Lindsay's Loft

LGN reader, Lindsay, wrote in for some help with this loft area in her apartment. This little “room” is the first part of her home that you see after entering the front door and climbing the stairs. Lindsay wants this area to have more pizazz. I think it can be a lot more functional, too.

Lindsay says she has traditional decor taste, but wants to step a little bit outside her comfort zone. No problem there. I’ve got some quick and easy project ideas for her that are relatively painless and even fun!

Here’s the direction I would go:

The paint color is staying. So is the white chair that Lindsay recently recovered. I like this Serafina pillow from Pottery Barn ($20 on sale) to tie in the blue paint and create a palette for the rest of our accessories.

I think a rug is a must in this area. I LOVE this antique oriental rug from Craig’s List. The seller is asking $95, but I would offer $75, which is an absolute steal for a rug this gorgeous and in such great condition. The colors are perfect and I’m crazy about the pattern. Not to mention the size is just right for this space.

For the long wall right next to the door, I think a narrow console table would be so helpful. I love these right next to entrances – perfect for big bowls that hold mail and keys and grocery lists. I like the straight lines of this table juxtaposed with the ornate armoire.

Speaking of the armoire, Lindsay is lacking closets in her apartment so she uses this large armoire for storage space. She got it as a hand-me-down and it doesn’t sound like she loves it. I think it is really cool! It would be even cooler with a new paint job.

If Lindsay wants to be conservative here, I think I nice creamy white would be gorgeous. But if she’s willing to be daring, I would paint it a super glossy navy blue, a la Nate Berkus and these incredible doors in his personal home office. I am so crazy about this paint job.

Next up: accessories.

I am loving all the terrariums out there in blogland right now. And how pretty would two terrariums be on top of the navy armoire? Terrariums are beautiful and basically maintain themselves (they very rarely require watering). I would use two different sized and shaped apothecary jars from TJ Maxx HomeGoods (super cheap there). Something that looks like this:

or this one (love the red plant)

I am so, so in love with this coat rack from Urban Outfitters ,$68, (or spray paint this $30 version red) and think it would look perfect for the space between the chair and armoire.

Also in that space, on the wall, I would hang this antique oriental-themed mirror (offer $50). I think you should paint it white. Won’t it look amazing against those blue walls? I’m sure your guest will be thinking just that as they hang up their coats and adjust their Boston-wind-blown hair!

I would get two of these large banana leaf baskets from Target to replace the white shoe shelves. The baskets will sit length-wise under the console table. This solution keeps the shoes out of sight, but close by the chair for easy putting on and taking off.
For art on the wall above the console table, I like the idea of hanging a collection of black and white silhouettes. You can find some really fun prints and originals with this eBay search.

I especially like the symbolism of these…
A romantic original work by a known illustration artist

Look at this adorable carriage scene

And a sweet love tree

I also think it would be fun to make your own silhouettes of you and your husband to hang in the mix. Here are the instructions (couldn’t be easier):

1. Take profile pics of self and hubbie.
2. Print out said pics on any paper.
3. Cut out with small scissors or x-acto knife.
4. Paint black with craft paint or color with sharpie.
5. Glue to piece of white paper (or any color, really).
6. Frame.

And that’s all! Here’s everything together (click to enlarge).

I think these simple additions and changes will help create a colorful and welcoming entrance into your beautiful home, Lindsay! Good luck!

Have a design question? Want some advice? Email me at jkomenda {at} gmail {dot} com.