Small entryway solution - 'at auction'!

I went to an auction preview for the next Stair Galleries auction in Hudson, NY. Lots of fun furniture to look at, but I was immediately taken by the perfect solution for a small entryway - an all in one console table, mirror, and even hooks and umbrella stand. Now there is no excuse!

This is actually a pace chrome-plated vanity measuring 5 ft. 11 in. x 20 3/4 in. x 16 5/8 in (Lot 65). It has an auction estimate of $600-800. This would do the trick in a small entryway. It has a nice little 'console table', and a mirror, and for added fun it has bulb sockets all around.  This is in the vein of a 1930's Hollywood movie! You could put a wonderful ceramic pot on the floor for decoration to finish the look.

I have always liked this type of Art Deco style hammered steel hall tree This one is attributed to Edgar Brandt (Lot 35), and measures 6 ft 2 1/2 inches x 31 1/2 inches x 7 1/4 inches. The auction estimate is $300 - $600. For that you get a small table for mail, a mirror, hooks for hats and coats, and an umbrella stand. Who could ask for more! And it has wonderful decorative embellishments as well.  

Both photos from Pinterest

The trick with a small space is to create differentiation from the rest of the room or decor. An entryway is just the area by the door, and you can create a welcoming space with just one piece of furniture that multi-tasks. Then just add some art on the walls or a ceramic pot on the floor and you have a wonderful welcome home!

Always entryways! 'at auction'

I haven't written about entryways in a while, and they are such an important part of any home. They are the first thing you come home to, the last place you leave, and the place that greets your guests. What could be more important!

The size of your entryway might be grand, or virtually non-existent, but you can take elements from any of these examples to create a place that speaks your style.

Paloma Picasso's Moroccan home From Harper's Bazaar

A sleek console table is topped with both classic as well as fun items to create an interesting tableau. The big table is also a great place to be able to set things down as you come in, or leave things you need to take with you when you leave. 

From Nuevo Estilo via Pinterest

Here I love the juxtaposition of the classic table with the modern sculpture on top. A mirror is always good in an entryway to keep the space light, and to check out how you look coming or going. 

From Lonny Magazine

Lonny Magazine featured the New York rental of Jessika Goranson. She has one of those almost non-existent entryways that she makes grand with the use of a huge mirror behind a classic demilune table, topped with interesting objects.

 From Pinterest

You can see that this entryway is small and narrow, but packs in a lot! I simple console table with a metal base and marble top is smart looking and practical. Topped with a large rustic mirror, it looks great. I like the boots lined up underneath too! Feels like home.

 CWB Architects

This is a great example of a tiny entryway that's been given big impact with a bracket console table and a big mirror!

Let's focus on the two key elements for an entryway - the table and the mirror. This will form the base for further decoration! This early 19th century Empire style marble topped pier table is a wonderful start. It's classic, decorative, and has a mirror backing that adds to the light in the space. The marble top is very practical as well for setting things down on it. This is included in the New Orleans Auction January 19 (Lot 313). It's 43 inches wide, and has an auction estimate of $600 - $900. 

I think every home should have some Asian elements. This wonderful Chinese red painted altar table would make a wonderful entryway piece, and add some color to the room as well! It's pretty big at 6 feet, 5 inches wide, so you have to have the room. This is Lot 272A in the January 18th auction at Stair Galleries in Hudson, NY, and has an auction estimate of $1,000 to $1,500.

This modern ebonized oak console table has a wonderful sleek shape. It's very smart looking and would definitely set the style for those coming to visit. This is included in the February 5 and 6 auction at Christie's in New York. It's 47 inches wide (Lot 365), and has an auction estimate of $1,000 to $1,500. This wonderful side table is included in the lot as a bonus! I know I could find a place for it.

I love these bracket consoles for small spaces. You don't need an entryway at all to create one with something like these. These are Louis XV giltwood with marble tops. These are in the Christies February auction (Lot 376). They are only 12 1/2 inches wide, and I'm sure you could find a place for the second one. One of these would look lovely in a bedroom or even a bathroom. These have an auction estimate of $1,000 to $1,500.

A lovely, simple gilt framed mirror would go with any style console table. This one has very nice proportions at 20 x 23 inches. You can't beat auction prices for something like this. The New Orleans auction has this with an auction estimate of $30 - $50 (Lot 219).

I love the proportions and decoration of Federal mirrors. This 19th century giltwood and eglomise mirror measures 40 inches tall and 20 inches wide. This is included in the Christies auction (Lot 467) with an auction estimate of $1,000 to $1,500.

Those diminutives bracket consoles need small mirrors above them. I was taken by this air of Italian 18th/19th century silvered wood mirrors. They are 17 inches tall and 14 inches wide. I always like multiple mirrors on the wall. These are included in the Christies auction with an auction estimate of $1,000 to $1,500 (Lot 514).

I couldn't resist this for a major statement piece. This is big and bold. This is American Aesthetic movement from the 4th quarter of the 19th century. It stands 78 inches tall, and I would just stand it on the floor. This is included in the New Orleans auction (Lot 621) with an auction estimate of $900 - $1,200. Just put a table wide enough for the center section for a great entryway statement.







Two pieces will get you started creating an entryway - a console table and a mirror. Then build a tableau of objects over time to add to the style you want to create!

Pops of color - furniture 'at auction'

I love color in my decor. It can be wall color, or a pop of color in a chair, sofa, or painted wood piece. I happen to have a pair of bright red leather chairs in my living room!

My living room

Designer: Kelly Wearstler via Pinterest

Love this green with the black and white prints and frames covering the wall behind!

Both via Pinterest

The green dresser surrounded by black and white furniture adds interest and fun. You can take an ordinary dresser and paint it with a high gloss color. Hanging the tassles from the drawer handles is a nice touch too!

The bottom photo is from a Domino spread on the town house of Jenna Lyons. I love the use of black and white, and then that great bright yellow sofa!

Christie's Interiors sales are a great source for decorative furniture. Their sale January 8th and 9th in New York has some fun pieces. I like this circa 1930's French pink chaise longue! Wonderful pop of color, and a nice place to lounge too! This would be great in either a bedroom or living room. This is Lot 542, and has an auction estimate of $1,000 - $1,500. 

For the Kelly Wearstler look, these apple green vinyl chairs would do the trick. These are in the Christe's sale as well. This lot (269) is a set of four chairs wich are circa 1980. They have an auction estimate of $1,000 - $1,500. I would put these in a living room with an otherwise graphic black and white decor for real drama!

Wright Auction in Chicago is know for modern design pieces. I love these green recamier sofas by Edward Wormley circa 1967. Having a pair would be wonderful. What a sexy living room you could design around these. These sold for $10,000 off an auction estimate of $9,000 - $12,000.

You might go for a single piece that pops! I love this Altamira chair with the wonderful orange upholstery. This is Italian circa 1955, and sold at a Wright auction for $1,250 off an estimate of $1,000 - $1,500.

Kamelot Auction in Philadelphia is good for interesting pieces. This Japanese scholars desk circa 1950 is a great red painted piece. It's only 12 inches off the ground, but you could have black wrought iron bases built to bring up the height, This sold for $100, so worth an investment!

This Eero Saarinen womb chair and ottoman are classics. The red wool upholstery will make this stand out in a room. This sold at a Kamelot auction for $1,500 off an estimate of $1,800 - $2,000. 

Everyone who follows my blog knows I love color. If you don't want to paint the walls (or even if you do), a pop of color in the furniture will brighten up the room! It will make you smile when you come home.