Sometimes I know what I want to do the moment I walk into a room. Sometimes the right design takes some living in the space to reveal itself. This big, blank wall in the entry was the later.
Whatever ended up there would have to compliment all three rooms surrounding it. It had to be bold and weighty enough to counterbalance the mural in the adjacent dining room…
But not be too busy or overwhelming when you first opened the door. When you go that big, I think you have two options. You can get something original that will likely cost you an arm and a leg or you can go with something that feels personal to you. Because of budget I opted for the second. A few months back I stumbled upon anewall and was really impressed with their beautiful selection of modern murals and vintage canvas options – all customizable to almost any size you’d like. I picked a few images I was drawn to and showed the kids who immediately jumped at Marie Antoinette.
I studied her life rather extensively in college, but the kids know all about the “cake lady” thanks to the movie Mr. Peabody and Sherman. I may love that movie as much as they do! And Xander likes to yell “let them eat cake!” as he puts his shoes on in front of it in the mornings.
I wasn’t sure what kind of quality the canvas would be, but let me tell you, it is beautiful in person. It looks very much painted, not printed.
Shipping on a piece this size would have been rather outrageous, so I had the unstretched canvas shipped to a local framer who stretched it and delivered it right to our doorstep for less than the cost of shipping. If you’re in KC I definitely recommend Art and Frame Warehouse – they did an excellent job and the delivery was white glove service.
Now to figure out something for above the secretary. The art I had up there is no longer a fit with the Queen and her brood. I’m thinking something modern yet simple will be best. And a rug in the entry before the weather turns wouldn’t be a bad idea either. Cornflower blue pendant light here.
See the cheapest way to update your entry here.
Gwen, I love the Marie Antoinette! It's absolutely gorgeous. And I love the peeks at your wonderful dining room. Great idea to have the canvas shipped and then stretched locally. I'll definitely keep that in mind. May I ask a question? Are there plans in your mind for staining the oak in your home? In these photos I see a cool person with amazing taste living with suburban orange oak trim and floors and it just doesn't seem to suit you. I'm curious as to your plans because you always have great plans!
Great question! To be honest, I'm trying my best to work with them. In most of the spaces I think the other things I'm bringing in are cooling them down a bit. We have plans to get rid of a lot of it at some point though. 🙂
I think I would hang some vintage cake plates. Every room should have a whimsical element and it would be fun to see if your guests make the connection!
Such a good idea!
It's a statement piece for sure and is perfect for the space. Go Royals!!! Xander has to be excited!
He is. My husband probably more so. 🙂
She's perfect right there. Something modern above the secretary is would be the perfect mix.
How beautiful! I love Marie. That painting looks perfect. 🙂
What a great art idea! I love classical art but prints behind glass always looks so cheap. This is beautiful!
How about a unique clock over the secretary?
I do love a good clock, good thought, Kimberly!
How about a mirror instead of painting above the secretary?
Excellent idea!
I am fascinated with your style. Your décor and home are very traditional and heavy but still, it comes off as light and modern. I don't know how you do it, but I really like it! Looking forward to seeing the rest of your home come together.
Thanks! I think I try to keep things pretty clean and simple and that adds to the lightness. 🙂
Thanks for following along!
Just stumbled on your blog, love Marie, I have been dying to order something from Anewall and seeing this in situ confirms I need to do it sooner than later. Love the peek into your dining room. Your secretary is beautiful, I think a mirror, plates or the clock suggestions are perfect for it. Cheers
So glad you found me! Thanks for the input and I hope you order, their quality is so great! I'm definitely leaning towards something that isn't art at this point! Thanks for following!
What a great statement piece for your entry! The colors look so rich and luxurious, and it ties in the dark paneling in your dining room perfectly. I hadn't known about this company; so glad to have seen your post! I just browsed their site and the degas would be perfect for a large wall in my living room.
I love it. I agree with the plates, I think some vintage gold-trimmed plates would add some subtle sparkle. On the other hand, I think that you might need a lamp (on top of the secretary) to give Antoinette some pretty soft light when the sun goes down… If you take the conventional approach, it would be a lamp on the secretary for lighting, a mirror to check your lipstick on your way out and a dish for keys…. but that would be too obvious no? aghh I'm overwhelmed already. ha!