apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Enrique,

What a challenging but exciting project you have.

I agree the black terrazo floor and tiled accent wall are keepers (very nice how you highlighted the tile details with a zoom-in).

You mentioned the existing aluminum mailboxes will remain. Since they look a bit bare and harsh against the blank white wall, how about adding a nice wooden trim around the mailboxes to warm it up. Select a wooden trim color that picks up on the rich earth tones in the tiles. Then paint the mailbox wall a warmer shade too to soften the look.

That, plus your proposed changes in lighting, plants, and furniture should make the lobby much more inviting.

Good luck!

OOOOOOH, I am sure you don't need our help... but since you asked...

How about a long low bench under the mail boxes... and a good looking trash can so that you can get rid of the junk mail before it even enters your apartment. http://www.dwr.com/productdetail.cfm?id=8183

And I have always liked these inexpensive chairs from overstock:
http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?PAGE=PROFRAME&PROD_ID=1732374

what if instead of throwing out the chandelier you spray painted it all white? (it may give it a modern elegance. If it doesn't do the trick, sell it to an antique store)

I'm not a designer, but I think you could do a lot with lighting and paint. I don't think the chandelier is nearly as bad as that little ceiling lamp down the hall.

It seems like a deep, rich red would look great on the opposite wall and lined with sconces to keep the hallway from being too dark.

Also, I'd consider dressing up the mailbox area, perhaps with a pretty, framed wide mirror above the mailboxes (great for quick hair and makeup check on your way out to dinner) as well as a long console table and discreet trash can under the mailboxes.

I'd also consider a low coffeetable in front of a sofa for a homey feel.

One more thing, place planters OUTSIDE of the entrance to make it more inviting.

You should play up the lobby's '60s origins and somewhat minimalist design while keeping it modern. I wouldn't trim out the mailboxes in wood – that strikes me as really dated and somewhat '50s. But perhaps you could paint a border a few inches wide around the mailboxes in order to frame them, in some color that either works with the brownish tile wall or contrasts with the warm tile wall. There's free (or trial) software you can download on the Internet that'll automatically work out color schemes based on one or more input colors. Much cheaper than adding a wood border.

A trashcan by the mailboxes is a good idea, but who's going to empty it? Also, it's a fire hazard with all that paper inside. Whatever you buy make sure it's fire-resistant, in case some idiot tosses a cigarette in there.

The black leather couch they want to move into the lobby would melt right into the black floor. That doesn't strike me as a good idea, unless you can sit it on a white shag rug (very '60s, but in a lobby impossible to keep clean, and the old timers might trip on it). Leather is a good idea, since it's easy to clean, but I'd probably go with something minimalist and in white. Unfortunately, that alone could eat up much of your $1000 budget – even cheap Ikea leather loveseats cost about $800. Or go with something in a contrasting color that works with the tile wall.

Speaking of Ikea, they sell a few lamps that would look great in your lobby. There's the Fado pendant, which went away for a few years then came back by popular demand:

http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?topcategoryId=15579&catalogId=10103&storeId=12&productId=19243&langId=-1&categoryId=15934&chosenPartNumber=90197610">http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?topcategoryId=15579&catalogId=10103&storeId=12&productId=19243&langId=-1&categoryId=15934&chosenPartNumber=90197610">http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?topcategoryId=15579&catalogId=10103&storeId=12&productId=19243&langId=-1&categoryId=15934&chosenPartNumber=90197610

Very '60s. Will take a 75W bulb, which might be a bit dim for your lobby, but if you outfit it with a large compact fluorescent you should have no trouble lighting the lobby. Just make sure you hang it high enough so that people moving large pieces of furniture don't whack it.

There's a lamp for commercial spaces of a similar design, only larger, but I don't know who makes them or where to buy them.

Or go with Ikea's Knappa or Knappa Klöver pendant lamps, which are made of folded plastic and should be almost impossible to break (though they'll get dirty and require annual cleaning):

Knappa:
http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?topcategoryId=15579&catalogId=10103&storeId=12&productId=42457&langId=-1&categoryId=15934&chosenPartNumber=60071344">http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?topcategoryId=15579&catalogId=10103&storeId=12&productId=42457&langId=-1&categoryId=15934&chosenPartNumber=60071344">http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?topcategoryId=15579&catalogId=10103&storeId=12&productId=42457&langId=-1&categoryId=15934&chosenPartNumber=60071344

Knappa Klöver:
http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?topcategoryId=15579&catalogId=10103&storeId=12&productId=73167&langId=-1&categoryId=15934&chosenPartNumber=60102736">http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?topcategoryId=15579&catalogId=10103&storeId=12&productId=73167&langId=-1&categoryId=15934&chosenPartNumber=60102736">http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?topcategoryId=15579&catalogId=10103&storeId=12&productId=73167&langId=-1&categoryId=15934&chosenPartNumber=60102736

The only problem with these lamps is that they might be a little small for that lobby. You could rectify that by hanging a group of 3 or more, but you'd need to have the wiring installed. I'm assuming you have a maintenance guy who could do that.

You can go really cheap on the wall treatments – I'd just buy some square canvasses, maybe a set of 4 in an appropriate size, finished on the sides, and paint them in solid colors that contrast well with the tile wall. Or if you go with the Fado globe pendant, maybe paint colored circles on a canvas or two to pick up on that shape (sort of pop art). Hang them behind the sofa. I'd leave the mailbox wall unadorned apart from maybe a painted border – the mailboxes themselves are busy enough.

A mirror somewhere might also be nice, perhaps behind or beside the sofa. That way people can look themselves over before going out. Just make certain it's securely mounted. Large mirrors are expensive. Again, Ikea sells a couple that might work well in that space. Also, consider groupings of smaller mirrors (but not too small – you probably don't want to recall those ugly tiled mirror walls). Ikea makes a nice round mirror with a silver frame that's a pretty good size and inexpensive. 4 of those would make a nice design element for one wall, and could again work well with the Fado globe pendant or a similar design.

Good luck!

I'd check out WESTELM for some decorative pieces and sidetables to jazz up the place. They've got mirrors and other tchochkes (sp?).

Spending other people's money to decorate is so much fun!

I hate that console table with the little thing on it, BTW. Way too '80s.

Had one other thought - seating facing the window would be nice, for people who are waiting for a guest or a taxi. Maybe you could pickup a cheap leather sectional, used, on Craigslist or locally on eBay. Provided it has clean modern lines and is in decent condition, it should do nicely in the lobby. You would even have room to pull it away from the wall slightly, and perhaps hide that existing console table behind one segment of the sectional. That way you'd still have a shelf to hold a vase or other decorative element.

Hey, Ikea was an great suggestion. They have awesome pieces and decent prices (luckily in LA you have one in Burbank and Carson). Your budget is child's play at West Elm and Design Within Reach.

Yes, the couch is a bit nasty but I shudder when I look at the plants. Nothing is worse than that tall plant in the rattan-like pot. Oh, and be careful of a white couch. People are messy, especially in common areas. Nothing could be worse that a white stained couch.

That's true. You'd have to clean it and keep it in good shape to resist stains with a leather conditioner. Of course, if you go with an off-white or pale sand color, it'll hide dirt & stains a bit better. Forget light-colored solid fabrics – they're likely to be trashed in no time.

For inexpensive large plant pots, skip ceramics (it's hard to find inexpensive, plain ceramic pots, anyhow) and get cheap cylindrical plastic bathroom wastebaskets at Bed, Bath & Beyonce or even Lowes. The white ones work well, and they won't end up chipped or cracked (they get scuffed sometimes, but that can be wiped off or rubbed off with an artgum eraser). Crate & Barrel used to carry a heavy plastic wastebasket - a tall cylinder available in white and several other colors - that was perfect as a planter, but they stopped carrying it a year or two ago (dummies!).

I know you're going to do something great here--so much potential! My only thought so far is to have a table and lamp down at the end of the hallway to warm it up a bit--but I'm not very good at this. Will you post us the "after" pictures?

Funny, I am in the same situation in my building. I was wondering if it is possible to powder coat the mailboxes to make them more of a statement. Does anyone have any ideas of other options to make the mailboxes have some style?

Wow. Thanks everyone for your input!

Here are some of my thoughts. I'm not sure if the HOA would go for ideas like framing out the mailboxes (either with wood or a painted border) or painting out the chandelier in white. Most of the owners are older and have more conventional tastes.

However, I think the suggestions to really play up the early-60s MCM aesthetic are good ones; and would that should play well with most of the HOA board members. Kristian, I love your suggestion of the cream leather & chrome lounge chairs. The wider seat and sturdy arms will make it easier for the older owners to get in and out of the chair. (Hi Kristian. Where'd you go after the color contest? Haven't seen you on the threads in ages... Still in Germany, I presume.) Jackie's suggestion of a low coffee table is a good one--something like a Saarinen knock-off (round top on a tulip base) would be ideal. Too bad IKEA stopped stocking their Docksta table (a decent enough Saarinen knock-off); I'll probably need to seek out vintage sources.

Sunspot. Love all the suggestions. I agree that pendant lamp would be great (in place of the chandelier) as an accent light. I was thinking of something along the lines of Modernica's Nelson saucer lamp in the medium size, using a 60w bulb. If we did this, how should the recessed lights be placed? Definitely one above the mailboxes and 2 in the hallway. (Yes, the ugly ceiling fixture in the hallway will go, too!) But where else? Love some more input on that...

Regarding placemnt of furniture, any other suggestions if we were to go with 3 main pieces: 2 lounge chairs and 1 low coffee table? Sunspot brings up a good point about facing chair out to the street, but it would be a shame to cover up that cool tile wall.

Regarding the wall opposite the mailboxes, would that be a good place for a single large, wide mirror or series of medium-sized mirrors? Or should we go with art or just leave blank? And, yes, we'll definitely budget in for a replacement garbage receptacle/ashtray combo thing--or two.

Regarding plants. You can't see this from the photo, but 20' wide planter boxes flank either side of the main entrance and are filled with an assortment of tropical palms. So, everyone's thought on the board is to just ditch the 2 plants in the interior lobby area. No real need for large containered plant outside the front door, but definitely worth considering if there's any budget left! Nice suggestion, Jackie.

Finally, any more input on wallcolor choices? Jackie, as much as I love strong colors, I'm pretty sure the board would vote down the red you suggested. I'm thinking deep, rich neutrals. But should we go warmer or cooler in tone? We'd probably stay away from wallpaper or bold, graphic paint treatments on the wall, but you never know with my HOA...

Please keep the suggestions coming! Love 'em all. If we're actually able to pull this off, I'll definitely post "after" pics!

Thanks.

Something like this for the coffee table, perhaps? http://cgi.ebay.com/Saarinen-Style-Tulip-Base-Marble-Top-Coffee-Side-Table_W0QQitemZ190007364818QQihZ009QQcategoryZ63588QQcmdZViewItem

>Sunspot brings up a good point about facing chair out to
>the street, but it would be a shame to cover up that cool
>tile wall.

If you go with chairs, I think you have enough space in the room to position them well in front of the tile wall, and somewhat apart. So the wall should show thru nicely. Also, maybe you could try lighting the wall, either with recessed lights or perhaps even with a track. That would make the wall standout more. A tall plant might look very nice back there against the wall in the corner, properly lit. That would be better than the tall plant right in front of the window, as it stands now. Sure it gets plenty of light there, but it also blocks light from entering the room.

I'm not sure if the chairs will be large enough to look balanced in the room, though. I'd maybe consider a loveseat and a pair of chairs. But it's hard for me to tell without being in the space.

Stick to low plants in front of the window, if you go with plants up there at all. I just recently saw a dark grey, very plain modern rectangular plastic planter at Ikea – they must be brand new. They appear to come in a couple of sizes, one quite large. A big stonelike slab. One or two might look very good by the window, filled with plants that aren't likely to grow too tall.

>Regarding the wall opposite the mailboxes, would that
>be a good place for a single large, wide mirror or series
>of medium-sized mirrors?

I think one large mirror would be better, but much more expensive. You may be stuck with 2 or more medium sized mirrors in some arrangement. You'll get more bang for your buck that way, and mirrors will make the room brighter.

>Finally, any more input on wallcolor choices? Jackie, as
>much as I love strong colors, I'm pretty sure the board
>would vote down the red you suggested. I'm thinking deep,
>rich neutrals.

I'd stick with white, to be honest. You only have light coming in from one direction, and the floor is dark. The tile wall provides a big splash of color, and is fairly dark, too. Presumably the furniture, plants, mirrors and such will add at least some additional color to the room. Save the money for the chairs.

You know, that ceiling is fairly low. Looking at the pictures again, I don't know if a pendant lamp is really such a great idea in that space. It might be OK, provided it looks proportional hung from a fairly short cord. I'd just visualize it carefully before installing.

I'd go with a coffee table that cannot be knocked over. Maybe a simple rectangle or cube, perhaps with somewhat rounded edges. Something the older residents can't trip over (easily) or hurt themselves when they bump into it. Two of these would make a nice table, or temporary seating for groups waiting in the lobby:

http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=110&f=2991

They'd even add a splash of color. I'm sure you can find similar elsewhere. The only problem with small pieces is they can be stolen – another reason why you may want to go with a sofa or a loveseat instead of chairs. A single person can pick up a chair and stuff it in the back of a hatchback. Stealing a sofa requires two people and a bit more effort.

hmmmm.... just woke up and had another thought.... if you do want to push the 60's vide and really go for it in the loby, how about cladding the long wall on the way to the Elevators in Ikea laminate? if you picked a wallnut-y color it could be warm and gorgeous and, since no one would ever walk on it, you could pick a lower grade as long as it looked nice.

ok, i know people are going to hate that idea......

E-I'm still in germany, I got a new job and don't have as much time to post. i will send in picks of my place soon!

I'm not into the paneled look - too '50s in my opinion (even though plenty was used in the '60s, the look didn't originate that decade). YMMV. But if he does want to panel a wall, I'd strongly recommend using cork. It's inexpensive, comes in tiles, which makes it easier to repair damage, and has the advantage of being sound absorbing. Which in that hall might be a welcome change.

Beats popcorn ceilings, anyhow . . .

My recommendation is to spend half the budget replacing that chandelier.

URGENT ADVICE TO ENRIQUE re front entrance. He mentions 'cottage cheese ceilings'. Given the age of the building THESE COULD BE ASBESTOS.

The same thing was used here and is often called vermiculite, which is another material altogether. It was used so the builders didn't have to put in a proper ceiling which would drop the height below the building code minimum - here it is 8 feet. It is possible there is a minimum height for entrances in NY.

It must NOT BE TOUCHED OR DISTURBED BY ANYONE until it is tested. THIS INCLUDES MESSING ABOUT WITH THE LIGHTS. And yes, if it has been used in the rest of the building, then renovations are dangerous.

The most bang for your money, impact would be to put two heavy planters on either side of the outside door, on the outside, with something green, tall. I think it's very pleasant as is, I wouldn't add much more inside, other than upgrading the chandelier

Hi Enrique! What a wonderful lobby. You are lucky to have such great original terrazo and tiles.

Here's my 2 cents: I like to think in terms of focal points (or areas) as you move through the space. From the entry, the focal point is definitely the tile wall. I'd play this up with lighting -- more on that later.

When you are moving through the lobby from the hallway, the focal point is the wall opposite the mailboxes. Here you definitely need artwork of some sort. Not mirrors -- because the mirrors will just reflect the mailboxes.

I would think about a large mirror (or grid of 4 mirrors) on the wall opposite the elevators (I think this is at the far end of the mailbox wall?) since this wall is actually a focal point as you exit the elevator and the mirror would reflect people's faces and help reflect more light back there.

Regarding color: You're definitely on the right track here. I would take the tile wall as a comparison point for paint color chips, and choose two neutrals based on the tile colors: one a warm, rich gray and they other a cool-honey color. Those tile colors are so rich that you have plenty of inspiration. I'd paint the mailbox wall one color and the opposite wall (where you're going to hang the artwork!) the other color. You don't want to go TOO cool because of the black floor, so keep the grey a warm, french grey.

You're right on with the Nelson pendant lamp -- perfect! Now for the recessed lighting: to make the space really feel warm and inviting, I'd use wall washers along the perimeters to highlight the walls and give the space a glow. You can't put wall-washers along the window wall (because they will shine outward and blind people) put you can put down-lights there if you want to. Wall-washers highlight any flaws in the paint job so make sure the paint is done right! If you go to a specialty lighting store and ask them about wall washers, they can give you lots of advice about types and tell you the exact placement necessary to give the right effect. Wall washers make arcs of light on the wall, so you have to think about where the arcs will be and keep them balanced, just like any other deisgn element. For example, if you have just one arc of light on the tile wall, you want it to be centered. When you place a light near the corner, you want it to hit the two walls equally, so you don't have a lopsided-looking arc.

I like the idea of 2 chairs and a table, since you can angle them toward the window a bit. Check out second-hand furniture shops for a cocktail table -- 60's era tables aren't hard to come by. I would definitely spend the budget on the Nelson lamp and great chairs -- plants and accessories would be a nice touch, but it's more important to get the basics right. If there was more money, I'd love to see a nicer console table against the tile wall, with a sculptural object (preferably something with texture) placed on it.

Good luck and post photos when you're finished!

In response to the asbestos...

Good idea to have it checked for asbestos...Some popcorn ceilings do contain it...and if it does has asbestos you can still remove it pretty simply with a few precautions...disposing of it, though, can be trickier...but even if it doesn't have asbestos, you will need proof of that for disposal or your building could be fined.

best way to check is to pick a non-noticible spot, and thoroughly wet the area with a squeeze bottle. Asbestos is only harmful when it is airborne so by wetting it you will contain it in the rest of the media. Take a paint scraper and scrape a small section, put it in a bag or container, and send it to a lab. The testing we did for our house cost $50 for six samples. Our house had both popcorn ceilings and vermiculite insulation. Both tested negative for asbestos. Apparently only popcorn/vermiculite made in certain locals contained asbestos. The scientist who did the testing said most of the time popcorn/vermiculite do not contain asbestos. Unfortunately you won't know until you test it.

If it comes back positive for asbestos, you can still remove it. Just make sure that you thoroughly wet the ceiling several times before scraping. A mask would also be a good idea and never scrap/cut a dry surface as it could cause the asbestos to particulate. Afterwards seal the ceiling with a good primer like Kilz.

Good luck with the project! Looks like fun. It's great to work on something that will have an impact on so many people.

>put two heavy planters on either side of the outside door, on
>the outside, with something green, tall.

Problem is, that could block the only source of natural light for the lobby. And who's gonna water it?

I do agree with what you said about the space being very nice as it is. It's a good reminder to avoid over-decorating it – too much stuff hanging on the walls, too many paint colors, too much furniture, etc. Right now it's a very cool space with a couple of slightly warmer elements (the loveseat and the tile wall). I'd keep it that way.

>When you are moving through the lobby from the hallway, the
>focal point is the wall opposite the mailboxes. Here you definitely
>need artwork of some sort. Not mirrors -- because the mirrors will
>just reflect the mailboxes.

From a pure aesthetic standpoint I agree, but functionality has a certain beauty to it, and people will appreciate having a mirror to check their appearance before heading out for the day. You could always do both, of course. A tall mirror on the wall right up by the window, which can be had with a very plain frame from Ikea for about $100. People could pause there out of the direct path of traffic for a moment before heading out the door. Then hang some horizontal wall art directly across from the mailboxes. Heck, maybe hang art that "mirrors" the footprint of the mailboxes. Would be one way to balance the room.

Mirrors in front of the elevators as you suggested aren't a bad idea at all, but people probably won't feel comfortable stopping there to check their appearance before moving on. It's kinda in the path of traffic. It would help to decorate the space and make it brighter and seem somewhat larger, though.

Don't forget to check craigslist and eBay to see what's available used locally. If you can score a few deals it could really stretch that $1000 budget.

Again, great suggestions from all! Re: mirrors. A section of the elevator wall already has a full-size mirror; and it's conveniently located next to the elevator. So probably no need for more mirrors in the lobby. Re: asbestos. Good thoughts, everyone. Yes, we'll have it tested first; but my guess is that it should be okay as several owners have had their cottage cheese ceilings scraped over the years. Re: cocktail/coffee table. I agree that we'll probably need to go vintage for that piece. Sunspot, good thoughts on getting "heftier" furniture that won't be easy to steal. We have a lot of people going in and out of our little building. So, we'd probably need to consider furniture pieces that are either very heavy or can be chained and locked. (This buidling is in Hollywood, after all.) ATM, thanks for your thoughts. That seems to be the direction we should go. Also, maybe I'll propose a Nelson lamp in some shape other than the saucer. Thanks again, all. You've given me a lot to think about.

PLEASE change the building numbers when you do the redo!!

That one detail will make a HUGE difference.

I also say save the hassle and labor cost and leave the cottage cheese. That ceiling needs to be SERIOUSLY perfect to be flatly exposed...

How badly beat up is the sofa?

The placement-- versus color or shape of it-- bothers me most.

Don't put ANY plants in the final version. Make it about shine and texture and blocky shapes.

Leave the mailboxes. Too expensive to make any real impact in any way that won't show wear and tear pretty quickly.

What's the average age of the voting board?

Not to throw a wrench, but to an older audience, "vintage" is just "old."

I also like the idea of keeping the walls white.

Good thoughts p(too). Thanks! I'd like to change the numbers out, too; but one thing at a time. The sofa is in okay shape and most on the board seem to want to let it go... Most of the voting board are in their 50s and 60s (one or two in their early 70s) and the rest in their 40s.

I did some more research and found a great inexpensive pendant light at EQ3: Conick for $85 (as simple cream-colored fabric drum shade with a frosted glass bottom). And I've found some great seating options on closeout. Regarding art, I may just propose one of the more graphic stretched Marimekko fabric kits--something like "Kaiku" in pink, "Ho Hoi" in blue, "Raxt" or "Ellips"--since they're all priced at $100-135.

Could one of those walls be an accent color in some kind of lighter-and-brighter version of one of the yellows in the tiles?

Could you possibly keep that plant, but lose the basket its in? Get something kind of hip, happening and wonderful from Conran's or something?

I recall the Color Therapy post on Sweet Pear (http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/colortherapy/colortherapy-sweet-pear-009845) and think that its application here would be great in a glossy finish. There was a chandelier like that in every building I lived when I was still in Downey, and the idea to paint it white resonates with me--scrape the ceiling and finish it in a fresh coat of white and the chandelier will look like an extension of it (of course, use frosted and not clear bulbs not to spoil the effect). Recessed lighting leading back to the elevator would be good as well.

Also: I agree that going for modern planters would go a long way towards updating the space. The details will do it.

I vote for totally ditching the "houseplants."
I think they make the place look dated, and if you just took them out now, the space would already improve.

I think you need a floating chaise, a side table, a rug, a framed (behind glass) piece of high contrast black and white art that references the black of the floor, and an updated console table.

I could also see the current "sofa wall" being hit with floor to ceiling grommeted drapery panels, with the framed art floating in front of it.

ps: Check to see how much of the budget is going to be eaten by downlight install, and wallpaper removal/paint contracting. Not sure any of your $1000 is left...

Here's a thought about a chandelier:

http://www.spilighting.com/product.asp?p_id=428

And let's pretend that you COULD get another sofa; how about a crescent shaped one and would fit into that corner, bisecting the current sofa wall and the tile one? That would keep it geometric, and yet the curve might seem a tad friendlier, as it faces the door a bit more.

And then have some large, round yet shallow chandelier to anchor the sofa OR a round rug.

That Sweet Pear color does look like a good answer, but only putting numerous paint chips next to the actual tile will really tell the story.

By the way... I've been thinking about those mailboxes, and I'm wondering about a horizontal stripe of aluminum sheet metal (carefully) glued to the wall matching the height of the mailbox thing, going from each edge of it to the each end of the room. KIND of as if it were a rectangular-faced watch whose watch-band was flush up against the edges of it.

It would give some sparkle and it would be kind of like wainscoting, in that if people rubbed up against it, the paint wouldn't come off the wall, because it would be durable. It would also look a little updated, and it would downplay the mailboxes a little.

Does anybody actually sit in that lobby? Some are places where guests cool their heels. Others are just pass-throughs. If yours is the latter type, save the furniture money and put it all in decor.