Three easy pieces for the perfect entryway 'at auction'

The perfect entryway starts with just three pieces - a console table, a mirror, and a great lighting fixture. From here just add decorations!

 Designer: Isabel Lopez Quesada

In this small space the designer Isabel Lopez Quesada creates a wonderful tableau with an antique table, a gilt framed mirror, and a simple lamp. She then fills it up with objects on the table top, and simple baskets below. Easy and chic!

This console and mirror by Paolo Buffa are very special! The style seems a cross between Art Deco and chinoiserie. It's Italian circa 1930, and made of rosewood, walnut, pear, and copper plated brass. This is Lot 186 in the September 15th auction at Wright Auctions in Chicago. It has an auction estimate of $10,000 - $15,000.

The Wright auction also includes this cool candelabra by Bertil Vallien (Swedish circa 1965). It's made of wrought iron, bronze and glass, and has an auction estimate of $5,000 - $7,000. Would this make a statement when your guests enter your house!

This console table does double duty. This flips opens to become a dining table when needed. So many people don't want to dedicate space to a dining room that's not used that often, so this could be a perfect solution to bring out when company comes over. I love the simple design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. It's made of bleached rosewood, and measures 54 inches long, and 18/36 inches wide. This is Lot 586 in the Stair Galleries Modernism auction September 10th in Hudson, NY. It has an auction estimate of $1,000 - $1,500.

This Art Deco gilt metal mirror is so elegant and simple in its design. The decorative elements at top and bottom add just enough to give it loads of interest. This is Lot 644 in the Stair auction and has an estimate range of $250 - $500 (the catalogue did not give the dimensions).

This Art Deco mirror would give a bit of glam to the entryway. The curvy frame is just enough without going over the top. This is Lot 670 in the Stair auction with an estimate of $300 - $500. It's pretty big at 46 inches by 59 inches. It would make a statement!

We now need lighting! Wall sconces are always wonderful, and these are beautiful and simple. These are made of Daum frosted glass and aluminum. The bulb is sandwiched by the two glass pieces which would create a wonderful effect. These are 8 inches tall and have an auction estimate of $100 - $200 in the Stair Galleries auction (Lot 189).

If you are channeling mid-century modern, here is a cool selection from the next Christie's Interiors sale in New York 30 August - 1 September. This fabulous mid-20th century French gilt bronze mounted wengewood console table (Lot 642) is so sleek! The decorative elements are subtle and chic. Just look at the tapered legs. This measures 47 inches wide and just 13 3/4 inches deep, so it can fit in a narrow hallway. It has an auction estimate of $1,000 - $1,500.

For a fanciful and unexpected addition add two mirrors above the console table. This pair of Italian wrought iron mirrors (circa 1940) have the most wonderful foliage decoration. They are exuberant and fun.  These are Lot 1018 in the Christie's sale, and have an auction estimate of $1,500 - $2,000.

To finish the entry decoration we will need lighting. I love this pair of Italian sconces designed by Gio Ponti for Arredoluce circa 1955. They are geometric and exude modern. These are Lot 579 in the Christie's sale, and have an auction estimate of $800 - $1,200.

 Designer: Isabel Lopez Quesada

Creating an impression in the entryway is so important. This is a good place to invest. It sets the tone for your guests, and will make you happy when you open the door when you come home!