Q: I've recently been doing some re-arranging and re-thinking the entry area in our Cambridge apartment. We live on the third floor of a Victorian house, and the entry is somewhat strange — basically enter our apartment (which has exposed beams in the living room and a vaulted ceiling so it feels huge) via a staircase that opens to our living/dining room.
We have had a small chest of drawers at the top of the stairs to collect hats, gloves, handbags, items from our pockets, etc. Recently, my dad gave me my great grandmother's sewing machine, and so we replaced the chest of drawers with the antique sewing machine. So, now, we're having trouble deciding to do with the entry-way space. The drawers are cheap and ugly and from IKEA, so we definitely want to get rid of them. But, there are still lots of questions:
- What do we replace the drawers with? I'd love to get maybe a new set of drawers that are on skinny legs -- maybe in a Danish modern style?
- Should we move the antique sewing machine, which is currently right at the top of the stairs to the place where the drawers currently reside?
- The entry space is generally kind of awkward, with those narrow portions of floor space. We don't want it to seem too cluttered, but we also think we could be doing more with that space. Hang something else on the wall? Put up wall-mounted shelves? Hooks for jackets?
Sent by Emily
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Comments (7)
It does seem like the current sewing table location doesn't do it justice. I'd move the sewing table to where the ikea dresser now.
Then I'd use that strip of floor next the stair and create a 'built-in millwork' look--possibly with some ikea lack bookcases along the floor, maybe a few coat pegs above that, and then some wall shelves above that with photos, books, and the like.
try a rug under the dining table --- it will help define the landing. a nice bench that you can sit on that will also hold shoes and like kodak said, hooks for coats, maybe a mirror above it (for last look on the way out)...
Yes, get a dresser with skinny legs to replace the current one. Maybe one with some curves if you want something less linear.
I like the rug idea for the dining area.
What about placing a very large piece of artwork where the sewing machine is? Frameless with a thick mat. Instead of hanging it, you could tilt it against the wall and secure it somehow so it doesn't slide.
You need to hang a mirror above ur chest of drawers. That will enhance the space and catch the natural sunlight coming through the windows.
Generally your living space requires a bit more colour. You should change ur dining table in the future to something more rustic. I think it's matching the floor too much.
But putting a carpet over that area would do it justice too.
What I think you really need is a way to visually seperate your living/dining area from the staircase entry. I think you need to put a medium sized (bigger than "doormat sized") rug at the top of the stairs, that will visually act as your "hall".
I think you should put a freestanding coatrack at the top of the stairs, just at the spot on the living room side of where the antique sewing machine is now. It's hard to see, but assuming there is a corresponding space on the other side of the top of the staircase that would be the perfect spot for a small table or chest to drop your mail, keys, etc. (I would say do not put a mirror in this spot, as I would always be afraid somebody might be distracted while looking in it and fall down the stairs.) So basically you'd have a strip at the top of the stairs consisting of coat rack, rug, "hall" table.
Where I think would be an excellent place for a large mirror, and where it would bring in a lot of extra light from that window, is on the wall opposite where the sewing machine and plant-on-a-pedestal is now.
I think that ledge to the side of the stairs could be used better. I love the idea of that antique sewing machine, but it is clearly wasted where it is. Also, that plant on the pedestal (and how ever do you water it?) is too high compared to the height of the sewing machine. I think you should put a collection of pictures on this wall, with a row of plants on the ledge underneath. All of these will also be reflected in the large mirror opposite, so you get double the bang for your buck.
Definitely get rid of the Ikea chest of drawers, replace it with the antique sewing machine so it can be seen properly. And above it would be a great place for a smaller sized mirror - which is the one you can check your hair in before you head out ;)
Good god, I wrote a long reply and then managed to lose it, so here is abridged:
Wall where sewing machine is now = visible from living room so needs to be clean and stylish. Leaning something against wall there will highlight baseboard heater - and anything put there will leave gap behind due to said heater - so wall mount some shelves: modern (see the cantilevered case on the AT design showcase finals for an idea of a good look). And consider painting the baseboard the color of walls (City Paint will make you a spray can of any color). Wall mount shelves that start low will help take eye from heater.
Agree on the rug suggestion.
Another suggestion is to paint the bi-fold closet door same as wall, will look a bit more modern and blend in better.
On the other side (side seen from bathroom angle?) row of hooks is fine and likely v convenient. if you want cleaner look, though, do one piece of art or a mirror that is similar in shape and size to the window.
Good luck!
Agree with adding mill work where the sowing machine is now. Perhaps with a matching solution opposite.
Just take care to balance it around the window.
And yes, do get a mcm dresser on skinny legs.
Is the sowing machine table a family heirloom or a particularly loved item? It's beautiful, but my personal taste is more geared to removing furniture that serves no function. Can you find a purpose for it?