It was always my intention to finish and share the flip house facade first, though it appears this little entry has snuck in.
Kinda makes sense given it’s about one zillionth the size of the exterior!
With good bones and a neutral palette the plan here was simple…strip it down then dress it up!
I often mention the importance of starting with a blank canvas, so before I even had an inkling of a design strategy, the room was cleared.
Ah, that’s better.
Even half-finished, with obvious patches on the wall and visible underlay in the adjoining sitting room, it just seemed to ‘breathe’ so much better. Or maybe that’s just me?
To complete the “clean slate” phase we simply painted the walls as needed (using the existing colour) and gave everything a good clean (new carpet was also laid over the visible underlay in the neighbouring room though that’s not exactly part of the entry).
Sure, the wall and trim colour isn’t the most up-to-date, and the floor tiles aren’t exactly the prettiest, though it’s amazing how styling can turn negatives into positives and make everything work.
So, with my blank canvas ready it was time to decorate!
If you read my previous post about the flip house entry, then you’ll know that I was somewhat struggling with a design direction. In order to help narrow things down I decided to take some inspiration from House Rules on Channel 7 and create a set of guidelines based around the feel I wanted to achieve.
My rules were…
:: Use black and white with a hint of gold.
:: Add greenery for a vibrant punch.
:: Go for simple lines with a rustic twist.
And this is the result.
At the risk of sounding conceited, I think I kinda nailed the brief :)
Of course, the stunning wallpaper is the absolute hero in this space. It’s from Luxe Walls and is fully removable and repositionable, plus the scale can be customised. As you can see, I went sorta big! Let’s not talk about the little moment of panic I had when I first unfurled the roll – the pattern looked super-sized though it’s so perfect up on the wall.
I know it can pay to play it safe when styling a property for sale, and some people may shake their heads at my relatively bold choice, however I have no regrets.
The fact is, there is nothing super special about this builder-grade house – which will be competing with several dozens (literally) of similar properties when it’s listed – so my aim is to create ‘wow’ through impactful staging. Of course, I intend to exercise restraint and certainly have no plans to use statement features all over the place, however the entry offers a perfect platform to capture people.
Thankfully my DIY console table turned out great (if I do say so myself!) and looks as if it was made for the space – funny thing that!
I decided to leave the top raw and absolutely love the rustic charm it lends.
Getting the leg colour right took a few goes though I eventually landed on Dulux “Amazon Depths” with a touch of added black to tone-down the yellow.
It looks a bit more vibrant in reality than it does in the photos. I simply used a sample pot which provided good coverage and left a nice matte finish.
If you missed my previous post about constructing the table, you can find it HERE.
As mentioned when I shared my initial concept plan, I had my heart set on two ottomans for beneath the console table.
My original idea was to “cheat” by simply upholstering some off-the-shelf storage tubs or baskets though I couldn’t find anything quite the right size. So I ended-up building basic boxes using left-over MDF/ply I had in the shed then weaving webbing on top. It was a pretty quick and simple project.
To turn the boxes into ottomans I added thick foam tops then wrapped everything in wadding. As buying new foam can be pricey I salvaged some old sofa seat cushions from the flip house and actually used the foam from them. To finish, mum sewed simple pleated slipcovers from inexpensive linen.
I love them!
The wall art is simply a collection of downloadable prints in frames from Kmart and Big W.
I was originally going to go with straight black and white though decided to edit in sepia toned backgrounds to provide a bit of warmth and softness. So happy with how they turned out!
One of my favourite little projects from the space is the collection of vases.
I found a variety of different vessels at charity stores (I think the most expensive one was like $3.50), gave them a good clean, then hit them with a few light coats of Dulux Duramax Chalky Finish spray paint.
The difference is AMAZING! I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: spray paint is actually, like truly-ruly, magic!
The gorgeous brass planter is from Early Settler.
Absolutely adore the way the warm gold lifts the scheme and compliments the green of the Maidenhair Fern.
To somewhat hide the floor tiles and inject some earthy texture into the space I used a simple jute rug. This one is just from Kmart. The woven baskets (which you can see in some of the pics) are also from Kmart.
And what’s a console table without a book stack?
The black books are from charity stores, the white books are from Kmart and the wooden hand is from Typo (they’re also widely available on eBay).
PRICE & SOURCE LIST
Wallpaper | ‘Water People’ by Brenton Lugnan from Luxe Walls | $300*
Console Table | DIY | $10
Floor Rug | Jute Runner from Kmart | $29
Brass Planter | Large Ashika Plant Holder from Early Settler | $69*
Ottomans | DIY | $20 each
Maidenhair Fern | Aumanns Nursery | $24
Cane Cases | Kmart | $12
Gold Frames | Kmart | $14
Black Frame | Big W | $14 on sale
Art Prints | Digital Downloads from Etsy printed at Officeworks | $15 total
Vases | DIY | $10 total
Black Books | Already Owned (originally from Op Shops) | $0
White Books | Kmart | $9 each
Articulated Hand | Already Owned (originally from Typo Shop) | $0
TOTAL $186
*We were super lucky to be gifted some items from Luxe Walls and Early Settler.
I’ve provided their costs however they are excluded from the total.
So rapt with how it came together! I hope you guys like it.
I’m aiming to share the finished facade next week and then move on to styling some of the other interior rooms. Can’t wait!
As always, feel free to ask any questions and I’ll do my best to help.
Amazing what you do!! Love your style of decorating, simple yet SO effective!
Thanks so much :)
Wowza!! What an amazing difference, you totally hit this one out of the park, it is all amazing!! Love, love, love the wallpaper!
So exciting! What a huge difference this makes. Love it!
You are amazing! Looks stunning! I love everything, but the green fern is beautiful. I love them, but they have a high mortality rate in my house sadly…..Can’t wait to see the rest. You set the bar high!!
Yes, I’ve killed several so fingers crossed here! This is the biggest most beautiful one I’ve ever bought.
Not sure I’ll be able to keep the same standard up for the entire house (it’s not too hard to make a small entry look good)! Starting to get worried about how I’m going to furnish all the “big” rooms!
Superb job!!!!! Simply gorgeous!!! Put a recess lighting or spotlight on that marvelous fern too?
You have pulled it all together so nicely. Love the brass details too.
Would love to see how exactly your mum constructed those covers as they would be excellent for a hall table or all manner of things to dress them up. It looks great. I wasnt sure about the green ( I loved the kelly green one when you showed it on the brush) however the one you chose is more subtle almost eucalypt like and suits the wallpaper perfectly!
I’ll see if we can get a tutorial up. I think she is planning on making some new ones for her own home soon. From what she tells me, it’s not difficult, however to me most sewing isn’t easy! Not sure why, though sewing is something I’ve never really gotten my head around. For some reason I just don’t tend to enjoy it.
Love it all, so pretty. That wallpaper is quite the statement.
I am in awe!! It is just perfect. Would you share where you found your”downloadable” art from. I was surprised – it looks quite expensive. Thanks for sharing!
It’s all just from Etsy. I tend to purchase inexpensive digital art when I come across something I like then when I need a print for a project I simply go through my collection of files. I’ve had some of them for several years and can use them over and over again.
The abstract circles can be found here: https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/625766443/black-and-white-minimal-art-digital?ref=shop_home_active_8&pro=1.
I can no longer find the elephant line drawing or the ‘swipey’ abstract on the site though if you search for “digital download elephant line drawing” and “digital download black and white abstract” you will find heaps.
You have such an incredible gift to make ANY space look fabulous! I’d buy this house (if I were in the market for such a thing) based just on the way you designed the entry. I have to admit that I often find myself getting impatient with you, wanting you to “hurry up” to reveal the next project, forgetting entirely how much time and effort goes into each of these make-overs, LOL! But it’s certainly worth the wait! Thank you for sharing your amazing talent with those of us who aren’t nearly as creative. I live vicariously through your website : )
LOL! Too sweet. Thanks so much. Yes, I’m not exactly the fastest home renovator though I do try and make things worthwhile :)
Oh my goodness. This is perfect. You are truly amazing.
Bold, but not overdone. You have good instincts.
Thanks :)
That looks fabulous!! Love the whole thing! Pots/vases look amazing too. Really great ideas!
Wow! You did a great transformation!
I just love how you do DIY projects and shop at discount stores like K-Mart, making renovations affordable. Most designers shop/decorators shop at high end stores that aren’t affordable to us average folk. I love the wallpaper. Beautiful!!
Thanks so much :)
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE everything about this!
You absolutely nailed it!!!!
Oh, I so love this. You have a great eye for tonal balance and texture and…. all of it! So, so good.
Thanks Deb :)
The vases are Genius!!! This entry alone ought to sell the house.
I am not in love with the modern look. For me it is too many straight lines. I like what you have done here though. Very balanced. I am a fan of yours any way because of your design kudos. My eye went right to your wall paper and it has the zebra stripe look but the more I looked I can see rows and rows of cars. You could use this in a boys room or mancave using race car colors. It is very versatile. My favorite piece is of course the table, I just love wood. I am guessing you used chalk paint for the vases? What did you use to seal the paint on them. I am sure you have told us before. I can see my self chipping the paint every time I move them around. Any way kudos on job well done. I would like to know what is at the end of hall way? I have a door to water heater. Can’t do much with that unless you have some ideas?
Thanks so much. Yes, the wallpaper is actually derived from an original Aboriginal painting titled “Water People”. As described by the artist, “The circles are the people fishing surrounded by the rippled water lines. To the peoples of the coast, the ocean is part of them and I’ve tried to portray this relationship.”
It’s a lovely design and very versatile as you’ve mentioned.
The vases are painted using a chalk spray paint (there is a link in the post to the exact product) which requires no sealer. I’ve used it several times and it is incredibly durable. Around five months ago I spray painted a collection of outdoor planters which have since been fully exposed to all kinds of weather and they are still in perfect condition.
https://thepaintedhive.net/2019/02/quick-easy-spray-paint-update/
One year back I also spray painted some items which are used in my parent’s powder room and again, they have held up beautifully.
https://thepaintedhive.net/2018/05/easy-trash-treasure-upcycle-using-spray-paint/
If you visit my previous posts about the flip house you will see photos which show that the entry hallway is actually a straight corridor which junctions at the open-plan kitchen/dining/living room.
Hope this answers all of your questions :)
The wallpaper is not what I ight have chosen but I agree that the final look is absolutely killer.
You hit upon a technique that I am doing incorrectly. You completely empty the space and allow it to breathe. I don’t do that. I’m a switcher. I switch out this for that. Then I switch out that for this. Hoping I will come up with the Perfect combo. Clearly that doesn’t work.
And you seem to have a good supply of those wood hands. LOL.
Thanks Ann.
Chopping and changing can totally work though if you want to create a fresh look I find it really does help to begin with a nice blank slate which calms the room. Even if you end up using lots of the same original pieces it provides so much clarity.
Of course, for certain spaces where any big furniture items will remain, I tend to leave them in place (reconfiguring them if suitable) and remove all of the decor. Then slowly layer accessories on top.
I am just gobsmacked! Every element is just-so-perfect for the space. Brilliant choice on the wall paper – it’s bold and sets the tone for the entry. Those slip-covered stools are genius and I adore the style for the cover – so restrained and tailored. Can you share where you got the down-loadable prints? I’d love to pick your brain about how you make those choices. I look at art sites, get overwhelmed and end up with nothing!. Do you cut your own mats? Do you make house calls? Just kidding. Not really.
Thanks Deb. The art is all just from Etsy. I tend to purchase inexpensive digital art when I come across something I like then when I need a print for a project I simply go through my collection of files. I’ve had some of them for several years and can use them over and over again.
The abstract circles can be found here: https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/625766443/black-and-white-minimal-art-digital?ref=shop_home_active_8&pro=1.
I can no longer find the elephant line drawing or the ‘swipey’ abstract on the site though if you search for “digital download elephant line drawing” and “digital download black and white abstract” you will find heaps.
There is soooo much choice when it comes to artwork you really need to narrow down the basic look you’re after then just pick something which fits without thinking too much about it. Seriously. It’s so easy to agonise over tiny details which in the end won’t make any difference to an overall scheme. Of course, if you’re looking at purchasing an original, or anything expensive, then you do want to take some time to make the right choice though for affordable digital downloads like these it’s not so critical. I do cut my own mattes when the frames don’t have them (I cut the elephant one). Although I do have a matte cutter I generally just use a steel ruler and a craft knife. Sometimes I cut the mattes from thick white card though other times I simply use white paper, especially if the frame comes with it.
I really love that you explain your reasoning behind each choice. I too have made some bold choices to stand out from a crowd of similarly priced homes. Fingers crossed that it works!
Yours sure will, I can’t imagine anyone not being bowled over by this entry! Superbly stylish!
I bet your friend is over the moon!
Far better. Too many family pictures=clutter and chaos. They belong in an album. Now visitors will get a good impression from the moment they step in the door.
I think I have used up all the adjectives I know in previous comments about your work so I’ll just say “ditto” to everything your other fans have said in the comments above. You just keep raising the bar!
LOL! Thanks. Not sure I will be able to keep the bar up there. A small entry is one thing, a whole house is another!
Love what you did, Fantastic.
Wow! Good job!
As always – this is amazing
You did good!
Thanks :)
you have such an eye, it looks great. I love following your ideas
This turned out so beautifully, Kristine! I love everything about it…so high end looking…on a budget!
WOW, wow, wow! You are so clever and talented ~ this is a very classy outcome from the “before” and I appreciate the calm created by emptying out the entire space before diving in to the project ~ a clean slate is the best slate! And I LOVE the table you created ~ absolutely beautiful. I like that you kept the original wood unpainted which adds just enough rustic without going overboard [pardon the pun].
Kudos Kristine!
Thanks so much Melinda :)
Love, love, love it!
You are amazing and have such a gift. I LOVE everything you do!
I, too, would love to hear how you’re mum (being a California girl, that is just so fun to say) stitched up those lovely slipcovers. They are perfection. Looks as if they have no seams whatsoever. Please tell her your readers would greatly appreciate her advice on achieving such a look.
Yes, she read some of the comments and I think she was very flattered. Will try and get a tutorial together :)
All sooooo STUNNING! Sorry if I missed it though where is the gold pot from?
Thanks. It’s from Early Settler. It’s gorgeous!
It is fabulous! Can’t believe the total cost was $500 ( & I realize some of that cost was gifted ); looks like it cost at least $5000! Your gorgeous work continues to wow! Excited to see the rest of it!
Thanks so much :)
Wow..just Wow! The little console table fits prefect. You’d never now it was make from leftovers.
Doe anyone have bits on it or is it open for the potential buyer to purchase?
The wallpaper is such an unexpected pow effect.
I can not wait to see the rest.
Thanks so much. I think I might offer some of the furnishings for the new buyer to purchase. Not sure what the table’s fate is yet!
Really gorgeous! Looking forward to how the solar light bulbs go. I’ve got a similar situation.
PERFECT wallpaper! This is really similar to my entryway, I’m all inspired :)
https://www.southpacificprints.co.nz/
Fabulous job on this and I really appreciate that you include price and source list.
The bold paper is pitch-perfect. Just enough to make a statement but not so much as to be off-putting. And the vases!!
You have an amazing eye and a true gift – clearly developed by loads of hard work.
I can’t wait to see what you do with the furniture you found! Already it’s unrecognisable as the same house!
Wowowow!!! Just gorgeous! You did an amazing job! Thanks so much for the DIY secrets! I appreciate that so much and want to try a few of them. You killed it!! I bet your friend is so happy! Great job my friend. I will have to sign up for your emails. I am
THAT impressed. 👌🏼
I think I left this question but now I don’t see it….Where can I get that fabulous wallpaper. Love it.
Hi Lynne
Thanks. Yes, you left a comment yesterday though it was on this different post: https://thepaintedhive.net/2019/07/the-flip-house-entry-and-sitting-room-reveal/
Isn’t the wallpaper cool? It’s linked in the article. It’s from Luxe Walls and is called Water People. You can find it here: https://www.luxewalls.com.au/product-category/aboriginal-wallpaper/.
Best
Kristine