The Makings of an Entryway

As promised, here are the costings and details of how I achieved the look in my entry:

Wallpaper
Sorry, I can't recall its name or brand (poor, I know) though it was purchased new from a home decorator centre. It was my favourite and the most appropriate out of all the thousands I looked at so fortunately, when it came to checking the price, I was pleased to find it sitting in the lowest bracket.
Mum and Dad (who informed me they were wallpaper hanging experts after going through the early 1980's revival) helped me hang it one week while Mr Painted Hive was out of town. He got a pleasant surprise on his return - or so I like to think.
$120 (for two rolls)

Console Table
I looked everywhere for ages to find the right table for this space.
The proportions needed to be 'just so'. I was more than prepared to refurbish and modify a pre-loved one if need be, though eventually this brand new rustic weathered cedar console showed up on eBay. It was just right. 
$80

Decor

Wreath - Found at a post-Christmas sale at a furniture store - $8

Cases - They look like vintage chests though are actually new reproductions purchased from a discount clearance store - $18 (for both)

Large Wire Basket - I purchased this from a special boutique store using a gift certificate we received for our wedding - $0

Terracotta Pots and Plants - Just your stock standard cheap pots and plants from a local nursery - $30

Lanterns - Again, new from a discount clearance store - $15 (for both)

Wire Basket and Twine - I painted the basket (originally gold) after finding it at a local charity store and added some cheap hardware store twine - $7

Picture - The frame I already had (it's actually from my bedroom when I was still living with Mum and Dad!). I just painted and distressed it then added some scrapbook paper - $1

Urn and Jug - Both found at local charity stores. The jug was purple and gold crackle so I spray painted it white - $6 (for both)

Total $285

It could have been more thrifty without the wallpaper and with a cheaper table though they were perfect for the space and sometimes you've just gotta splurge a little (by 'splurge' of course, I mean be less cheap). 


I can't wait to show you some more spaces. The entryway is one of my only complete rooms so it will be fun to share all of the evolving ideas and projects I have planned and in-progress for the rest of my house. I'm really looking forward to hearing everyone's thoughts and suggestions too!

The Painted Hive Entryway

At only 1.1 meters deep x 1.6 meters wide (3.5 x 5.2 feet) my tiny entryway doesn't even rate a mention on the floor plan! An inch either side of the photo below and you're straight into the living room or hallway.

Sorry, I don't have a before pic though if you can imagine a little undressed space with worn beige berber carpet, timber toned trim and a dirty apple green wall that's pretty much it!

I knew early on that I wanted wallpaper somewhere in my house and this space seemed the perfect candidate - its location is discreet enough not to dictate the tone for the entire house though perfectly positioned to create a nice impression.

I took Mum along to help choose and am so glad I did. I was drooling over all the bold metallics and colourful patterns though practical Mum thankfully steered me in a more neutral direction. Don't get me wrong, I love the statement a strikingly 'dressed' wall can make though my fickle self would have been bored with it in five minutes (while I do still admire the vintage tones and subtle print of my chosen 'outfit' - and it doesn't strictly govern any near-by decor).

We painted the trim white and re-carpeted then waited for an appropriately priced and proportioned piece of furniture to come along. You see, when the front door is opened it leaves a clearance of only 30cm (12 inches) so whatever I chose needed to be accordingly narrow. Eventually, a lovely weathered cedar console showed up - perfect! I had envisioned all white against the wallpaper though the tone in this table seemed just right as is.

I must confess, I change the decor around in my home ALL THE TIME (much to hubby's annoyance) though currently have the console adorned with clearance and thrift store finds, fresh lavendar and rosemary, some re-purposed knick-knacks and a few special pieces.

 Hope you like it!


You can check out the item origins and price breakdown in this post. Of course, it's all been done on a budget!