apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

We really like the Ikea Trones units in white in our entry way, you can stack or configure them in many ways, and each little unit can hold several pairs of shoes, mitts, small umbrellas, dog leashes, etc. They are very slim, and don't stick out far, and on top of ours we have little succulents in white pots and some little decorative pebbles in between the pots. Simple, streamlined, effective, and best of all, inexpensive.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30110832

I think a mirror would be nice, but a small stool would feel to cramped.

A mirror or very simple art (white or birch frame) would look nice. There's already a lot going on in what is admittedly a small space, so I wouldn't add anything else unless absolutely necessary.

A mirror would look great and make the room feel bigger. I really like what you've done so far.

i agree...probably a small piece of art would compliment that wall space very nicely. or you could get a couple of those different size round mirror circles.

I like the idea of a perfectly round mirror to compliment the perfectly round storage table. But insted of white, make the frame walnut toned to match the chair finish.

Don't mean to be a buzz kill, but the Kartell piece seems a departure from the vibe you had going... and seems a dorm leftover (albeit a stylish one) in an otherwise chic and grown-up space.

If you're going to hang a mirror, why not make it a medicine cabinet to give you a little extra storage. They make them with frames or beveled mirrors so they wouldn't look too "bathroomy".

By the way, I used to have a trinity with a similar layout so I know what a challenge it is. I must say yours looks very nice!

I'm not in love with the Kartell. I think you could get a small wood dresser in that space. Art over it. Art over fireplace. TV on bookcase. Mirror over sofa. Storage ottoman (ballard has nice ones and you can supply your own fabric). Rug.

Speaking of medicine cabinets, if you can recess it, I love that idea. But switch out the mirror door for a framed piece of art.

Meanwhile, what am I saying? I love it just as it is too! A little rowhouse is why everyone is leaving Brooklyn for Philly, right?

Have you seen all the posts about mobiles lately? Above the table would be a perfect place for a melon or white mobile. It would help visually separate the entry, while keeping things open. Putting a mirror behind and a light above would add interesting reflections and shadows.

how about a longish fabric hanging or fabric stretched over a piece of foam core? might help the piece and the lamp stand out from the white wall?

i'm also from philly! it's great living in a historic home with beautiful architectural details, but i also feel your pain when it comes to managing the smaller and sometimes awkward spaces.

definitely needs a mirror/art above the kartell. stool would be too cramped. i agree with above, i would have gone for a taller bookcase or dresser to give yourself some more storage.

looks great, but i would add some color, too - paint the walls, hang some curtain panels on the window, or maybe just a rug.

Hi. Another Philly person checking in. We also just bought a town house and can relate to the challenges -- although am loving every minute of living in and decorating our new space. I also like the idea of a simple mirror or art behind the kartell.

whatever you choose, you have a great start!

philly here also! hi everyone ;)
yeah i have owned 2 rowhomes and the first one was literally 10 ft wide, which is not unlike this place i think.
They were both really hard to decorate and the one thing i can say i took away from it is to keep it simple. It was a real lesson in editing my stuff.
a 10 ft wide, but very long living room seemed even more oddly shaped when i inititally tried to fit a "normal" living room into it.
so ANYWAY i like the place a lot - it feels very clean and comfy. add a rug though; i would think of something with a geometric pattern or bold stripe. over and by the front door... a mirror.
(i would also probably add a curtain on the windows, but thats just my compulsive curtains-in-every-window nature)

I'd definitely put a mirror but perhaps something with a punch of color liike orange.

I am in agreement to take the Kartell piece out its not substantial enough with the rest that is going on.

I like the idea of a chest but it should be a small scale, something unique in a light color or small dark wood. Then put a interesting but simple mirror above chest or art.
On the chest a lacquered style box can be for keys and pretty urn (which I use for poo bags) or vase for fresh cut flowers. Good spot for a nice vignette
I would get a floor lamp and put it behind the chair.

This would be pretty sitting on a small mid tall chest, see the smaller - one candle at night with mirror above pretty http://www.roomservicehome.com/productsl2.asp?dept=360

or for a splash of color which works with what you have-
http://www.roomservicehome.com/productsl2.asp?dept=350

I love this mirror-
http://www.wisteria.com/prodinfo.asp?number=W2522
I love everything else and your colors are pretty.

Mirror or artwork (with color!)- yes
Another table? It'll probably get too cramped

You could perhaps get a skinny table next to the couch - I can't tell from the photo how much room you have to work with.

I would quickly find stooping to pull stuff out of the Kartell thing really annoying, especially if I needed the stuff more than once or twice a week. I would mount something on the wall like a long, shallow basket. Then I'd ditch the Kartell and put a floor lamp by the chair.

definately a mirror or a pice of art on the wall...but if you have enough space I'd put a low, narrow bookshelf next to the couch to kind of create a foyer area ( http://www.westelm.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?partNumber=WE-PRODf459&storeId=17001&langId=-1&catalogId=17002&viewSetCode=E&parentId=WE-SH1FRNSTO&retainNav=true&cmsrc=WE-SH1FRNSTO )then use your kartell table as more of a side table for that lovely arm char

I am surprised that more people haven't chimed in about the absence of color. With those nice built-in shelves and the mantle, the walls would look great repainted!

move the kartell a bit to the right and hide the power outlet.

move the lamp to the left side of the kartell.

place a heavy wide framed mirror(black or dark wood) behind the kartell, centered on the wall, but simply resting on the floor and leaning against the wall. the mirror should be tall enough for its top edge to be about the same distance below the light switchplate as the light switchplate is from the edge of the door frame trim(i.e., make the switchplate part of the arrangement).

place a small plant(about 12 inches tall) or other object between the kartell and the umbrella stand.

if you have to put anything above the mirror(i like it clean and empty), find an unusual hat rack and hang a great old hat and a black (or black and white) wool scarf on it, sort of off to the right side. maybe a walking stick, too!

otherwise, keep going with the black and white theme, the room looks really clean and fresh. a few more medium to large scale black objects might give a bit of punch. how about a black leather medicine ball on the floor? you can accessorize and exercise at the same time!

the red tin lantern isn't working for me on the hearth. it might be better on the shelves. and the accent pillow fabric(on the white chair) seems rather too washed out for this room. get something bolder!

ok, i am taking the rest of the day off!

p.s, you do have those terrific recessed lights on dimmers, right?

i'm with LoriSF about replacing the kartell table with a piece that's taller and wider than the kartell but still small enough to fit in that space and not overwhelm. a chest would provide more visual impact and more space and storage for your entryway catchall needs.

Another interesting choice against the wall- in white then off set with color with art over this and objects on shelves for catch all.
http://www.houseeclectic.com/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=5&idproduct=499

The smaller one in green I have my eye on at a store near me 15% off because it has scrathes.

Where did you get that nice white Arm chair with the expresso wood. I've been looking for something like that forever!