THIS OR THAT - FOYER DESIGN

What do you think?  Which of these entry halls do you like best...simple "less is more decor" foyer above...or the decked out designed foyer below.

Which would you want to come home to every day?

I love the wide plank wood floors, the pale blue front door and the paneled walls in the first photo.

I also really like the black penny round tile floors, sisal stair case runner, the black framed art and mirrors and the great Madeline Weinrib rug in the photo below.

Hmmm...thinking.

So...which do you prefer...I have my pick...once you weigh in I'll let you know what I think tomorrow.

Comment below please!

Happy Monday!

xo
Coco

Photos: Alex James Photography; House & Home

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AN entrance, entry hall, foyer, front door, stairs, THIS OR THAT

WEEKEND PHOTO - STOOP IT UP!

Now this is a front stoop. Love it...I like the rusty metal planters on either side, the stone stairs, the black front door, the lighting, and the white washed brick exterior is my dream...I like it all. I need to step up my stoop.  It was part of a project completed by design maven Joe Lucas of interiors firm Lucas Studios Inc. and owner of Harbinger, the prestigious Los Angeles based home furnishings showroom. Joe's client is an L.A. Kings Hockey player.

What do you think? Do you like this front stoop? What's on your stoop? I like writing the word stoop...so I'm going to continue with more stoop questions. Do you even have a stoop? Would you like me to stop with the stoop?

Happy Saturday!

xo
Coco

P.S. Just finished submitting some wonderful designers for Traditional Home's and TRADHome's list of New Trad designers. Fingers crossed that one of my submissions gets picked for the list!

P.P.S. Last Saturday before the big New York International Gift Fair. So much running around to do.

P.P.P.S.  Thank you all so much for helping me decide the cover for the Nbaynadamas Catalog!  Your input was invaluable!  It has only been a year since I started this textiles collection...each time I introduce something new I get really nervous and jittery.  You helped me feel better.  After I come up with a design and pick the colors and make it into a pillow, I spend a lot of time asking people "is this ugly?" or saying "I don't know whether I like it." or "that is not going to be part of the collection".  Then I just have to make decisions and hope that they turn out okay.  Still have so many nerves as I try my hand at designing fabrics.  So thank you for you feedback.  So appreciate it.



Photo: House Beautiful

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AN brick exterior, entrance, front door, front porch, house exterior, stoop, WEEKEND PHOTO, white washed brick

GUEST POST: DESIGNER'S ENTRY HALL MAKEOVER TIPS!

Interior designer Emily Ruddo's foyer console area decorated for the holidays! (above)

Today, I have a little treat for you...some holiday decorating tips in a GUEST POST from L.A. based interior designer Emily Ruddo of Armonia Decors!  Such useful tips on how to make your foyer look a little more festive for the holidays.  I like a nicely decorated entry...sets the tone for the rest of the house during the holidays.  Nothing too over the top but something that says it is the holiday season.

In case you are little behind on your decorating (like me) and just want to know what to do...I'll move things along a little.  No verbal meandering from me today...I'll get straight to it...a makeover, before and after and some useful tips in this GUEST POST from Emily!

***

BEGIN EMILY'S GUEST POST

Decking the halls for the holidays can be a daunting process for many, so I am serving up quick and easy festive tips for converting your entryway for the holiday season with minimal effort and cost

Here's a look at my holiday entryway conversion!

Emily's Holiday Styling How To's:

1. Shop from your own home. Pull out all of your general and holiday decor items and lay them out on your dining table to find new and inventive ways of combining what you already own.

2. Purchase simple greenery from your local flower mart and place them in a unique vase. Forgo the usual round wreath for a more modern square one or a door swag. I love using boxwood or magnolia leaves for less mess. A scented candle will give you the merry scent you need.

3. Place your favorite ornaments in a mercury or glass bowl or tie them to your wreath for added sparkle. If you want to update your ornament color combo, just paint or glitter them for a fresh look.

You can see more of my holiday how to's in the latest Toujours Magazine starting on page 42. Enjoy the behind the scenes details from the Toujours Holiday Decorating Guide photo shoot all this week on my blog. Photographer and Co-FounderMeghan Beierle-O'Brien and I had a blast shooting it, especially when Coco dropped in for all the fun :). Hope you get some joyful inspirations for your home!

Happy Holidays!

Emily

END EMILY'S GUEST POST

***

Thank you Emily for the fabulous guest post.  Thank you Meghan for the beautiful photos!  This all makes decorating for the season seem a little less stressful!

What do you think of Emily's entry hall holiday makeover?  Anything that is a must have in your holiday decor?  Readers, any easy holiday decorating tips you want to share?  Please do!

I'm so behind on holiday decorating...this post is inspiring...I've got to hop to it!

Happy Wednesday!

xo
Coco

P.S.  Did you notice the Nbaynadamas Loop pillow on the fuschia ikat chair behind Emily?  Looks so perfect in her coastal chic living room!

P.P.S. I've been invited to a gala event tonight without a guest! I think it is strange to go to a big party without a guest...I also think it is strange to be invited without a guest...hmmm... Would you go to a big holiday gala by your self (this is not a party at someone's home...this is a big event type of event)? Would you ever invite someone to a party without allowing them to bring a guest? I'm leaning towards sitting this one out...discussing with some team members this morning...will let you know what I decide! Hmmm...would love to hear your thoughts on this little holiday party dilemma.


Photos: Meghan Beierle-O'Brien

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AN BEFORE AND AFTER, design tips, entrance, entrway, entry hall, foyer, holiday, makeover

THIS OR THAT?: CHECKING IN ON TWO FOYER FLOORS!

Starting off a Monday with a few entryways or foyers to decide between. My grand entrance to the week.

Am focused on the flooring here in these two spaces...checkered floors in entryways or foyers a definite must love!

I found this first photo and loved the micro check tiled entry...a black and white tile mosaic laid on the diagonal...a miniature version of a classic used in so many grand foyers. The size and scale of the tile design is appropriate for this entry into what seems to be a normal house. I think the butterfly print on the wall in this room is quite funny and cute too.

Then there is this second entry below, with grey and white marble tiles set in a checkered pattern and laid on the diagonal.  This larger check floor is more traditional and more indicative of a very grand entrance.  The iron and glass doors seem to mysteriously lead to rooms in what could be a cavernous home. And then there is that formal (but maybe a little too small) entry table greeting guests in a manner fitting of a fine home.  I love grand entrances.

So I ask you today darling readers which foyer flooring do you like better...THIS OR THAT?

All that being said...my favorite is the first photo?  Which is yours?  If you had room for a nice checkered floor, would you go large or small? Or not at all (a rhyme!)?  Do tell.

Happy Monday!

xo
Coco

Photos: Elle Deco Spain; Frank Roop

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AN checkered floor, entrance, floor tile, flooring, foyer, THIS OR THAT