I think you have some lovely pieces - I think the bells, bench, rug and secretary are all beautiful. But not together. I agree that the early American/country look of bench (which is also under-sized for any of the areas) fights with the formal Georgian style of the secretary and the dressier rug. The bells are very informal/casual. I think you should make a choice and decide if it's going to be the casual bells or the fancier secretary. Then move what you don't use to another area in your home.

whoa, I am crazy about the "other" bench, very nice! What an inviting foyer you have ;)

I see you prefer the other bench where it's at now, but just for kicks what if you tried that one and angled it above the register, would it fit lengthwise if you did that? The style and wood stain of that one blend so well with the bells and the barn wood. Then the potted palm to the right and a bit below the bells, then Les' suggestion of staggering the bells according to length. Shortest bell nearest the stairway, longest bell near the doorway.

For the foyer I like a bench against the stair wall, it says 'welcome' to me. I like it with the shorter palm plant. The taller plant seems to accent all the vertical lines to my eyes ;) If you stay with the Early American bench a cushion and some nice little pillows would round and soften the lines (avoiding geometric prints that add more lines?).

Maybe before anything else, since the bells are a back drop, it would be nice to see a photo of Les' suggestion of the bells staggered according to length. It's a unique and intriguing display, and staggering would make it more cohesive. Perhaps shortest bell closest to stairs and longest bells ending at doorway on right. Fumbling for a description here. So the graduated lengths of the bells counterbalance the direction of the stairs, which would create a little visual 'nook' between stairs and longest bell on right. Does that make sense? :D )

Squirrel, as usual, you are amazing with the photoshopping. Thank you so much for the visuals! I do think I need to find some easy to maintain "real" plants, thanks for the suggestions. It's also very helpful seeing the pictures on that narrow wall. Others have suggested plates but it's helpful just to see something hanging there.

When I started on this foyer my whole concern was trying to tie the maple bench with the more formal secretary and then my crazy sleigh bell collection also. I think everyone's ideas have helped me to make the area more pleasing and I do realize the styles aren't exactly compatible. I don't really have anyplace else for the secretary unless I put it upstairs and I hate to do that. However, as I type, I'm realizing I have a tin-front pie safe in DH's office which might could be swapped out for the secretary. Hmmmmmm. I really to like the addition of textiles, either a throw, pillow, or cushion, etc. I like the barn board although I'm still considering the suggestion of rearranging the order of the bells. I know they're informal but I love my sleigh bells and I'm liking the way it looks when you come in the front door. I'm not as attached to the maple bench. It definitely could go in the guest room if I can find something more solid for that wall, perhaps my old trunk.

You guys are wonderful and sooooo very helpful. I'm off for the day with DH on the motorcycle since it's so nice out but I'll be back this evening to check on the forum and MAYBE get him to haul that trunk downstairs for some more options. Thanks again, I feel like I've made progress!

Oh and thank you guys for the compliment on the paint color. I do love it too. It's Farrell-Calhoun Plantation Beige. That's a southeastern regional paint store but someone here told me that Farrell-Calhoun colors are the same as Duron if you have that. Thanks again!

Sounds like you have nice antique treasures scattered throughout your house. If you ever want to get rid of the other bench, I'll take if off your hands!! :D I wanted to ask the paint color too and forgot. I checked colorcharts.org and something unusual happened. There are 18 matches at 100% for that color, all labeled Plantation Beige. Must be a lot of regional companies owned by one? Have not heard of many but some biggies carry it as well, such as Calif Paints, Miller and Graham ;) Thanks for that info, it's one to tuck away!

Enjoy your bike ride. :)

Thank you for the paint color! Good thing you're not riding here in southeastern PA, it is pouring cats and dogs here. Enjoy your weather!

~Lynne

That is a beautiful paint color! Thanks for posting the info :)

Here you go, Catt! Love the pics and it does the urn well :)

Maybe a grouping of containers with a plant in the corner, with just a bit overlapping into the void under the desk (2nd pic). (If she preferred this arrangement :)

You're welcome! HTH.

{{!gwi}}

Mimi: You have a lovely home filled w/ wonderful pieces that have meaning & importance to you. This is the essence of what a home should be for those that live there. Do not be swayed by those that insist that your pieces do not "go" together. Everyone has a look that they are most comfortable w/ and for you it is clear that you enjoy being surrounded by things that have memories for you.

I love the bells on the board on the long wall. Arrange them as Les has suggested & place your bench (w/ the original finish) under them. Find a pillow w/ rich colors to ground the bench to the slate floor better. I can see a rich paisley pillow & throw to bridge the periods of the desk & the bench. The throw could just be a piece of fabric that has been fringed. A matching pillow would be easy to make from the same fabric.
Do you have any inherited or collected plates or platters that you could hang? They don't have to match, but it would be nice if they had the same colors. Even white ironstone plates would look nice. I also love the idea of hanging Currior & Ives prints in the space. A larger rug in front of the door will help take up some of the space in the center of the area.

I am not a fan of silk plants... how about an umbrella stand to the left of the bench filled w/ walking canes & unbrellas? I can see an antique brass one or perhaps a very tall slender glazed pot would do.

My home is filled w/ 18th century antiques along w/a few more contemporary pieces. I have some 1950's maple furniture, too. We love all the pieces & don't really care that none of it "goes" together. It is our home & the opinions of others doesn't really factor in to how I decorate. I enjoy not feeling obligated to follow the whims of the trendsetters & designers. My home is timeless!

I would strongly advise you to NOT paint the bench as someone suggested. Someday you may want the original finsh & all its patina back & you will never be able to do so.

Here's the other arrangement with the changes, and plates to see a different shape used there. I didn't catch all the details about the bell arrangement earlier and was too tired to go back and check the specifics, so I guessed! and arched it towards the door opening, echoing the stairs. Sorry if that wasn't the discussion. I do like it though :) (from this angle anyway).

Squirrel, you are a tireless worker and such an asset here. You did the bells well, in the way I was suggesting. I like that they echo the rise of the stairway.

Now, one more favor. Is it possible to move the bench left a bit more, and add either a floor lamp or a lamp on a small table at the right end of the bench? I think a lamp of some kind there would help fill the gap on the wall created by the shorter bells, and also bring warmth into the space when lit.

Also, would it be possible to try a round rug instead?

Would love to see three Currier and Ives prints stacked on that wall to the left of the door where the plates are now - not for you to do, Squirrel, but as a suggestion to mimi, in place of putting them above the bells, which is what I had suggested when we worked on this in the original thread.

Now I LOVE the last two pics Squirrel Sent in to the list. Those plates on the wall look great and the bench with the pillows and chimes above it and the rug in the middle of the room look wonderful.

Mimi- Lot's of great ideas here. I still vote for the secretary to be on the wall facing the front doors. I like the bench in the corner with the bells above it not hung from anything. I love either the prints or the plates hung down the wall to the left of the door. I have something in my hall like this and get tons of compliments. The large rug in the center looks nice too. You have a beautiful space with warm color and light. I like the pic's of the rest of your home too. Good job!

I love the plates on the wall.

Laurie

Thanks, Les ;) very much.

I've copied your requests to my clipboard for the next round :)

I think we've made great progress here! Just needed a bit of tweaking :) Amaaaazing.

You guys are such an asset to this board. I need to hire all of you! I have to re-arrange my bookshelves and purchase a new couch and am stuck in limbo. Are you guys for hire? LOL!

Ok wow, I'm home from the bike ride and I just had DH in here looking at squirrels virtuals. I'm amazed. Squirrel, I know you and several others like the secretary facing the door but I think I'm about set on having it in the corner and leaving the bells on that wall. I was just showing DH the bell arrangement so he could see why I want him to help me re-hang them in a little while...lol. I have several floor lamps I can try at the end of the bench as Les suggested. I still keep thinking about Currier and Ives prints in the back of my mind but before I get anything for that wall I'm going to visit my 102 yr grandma's buffet and see what she has in the way of plates :-) I'm going right now to move the rug out a little and I also liked the idea of maybe an umbrella stand type of thing at the left end of the bench. Or maybe I'll attempt a real plant or two...I'm going to be on the lookout for something in that spot.

syllabus..Thanks for the vote of confidence. You're right, I do enjoy having things around me that have meaning behind them. And it's so great to have all of you guys help me make those things work in a way that looks good too!

I need to do some more tweaking and shopping and I'll take more pics. I'm headed in there now to move the rug and the bells!

Thank you ALL so much for the input. It may not be perfect but I'm loving it and before I started doing some of the things you all suggested, it was really bothering me.

Squirrel - that looks great - extending the plates down the wall and making the rug bigger makes a huge difference.

Ok I can't leave it alone. I moved the bells, put the bench back and grabbed a lamp. I even snatched up my bell pull that's looking for a home. My first thought is the plates or pics looks better because the pull is too much like the sleigh bells. Do you guys agree? I do have other places it could go if it doesn't work here. As you can see I didn't nail a hole, I made DH hold it. I do need a dark print pillow and a real plant but is this getting any better? I pulled the rug to the center but if I'm going to center a rug it does need to be larger.

And I'm ROFL at DH. When I told him what the pic was for he snatched off his glasses real quick. I just rolled my eyes and told him he's cute either way...geeeeez.

Mimi - How sweet of your DH to hold that for you!! He is a cutie:)
Love it!!

I think bigger rug & cushions/pillows that have been discussed will really tie it all in together.
Are you in Fayette County? I thought I remembered from a previous post you being from my area? I am in Eads. If you are from this area....we'll have to swap emails. I can refer you to a custom workshop for cushions/pillows.

Smiles:)

johnatemp - YES I'm in Fayette County. I'm in Piperton. I would love to know of a custom workshop for cushions and pillows! Please write me - mjragon@comcast.net Thanks!!

I love the floor lamp and the arrangement of the bells in descending order. I like the placement of the furniture the way it is now. I still feel the bench needs a seating pillow like Squirrel had in her picture and the rug would look a little better bigger. I like the plates better on the wall your cute and attentive husband is standing on to hold up your new accessory.

You make me feel good since I am not the only one who keeps trying to make things perfect in my rooms. :) I love the Plantation Beige paint color in your room (a very close, almost 95% match to BM Pitsburg Beige but I think I like the Plantation Beige better) and wish it would look good in my bedroom but I think it needs more light like you have. Maybe squirrel can help me with my room like she did last time when I am ready. She is so talented.

Mimi, I think both arrangements are winners now, just with a bit of tweaking! Making things you love work is the way to go, imo, and it really looks and feels special, imo :)

I agree that the bell pull is too similar and too dark as well. Same with the throw to the pillow, as it is -- maybe stretch the throw a bit out under the pillow and over the edge? The lamp feels a bit lightweight to me, and I think clustering a couple of plants/pots and the umbrella stand to the left of the bench, as you're thinking, would look fabulous! I wonder if a beautiful enclosed candle sconce hung where the lamp falls would be pretty there, kind of like a carriage lantern! :) ... and maybe a small lamp on the desk (but I suppose there isn't an outlet there.)

Now for more rug shopping, hmm, lol. At least your 'cute' dh is smiling!!

Oh my Gosh@@@!!!!! LOVE LOVE it with the PLATE arrangement AND the Bells arranged by Length Longest to Shortest.. I love that Mock UP GorGeous@@!!!!

i vote for this version! its my favorite. dont mean to offend anyone but i do not like the bells arranged at an angle like that, it just doesnt seem as natural.

i also agree though that painting the bench black would look really nice!

I like the bells staggered.

First thought that popped in my head was how's about we tack that very smiley & cute hubby of yours to the wall, what a cheery site that would be for anyone walking in the front door ;D
(Too much computer work today, gettin' punchy here :D)

Like the bell pull on the wall.

I think the carriage lantern on the wall would be a great idea - likely that woudl have to be hardwired in, unless it could be converted. How about something like this with a candle? You wouldn't even have to light it.

lantern

Once that is mounted on the open space where the shorter bells are hung, I think it will be a nice compliment.

Otherwise, you could still do an older style plug-in wall lamp there. No wiring required Something like this would echo the more traditional feel of the bells:

valley forge sconce

Or you could go with a brass or antique brass if most of the sleighbells are that finish.

I didn';t read through this, just looked at pics, but I have to say, how about a pick WITHOUT the bells? I'm sure there is something significant about the bells, just have never seen them displayed like that. I think they detract from your foyer, but thats a personal opinion and I am sure that your guests know you for who you are and think they are wonderful. Foyer looks nice. :o) such tedious work to perfect something. UGH!

I think the items that add color and interesting pattern, such as a bench pad and the plates on the wall, bring it all together! They seemed to go very well with the rug patterning. I like the bells hung randomly or hung at an angle echoing the stair. And it would seem to be very useful to have a bench there, either at the bells or over by the cold air vent.

I like the bells arranged in size, like the secretary, like the bench, like the rug and floor. What colors is in both the rug and floor? Is that a gray or a blue in the rug? Is that also in the floor? Maybe a grey blue pillow or cushion would look nice on the bench. Maybe an antique wood box for firewood with some firewood in it would look good near the stairs.

I think some great outdoor photos of your favorite places or vacation spots, maybe even in black and white photography, would be nice for that one wall where your sweet DH is modeling the latest in wall decor. LOL.

Nice space.

Thank you for your patience everyone. While sleeping last night I had this brainstorm. I'm officially making myself crazy on this one if I'm thinking about it while I sleep..LOL. I still want a pad on the bench and plates or pics on the wall but before I do that I'm trying to firm up the arrangement. What do you think of the black chest? I grabbed the lamp from the living room so I'd need a new one but wanted to see how this worked for size. Does the black chest help or hurt things? Also the fake plant will go and be replaced by either a cool umbrella stand or a real plant, but once again I put what I have there just to make a decision.

Yes, it's working for me because the dark chest together with the chest and bells help balance out that dominating secretary.

Good brainstorm.

I think the chest and lamp idea works well! The darker chest links visually to the dark secretary. The lamp is the right height for the wall opening there, but I would look for something that feels just a bit less formal, and is lighter in tone - perhaps an antique brass or pewter to pick up the tone of the bells on the wall. Putting something a bit lighter, more casual and reflective there will help connect the darker chest to the lighter bench, too.

I think the pineapple jar there is too formal - maybe trade it out for something a bit more casual, maybe something like this on a plate stand? Ebay has a lot of Currier and Ives prints and plates that you might also consider for the small wall.

brown plate

I think the bench fits nicely on that other wall. To make it feel more connected to the darker pieces, I would try to find a cushion and pillows for it that are darker in tone.

Oh, and looking from the left, switch the second and fourth strap of bells on the wall so that the heights are graduated. Nag, nag... LOL

I think you are almost there, Mimi! Isn't it amazing how the human mind and subconscious work when we are not even aware of it?

Thank you threegrad and Les. I'm really liking this because it feels more balanced. DH moved the bells because it said they were too "perfectly" graduated. I told him he has PMS (Parked Motorcycle Syndrome) and to get out of here so he went riding :-) He also thought the space looks too full now but I think it just looks more balanced. The foyer seems plenty big enough to me to handle the chest. I think I'm going looking for a lamp, I agree that one is too formal and needs to go back in my living room anyway. I like the plate idea instead of the pineapple, or if I do plates on the wall maybe a small currier and ives framed postcard on an easle there. For sure it needs the details on the wall and the bench but I'm liking the basic arrangement a lot. AND it has the added benefit of getting the little chest out of my dining room where it always looked too small and next I can look for a corner hutch like I've been wanting to replace it in the dining room...yay. Thank you all again SO much. It was all the little comments ALL of you made about balance, legginess, etc. that helped me get this hammered out into a plan I really like. And squirrels virtuals have me itching to get out and do that wall with some plates!

Much better! Now if only you could get that larger rug - :-)

Alas! The round rug and some old Currier & Ives prints :)

Click to enlarge thumbnail image:

Here is a link that might be useful: Currior & Ives - Old Prints - To Music !

Hi

You have a great foyer! Very lovely. I really like the chest. I think it brings it all together. Love the round rug squirrelheaven photoshopped in too! You all on this board have great decorating skills!

Love everyone's ideas. Mimi 2006 last pics are my favorite but whatever you choose, definitely place a nice cushion on your bench. It needs it because it is so spindly. Good job! Love it.

Your foyer looks great.Agree you should change accessories & lamp on chest . I like the round rug. I think adding all the prints and / or plates on the small wall makes it a bit busy, at least from the view I see. It is fine to leave a blank space. The bells should remain the focal point. It looks warm and inviting and balanced in my opinion.

Thanks again you all. Squirrel...GREAT virtuals as always. My mom was here yesterday and she was amazed at what you could do and she loved the foyer so far.l I do love the round rug there a LOT and the lantern is awesome. I like the way it's elongated so if there was a cord it would be low. I bought a lamp the other day with a red shade. It's a little darker/browner than the picture appears. It's the same red that's in the tile. But I'm not sure I like it here. The tag is still on it and it also looks good in my bedroom so for now I'm letting it sit there. Would still love to find a pewter one maybe as Les had suggested to blend with the bells. I scoured the antique mall yesterday for currier and ives prints or plates but didn't find anything. I think ebay might work better. I'm also on the lookout for a cool metal umbrella stand to replace the plant. I have my grandfathers old walking cane I could put in it. Someone from the forum gave me a local source for custom pads/pillows also and I plan to have pad made for the bench. I just haven't made it up there yet.

I love the new virtual and I have it saved for reference as I look for the final touches in the foyer. Thank you so much for doing that!!

Mimi

Mimi, I just took the last pix you posted, opened it in a new window, and juxtaposed it against the before pix. If you haven't done that, try it - the difference is striking.

Even without the final touches, the new version feels so much more welcoming and interesting - and yet most of the elements are the same (except for the chest, of course, and that is a huge asset). But now when you look at the space, it makes you want to hang around, check out the bells, maybe sit on the bench. Before it was just a nice place to walk through on the way to another place in the house.

Be sure to post when you get it all tweaked, but congrats on a great change, and of course kudos to everyone who contributed, including of course Squirrel and her magic!

I got a new catalog from Toscano yesterday - they have a walking stick/umbrella stand featured in an ivory marble (also in ebony) w/ pewter walking sticks. Look at their website - don't let all the mid-evil stuff scare ya!!! www.DesignToscano.com

I am not really qualified to add anything to the discussion, but I thought I would throw in my two cents anyway.

I don't like how busy the long sleigh bells look behind the bench. Have you considered making two bell arrangements, with the short bells hanging above the bench, and the long bells hung seperately between the two two doors?

I do like the little chest and the lamp in there as well.

Carrie

Les, You know I actually did that for my mom yesterday, showed her my very first "before" picture and then the one I just posted and I agree. I took a deep breath and told myself not to sweat the small stuff all at once cause it's SO much better now. I can relax now and find the perfect lamp, cushion, plates, etc. but in the meantime I'm very very pleased with the difference you all have helped me make in there. It's not a place I avoid looking at when I walk through now. I walk in and pause and smile.

magothrivergirl...Thanks so much for the link! The ivory and ebony one are both pretty, better than any I've seen so far and I've got it bookmarked as I start my search. I appreciate the tip and I want to look some more but those are great. Thank you again.

carriem25...Anybody here is qualified to add their opinion and I appreciate ALL comments. Sometimes when somebody doesn't like something it will at least make me take a second look at that element and make sure I'm not overlooking something. Sometimes I focus on one thing and never see something else obvious. And sometimes things don't translate well in pictures so I have to walk in there to actually see in person how it looks. I honestly think when I'm in the foyer the space is large enough that the bells don't look that busy. The entire expanse of wall going up the stairs is blank so it still has an open feel in the space. I think for now I'm going to leave the bells grouped together but I do appreciate you making me take a second look at that. Thanks for the compliment on the chest and lamp too :-)

The foyer is looking fantastic. Now could we have a shot of your husband standing on the stairs carrying the tool box?

Please?

lynnski...Too funny! I just told him your request and he grinned and turned red which he does pretty easily..lol.

Squirrel...
I'm smiling here. I just opened this up with DH sitting here. He looked up and said "a round rug now???" LOL

But I really do like the round rug a lot. That other one has been around a while so I might have to replace it before too much longer. And I think I'll definitely go round now. When I was out looking at the antique mall I was also wondering how a mixture of square and round framed pictures would look on that wall. The plate/frame combination gives that look.

I'm liking that marble umbrella stand that magothyrivergirl found too and my mom had suggested one would look good to the left of the bench near the bottom of the stairs and it certainly does. Saving these pics for my shopping references :-)

Thanks once again, you're awesome!

You're welcome! That's a shorter, pewter lamp, too :) I like the deep burgundy shade if that works in.

Have fun!

mimi - be careful what you hang on that little wall by the doorways - the opening to the left looks like it is only a few inches from the wall, anything extending out into that space will get bumped as people walk thru.
The entire expanse going up the stairs is blank????? Now you tell us!!! hmmmmmmm what should be put there?????
Glad you liked the umbrella stand.

Excellent ideas above from all and the virtuals rock! Squirrel -- you are amazing!! And Les has the most wonderful ideas! :)

GREAT photo with your DH! LOL! My DH offers him a beer (("give that man a beer!!)) -- since he gets "volunteered" to hold things up for "trial runs" too! LOL! :)

I vote for the black cabinet too -- and love the idea of the lamp there -- always very welcoming! And the bench will look amazing with a cushion and I just LOVE LOVE LOVE your desk!!!

I collect antique sleigh bells too -- and we go out on Christmas Eve -- and drive through the neighbourhood -- and ring them! Makes me laugh when I think of all those kiddies on the "edge" on not believing in Santa -- suddenly hearing real sleigh bells! :)

What a great team effort on this space. To all, it looks wonderful. Mimi, your home is looking great - congratulations.

I agree with magothyrivergirl about something sticking out too far from the wall. I have some hanging candle sconces in my hallway. Usually there is no problem, but EVERY time my father-in-law visits he bumps those things and they clang! It's almost humorous because it happens every time, but something to keep in mind since that is probably a major walkway for you.

Enjoy your beautiful home!