Stiletto Fabulous

Tom Ford made me do it.

Actually, designer Jonathan Adler did. He has mastered the “fierce foyer” concept that the entryway should always wow: a console as a statement piece, a dramatic color scheme, a bold piece of art, a sculptural light fixture—or all of the above.

Even if other rooms still suffer from signs of tragic color trends circa 2008, the foyer can be the easiest space to transform—and on a budget.

The entryway to my 1906 Victorian home desperately needed some accessory updates, fresh fabrics and final touches to bring together a fresh new perspective.

The foyer needed a facelift but without going under the knife!

And pink—it needed pink! 

The new color scheme inspo ultimately knocked on the front door. A package arrived from Gilt with two coffee table books: a pretty pink Valentino book and a chic black catalog of Tom Ford designs—the first fresh new accessories!

Could the foyer reflect more of my personal style: posh but a little punk?  I was feeling a high-fashion vibe…

Luckily, the “investment pieces” were already in place: a wall of “mirrors” (framed wallpaper in an antiqued mirror pattern) as the focal point, and a timeless antique English chest flanked by a pair of side chairs in the right scale.

THE BEFORE & AFTER:

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BEFORE: Green color scheme with a traditional feel and antique pieces.

AFTER: Toned down with touches of soft pink, contemporary art and new light fixture.

BEFORE: Warm and welcoming but getting a little tired...(and no rug!)

AFTER: Dressed and ready to party with a fresh, fashion-forward vibe. Glass of rosé?

Goodbye, green!

The skirted table in the former green color scheme was moved out! (I still pull it out for parties.) SummerHouse designer Lindsey Townsend made my vision of having a hotel-style round ottoman a reality with a custom-made piece upholstered in a neutral grey velvet.

Art Upgrade

The colorful landscape by the front door was moved to a more suited place. I wanted an open, art gallery feel and spotted a brush of that pale Valentino pink in a Tony Mose piece at Esom Gallery in New Orleans. I call her The Queen!

Glam Gamechanger

After getting rid of the green altogether (painted while the husband was out of town and he never noticed—for years!), I finally had the chairs recovered. Designer Sarah Smythe pulled the perfect fabric: Matara by Designers Guild in Blossom. Blah beige linen to metallic faux leather blush!

Wild Rug Idea

This room has always needed a big custom rug. Ugh. Designer Allyson Duckworth suggested a bold solution: not one but two hide rugs in chic black. I love the texture and unexpected feel over having had a big area rug in “the front room” of an old Southern home. I also sourced the Chanel books from her at Pearly Peacock Designs.

Pillow Talks

Throw me a pillow idea! I asked Hollie Rich, my go-to custom pillow girl, who runs her own curated shop of handmade designer pillow covers on Stuck on Hue, what she thought about the floral Romo Black Edition Herbaria fabric and the appropriate size. The cool thing is that I can always order different pillow covers and move them from room to room.

Edgier Lighting

With a more mod feel and fresh color scheme, the blue lamp had to go, but only as far as the next room. I went back to Lagniappe and found an edgier black ceramic and brass lamp. Like a pair of chunky black loafers, it mixes a little androgyny with an overall ultra-feminine feel.

Shop Your Closet Moment

If accessories make a room, then the couture coffee table books facing forward update the whole vibe. The last little touch: atop the antique chest is a black stiletto bottle of GOOD GIRL fragrance by Carolina Herrera, a fun birthday gift from my mother.