A little while back I was contacted by Corinne who was in the midst of planning a home renovation. She told me she lived in the country on seven acres (lucky thing!) with her husband and five kids and was keen to refresh her interior. Her goal was to create a more open-plan layout and up-to-date aesthetic. Part of her vision involved the proposed removal of a division wall currently in place between her main entrance and kitchen, though with that boundary wall gone, she was unsure how to make her front room work. She wanted a welcoming first impression for guests, though as the room would be directly off her kitchen, also a cozy gathering place for family and friends. She also needed to incorporate her existing piano. In terms of style, she was after a comfortable yet refined cottage feel with a touch of eclecticism.

Here’s her entrance room before…

Entry Room Makeover Before
Entry Room Makeover Before
Entry Room Makeover Before
Entry Room Makeover Before

Through my renderings, I wanted to give Corinne an accurate ‘feel’ for the space so roughly incorporated her adjoining kitchen and dining room as well as snippets of her adjacent family room (as can be seen in the overhead doll’s house views). I also gave her three configuration options to demonstrate flexibility in terms of furniture layout.

A divisional half wall in the form of a bookcase helps create a sense of intimacy yet maintains an open link with the kitchen and dining space.

Entry Room Virtual Makeover After Entry Room Virtual Makeover AfterDolls House View

A low slung settee, positioned with its back toward the door, creates an entrance walkway of sorts. Open access to the kitchen and dining room is maintained.

Entry Room Virtual Makeover AfterEntry Room Virtual Makeover AfterDolls House View

A sofa table (or cabinet) placed behind a settee between the kitchen/dining space forms a subtle boundary.

Entry Room Virtual Makeover After Entry Room Virtual Makeover AfterDolls House View

Which is your favourite? I think I’m torn between concepts one and two.

If you’re interested in some design help for your own home please feel free to view this page for some further information and don’t hesitate to contact me at any time.