So we replaced the light fixture, the floors, painted & added some art & finally, here is is now:
I wanted something really special when you first walk in... Something unexpected & a little crazy. The 30 Leonardo DaVinci sketches were originally intended for the living room but once the beautiful stencilling went up I realized I couldn't cover it. Our sweet friends Amy & Greg came over & helped us hang the sketches. I had a really crazy week last week & was supposed to take it easy, so I literally just sat on a chair at the top of the stairs and watched & guided & tried not to be too bossy ;) as the three of them -Dave , Amy & Greg- "randomly" hung up the prints.
All together this was about an 8-10 hour project- split between both Dave & I, it didn't actually take this long but that's about how long it took man-hours-wise. We bought the book Da Vinci's Notebook and I cut & tore out the sketches along the original worn & jagged edges. We used a variety of different subject matter & for some reason I can't help being drawn to the "grotesque" studies he did of people. Da Vinci believed that to be able to recreate beauty you had to have an understanding of ugliness & what made someone "grotesque." Dave just kept shaking his head as I cut out more "old men" sketches from the book for the wall.
But with 30 frames to fill, we definitely got our fair share of pretty drawings:
And everything in between:
The custom 20" x 14" antique gold frames (approx $20 each from here) came in pieces & Dave put them together. (With 30 frames, this took HOURS but the price made it all worth it to us.) I ordered uncut white matting for the frames and just mounted the sketches right onto the matting. My big dilemma was: would I hang them in a perfect grid or fo for a more Alice in Wonderland feel? Clearly the grid would be safer but I've always loved Alice in Wonderland and try to take risks when I can. (And the installation was so much quicker!!! No laster levels, just friends & some hammers & nails!)
The floors are now seagrass & here is an older pic I have of them (below.) We have a little Ikea storage bench for putting on shoes & it's where Christian waits when we're all leaving the house in a rush. The cushion is really easy to recover and I plan on switching out the fabrics whenever I feel like it:
And below is a view of the entryway looking up:
And here it is now (below). I couldn't be happier with how the 4-feet high Minka- Lavery caged lantern from Bellacor works with the frames. (I got it for around $200 on sale!) ...I don't know if this makes sense to you (and this may be the synesthete in me speaking) but when I look up at the entry it reminds me of tinkling chimes. I can't explain it but something about the frames & the lantern & the light is musical to me... It's weird to say but I can almost hear it. (hahah okay I hope you don't think I'm on crack, but do you see at all what I mean?)
And finally, one last photo of the whole thing from the living room. The frames aren't spaced evenly and we just eyed the prints creating a crazy entryway of "randomness." I know this might not be pleasing to everyone, butI'm so glad I decided to go this way instead of with a grid... the risk was worth it.
Needless to say after last week & all of our holiday decorating frenzy, my face & ankles & hands swelled up & I got cankles!!! eeeeeek :) They're gone right now but try to come back whenever I'm on my feet fro more than a little bit. I'm almost ready for this baby!!!
xoxox.
lauren
-Exact frame purchased: Radius Colorcast- Antique Gold (RC23)
147 comments:
5 stars, it's perfect. L, you have the magic!
OH SO PRETTY! I hear the chimes ... haha.
Your mad the perfect choice by not hanging the pictures in a grid. Your eye definitely has to move over the images so you can appreciate each of the individually.
What a wonderful surprise - the best before & after ever! I love this - so inviting. Wonderful energy that greets you at the door and carries you right up the stairs!
oh so light and airy feeling. The transformation is incredible. I LOVE IT! All the best, Lori
Absolutely gorgeous! I love it all - the lantern, the pictures, everything! You are so talented! Best wishes for a quick delivery and a happy holiday!
This looks amazing! Really love how you incorporated the sketches. Great job and lovely inspiration for my entryway which is in dire need of a redo.
Lauren,
I love it! Unbelievable what a transformation it is!! I love the light and the paneling ! And that bench stands wonderful there! It is a good idea!
Keep care of yourself and the baby!!!
xx
Greet
you have done simply stunning things with your home!! you've got a gift--vision to see all the things that could be...love it!
That's a really fabulous entryway makeover! Great job!
Love the idea of hanging the pictures randomly. It gives the feeling the pictures were added over time and not hung all at once. The entire space looks fabulous.
This looks so great! I love that you went with random instead of a grid. It's so much more interesting!
you should always listen to your synesthete...it looks amazeballs!
Lauren, I love it! The gallery with with the orange door is perfection. I wish I could see it in person.
Take care of yourself Mama, enjoy these last few moments with your new Big. :) xo -S
I love it! What an amazing transformation!
Gorgeous! Looks like it's right out of House Beautiful. LOVE the light fixture. Great work - again!!!
Danielle
I love the randomness of the pictures. I'm not a symetrical kind of person so I definatly hear the music! Beautiful you should be so proud!
Oh, Lauren - it is BRILLIANT! And with your Hermes-orange door (I think???), I just can't say enough how much I adore what you've done! WHAT a transformation!
Lauren- I am speechless. I love it!
This is an amazing transformation. You are so talented!
Gorgeous! It DOES look light and "tinkly" (says a fellow synesthete).
Hard work...amazing end!
Now...go drink your water...and wait for that babe!!!
This may be my favorite transformation in the tree house so far! Awesome job!
I love your entry! Stunning! Where did you find our light? I need a new entry light desperately, and I haven't found anything that I love in our price range yet. We have a Minka Lavery light also, only in our dining room..
The pictures you have on the wall turned out really nice. I love the way you displayed them.
This may be my favorite transformation in the tree house so far! Awesome job!
wow. It's fantastic. I LOVE the lantern. I'm so glad you hung the prints randomly instead of on a grid. It is really a special space. I know it brings you joy each time you walk into your beautiful home.
it is BEAUTIFUL!!!! love, love, love!!!
take it easy till the baby comes --- (although i totally understand the feeling of just wanting to deliver ALREADY!)
It looks great my love! I wish I had a massive entry way like that to do the same! I love it.
Things have been a bit crazy here. The fight with the In-laws have continued. I swear I now have an ulcer and have yet to do anything for Christmas. Stress.
Take time to rest! So excited for your new bundle of joy!
Wow! It looks great! I love the light fixture!
Awsome! I love the "Alice In Wonderland" style!
I agree, I like the random placement, it looks great! I recently did an art wall in my dining room and it makes me happy every time I look at it.
Take it easy!!
LeAnn:)
Wow, it's looking fabulous!!! I absolutely LOVE what you've done! What a difference some artwork can do! Do you have closeups of the frames?
This looks just gorgeous. I love it all. The collage of prints and the pretty new fixture and paint has made a dramatic difference. Love it all. Hugs, Marty
The entryway looks absolutely amazing! I love it! The light is fantastic, and I love the random spacing of the prints. Thanks for sharing :)
It's so pretty, light and airy! I love the idea of cutting the prints out of the book. Now I have plans for all my art history books from college!
You are KIDDING me! Lauren, it's amazing. I honestly couldn't have seen a way to make the entry look that way. It's gorgeous.
I do think your husband deserves an award. He understands the nesting instinct right before the baby and is getting it done. I'm so happy for you that you will be coming home from the hospital soon with a house that feels so perfectly perfect for you all!
Lauren, I love it! You really turned an awkward entryway into a fabulous, exciting space! I think the randomness is a great touch, too. Wow!
Unbelievably pretty. Way better than a grid. Love it up!
That is absolutely amazing!!!! Breathtaking actually.
I love it - makes me wish I had a higher ceiling in my entryway!
What an amazing transformation! I love the frames and especially the light fixture! You are so talented!
I love it! I really think it looks cool and adds a lot of character to the space.
WoW! This looks amazing! Love that you went with the Alice in Wonderland feel. Lucky guests!
it's beautiful! really draws your eye up to show off that awesome high ceiling! great job
Wow! Right out of a magazine. Looks amazing! Love the random arrangement of the prints!
So happy to see it! Enjoy and stay off your feet!!!!!
~jamilyn
Love the Alice in Wonderland look. You did a great job.
Howly cow, girlfriend -it looks AMAZING! Congrats! I'm always a fan of the random gallery wall (like in my own apt) and it's especially great in an entry for a bold statement!
I love it. It looks absolutely fantastic! You need a little randomness in life... otherwise, it would be too cookie-cutter.
Um.. you're amazing. Seriously. Amazing. : )
Cheers,
Alaina
Looks fantastic, Lauren. Airy and light but full of color and interest. Love the light too, perfectly suits the space. I don't hear the tinkling, but I sure like what I see!
wonderful~! I love it. random was the way to go.
what a difference!!
Quite possibly the best before and after transformation ever. Putting those prints up in a random pattern was genius. There are so many of them and yes, I do hear chimes. Love the light, love Belacor too. Your nesting instinct is in full gear! Take it easy. --Delores
LOVE IT!!!! That lantern is to die for! I like the random hanging pics! Who needs a level?
I can't even imagine the frames hung in a grid...it looks AMAZING just like this! Especially with the lantern. I love it all!!!!
Darn it, Lauren!!! How do you do it? You blew our minds again!!!! Amazing. It's totally and awesomely gorgeous. Way to go! Why can't I have friends and a husband who would love to do this with me like you do?!
Oh my glory be. I cannot believe how creative you are. I suspect that your nesting instincts are 24/7 pregnant or not. You have got the gift babe.
Feet up. Sip some herbal tea and relax.
(is that possible with a little one tearing around?)
I love it and am inspired to do something similar.
New to your blog and I'm so glad I came across it! You're home is absolutely spectacular! I love the randomness of the entryway, it's perfect!!
Wow, Lauren. It looks amazing. I love the randomness of the frame arrangement, I think for that space it was the best way to go! You do such great work and are an inspiration. Too bad I have to harass my husband for months and months to get him to hang anything! You are a lucky lady!
This is my favorite thing I've ever seen you do! Just amazing, truly amazing!
After 59 other comments it's very hard to be original, but you deserve every bit of praise and probably a job on the Pottery Barn squad too.
I'm like, gagging, on the gorgeousness of this entryway. An amazing job.
Where did you get the light fixture? I love it!
Holy cow, I cannot believe that is the same entry! Amazing!
Lauren,
My love -- it looks simply amazing. Magazine worthy. Probably the best transformation of your new home. I have been reading and thinking about you. Praying for your precious baby. Congratulations!!!!
All my love,
Your old buddy,
Kara
perfection perfection perfection!
LOVE everything about it!
Amazing amazing amazing, as expected and as usual! I LOVE IT! Enjoy this last bit of time before the baby comes!
Beautiful! Love the random frames, the lantern, and still love the orange door!
Took my breath away!!! I wish I was young and enthusiastic again! I get such joy from your energy and creativity. Just a spectular make-over in that entry. Perfection "chiming" all over the place! Rest!!!
Wow!! This looks amazing!!
And I love your orange front door!
OMG this is fabulous. You're a genius for making it look gorgeous on the cheap. The lantern packs a fantastic punch (I never would have pegged it at $200), the frames are lovely and the burst of yellow from the open front door against the evergreen garlands is v. juicy. Well done!
Looks very cool! Love the randomness but not so sure on the grotesque faces haha! I think my husband would roll his eyes too. Good luck with bubby!
The randomness is terrific. The whole entry is absolutely stunning!! If I was a magazine editor I would so be on the phone with you! Michele
AMAZING!!!!!!! What a transformation...literally from night to day. You did a wonderful job creating an inspirational, "wow" space!
I'm expecting our first baby in January, and like you, I'm ready for him to be born...those feet in my ribs are not the most comfortable! :)
This is so gorgeous! I'm inspired!
Amy
So awesome, I LOVE it! Perfect! I like that the pictures are hung randomly and not in a grid. The light fixture is amazing too. Gorgeous!
I am usually rather pedantic about symmetry, grids, etc, but in this situation the randomness is perfect. It looks as though you've had a professional in to do it...and what great team work, well done. Don't forget to elevate those feet :o)
Angex
I LOVE it!!! Kudos to you! Those sketches are great! Fantastic!
Amazing for sure!! I love the randomness.
This is a truly amazing transformation of the space. I just LOVE it! I bet every time you walk in that door you smile!
Wonderful! It is truly great!
It looks fantastic !! You did a wonderful job
I love your arrangement of framed sketches- it looks like it evolved over time, since the placement is more random. Beautiful entryway! The transformation is incredible.
this transformation is absolutely astounding!
i have been viewing your before and afters and loving every minute of it. we live in a city with a lot of 60s/70s split levels, and i never thought they could look as lovely as you have made your home. you have such beautiful taste.
[although all your rooms look fabulous, i think the kitchen is my favorite! :)]
Love Love Love what you did - the light fixture looks amazing and while I'm one for symmetry - I think your "Alice and Wonderland" look is absolute perfection. Amazing Job!
You are so gifted. This is one of the best things you have done yet!! I love it and yes, I can hear the chimes. BEAUTIFUL!!! WOW>
nannykim/spindlecottage
HOLY COW! My jaw literally dropped when I saw the after. At first I thought it was a photo from a magazine--but no, it's your actual entry! Wow. I just love this. Love it, love it, love it.
My husband is going to be so sorry that I saw this when I start asking him to hang a million frames in our entry now... :-)
I just love your completed artwork. Great job and how nice to have the helpful friends. I love symmetry but when it comes to hanging pictures I always well almost always opt for for free form. It is so much easier and quicker. You just can't go wrong.
nancy
www.rivieraboardwalk.blogspot.com
Lauren, all I can say is BEAUTIFUL! :-)
Shannon
Wow that is so beautiful, what an amazing idea and I just love the light fixture. Love the random placement! You are so good!!
Incredible! Thanks for sharing.
Wow, it looks crazy good! I can hardly believe it's the same space. Great job!!!
I can't stop checking out your entry - what a transformation! Simply beautiful.
It looks wonderful. Great job!
Yet again, I have no words for this. I think with one room, ok this one will be my favorite in her house, and then you just keep topping it with the next space you post- OMG girl, I am totally in love with your house!!! The orange door will forever be my favorite and because you have it in the pictures here it looks AMAZING!!
It's all been said ~ just adding Perfect!! The random arrangement just makes the whole area sing.
It truly doesn't even look like the same foyer anymore! Beautiful! I'm swiping this for my inspiration file I keep in my HD of all things amazing! (Keep off those feet girl!) (:
Standing ovation! This needs to be featured in a magazine- taking a drab entryway that everyone can relate to and turning it into a showstopper! Love every single aspect of it!
Lauren! Holy, holy, wow!
I am so happy you used the drawings here, they are INCREDIBLE in the hallway! I love DaVinci, and have also grouped prints of his sketches in our bedroom and living room, but this , well, it puts mine to shame. I think.
The chandelier works perfectly with the frames you chose too.
You're amazing!
I am just speechless (and that's a big deal on its own!) It's stunning! I'm so happy you went random-- it's so much more interesting in that space. And the light-- oh, boy,that light. And your orange door, too. Amazing!
Stunning! I wouldn't change a thing. It's absolutely gorgeous!! xo.
Lauren- I get the chimes! Love the entry - the light and frames really make it. (and now I realize that I have a way to hang the many pictures I haven't put up because I couldn't get them 'perfect'). And of course I love your orange door 'cuz I already have one!
Lauren this is so magazine worthy. I would have marked it in a second as a favorite.
Another fantastic transformation!
Talk about nesting :)
xo
Brooke
This is a wonderful idea! You were so right by hanging the photos in such a "spontaneous" way! And they match the lamp so nicely!!!
How do you do it? AMAZING!!!!!!
Lauren, this is AMAZING. You are amazing. I'm seriously in awe. And is that an orange front door I see? How did I miss that before?? :)
I adore the orange door as well. So welcoming, and somehow so appropriate to set off DaVinci theme inside. A beautiful and interesting space! Brava!
I love it! The randomness looks great. I just found your blog from Maria at Colour Me Happy, and I'm so glad that I did. By the way, I have twin 3 year olds ... and the cankles they gave me were AWFUL! I thought I'd never see a bone in my ankle again! Oh, what we do for our children. :-)
Traci
Holy crap - 108 comments! I read this post at work but did not comment, so just getting back.
Looks spectacular Lauren, really SPECTACULAR!!! I love the light fixture which is KILLER and the art is just stunning - you are my hero darlin'.
Good luck in the coming days with getting rest and such before the big day. Thinking of you often!!
xo Terri
P.S. If I did not genuinely LOVE you so much I would hate you for being so talented and frigging creative, oh and gorgeous and smart and funny and...I am going to make a shrine to you now.
Giant hug, Terri old dude xo
P.S.2 Oh, and when you become famous and have your own show and your own logo and brand and such, remember the little people, ok? Going to work on my shrine now...
wink, xo Terri
There is just no stopping you. Nope. None.
This looks fantabulous! And that ain't no typo. I hear the bells and they are a singin'! It's absolutely beautiful girl. I was dubious about that space, but you made the most of it, of course, and now it is an amazing architectural feature.
And the orange door, sigh, perfection!
Hope you're taking good care of you and that little gift you're carrying!
I think this is my favorite transformation thus far!
Hey Lauren, Are you still reading? I just had to leave a comment because the entry is AMAZING. Some magazine better come take pictures of your fabulous home!! All this and pregnant too...love it!!
Hi Lauren...First time to your blog. What planet have I been living on? I just wanted to say that I think your entry is amazing. The rhythm of your pictures is magical. I am not a synesthete, but I can definitely hear the tinkling chimes you mention. There is definitely a musicality that really makes the space!
I will definitely be back to visit!!
SPECTACULAR!!!
What a beautiful entry...I may not even go up the stairs into your living room...so interesting and well presented!
Lauren,
It's lovely, but then, your projects always are...
:D
U R FAB!
U R FAB!
Are you kidding me? It doesn't get any better than this! Bravo!!
You never cease to amaze me, gorgeous! I love the art, love love love. Would it be too much to ask if I can borrow your husband and friends one weekend? I need some help! HAHA!
OMG, are you serious?????? That does NOT look like the same entryway!!! Can't express enough my love for your bright orange door!
Hi Lauren,
I love this post...fantastic wall art!
I gave you a bit of a mention on my blog..hope that you dont mind?
http://lonadeanna.blogspot.com/
Anna x
This entry is just wonderful! The muted tones of the prints are amazing, and like everyone else, I adore that pop of Hermes orange from the door! You are truly inspirational Lauren...seriously, when I was that far along with my second I certainly wasn't decorating my entire home! What a wonder woman. Take care and enjoy some rest before baby number 2 arrives, you deserve it! PS. Can you share your paint color for this space?
amazing! looks like a magazine
Genius Lauren , what a change, the art makes it of course!! A real conversation Piece!
Love the foyer! you have a great eye for light fixtures!
Had to tell you about Wall Candy Nightly News Wall Decal Kit. Currently available on One Kings lane for $32. Obviously wall decals the cutest owls on branches among stars! Know you're loving owls and thought you might enjoy considering for the new edition!
** paint for the walls is "beach pearl" by FreshAire @ home depot**
thanks so much!!! :)
xoxo,
lauren
Looks great- I'm glad you led with your heart! I recently did a post on how freeing it is to hang pictures on a wall salon style like this. Hope you'll have a moment to read it. Robin
Sugah~ Once again your creativity has shown through and you have nailed this foyer! I may not hear the chimes, but it certainly sings a beautiful tune when I see it. Awesome job, once again, you are truly have a way with taking a vision and making it a beautiful reality. Don't worry the cankles will soon disappear. xo
I love your site. I've been a follower of your for quite some time. I'm a designer and stylist living in Massachusetts. I just started a blog www.kellymcguill.blogspot.com
I'd love your thoughts...best, kelly
very cool entry, and like the wood door!
Wow, Lauran, is about all I can say! I almost missed this since I've barely been on line for 4 days, but it looks SO great. What a super job on your entry. You have such a great eye!!
Lauren,
What a transformation. Super, Fantastic!!
X
V
It is beautiful! I have been looking for that exact fixture for months! It is a discontinued item and I can't seem to locate one anywhere! I almost don't care how much it is...almost. Would you mind emailing me the info of the place you got it? Thanks!
Allie
Allie- I don't have your email address but I got the lantern from Bellacor. I'm not sure if they have any left either. It was once of the last ones :(
xoxo,
lauren
Totally awesum makeover. It looks like a magazine cover. I like the pictures random .. in a grid you would always be fussing with keeping them level and it would have been horrendous to hang.
Truly beautiful.
Beautiful job! The entryway is unrecognizable and your post full of great tips (prints from a book, uncut matting, etc.)!
This is absolutely gorgeous! Your home is so inspiring. I love the splash of orange of your with the more neutral color palette! It all looks amazing!
Incredible. It all works so perfectly together -- the images, the light fixture, the airy, light-filled space. Simply gorgeous.
Lauren,
OMG!!! Not sure how I missed this until now...I've clearly been checked out. I don't know if I am a synesthete but I absolutly heard the tinkling as soon as I saw the picture. The musical dance of the frames is being orchestrated by the chandelier!
I have a mini version with different subject matter in my dining room. But this is so stunning...now I want to come hear it in person!
Absolutely LOVE it! you are such an inspiration.
I just found you and am in awe of what you have done, can I copy you? Better yet just send your team right over! Wow, thats all I can say, this is amazing!
Megan
Just found this post for the first time. Spectacular!!!
AK xo
Hi Lauren,
I saw the article in the Washington Post about you and your lovely home. I was wondering if you could tell me where you got the banded Seagrass runner that goes up your entryway steps. I have been trying to come up with a stair runner solution for our house and this looks absolutely wonderful!
Thanks,
Erin
Alexandria, VA
erinf8@aol.com
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