the stone colonial: an inviting entry way
Welcome to the Stone Colonial series, your VIP pass into a Lancaster County colonial home where old-school charm meets bold, creative design. Think of this as your HGTV-style house tour, just with a little more personality and a lot more real-life inspiration. We’re walking room by room through the design journey, and today, we’re starting at the very beginning: the entryway.
The Entryway: First Impressions Count
You know how a wedding invitation gives you a little sneak peek into what the big day will be like? That’s how we think of entryways. They should instantly show off your home’s personality and give guests a warm, welcoming vibe the second they step inside.
This home’s vibe? Sophisticated, artistic, and full of love, laughter, and a young, energetic family. So the entryway had to nail that balance: classic bones, yes, but with color, warmth, and just a little drama.
When Artwork Leads the Way
This entire space started with one amazing piece of art. The homeowners, big-time art lovers, had a soft pink painting featuring feminine ballet figures, and they wanted it to be front and center.
When a client says, “Can you design around this?” I do a happy dance, and then say, “yes!”
The artwork gave us our color palette and that soft-meets-bold vibe we leaned into throughout the design. We paired it with the home’s original millwork details, hardwood floors, and arched doorways to keep things grounded in tradition.
Putting It All Together, With a Little Flair
Entryways can be tricky because they have to do a lot: welcome people, set the tone, and often serve as a drop zone. But with a little creative thinking, you can make them beautiful and super functional. Here’s what we did:
1. Lighting: A Vintage-Style Chandelier
We kicked things off with a vintage-inspired chandelier that looks like it’s always been there, but with a bit of polish. It has that elegant, lived-in look that fits right into the home’s historic feel.
Bonus lighting moment: you can see just a peek of the gold lighting from the adjoining dining room, doesn’t it just pull you right in?!
Yes, yes it does. When’s dinner, by the way?
2. Console Vibes with Collected Accents
Right underneath that gorgeous art? A slim painted oak console that’s all about balance. It’s sleek but curvy, with just enough detailing to feel lived in. Think art books, cute ceramics, and florals.
Taking the artwork up to the ceiling really creates that, “WOW” moment, don’t you think?
3. Rug and Table: A Whole Moment
In the center of the room, we added a round pedestal table. It gives the whole space purpose and a focal point.
Underneath? A rug that looks like modern art in textile form. Blues, pinks, a bit of cream; it ties everything together.
We tucked two geometric patterned blue ottomans underneath the entry pedestal table. They’re perfect for quick seating, or let’s face it, just looking pretty. And they bring in a pop of color and pattern, so it’s a win win.
And on top of the table? Orchids. Because if you’re going to have a dramatic entryway, you may as well go all in.
Team Orchid for life…anyone else?!
4. Softening the Steps: The Stair Runner
This is a busy house with little ones constantly on the move, so we had to think practically, too. A stair runner was a no-brainer.
It adds warmth to the wood steps and instantly makes the whole space feel cozier. Even better, it muffles the sound of pitter-pattering feet and helps keep those little feet from slipping and sliding.
Function plus style equals magic.
Classic Meets Creative
What makes this entryway work is how it blends old and new so effortlessly. It’s got the traditional bones of the home, but we layered in bold art, sculptural lighting, rich textures, and plenty of color to make it feel fresh.
This space doesn’t scream for attention, but it also doesn’t play it safe. It feels like the people who live here: creative, collected, and full of personality.
before…
3D rendering…
delivery day…
One Room Down…
And just like that, we’ve kicked off our Stone Colonial series with a warm, welcoming, and art-forward entryway. But don’t go too far, we’ve got so much more to show you.
Coming soon:
A moody, art-inspired dining room with layered textures
A cheerful breakfast nook full of character
A cozy, stone-walled sunroom
And more rooms that bring this historic home to life
(Stay tuned for more art inspiration, color splashes, and fantastic old meets new collaborations!)
Catch you in the dining room!
If you’re ready to get started on your own dream project, let’s chat!
And as always, thank you for inviting me into your home, and inbox!
