I finally got cracking on one of several trouble spots in our home. I was motivated because it’s Pinterest Challenge day. If you’ve popped in via The House On Silverado, welcome and thank you for the visit! I hope you find lots of inspiration here and will want to subscribe so we can become great friends. Let’s begin with a cottage style entryway decorated for late summer.
A Pinterest Challenge is when my friends and I take the same photo and transform the look to work in our personal homes. I look forward to the challenge each month. It forces me to take care of areas that aggravate me, clean up some clutter, or make a much needed change. The foyer has been one of those areas. I settled with boring at the beginning of spring and kept telling myself it was fine. It’s time.
A Cottage Style Entryway Decorated For Late Summer
Like the title says, I’m going with a cottage style entry. What is cottage style? It prioritizes warm and welcoming atmospheres. It’s vintage inspired with a comfortable, lived-in feel with an emphasis on functionality. That describes how I want our home to be.
Inspiration photo from @AdoredHouse
Most Pinterest challenges start with an inspiration photo. We are using the photo posted by Dana @Adored House. And the elements I plan to use from her image are:
- A chair
- Mirror
- Flowers
- Basket
- Handbag/tote bag
- Print on the wall
- Hooks to hang things
Keeping it real.
I’m a practical person, so you might look in the chair and not see a tote bag, but I like to show real life. Therefore, the purse on the chair isn’t a prop. When I come in the house from the garage door, I usually plop what I’m carrying on the hutch that sits across from it. Now I have the chair. Although, now that I think about it, I’ll have to concentrate on what I drop so the chair stays clean.
The vintage wooden table and ornate frame were the only things sitting in this area during Spring. It was fine, it was pretty, but it was also blah and seemed like I didn’t much care.
Here’s what this area of the foyer looked like for spring.
I cared, I just needed inspiration. After seeing the Pinterest challenge photo, the first thing I added was the chair.
Coffee table books are on my list of wonderful necessities. I have the beginnings of an amazing collection and have read the words and stared at each image in every single one. These are two of my favorites. I get them on Amazon or at Barnes and Noble when they have a nice sale.
What the heck is it?
Can you guess what the tapestry piece is? I found it at an antique store a couple of weeks ago. The colors are perfect for my summer decor. And it will transition nicely into fall with the deeper greens, rust, and mauves. Have you guessed yet? It’s a vintage ladies’ hat! I loved it although she must have had a very small head.
I didn’t have a personal photo that would fit on the table, but I like keeping a candle in the entry for guests. Plus, it gave me a chance to display a coordinating vintage saucer.
The coat rack/antique column made with silver spoons for hooks was on the other side of the door.
Dana has a mirror on the wall, but since I don’t have room, there’s one leaning on the back of the side table. I’m not sure I should hang it anyway. I think it weighs 20 pounds. The lady who sold it to me said it was cast iron. If it fell, the mirror wouldn’t be the only thing to crack. And that’s not a conversation I want to have with the Mister.
She also used blue hydrangeas in her entry. What works best for “practical Cindy” are low-light plants. I need easy keepers since we are out of town a lot.
It’s a lot and it overwhelms me!
Looking at the last photo of the completed space, I was able to incorporate everything I wanted from the inspiration photo. Truth be told, the space overwhelms me. It is crowded! It’s not hard to move around.
It has too much stuff so I need to eliminate something until it feels right. I removed the column with the hooks and the extra plant in the wicker urn. SO MUCH BETTER! At least, I think so. Feels like I can breathe now.
The final entryway look.
Do you have a space you’re a little embarrassed about? If so, I highly recommend having a personal Pinterest Challenge moment. Search Pinterest for an idea you like. I searched using the words – summer entry home decorating ideas. I’m certain you’ll find something inspiring that you can do.
Next up is my friend Michelle at Thistle Key Lane. She has a coastal look that will bring soothing to a whole new level. You can see the rest of the challenges down below. Happy decorating!
You created such a cozy nook with so many beautiful details. I love the fabric “bucket” you have your plant nestled into, and that purse! Adorable! I think you need to style it in this space all the time! Beautifully done, Cindy. Pinned!
Author
Thanks Missy. I enjoy the little “bucket” very much. It will work for so many things.
Oh wow, the chair is the perfect addition to round out that space, and that HAT is the pièce de résistance! Pinned! Thanks for hosting!
Author
I appreciate that Niky, thank you. It sure makes a difference when I walk in. 🙂
I am obsessed with the tapestry piece! So pretty, love how you pulled it together.
Author
Me too! I cannot believe someones head was that small and could wear it. I’m not sure any of my kids when they were born could put that on. Thanks Libbie!
Love the final look Cindy! What a wonderful cheerful entryway with the addition of the pretty chair, and your attention to detail is spot on! I often decorate then go back and edit if a space feels too busy or cluttered. Nicely done! BTW love the artwork and that frame is amazing! 😉
Author
I love the artwork too! I got it from an amazing artist and friend. Soon it will change to a fall leaf. 😉 Thank you Michelle.
I agree with you, the last picture is much better! That chair is wonderful and works perfectly there!
Author
Thank you Carlie. I kept thinking I can’t live like this! I don’t know how maximalists do it. :0
Are you kidding me? I like yours (both pre-final AND final-final) much more than the Pinterest Challenge photo. The Challenge photo is pretty, but it doesn’t beckon me to explore the home. For your entryway, I love the colors, the wicker, the painting , the table (swoooooning!), even the saucer! It is so perfect and inviting. (Oh, PS: I mention you in a post I recently wrote…hope it’s okay! https://www.redshuttercottage.com/non-trendy-decorating/)
Author
Thank you Kristine, you made my day with your very encouraging comment. I really appreciate it! And of course it’s okay to mention me in a post. I’m honored. Thanks again for the visit.
This looks great Cindy! Love how you used the ladies hat.
Author
Thank you Laura. It’s quickly become a fun favorite around here.
Love how you talked us through your process:) Yes, the column was a little much, but I’m in love with that wicker planter-I want one! Or maybe two. Where’d you get it? Thanks for inspiring me to finally finish my summer back hall, and that red door!
Author
Sounds a little sad for the both of us that we just now got around to finishing our summer entry/back hallways. LOL. Next week I start my fall decorating and I’m actually excited about it. That’s one good thing about being a blogger, I can enjoy the holidays and seasons earlier and longer than most people. Except the people that start Christmas decorating the first of October. I can’t do that.
I got the wicker urn at an antique store near me. Thank you Lora.
How in the world do you come up with such cute ideas, I love the hat upside down for your plant and the chair, purse, and picture! That table is a cutie and perfect size for the entry.
Author
My mom asked me the same thing about coming up with ideas. It’s just a God-given talent. And grateful to have it! Thanks so much Marlene. I always enjoy your comments.
Cindy
I love the chair and all the wicker pieces. Great use of texture in your space. Sorry I couldn’t participate this month.
Author
NO worries Rachel! Your Christmas in July posts are so fun!
Wow!! I LOVE this vintage hat!! That is gonna be on my radar to find one! The final photo is definitely my favorite! I like breathing space, but looking at the photo before the plant and urn and pedestal were removed I did not feel it was crowded…but after, now I can breathe!
Author
For real! I had gotten used to passing it everyday with nothing there. Then it was so cluttered. I need a place to breath as well. Thanks Sister Jean. Happy Summer!
I saw that tapestry piece and immediately thought it was a hat! I always have my eyes peeled for one of my Panoply sisters who sells vintage hats year-round in our antique booths. You made a great display from the challenge photo. Lol, my other Panoply sister sells vintage chairs, and she would’ve had a plethora to choose from for this kind of challenge.
Author
I need to buy a couple of vintage chairs. I LOVE THEM!!! Especially the fantastic fabrics people used. You can’t find great choices like that anymore. Thank you Rita!
Hi Cindy, Thank you for sponsoring the blog hops. I enjoy them. I really could use some low-light, low care plants, as well, Could you share what you used? Your space looks great, and I think the use of the hat is brilliant!
Author
My pleasure Marilyn. Here is the link I use when I want to purchase a new plant for our home. Hope it helps.
https://www.google.com/search?q=low+light+easy+care+indoor+plants&rlz=1C1CHBD_enUS881US881&oq=low+light+ea&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqDggAEEUYJxg7GIAEGIoFMg4IABBFGCcYOxiABBiKBTIGCAEQRRg5MgwIAhAAGEMYgAQYigUyBwgDEAAYgAQyDAgEEAAYFBiHAhiABDIHCAUQABiABDIMCAYQABgUGIcCGIAEMgwIBxAAGEMYgAQYigUyCAgIEAAYFhgeMggICRAAGBYYHtIBCDQ1NzNqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Cindy, I love your interpretation of the inspiration photo! Actually, you have more room so I like it better. 😉 I know you said you thought it was a little crowded, but I think it looks good. I wouldn’t change a thing. <3
Hope you are having a wonderful summer,
Barb 🙂
Author
Aww, thank you Barbara. That is very kind of you to say. My summer has been fun but I plan to stay inside until October. LOL