You know that saying about first impressions? Well the same is true for your home. I’m a huge fan of fabulous entryways because they set the stage for the rest of your abode. And they’re the perfect place to show off those little details that make your home uniquely yours. Here are some of my favorite entryways along with some helpful tips for creating a grand entrance in your own home.

This entry is simplistic in style but dynamic in details. We wanted the console table to be the star in the entry so we selected a dark starburst mirror to tie in with the handrail on the stairs as well as the warm espresso hardwood floors.  My client loved turquoise so instead of going bold, we used subtle variations of the color with the storage box accessories and graphic lampshades.

 Image Via: Melanie Johnson Photography for Studio Ten 25

Image Via: Melanie Johnson Photography for Studio Ten 25

Image Via: Melanie Johnson Photography for Studio Ten 25

Image Via: Melanie Johnson Photography for Studio Ten 25

Image Via: Melanie Johnson Photography for Studio Ten 25

On the other end of the spectrum is this beauty. I love all of the over the top details, sparkle and drama of this entry.  We began layering the space with this gorgeous Radnor wallpaper from Osborne & Little . The subtle yet traditional pattern became instantly chic because we selected the metallic finish.  A black lacquered console helped to ground the space and also worked perfectly with the dark hardwood floors.

 Image Via: Melanie Johnson Photography for Studio Ten 25

 Image Via: Melanie Johnson Photography for Studio Ten 25

The details came together beautifully and the overall look is a perfect blend of modern glam that we were after.  Sometimes you just have to roll with pieces you love and as you begin to layer the space, you edit…edit…edit until it feels right visually.  If you really take a good look at this console, you will see how simplistic the overall design really is.

The Elexis lamps help to brighten up the dark console table and tie in with the wall color used throughout the rest of the home. We grounded the space with another neutral element…the rug! I love the contrast of the graphic pattern and how it really does tie in with the overall feel.

  Image Via: Melanie Johnson Photography for Studio Ten 25

 Image Via: Melanie Johnson Photography for Studio Ten 25

The starburst mirror is bold and doesn’t take away from the wallpaper, but helps to bounce a bit of light around in the dark entry. The x benches have to be one of my favorite elements. We had the made with a custom silver leafed finish from JC’s Upholstery and the tops are upholstered in Schumacher’s Glimmer in Mineral fabric to keep the glitz going! But you can find a few options HERE and HERE.

 Image Via: Melanie Johnson Photography for Studio Ten 25

Image Via: Melanie Johnson Photography for Studio Ten 25

I love nothing more than walking into the entry space of someone’s home and being blown away. Of course I’m talking about the glitz and glam factor that makes me swoon! A little sparkle, a little shine and tons of over the top glamour are the perfect elements to create an entry that is sure to wow any guest!  Of course the Holiday season easily lends itself to the sparkle and shine of the season, what a perfect time to push for a little glamour!

This entry happens to be one of my favorites from a Studio Ten 25 project!  You can see a few more details of the entire project HERE.

1. Jackie Starburst Mirror 2. Silk Tulips 3. Elexis Crackle Gunmetal Lamp 4. Black Glass Console 5. Blue X-Bench 6. Animal Print Rug

1.Set of Mirrored Boxes 2.Vela Candlesticks 3.Faceted Antique Mirror Chandelier 4.Perforated Polished Brass Lantern 5.Twisted Mirror Accent Table 6.Rinaldo Starburst Mirror 7.Cameron Navy Velvet Chair

Working with great companies and vendors that offer beautiful designs season after season is just one of the great joys of working in this industry! In addition to sourcing items for Studio Ten 25 clients, I also get the chance to promote my favorite companies even more through my shop. And today, I’d like to call your attention to a very special vendor that always comes through for me, Worlds Away. Their designs are clean-lined, modern, geometric, and glamourous with just a touch of global influence. You can see why I love them, right?! How about this perfectly chic bedside dresser that I used in a client’s master bedroom…

Images Via: Melanie Johnson for Studio Ten 25

I love geometrics and mirrored surfaces, so this one was a no-brainer!! And this silver-leaf starburst mirror along with the mirrored console …

Image Via: Melanie Johnson Photography for Studio Ten 25

Image Via: Melanie Johnson Photography for Studio Ten 25

And, never underestimate the power of a sleek and simplistic piece. This console made the perfect place for my client to store their office necessities.

Image Via: Melanie Johnson Photography for Studio Ten 25

Uh… gorgeous!!!! I die for their on-trend metallic finishes and crisp, classically inspired designs. And I rarely have to worry about back orders or late deliveries! Now, that’s something to truly love. Alright, enough of my gushing. Go fall in love with them for yourselves!!

There are so many exciting developments coming up in 2012 for both the Shop and the Studio, I can hardly contain myself! I’ve been giddy with anticipation for the past several weeks and will be updating you all absolutely as soon as possible! Those announcements will all come in time, though, so until then there are some fantastic new arrivals in the shop that I think you will love checking out. Here’s a quick summary of a few favorites. I am totally in love with the starburst mirror and linen pillows. Enjoy

1: “Warm” Art Print 2: Flirt Starburst Mirror 3: Hoot Pillow 4: Peacock Feather Pillow 5: Set of Black Oval Dining chairs

Another post this week about yellow and this time we are looking for yellow pieces to tie the bedroom together. Since we have our basics in place and know that the yellow drapes are a go (just need the right fabric) we need to bring in a bit more yellow. Here are a few of our favorites.  I’m loving addition of red and turquoise and the much needed movement that the art will bring to the room.

Art | Table Lamp | X-Bench | Mirror | Rug | Settee | Graphic Pillow | Bolster Pillow | Side Stool | Graphic Storage Boxes

Have you had your eye on a certain rug, pillow or mirror from The Shop? There couldn’t be a better time to snag your hearts desire in The Shop right now because the ENTIRE SITE is 15% OFF through Valentine’s Day!

You know I love you! Thank you to everyone for being fans of SHOP TEN 25!  Tell us what your favorite piece is in The Shop is. On Valentine’s Day we will give away THREE $100 Gift Certificates to use in the shop!

THREE CHANCES TO WIN….

Friend us on our FACEBOOK PAGE and comment on this post, tell us what your favorite piece or pieces are.

Follow us on TWITTER then tweet us a link to your favorite piece or pieces.

OR comment on THIS POST with the link to your favorite piece & let us know if you be.

We will announce the winners on the blog Tuesday morning!

MUAH!! XOXO

-Abbe

I’m still obsessed with the shape and glamour of a starburst mirror. I also love the fact that is has become so mainstream that affordable retailers have continued to offer them.  As a designer, I have access to trade only products so I thought that I would share a few of them along with my favorite styles from stylish retailers.

But first, here are a few of my favorite pics.

Zgallerie, Crate & Barrel, Target and Walmart are just a few of the places you can snag a starburst mirror at a great price.  The offerings range in finishes from driftwood to gold and silver. If you looking for a specific color, try looking at TJMaxx or Homegoods for a deal so you can repaint it to match your decor!

Whoo Hoo, I scored this fabulous wood sunburst mirror at my local TJMaxx Homegoods for $59!!!

Here is an affordable option from Wally World

A great snag from Target.com

Sunburst Mirror from Target..$79

Zgallerie Devon Mirror in White and Gold

Crate & Barrel / Driftwood Mirror

Crate & Barrel / Starburst Mirror

Here are a few from one of my favorite design sources, Global Views. The have a large offering of starburst mirrors and I have no idea how I’m going to narrow them down for our new store, Shop Ten 25