seen from the outside.  It’s just not me and I wanted something different. 

 
 I also have not liked seeing accessories that you’d normally see on table surfaces.  They are not to scale to the space and the ledge is really a floor so it just looks odd to me. 


 I love the idea of a reading loft but not in a foyer and mine is way higher than I’d want anyone to climb. 


I’ve seen tables and chairs on the ledges but that makes me want to go over and sit down to look at the window and there is no way to do that!  Why would you put a table in chair where you can get to them?  However, most ledges look like this one with nothing on it.  What a waste!
Here is what I came up with:
  • From the outside, I think the window should highlight the chandelier.  There shouldn’t be anything in the window that would obstruct the view of the chandelier. 
  • From the inside, I want to frame the window and add interest to the space that will draw the eye up when guest enter. 
  • I think that you should only use accessories that can stand alone on the floor.
Some ideas of what to put on a ledge are architectural pieces such as large corbels, old shutters and doors.  Also, old wooden wagon wheels, ladders and farming tools would be good.  You could even use large picking or tobacco For a beach house, I think a large decorative sailboat would look beautiful as well. 

Here is one I did recently.  We started out with a blank slate, just like so many homes have.


I started out like I always do, looking for items around her home.  I found a beautiful weathervane that was not spotlighted in her house as I thought it should be.  Instead it was in pieces and not on a stand.  I took it and had it mounted on a stand for her.
 


Then in the attic, I found a butter churn.  I found these large sunflowers to put in it.  Aren't they beautiful? 
 
 
I found a garden topiari when I was out and about scouting local stores.  I added Christmas lights to the inside of it to help draw the eye up when it is night.  I put our finds together and still didn't feel like it had the look I was going for so I went back into the attic and found her husband's grandmother's antique chest.  Her husband was delighted that something of his had made it into the collection and helped me get it up to the space!  It was the magic piece and I loved how it turned out.  What do you think? 



In my home, I also had an empty ledge.  Being a decorator, I couldn't just leave this space empty!  I found a painted door with iron to put on one side.



Then I wanted to add light that would draw the eye up, show through the window a little but not take away from the iron chandelier hanging in the foyer.  I have been eyeing for a while lanterns but couldn't quite find the place to put one in my home.  I found this one and decided to add LED willow branches inside.  Then I placed an architectural corbal next to it.



This is how my ledge turned out.  It added a pop of color that help add interest to the space during the day and at night, it gives a warm inviting glow.



I was excited about how it turned out.  I plan to add something seasonal to the space as the year goes on.  As much as I love it now though, I can't wait to decorate it at Christmas time.  You'll love what I do then so stay tuned!  Don't forget that:  Great Design Takes Time! 

Until next time,


Lisa

Fall Decor

The nights are getting cooler and soon Autumn days will soon follow.  When I was younger, fall was my least favorite time of the year.  I associated it with leaves and in the house I lived in I was always raking so I associated fall with one big mess!  Now I live in a house that doesn't have as many trees so I guess because I'm not always fighting leaves I enjoy it.  Instead, I find myself taking in all the beauty that comes with the turning of the leaves. 

Have you started thinking about how you are going to decorate?  Well, let's get to preparing!

First, I begin putting away all my warm weather decor.  Next, I slowly begin bringing out my fall decor.  I bring it out much like you begin seeing farmers bringing in their fall harvest.  I start by bringing out my fall ceramic pumpkins and bowls and containers around the house to display apples, small gourds and pine cones. 

This antique hand painted porcelain bowl was given to me by my husband's grandmother.  I leave it out throughout the year but in the fall I give it more of a spotlight on a table in my living room.  You'll see the inside of the bowl has acorns painted on it.  It's really beautiful alone so I don't put anything in it. 





Next, I think of all the spaces that I want to add a little fall decor to. For me, it's my front door, dining room and kitchen.  I like my money to go far so I try not to get too stuck on Halloween or Thanksgiving and focus on decor that will carry me through the season the furthest. 

This year for my dining room, I decided to add to my decor by purchasing a large ceramic owl and pumpkins.  I used my faithful burlap runner, large baluster candles and wicker chargers.  I love how it turned out and can't wait to entertain family and friends!



When it turns a little cooler, I will begin decorating my front door area with mums and pumpkins.  I love how this one is done below.  The coloring is beautiful!



This year I am wanting to add a new fall wreath.  I found this one and am going to copycat it.  I've already purchased everything to make it.  I'll be sure to post on my Facebook page the end result.  Isn't it adorable? 



I also love to put out sunflowers in the fall.  Live ones last over a week but you could always buy silk.  Look at these large ones that I found for a client.  I put them in a buttermilk churn and they look gorgeous!



When October arrives, I pull out my witches hat to put on my foyer table along with one of my ceramic pumpkins.  I thought it was way too cute to only come out for one night so I decided to dual purpose it!



When Halloween passes, I pull out our cornucopia and fill it full of faux gourds, pine cones and berries and set it at our doorway.



I hope this has gotten you to thinking about fall and that you'll take time to enjoy the cool weather, the beautiful colors and the festivities that go along with it.  Remember, you don't have to do it all at once.  Start out small and add to your fall decor each year because Great Design Takes Time!

Until next time,



Lisa