Skip to main content
Decorating My Home

Sneak Peek of my Entry

By 08/21/2010January 23rd, 201735 Comments
This is the cabinet I recently found from HomeSense for my entry. Isn’t it fabulous? Because there are two drawers they neglected to insert a knob in the middle. I might change them all out and insert new ones because it looks like they are missing at the moment.

Photos not otherwise credited by Maria Killam

It immediately reminded me of this Dorothy Drapery Dresser. I first saw it in Kelly Wearstler’s office (when she worked from home) which is why I bought it.

My Beach bag is always sitting here these days since our complex has a pool right beside the Capilano River (below). There are 60 townhouses and barely anyone uses the pool. There’s another one for the kids as well. On rainy days we go back and forth from the sauna (I’m a Finn) and the pool, it’s great!



The framed print I bought years ago (not from HomeSense) I love the happy kids in the rain. I just had it reframed and re-matted. It was an 80’s pickled pink frame with a pale blue mat. Can you believe I forgot to take a before picture? A big blogging no no! The lamp is from HomeSense. I’m going to change the lampshade to one like this from Ralph Lauren.


This is our winding staircase. Keep in mind I haven’t painted this space yet (it has high ceilings and my painter is busy on exterior these days) so this is still the existing pinky beige. I desperately need a little area rug for this space, the broadloom is way to light and gets dirty fast, I have been looking since I moved in, I might have to break down and find one online!

See the niche at the top? I decided on a boxwood ball instead of sticks in a vase which I think is kinda 80’s (maybe). Pussy willows would be okay but I can’t get them this time of year.


I will probably paint the urn, it was from Homesense too (well I am in Vancouver, it’s a limited accessory shopping situation here).


This is the winding sidewalk going to the pool. The rest of the photos of where I live are on my Facebook Fan page.

Have a great weekend everyone!

If you would like your home to fill you with happiness every time you walk in, contact me for on-line or in-person decorating and colour.

Related posts:
Stunning Front Entry
Are you Decorating from Scratch?
Decorating with a Colour Expert
New to this Blog? Click here ; Subscribe to my free Monthly Newsletter; Become a True Colour Expert

While you’re here, subscribe to this feed so you don’t miss out!

35 Comments

  • Grace @ Sense and Simplicity says:

    Your entry is looking great. I agree that knobs in the centre would look better. I love how your travel mug picks up the colours in your beach bag and in the sweet picture (which is perfect for rainy Vancouver).

  • Kathysue says:

    Love, love this chest, it makes a great entry piece. Zgallerie had some bright yellow art glass vases that would look good in a group of 3 on your little niche on the stairs!!! Just a thought, happy saturday,Kathysue

  • pve design says:

    What's in the drawers?
    Color swatches?
    pve

  • Kathysue says:

    They are actually finials not vases, here is the link if you want to check them out, I love these

    http://www.zgallerie.com/p-8833-mariposa-collection-lemon.aspx

  • DesignTies says:

    Great find, Maria!! And I love your pool & surroundings!
    V

  • Anonymous says:

    Looking cute! I like your chest better than Kelly's anyway! Yes, need knobs in center.

    Too corny to add simple color of ribbon to new shade along the edge(s)? Maybe the raspberry, or maybe the black like chest. Then the same detail could be repeated on your nice ceramic ball vase? Details details. Don't want to overdo…

    The happy kids art piece looks handsome and cheerful, and fitting for your climate! Maybe it's just me, but I am hoping you will add something BOLD there too…one large thing in addition to your other items. Something vintage and industrial for a fun mix?

    Oh, and do you like any Dash & Albert rugs for your stairway rug? Young and fresh feeling. What size prevents a rug from feeling like a doormat?? I always struggle with that…

    OK, shutting up now!

  • Linda in AZ * says:

    * It's looking SIMPLY TERRIFFIC, Maria!!! You must be having SOOO much fun with all this new, lovely "playspace"!!! (BTW, I agree w/ you re the landing space, ~~~ looks nice~~~ simple, understated…"me likey"!!!

    Warmest,
    Linda in AZ *
    bellesmom1234@@comcast.net

  • marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says:

    Love your new chest. It is gorgeous. I really like the lamp too. Your home is stunning. Hugs, Marty

  • Ruby@Ruby'sMusings says:

    LOVE that cabinet!! Always eager to see each new step /item to your new space.

  • Maria Killam says:

    HI PVE,
    Currently I have place mats and entertainment dishes in it until I find a sideboard for the dining room. That is a good idea though, always have fabric samples coming out of my ears!

    To Anonymous,
    I have thought about adding colour to the chest, I do like that idea. and the tablescape is definitely a work in progress. . .

    Kathysue,
    Those are very cool and look like my colour too!
    Thanks for posting them!
    x
    Maria

  • Splendid Sass says:

    Maria,
    This chest was a major find! You have so much going on. The pool looks so inviting, too.
    Teresa

  • Linda@ Lime in the Coconut says:

    Fun entry….can't help but smile!

  • traci zeller designs says:

    I don't think you should complain about limited accessory shopping in Vancouver — you always find way better things at your HomeSense than I do at my HomeGoods!!!

  • Ann says:

    Hi Maria,

    I must say I am amazed at how cool your space is- you said rental, right? I've never seen a rental with a curved staircase before.

    You scored with both the apartment and chest!

    -Ann @ Rose et Lis

  • Karena says:

    Beautiful Maria, you are really making your abode look great!!

    Karena
    Art by Karena

  • Anonymous says:

    Rather nice place you've got here. Thanks the author for it. I like such topics and anything connected to this matter. I would like to read a bit more on that blog soon.

    Hilary Kuree

  • Greet says:

    Maria, Your entry hall is beautiful! I love that wonderful cabinet and I believe the black color of it is easy to combine with all other colors! That is why the framed drawing above it, looks wonderful! And I really love the lamp you are going to look for!
    Congratulations!
    Have a nice Sunday!
    xx
    Greet

  • C.J. says:

    love the dresser! your apartment looks great and can't wait until you get it painted to see the colors you choose. have a great Sunday!

  • Lynnifer says:

    So you are a Finn. No wonder I like your blog so much ha ha. All my favourite music comes from Finland. One of my favourite bands, HIM came to NZ just last year, and I follow some Finnish blogs. Now it all clicks into place heh heh

    Loving your entry too. I am finding I am developing a love for black furniture, it seems.

  • Susan says:

    Fabulous piece of furniture, aren't you lucky to have found it? I love the detail on the front of it. It looks expensive. You have it perfectly accessorized too 🙂

    Very inviting.

    cheers
    Susan

  • Ruthie's Renewed Treasures says:

    The chest is perfect and the lamp is perfect being that the chest is a dark bold piece. Having a lamp that is open and airy really brings the two together! So nice to have restful surroundings! At first glance, I thought the vase in the niche was a wall sconce. I thought to myself "wow, Maria really found something unique this time."

    Ruthie

  • Will @ Bright.Bazaar says:

    That chest is a fantastic statement piece for your entryway! Thanks for sharing this sneek peek!

  • Erika at BluLabel Bungalow says:

    Your entry way is shaping up nicely! I can't get over the winding staircase, how grand!

  • Donna says:

    Maria, These are such wonderful photos! Thanks for sharing what you are doing and how you are decorating. I love seeing your progress…and thought process too. We can learn from that. Boy, I REALLY love that dresser! The drawers and knobs are awesome (almost retro I think). Thanks so much for stopping by when I know how busy you must be. You are such a sweet and thoughtful bloggy friend. :o)

    By the way, I posted before and after photos of the re-do of my Dad's house. I painted the trim in the living room because I knew you would probably suggest it. I had a feeling it would update the look of this very old 50's home. What you said about painting my trim made me think of it. Sigh..it added at least an extra day to the work but I wanted people to walk in and say..Wow! Nice! I could live here. It looks much more modern to me with the trim painted. I know you will cringe when you see how little color I used, but it was cheaper to buy five gallons of one color and go with it. But the pale green wall in the dining room is a tribute to you (and to my mother) who both seem to know that some rooms need an accent wall..however light the color.

    I'm so glad you have such a nice new place and get access to a pool too! Fun!

    xo
    Donna @ Comin' Home

  • Velvet and Linen says:

    You live in a beautiful place made even more gorgeous by your talent!
    Your entry is so inviting. I love the small pops of yellow.

    xo
    Brooke

  • Mona Thompson says:

    Great job. I like the way you are repeating the yellow and raspberry, even in your pool accessories.Ha! I think the boxwood in the niche looks nice and pussy willow would be great in the Fall. Fresh flowers for a party would also be fun.

  • Ormolulu says:

    I've really been enjoying your blog, especially the comments on color. I've noticed that the further north in the hemisphere you go (I live in Bellingham), the more *color* is considered desirable! You have a great eye–and clearly professional training–for color!!

    Have noticed several comments regarding the lack of accessories available in Vancouver, B.C. Have you considered vintage/antique items? There's a WORLD of possibilities there! Yes, it's my passion–just saying it's worth taking a look . . . !

    Debi

  • Maria Killam says:

    Hi Ormolulu,
    I shop those stores too. That's where I found my dining chairs recently.
    I totally agree!
    Maria

  • diane@onlinefabricstore says:

    I have a niche like that on my staircase and I filled it with 5 different colored glass bottles and vases that I ofund at Home Goods and Home Sense. Really adds color and sparkle to a very odd area. Love that dresser!

  • Between you, me and the Fencepost says:

    I had no idea you had a facebook fan page. I love your beach bag and flip flops. Perfectly styled as usual!

  • chanteusevca says:

    Love, love, love the chest and your entryway vignette, Maria. I've been looking for a nice, contemporary chest for our entry area too. If you see another one like that, let me know. Although I'm not sure how I would get it shipped to Texas. Thanks for the constant inpiration!

    ~ Victoria

  • camdesign says:

    Love the dresser, would be cool to add the middle knobs…
    your beach bag is so cute, loving the pink, for sure

  • Kiran says:

    I love it! 🙂

  • Christina Rodriguez | The Diva's Home says:

    Love the cabinet! I like the idea of changing out the knobs and adding more. It looks like they forgot them! How nice to have a pool that is rarely used. Makes it feel like it's yours! Enjoy it!

  • Donna says:

    Maria, I'm so happy for you! Wow!! Gorgeous decorating and colours! I do love that movie, Devil Loves Prada. :o) It was fun watching the transition from homey girl to chic dresser. I loved the scenery and the inside look at putting a fashion magazine together. The photo display is a great idea. I've been toying with how to do that myself.

    I haven't gotten to do any painting of our house yet. Dad's house just wouldn't sell..in fact no one would even LOOK at it. And I can't say that I blamed them. I've done SO MUCH painting and repair work in the last month. It was painful considering that I wanted to do my own house.

    But the joy is three repair guys expressing interest and two people who say they want to make offers on the house and the realtor hasn't even re-listed it with the new photos.

    I have two major sewing projects (one for my mom and one for a ministry) and then I can start on our house. :o) Tim has totally gotten into the 'decorating' and renovating mood. We made a master list of what needed to be done in both the unfinished office and our house. He wants me to switch my focus to the guest bathroom first. He's going to buy a new cabinet and sink.

    I never dreamed our consultation would get my hubby so 'on board' but he is. However, getting this estate closed out has to be the priority. It's exhausting! But now I feel much more comfortable with texturing and repairs and painting. We want to do it right and our home being what it is, it's going to take a lot more prep than just basic painting. We will be adding floor boards, sills, and taping and bedding seams. Tim wants to remove the paneling in the living room too! Miracles never cease! Thanks so much for helping us get the ball rolling. This fall is going to be all about our house.

    You're the best!
    xo
    Donna

Leave a Reply