Monday, December 3, 2012

Virtual Show House-Day 1- Entryhall

Hello my friends. We are kicking off the Virtual Show House with entry hall of our house designed by the King of understated elegance, Loi Thai of Tone on Tone. Let me tell you, this does not disappoint!
I hope you find these rooms as inspiring as I do.


 Hi everyone! This is Loi from Tone on Tone. I’m excited and honored to be participating in Kerry’s virtual show house.

When Kerry asked if I had a room preference, I said yes: foyer, please! Why? It may not be the largest or showiest room of the house, but it's the room that sets the tone and makes that first impression. A thoughtfully designed foyer can be stylish and timeless, gracious while functional and, warm yet uncluttered.

For this house, I designed a layout and chose pieces that would not overwhelm the narrow center hall. I wanted the foyer to make a statement but not compete with the adjoining living and dining rooms. The foyer is, after all, a transitional space physically and visually.

My inspiration was this abstract oil on canvas painting from Wolf Kahn. Kerry did say no limit on budget :)
Next is this antique English Gothic style narrow console table from Tone on Tone, perfect for a long and narrow entry hall. The Lucille table lamp from Circa Lighting has enough texture to stand up to the painting but does not compete. A white lacquer tray from West Elm is great for keys and daily mail.
A gracious foyer should offer a mirror and some form of seating. I chose the shapely Stella mirror from Hickory Chair---a nice contrast from all the rectangles. Two Courbe stools, upholstered in lavender linen with nailheads, from Ballard offer flexible seating. Plus, the stools can slide under the console table during high traffic events.
 And here is my rendering of the foyer. A classic center hall with a staircase and coat closet located in the back
A neutral and lavender palette. The walls could be painted in either a warm or cool gray. Perhaps Benjamin Moore's Horizon OC-53 or Classic Gray OC-23. The trim would be the same color, except a bit lighter (25%) and in a satin impervo finish.
 A long sisal runner in tones of grays and browns (as opposed to golds) would complement this palette.
Above: I love the design of this contemporary Lucille lamp from Circa...so much movement.
 A handsome Winslow square lantern from Vaughan finishes the space.

I hope you've enjoyed my design for this foyer. Many thanks to Kerry for having me here. I look forward to seeing all the other designs of this virtual show house.
Cheers,
Loi


Join us for the rest of the tour!
Lindsay of Sadie and Stella
Stefan of Architect Design
 Nancy and Bethany of Powell-Brower Home

14 comments:

Linda {Calling it Home} said...

Loi, this foyer is perfect. Those stools are on my list. You can't have too many mirrors...ever!

Unknown said...

I love the textures and the finishes, your specialty Loi!
Beautiful design and that console is spectacular. Love your entry design!
xo Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com

Woodside Park said...

:) Thank you for that intro! I had so much fun, Kerry! Many thanks for inviting me! :)
xoxo
Loi

Kim@Chattafabulous said...

Completely lovely! I absolutely love the small doses of lavender against the gray and texture.

www.chattafabulous.blogspot.com

An Urban Cottage said...

I am "virtually" blown away. Love the juxtaposition of the church-like table with the more modern artwork (love ANY Hans Hofmann student!) and that great lamp. I would certainly be interested in seeing more the house upon entering this space.

Divine Theatre said...

I love all the choices...wouldn't change a thing!

Andie

Heather Moore Grahling | Vivid Hue Home said...

what a beautiful foyer! and what a great idea. loving the virtual show house!

Unknown said...

What a fresh look! The artwork and colors are just stunning and every piece adds an important layer to the overall look!

Vel Criste said...

Love this entry - how I wish we could all see it realized. Great job!

Windlost said...

Oh, I love it!! Funny, it just occurred to me yesterday that lavender would be lovely for a guest room and here Loi brings it into the foyer. Lovely lovely!

xo Terri

The Pink Pagoda said...

Of course, Loi would create something so lovely! This series is so much fun!

Carla Aston said...

Beautiful job, Loi! Love your selections. What a great idea, a virtual showhouse!

Carla Aston said...

Beautiful job, Loi! Love your selections. What a great idea, a virtual showhouse!

Patty Day @Pattys Epiphanies said...

FABULOUS....
Loi you are a genius!!!!
Your work is unsurpassed!!!