Entryway The Victorian House

The Entryway (Again), with its New (Old) Runner

Let’s forget about the not-so-pretty photos from yesterday, and instead look at a runner that IS working.

Making it Lovely's Victorian Entryway an Wooden Staircase

Saving on the sideboard meant I could put the extra money toward the proper-sized runner for the space. It’s a vintage Persian Koliaei rug, about 50 years old, that I bought from eSaleRugs after Jenny’s recommendation. It seems like they have 50% off sales pretty regularly, the shipping was fast, and my rug arrived in great shape.

Koliaei Persian Rug Runner #makingitlovely

I like that the blue randomly changes midway through the rug. I laid it the other way at first, and it seemed off — like the lightest part should be nearest to the light source of the window and front door.

Victorian Entryway and Wooden Staircase #makingitlovely

Frye Boots in the Entryway #makingitlovely

The runner called for switching things up a bit, so I’ll find places in the house elsewhere for the pink and coral painting, Heath Ceramics pottery, and blue dhurrie that you saw here before.

Victorian Entryway with Wooden Staircase #makingitlovely

Also, I swapped out the off-white plastic outlet cover on the floor for a wood one, and it blends in much more nicely now. A small detail, but it’s nice to have it done.

Wooden Outlet Cover on the Floor #makingitlovely

I saw this painting pop up in Jenny Vorwaller’s Instagram feed and I scooped it up right away, but I had to wait a few months because it turned out she was about to hang it in the downtown Seattle Anthropologie. Isn’t it gorgeous? The name is “Warp and Weft” — very appropriate to be talking about it in a post about rugs. I like it in the entryway, and I’m perfectly fine with it not being completely matchy-matchy. I do kind of want to steal it away for the bedroom though, so I’m not sure if this is its permanent home.

Jenny Vorwaller Painting in the Entryway #makingitlovely

Vintage Scouting Trophies #makingitlovely

Can you imagine how awesome it’s going to be when the weather gets nicer, and we can have the front door open with a view of the pretty Victorian screen door?

Victorian Entryway #makingitlovely

This is the first space people see when they come over, and the first thing we see when we come home. It took a few months, but it finally looks and functions the way I wanted it to.

Making it Lovely's Victorian Entryway an Wooden Staircase

Sources & Paint ColorsNeed design help? Let's work together.

You Might Also Like...

  • Bridget
    January 30, 2014 at 12:18 pm

    I didn’t know how you would make your stuff work with this house but you’ve nailed it. Really cool.

  • Taylor
    January 30, 2014 at 12:26 pm

    Wow. I’ve been reading for years, but your recent posts have absolutely inspired me and made me so look forward to the day when I’ll get to make a home as warm and cozy as yours. Seriously beautiful.

    • Making it Lovely
      January 30, 2014 at 2:47 pm

      This home has been the best project to work on. I loved fixing up the old one too though, and before that, apartments!

  • Clair
    January 30, 2014 at 12:26 pm

    Your house is gorgeous. Just oozing with character. You must have to pinch yourself sometimes!

  • Alana
    January 30, 2014 at 12:31 pm

    It’s so warm and welcoming. And I’m glad you’re not feeling beholden to the era of the house, but bringing your own touch in. They work harmoniously. I like how the old and new play off each other. You’re so good. ;)

    • Making it Lovely
      January 30, 2014 at 2:33 pm

      I like the old and new, too! Plus I’m just not a fan of Victorian furniture, so that’s not going to happen.

  • Andrea Howe
    January 30, 2014 at 12:32 pm

    It’s okay to say I’m totally jealous with this entryway right? Ours has dropped ceilings that measure less than 7′ tall, no joke. Art and I being rather tall, feel like giants as we come into our home. This type of entryway would be amazing to walk into. Well done!

  • Jessica @ SundayLoves.com
    January 30, 2014 at 12:33 pm

    The runner looks great! So strange how the blue changes colours, but it works! Woot!

  • Ashlea Walter
    January 30, 2014 at 12:34 pm

    LOVE the new runner. The colors are fabulous with the wood! And I love the painting too.

  • Laura @ Rather Square
    January 30, 2014 at 12:34 pm

    What a grand entryway to be greeted with when people visit (or you come home)! The rug feels very rich and colorful.

  • Heidi
    January 30, 2014 at 12:36 pm

    I must know about the boots!

    • Making it Lovely
      January 30, 2014 at 2:48 pm

      They’re Frye boots from a few years ago. I think of them as my Sherwood Forest boots — the top folds down to make a cuff.

  • Megan
    January 30, 2014 at 12:42 pm

    It was so fantastic meeting you at the Cricut event. The entryway is gorgeous! I love how much character the space has.

    • Making it Lovely
      January 30, 2014 at 2:49 pm

      Thank you! It was great meeting you, too.

  • Laurie
    January 30, 2014 at 12:46 pm

    I LOVE that rug with all the woood! It looks awesome!

    What a great entry way. I’m inspired to finally get mine in order. Now I want it ready for Spring.

  • Tina Slocum
    January 30, 2014 at 12:56 pm

    Dat Rug! seriously, there has never been a more perfect rug for that perfect space. It even resonates with the filial on the stair banister. (Spelling ugh) to top it off…the light fixtures! You need a 3rd trophy in your vignette for best entryway/foyer ever. This old house must be chuffed.

  • GG
    January 30, 2014 at 1:04 pm

    That’s the type of rug I was picturing for your upstairs hall yesterday!! Get two similar to that and zig zag em, your house is stunning!!

  • Helen
    January 30, 2014 at 1:05 pm

    Absolutely gorgeous but I too must know about the boots, please!!

    • Making it Lovely
      January 30, 2014 at 2:50 pm

      Frye boots. My first and only pair, but they’ve spoiled me for all other brands. So well made.

  • Melissa Arnold
    January 30, 2014 at 1:17 pm

    Hi, Nicole! The runner is gorgeous! Also, I wanted to weigh in on the discussion from yesterday about your runner dilemma for upstairs. I did a runner in my very long hallway using flor tiles and it makes me happy everyday that I walk on it. I posted a photo of it on my Flickr account so that you could see it if you like (as inspiration). Also, have you thought about buying “some” flor tiles in an accent color or strip to mix in with your gray ones to update it? My experience with flor tiles is that if you use their flordots they will flattened out and behave themselves. Also when the weather warms up, they will flatten out more easily. Having two little dogs who insist on throwing up on soft surfaces makes Flor tiles my go-to for rugs!!

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/60084034@N07/12224966783/

  • rhondajoy
    January 30, 2014 at 1:32 pm

    BEAUTIFUL ENTRY! (By the way, did you post the watercolor winners?:)

  • Laura
    January 30, 2014 at 1:39 pm

    Perfect, so beautiful! It makes your choice for 2nd floor more obvious: Persian runners, hands down choice.

  • Laura
    January 30, 2014 at 1:41 pm

    I also love the red against the woodwork. I think it works better than pink.

  • Lindsay
    January 30, 2014 at 1:57 pm

    I love this runner. It makes the space look larger than the other rug you used. The navy blue and red is a nice choice. I am right there with you as far as the cold is concerned. I am in central NY – I am dreaming of summer, fresh air and having my front door open. :)

  • cherneeshouse
    January 30, 2014 at 1:58 pm

    Your entry is just BEAUTIFUL! Love all the detail on the staircase and the rug is just wonderful.

  • jen
    January 30, 2014 at 2:35 pm

    that is a gorgeous staircase.

  • Marcee ... ILLINOIS
    January 30, 2014 at 2:40 pm

    The different elements make for great looks! A comfy RED chair would pop extra color with all that gorgeous wood. Good match up with (a keeper?) runner. So fun seeing all your changes!

  • Marcee ... ILLINOIS
    January 30, 2014 at 2:41 pm

    Second glance …. not exactly a red in the runner, more of a muted cranberry shade. Very pretty!

  • AnneStrawberry
    January 30, 2014 at 3:42 pm

    This looks amazing and really the only word for the runner in the entry is STUNNING. It looks perfect, so much character and feeling but it comes together so nicely. I can’t wait to see more as your house progresses. I get burnt out on seeing the “same room” made over and over on blogs, the same trends and colors and patterns, but I never feel that way in your house. It’s lovely and fresh and seems to fit you and your cute family just right. Thanks for the inspiration!

  • Jenny Vorwaller
    January 30, 2014 at 5:45 pm

    Ohhhhh… So inviting! Looks like the painting is very happy in her new home. :)

  • Jodi
    January 31, 2014 at 7:11 am

    it looks wonderful!!

  • Sarah @ 702 Park Project
    January 31, 2014 at 10:52 am

    This space is just about perfect. Love the runner! It really completes the room.

  • Miss Charming
    February 3, 2014 at 3:56 pm

    So many beautiful details in your home. I absolutely love the runner–it’s perfect! (And the boots, too, of course!)