Entryway

Entryway Wall – Four Design Options

Last Updated on December 24, 2015 by Kristi Linauer

I spent all day yesterday working on the bathroom (literally, about 10 hours of wood filling, sanding, caulking, and priming), so naturally I spent quite a bit of that time dreaming about the details of my next project — the dining room and entryway. 🙂

I had originally planned to do some sort of wainscoting/paneling/grasscloth combo, but since I let y’all talk me into using white linen instead of oatmeal linen for my dining room draperies (and the more I think about it, the more I’m so glad I made that change!!), I needed a new plan for the entryway wall. And don’t worry, I’m not letting this get me sidetracked or bogged down in details. 🙂 I have all of my fabric on order for the room. I’ve made my paint decision for the dining table. I have my paint color selected for the buffet. My rug has been ordered. So I’m moving full steam ahead, but with the change in drapery fabric, I had to make this one major design change to the entryway wall plan.

So grasscloth is out, and I have four other possibilities for that wall.

Option #1 – Black and white stripes.

If I use this option, it will probably look something like this.  I love horizontal stripes, and I think this looks amazing with the stripes above the wainscoting.

But if I went with vertical stripes, it would look something like this.  My wainscoting would be white, though.

I suppose I could always abandon the wainscoting idea and just do stripes on the whole wall.  I think this wall looks pretty amazing.

But I kind of have my heart set on having my bold pinkish-red buffet sitting in front of white wainscoting.  So at least for now, I’m sticking with the wainscoting idea for the bottom section of the wall.

This is an interesting and unusual idea.  They painted stripes right over to top of the wainscoting.  I’m not sure if I could be quite that bold, but I do like the idea.

Option 2 – White tone-on-tone stripes.

I wondered if the black and white stripe wall might be a bit too much with my black and white stripe rug, so then I thought about using a white tone-on-tone stripe.

I couldn’t find any examples of exactly what I’m thinking.  If I go with this idea, I would use the same wall/trim color (Behr Polar Bear) that I’ll be using in the rest of the room, but I’d use two different sheens — flat and glossy — to achieve the subtle stripe effect.

Here’s an example of this same-color-two-sheens look using a light gray color and a stencil.

tone on tone wall design in light gray from Mad In Craftsvia Mad In Crafts

And then here’s a striped design using the same technique.  It’s subtle, but just enough difference to create a very nice effect.

Option 3 – Anaglypta wallpaper.

When I first decided to scrap the natural-colored grasscloth idea, I headed to Sherwin Williams to look through their grasscloth selections and see if they had any white grasscloth.  They had a couple, but I didn’t like them at all.  But then the Anaglypta wallpaper book caught my eye, and I decided to flip through it.  Anaglypta is textured, paintable wallaper.  Most of the designs are way over-the-top for my taste, but I did find two that had a woven look to them.  This is the only one I could find online.

anaglypta wallpapervia Anaglypta

My main hesitation with that is that I fear going to all of that trouble putting up wallpaper and painting it, and then having that design/texture be so subtle that it doesn’t really even show up.  That would be a lot of work for nothing.

Option 4 – Schumacher’s Birds & Butterflies wallpaper (or a reasonable facsimile of it).

This has to be one of my all-time favorite wallpapers.  Y’all know how much I love birds.  And trees.

bathroom design with schumacher birds and butterflies wallpaper by Zoe Feldman Designvia Zoe Feldman Design

I could definitely see this on the top section of my entryway wall above wainscoting, with my pinkish red buffet sitting underneath, and the black-with-white-piping chairs flanking the buffet.

schumacher birds and butterflies wallpapervia Schumacher

My issue with this is the price.  Even through my Schumacher trade account, my price is still $123 for a single roll, and it’s sold by the double roll.  And while I really love birds and trees, I don’t like butterflies.  I mean, I like the real thing, but I don’t like decorating with them.

Then I remembered that several years ago, Shannon Berry re-created this wallpaper in her bathroom using a Sharpie marker!  The results were really amazing.

wall mural based on schumacher's birds and butterflies wallpaper created with a Sharpie marker by Shannon Berryvia Shannon Berry

If I did the Sharpie marker design on my entryway wall, not only would I save a bundle of money, but I could also make changes to the design so that it would suit my taste a bit more (i.e., switch out the butterflies for more birds).

So those are the four main ideas that are swimming around in my head for my entryway wall right now.  I have a definite favorite, but tell me what you think!  And just to clarify, when I say “entryway wall,” this is the wall I’m talking about…

drywall and electrical finished - entryway

It’s the wall just inside the front door and to the left.  If you can picture it, I’ll have wainscoting on the bottom section, and above the wainscoting will be one of the four designs mentioned above.  In the middle will be my buffet painted in a dark pinkish red color, and flanking the buffet will by my two favorite upholstered chairs covered in solid black fabric with white piping.

So with that in mind…black and white stripes?  White tone-on-tone stripes?  Anaglypta wallpaper?  Or something based on Schumacher’s Birds & Butterflies wallpaper?

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192 Comments

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  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Deb
    July 7, 2015 at 9:45 am

    The first photo of the horizontal stripes hands down, or do the tone on tone horizontal strips. I have to say the bird wall paper is too much with the floral chairs. It’s very busy and while you like birds, you seem to use them as accents but using them on the whole wall does not seem to fit the style. If you want some type of pattern, something black and white–even a wallpaper would pull the rug in and let the floral in chairs, pillows, etc. really pop.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Janet Cukp
      July 7, 2015 at 10:10 am

      I agree completely

      • Reply To This Comment ↓
        Bevery Jones
        July 7, 2015 at 10:42 am

        I agree! Black and White stripe in first pic is my absolute fav.

      • Reply To This Comment ↓
        Linda
        July 7, 2015 at 10:43 am

        I agree as well.

      • Reply To This Comment ↓
        Kelly Palmer
        July 7, 2015 at 12:26 pm

        I believe she said that the chairs would be solid black fabric with white piping.

        • Reply To This Comment ↓
          Mandolin
          July 8, 2015 at 1:11 am

          I think Deb was referring to the dining room chairs which will be upholstered in a floral fabric, not the ones that will be flanking the buffet.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Debbie
      July 7, 2015 at 11:36 am

      Chairs are going to be black with white piping not flowers

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Lita Goucher
      July 7, 2015 at 12:44 pm

      Please for gravy sakes do tone on tone!

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Gilmer Gal
      July 7, 2015 at 1:01 pm

      Oh, yeah…horizontal stripes look awesome! Will it continue down the hall through the music room?

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      IRENE
      July 7, 2015 at 1:44 pm

      I too like the blk/ white horizontal stripes. Think the pinkish red will
      be striking against it. This should be a great deal easier than wallpaper or painting on birds. Add pillows and art pieces and pictures with birds (quicker and cheaper and easier)
      Hurry can’t wait to see what you decide

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Karen
      July 7, 2015 at 4:21 pm

      Tone on tone. Changeable accessories on that wall would be nice and put the emphasis on seasonal changes to the accessories. Do a bird painting.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Tegan
    July 7, 2015 at 9:49 am

    I LOVE the subtle stripe look 🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Darnell Baker
    July 7, 2015 at 9:55 am

    I love the white (or very light) tone on tone idea best. Maybe incorporate the birds in a nice piece of art on that wall. If I was going to do the black/white stripe I think I would do it in the music room. It would still be visible from the dining area but not compete with the striped rug and pull the two rooms together.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Tamara
      July 7, 2015 at 10:47 am

      This is exactly what I was going to suggest! Great idea, Darnell! 🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Len Williams Carver
    July 7, 2015 at 9:56 am

    OH Please please go with something based on the Schumacher’s Birds & Butterflies wallpaper !!! I love the subtle same color sheen on sheen stripe but oh my the beauty of that wallpaper, my heart is racing thinking of a raspberry buffet and those chairs in front of a similar design. It just sounds so classicly rich and will be a beautiful welcoming area. Two things you have done or plan on doing to your home causes real envy on my part is your kitchen cabinets and what I imagine through your descriptive plan of your entryway. LOL You have me on the edge of my seat urging you to get started.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Doris
      July 7, 2015 at 11:50 am

      I have to agree with Len……….you can so do the wallpaper design with the less is more approach! Kristi you have such talent as an artist and DIYer….you can pull this off! I had my kitchen cabinets painted two years ago (walls and trim coordinating colors) a celery green color. Former colors were various wood on wood colors. I have never been happier with the change! So do what your heart tells you to do! This lady will be in YOUR cheering section WHATEVER you choose!

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Jean P
      July 7, 2015 at 11:58 am

      I’m with you 100% Len. Go for the wallpaper look, Kristie! It’s unique and different and will make a spectacular first impression in your entryway.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Hannah
      July 7, 2015 at 12:17 pm

      I totally agree with this! I LOVE that wallpaper, even tho the subtle stripes are nice. I feel like that wall needs something to set it apart that’s not so stark/bold as black and white stripes.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Jess
      July 7, 2015 at 12:29 pm

      I agree, when I read what you wrote about it, it seemed like you really love it, and I personally like it a lot too. I think it will look amazing!

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      kathleen
      July 7, 2015 at 1:08 pm

      I love the idea of the trees and birds on that wall. It would be like one large artistic mural and would tie a lot of the colors together.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      charlene
      July 7, 2015 at 7:45 pm

      I love the wallpaper idea. It would be a balance for the fire place and dining room. I can just imagine what it would look like, sitting at the dining room table and looking at the beautiful wall paper!!! You are so talented, whatever you decide will be beautiful. I enjoy your blog more than any other. Thank you so much for sharing with us.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Deanna
      July 7, 2015 at 7:59 pm

      I love the Sharpie idea with just birds!

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      jason matulewicz
      July 8, 2015 at 6:55 am

      I love the idea of the birds,think it will be stunning!!

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Andrea
      July 11, 2015 at 8:58 pm

      Agree

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    marlyn
    July 7, 2015 at 9:57 am

    I love the subtle stripes and stencil. Having said that, I’m not looking at your other things for the room.
    I would never spend that for wallpaper. Can you find another pattern?

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Lisa E
    July 7, 2015 at 9:58 am

    First I say definitely horizontal stripes. I like the first choice of black and white or the subtle tone on tone. I’m sorry, but the vertical stripes scream circus to me and the birds and branches, which I love, too, seems too feminine for Matt, especially since you will already have a bright pink buffet sitting in front of it. The hesitation I have for using the first one, however, would be that it definitely takes the attention away from the board and batten in that it’s what you focus on first, board and batten second. I know I’d personally use the tone on tone because I have had a stencil in my house for way too long to do just that, but the first choice seems to be more you. We all know whatever you choose will be fabulous!!!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Gwen
    July 7, 2015 at 9:58 am

    Design your own wallpaper.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Theresa
    July 7, 2015 at 9:58 am

    My hands down favorite is the white tone on tone horizontal stripe. I’m excited to see you pull this all together, whichever way you decide to go.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Cola
    July 7, 2015 at 9:58 am

    NO DOUBT…the black and white horizontal above white…..if you go with any of the others, I think the architecture of the opening will get lost. You wouldn’t think it would, but it would. The rest of the options are just too blah….gorgeous, but too blah.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Susan B
    July 7, 2015 at 10:00 am

    Depends. Are you still doing the green stripes in the old music room. If you are then the wallpaper is the better choice. It is subtle and you wouldn’t need that much to do that wall, especially if you have wainscoting.

    If the green stripes are out then go with the black stripes, horizontal not vertical.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Juliette
    July 7, 2015 at 10:01 am

    White tone-on-tone stripes. PLEASE! 🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    JenW
    July 7, 2015 at 10:01 am

    Your inspiration is stripes, stripes, stripes, stripes, stripes, stripes, stripes, birds&butterflies. I think it’s clear stripes are where you want to be. 🙂 Though that small wall is a good place for a detailed project like DIY b&b. I wonder what the music room will be done in an how the entryway wall will work with that. Also, is there a reason to define the entryway wall now? Could you wait until more of the dining room is coming together to see what the entryway needs to be? I like the b&b but worry it might be too much with everything else going on. You might need something more subtle like the tone on tone stripes. I’d wait and just keep the options open until you see more of the things ordered in the space and see what is needed.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Carmen
    July 7, 2015 at 10:03 am

    I love the black and white horizontal stripes. It would be fabulous with the buffet and the wainscoting!!! I say be bold and go for it!!!!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Angela Craig
    July 7, 2015 at 10:07 am

    Option One 3rd one

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    rachel
    July 7, 2015 at 10:07 am

    I like the tone on tone, subtle & elegant.. or this wall (the vertical stripes though) to echo your kitchen! I was on a hate green kick for a decade (that hunter green and pink from the 90’s still fuels the hate) but fell in love with your kitchen and that lovely green…. now I love it! I know the tile is impractical in an entryway… but damn it’s gorgeous!

    http://tobifairley.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/KELLY-WEARSTLER-Bathroom.jpg

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Phoebe
    July 7, 2015 at 10:14 am

    Wow, you just gave me previews of what I’m thinking to do in my office (upper half gray wallpaper, lower white) and corridor, which I converted to an entrance-duties space (because I need it and because the corridor is an empty space and because I want it so – I’m thinking of stripes there). Thank you so much!!!

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Phoebe
      July 7, 2015 at 10:24 am

      Oh, and I wish I could give an opinion, but with the music room being a big question mark and the dining area loosely defined in my brain, I can’t really… That said, I think that the sharpie is too laborious, too much of an attention-thief, and if you decide you don’t like the way it turns out, it is reaaaaally going to be bad…

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Heather
    July 7, 2015 at 10:18 am

    I like the tone on tone. I guess it’s just personal taste: the black/white seems too much. I know Sharpie-ing the wall would look pretty great (without the butterflies- yes!) but it seems like mountains of work. 🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    carswell
    July 7, 2015 at 10:19 am

    While I really like the stripes – they are so striking – I think they’ll be over the top in combination with the striped rug. Just too much of a good thing.

    On the other hand, I think the tone on tone idea may be too subtle in combination with the other elements. I like the wallpaper idea – the lacy black and white aspect of it is nice, as are the small hits of colour from the birds and butterflies. Maybe you can find something similar without the butterflies. I agree that they are a bit twee.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Karen
      July 7, 2015 at 11:25 am

      I like the stripes, but not with the striped rug, it’s too much of the same. I don’t have a good picture of the rest of your ideas, any chance you can do a mood board?

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Darlene
    July 7, 2015 at 10:19 am

    No question – the first picture with black and white horizontal stripes above white wainscoting!!!! The pink-reddish buffet with the black with white cording side chair will POP against the white wainscoting!!!!!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Katie
    July 7, 2015 at 10:19 am

    While I like the horizontal black and white walls the best, I think that any black and white stripes are going to be too much with the dining room rug. I don’t like the subtle stripes or the Anaglypta wallpaper at all – I think the wall is the perfect spot to make a statement and that really doesn’t do it.

    OK, enough of what I don’t love. I REALLY like the last wallpaper, butterflies and all. Honestly, I would look at it like artwork (since it’s just for that one wall section, and not a whole room) and wait until I could afford to buy the real thing. White paint in the meantime. It’s your forever house, you’ve loved that wallpaper forever, and sometimes it’s worth the splurge.

    Although now that I’m looking at it a little closer, the background of the real thing looks off-white. If that’s the case and it’s only available that way, I’d go for the DIY version against a clean white background. Actually I would never Sharpee all over my wall (:D) but I think you should.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      kathyg
      July 7, 2015 at 11:28 am

      Totally agree – DIY wall paper over the wainscoting. Perfect. Hey, whats the worst that can happen…you paint stripes over it if you don’t like! But I think it will be gorgeous!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Karen
    July 7, 2015 at 10:23 am

    I like the horizontal stripes and think they will look great with what you plan in front of it. But as they are really busy, you might perhaps want to tone them down a bit, like dark grey and white (I knowe, you don’t normally do grey, but perhaps a dark one??)? I’m not much one for the two-tone white atripes, they seem too timid for my taste, but they are more subtle of course.
    And then I love the bird wallpaper and the sharpie reproduction of it and could imagine that as well. The decision really depends, as others have already said, on what you plan in the music room. No more nails and stripes there?
    Btw, the textured wallpaper seems a bit dull, esp. compared to your other options, so no wonder nobody is voting for it 🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Melissa
    July 7, 2015 at 10:23 am

    I think the wallpaper and the black stripes are going to take away from the real stars in the room, the patterned dining chairs and rug, the columns, your moms artwork, the fireplace, the pink buffett. Tone on tone would add texture and be a supporting role. Everything cannot be front and center and still be appealing to the eye.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Michelle Wilson
      July 7, 2015 at 2:55 pm

      I agree, Melissa. We’ve got to remember the smaller dimensions of this room. I can just picture myself entering the front door and stepping back and going, “Whoa!” Too much. I’m no decorator and most of Kristi’s choices turn out great. But with dramatic dining room (table, rug, chairs, curtains), and unknown decor in music room, and “entryway” really being the fourth wall of the dining room, I’d wait and see how you feel after you’ve installed what you’ve got and/or ordered. I know you’ll make it gorgeous in the long run, but just be a little patient for now. My humble opinion.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Angela J Herrington
    July 7, 2015 at 10:27 am

    Tough choice! I love them all! I would not have the patience to do the Sharpie thing on such a big wall, but I wondered about those custom print murals? Have you ever ordered a sample of one of those? You could draw a good size section of your pattern and use photoshop to repeat it on a graphic file. You might be able to customize the exact look you’re going for without drawing that many square feet!

    Plus they may be willing to drop the price like the concrete counter top people did! It would be really cool to see something elegant made from their products!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Molly
    July 7, 2015 at 10:28 am

    I say go big or go home! Do the horizontal black strips first. You know if you don’t love it, you’ll change it. But it isn’t your style to do subtle. I feel like every time you try and do subtle you come back and change to a more bold option. And if you don’t love the strip, then you do the wallpaper. But I would start with the option that would be the easiest to change your mind about!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    SIan
    July 7, 2015 at 10:28 am

    i like the tone on tone but would love it in black with the white woodwork and maybe a large mirror above your sideboard – the black and white stripe is very beetlejuicesq and the birds look like a small pattern so may look abit fussy..

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Paige
      July 7, 2015 at 11:40 am

      I totally agree with using tone on tone but with black!! Kristi, remember when you wanted a black dining room- here is your chance to get a bit of that! It is a small space so you can go bold, but too much pattern can distract from the dining room fabrics. It would be awesome to see the door and fabric circles in black gloss and matte.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      carswell
      July 8, 2015 at 11:53 am

      Now there’s an idea! I said upthread that I thought the tone on tone in white or ivory would be too subtle with the rest of the stuff going on in there – but tone on tone in black would be stunning.

      I did a black wall in my bedroom last summer, with a creamy white on the other three walls and every time I walk into the room I still think to myself how much I absolutely love it. Black on walls can be a really amazing thing.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Rachel
    July 7, 2015 at 10:28 am

    Personally, I don’t like the black and white stripes with the rest of your decor, especially the rug that has different width stripes. The subtle white on white stripes are pretty and classic and I think they would be nice on all the walls, but they lack the “wow” factor of an accent wall. I LOVE the wallpaper, but if I were recreating it on an accent wall, I would probably blow it up a little bigger with larger birds and print. Of course, I lack the artistic ability to even attempt it, but I know you would make it look awesome!

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Cheryl
      July 7, 2015 at 9:36 pm

      I agree. Your version of the wallpaper on a larger scale. I think the birds would look great with the water color fabric on the dining room chairs.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    terrillr
    July 7, 2015 at 10:29 am

    Since you asked….. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the wallpaper or your recreation of something similar. While I know you love the stripes, the wallpaper seems to set the tone of the house for me – telling me that the entry is just the beginning of the colorful, creative and custom designs.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    HeatherB
    July 7, 2015 at 10:30 am

    I like the black and white, but don’t really know that I want it there/for this space. If you do stripes, definitely horizontal. I like the tone on tone, and the textured wallpaper, but think they might be too subtle…especially since are doing mostly white curtains that are trimmed out in the green, as opposed to curtains fully in the green pattern. I think I actually lean toward the B&B (if you can find a reasonable way to achieve–$250 for that small chunk of wall seems a bit much). One commenter mentioned that it might not work well with your multi-colored chair fabric, and that is a thought…I can’t quite see how those go together in my mind (although I love the fabric!).

    All that to say, the B&B is my first choice if plays nicely with chair fabric, tone on tone second, textured third, and black and white would be last in my book. I just think that plus black table plus black chairs, plus black striped rug might start to feel too heavy.

    I wonder how the B&B would look as a stencil for tone on tone? Hmmm…

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Lori L
    July 7, 2015 at 10:33 am

    I am thinking the horizontal black and white stripes. I had the cream on cream and I think that is too low key for you! However – what about a charcoal or lighter gray and white?

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    bev
    July 7, 2015 at 10:33 am

    I agree with the comment about waiting to see what the music room will become before making a final decision on the entryway. My other thought is how will the entry way work with the rest of the living room….seems like it needs to work with all the spaces it adjoins to help tie everything together….which may make the best decision one of the subtler options-wallpaper or tone on tone. I guess the bottom line is which space is the focal point?

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Donna Marchlewski
      July 7, 2015 at 10:54 am

      I also agree with the idea of not finishing the wall until you know exactly what you are doing in the music room. Certainly put up the wainscoting, but perhaps leave the wall white until the dining room and music room are decided.

      • Reply To This Comment ↓
        Deanna
        July 7, 2015 at 11:06 am

        Agree! Wait to see how it comes together before adding the last element to the top. I also think bringing in some green from the kitchen cabinets to tie it all together,

        • Reply To This Comment ↓
          Cat
          July 7, 2015 at 2:13 pm

          I agree with waiting too. Although the choices you’ve picked are all nice, I think too much black just takes away from everything else. I know you’re trying to step out of your comfort zone but to go too drastic will have you changing things up again in a short period of time. It can’t hurt to do that wall last after you get the dining room put together. I think by doing that you will save time and money in the long run as you will truly be able to see what will work. You do have a tendency to change your mind about things. No offense meant at all, I’m the same way which is why it sometimes pays to wait and let the things around you play out and then decide. Once you finish the dining area you may find you want something totally different there. Anyway, I look forward to seeing what you decide.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Justin
    July 7, 2015 at 10:33 am

    I actually really like that bird wallpaper and I don’t usually like wallpaper or “girly/frilly” designs. But oh, the price!

    A month or so ago, I stumbled upon a site that will print custom wallpaper and fabric. You upload an image and they print it. In fact, I think I found it by way of a link you had on your site to some other blogger. I thought it was neat and bookmarked it. What if you did your own design, scanned it, then had wallpaper printed (or even created a “derivative work” from the original wallpaper with the parts you don’t like omitted)? It might be way easier than using sharpies…

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Erin
    July 7, 2015 at 10:35 am

    I like the first picture in option 1 or the tone on tone look. I would probably do everything else in the room and then decide on the wall, that way you don’t decide you hate your choice and have to start over.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Shelley A
    July 7, 2015 at 10:42 am

    I like the tone on tone idea, maybe using the Sarah Dorsey stencil you bought awhile ago for your breakfast room.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Char
    July 7, 2015 at 10:43 am

    I feel like either the subtle tone on tone paint or the anaglypta paper most fit your vision. And I totally agree with Melissa that everything cannot be front and center. Let the beautiful buffet be the focus of this wall.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Sherri
    July 7, 2015 at 10:45 am

    Hands down . . . a two-tone stenciled design inspired by drape edge strip and French Doors. Glitz it up with a favorite metallic! Mixed stripes b/w rug with black table atop, flanked with floral chairs, followed by a symmetrical b/w striped accent wall anchored by hot pink buffet and black chairs in the Entry . . . IMHO . . . screams hostess in a poodle skirt.
    Your expressive bird/tree wall treatment (which could be padded fabric lengths above wainscoting) might be well suited for the Music Room or as a treatment in the ‘Room’ between the kitchen and the garage. Placement in either of these rooms draws your guests further into your lovely home 🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    kathrine anderson
    July 7, 2015 at 10:46 am

    Here are my thoughts for what they are worth! :0) I would not do horizontal stripes. I personally do not like them but beyond that I think they will date themselves very quickly. As for the Anaglypta paper – I have used it (different pattern) in several different areas. I have found that pattern comes through well even when painted. I like the idea of tone on tone stripes or the personalized bird wall paper (lots of work however!). I think the black and white would be too much with the rug. I also know that whatever you do will be wonderful and most importantly, it’s YOUR house. Whatever moves you will be the right choice! Thanks for sharing!

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Linda H
      July 7, 2015 at 12:08 pm

      I was going to say, definitely the black & white stripes, but this wallpaper (in the link above) is really beautiful and you could customize it with as little or much color as you want.
      Also, I wondered about the busyness of the various wallpapers and the sharpie option. What if the upper wall was framed? I don’t know how to explain what I mean, but this somewhat describes it: http://www.houzz.com/photos/1863199/Wainscot-and-Picture-Frames-traditional-dining-room
      If the wall had frames the wall paper could be inside.
      I am so not a decorator and I know you will choose the best option for you! Thanks for sharing with us!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Alta
    July 7, 2015 at 10:46 am

    I painted my foyer about 10 years ago with white wainscoting on the bottom and navy blue vertical “stripes” above. I first painted the wall with flat navy blue paint as the first coat, then measured and masked off 8″ stripes which I then sponged with satin polyurethane. It looks as fresh and elegant today as it did then!

    The good thing about paint is that, if you don’t like it, it’s not that expensive to do it over. You could try the stripes and if you don’t like them, go for the birds and flowers.

    Onward and Upward!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Monica
    July 7, 2015 at 10:47 am

    I’ve never regretted going bold with my design choices. Keep your strong and creative personality flowing on this big expanse of a wall. I vote for the wider horizontal black/white stripe.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Holly
    July 7, 2015 at 10:49 am

    definitely black and white horizontal stripes!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Guerrina
    July 7, 2015 at 10:50 am

    I can honestly say none of the choices are providing me the “Gotcha!” moment and I haven’t heard you say that you had a “Gotcha!” moment. So I say do the wainscoting in white and the upper wall leave a blank neutral canvas until the right thing presents itself!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Laura M
    July 7, 2015 at 10:53 am

    STRIPES! I like the subtle, and then as a close second the black and white.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Jessica
    July 7, 2015 at 10:57 am

    The black and white horizontal stripes is the winner in my book. Your raspberry colored buffet in front of white wainscoting and the black and white horizontal stripes would look killer. I SOOOO hope you choose this choice because I can’t wait to see it. I think the stripes would compliment the striped rug on the other side of the room and not necessarily overwhelm the space with stripes. PLEASE pick this option!!! 🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Ann Marie @ Twice Lovely
    July 7, 2015 at 11:00 am

    Oh gosh! All lovely ideas!! My favorite is the sharpie design to mimic the Shumacher paper. Like you say, I could see that element totally pulling together everything you have planned for the room. It would be a lot of work, but worth it in the end and totally custom! My next choice would be the white tone on tone stripes. I love the graphic horizontal black and white stripes, but (also like you said) I think it would be too much with your striped rug. The textured wallpaper would be too subtle to notice.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Bobbi Jo Thompson
    July 7, 2015 at 11:12 am

    I love all the ideas and can see each in your home , the “wallpaper” design you create with your talent struck a cord with me. You would custom design your wall as you have every space you have touched . My vote is the wallpaper design!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Trina
    July 7, 2015 at 11:13 am

    I love the horizontal stripes. I don’t have a preference between the black and white or the tone on tone.. both have a definite sophistication. I think both would look awesome. I would also wonder how it would look with what you do in the music room since those walls will be within the same viewing space when standing in certain spots in the dining room. I don’t personally like the wallpaper ideas either way. The birds seem a bit too busy but that’s just mho and doesn’t matter if you happen to love it.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Janae
    July 7, 2015 at 11:15 am

    I think the white on white stripe would look best. I don’t like the black and white along with the rug. And the wallpaper is way too wild for my taste.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Allison Wilkins
    July 7, 2015 at 11:17 am

    I would opt for black and white stripes that are a little more subtle (like this but not wall paper: http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Black-and-white-striped-wallpaper-for-walls-modern-Nonwoven-wall-paper-stripes-papel-de-parede-roll/32370783016.html) or a tone-on-tone but in gray, or even black. I’m remembering your original (or one of them) ideas for the breakfast room as a stenciled black on black that sounded gorgeous! What if you tried that in the entry way? I also think you could bring in the bird look perhaps with fabric on lampshades on your buffet, or a runner. I imagine Ikea fabric is below your usual quality, but i have these curtains in my house, but I hand painted all the birds on them and I LOVE them! http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40210925/ Could be fun to have throw pillows on the chairs or shades on a lamp that have a similar look and tie in the colors in the dining room.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Becca
    July 7, 2015 at 11:20 am

    I like the subtle tone on tone. I think the black and white stripes are just too much. They will always scream LOOK AT ME!!! I think it’s too much and will eventually get bothersome. I think the white wainscoting and pink buffet is going to look so striking with those black chairs on either side! The subtle tone on tone will complement it very nicely and look so elegant and classy. HOWEVER, I LOVE the trees/bird wallpaper and think if you have always been wanting to use this, now is the time and this wall would be PERFECT for this! You have blogged before about wanting to use a colorful wallpaper accent wall and I think it would look fantastic with the pink buffet and black chairs! Such a hard decision! I can’t decide which I like more! I think you will have to decide which direction you would like to take the entry and make the decision based on that.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Eileen
    July 7, 2015 at 11:20 am

    White tone on tone or sharpie wallpaper!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Courtney
    July 7, 2015 at 11:26 am

    After seeing your final photo of the wall, I definitely favor the birds wallpaper. The space looks small enough that it won’t be overwhelming, but any sort of stripes is going to be underwhelming. I love the sharpie idea too, then it can be custom!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Kate
    July 7, 2015 at 11:29 am

    The first photo of black and white horizontal stripes with white wainscoting gets my vote! With your talent you could do an art piece with the sharpies for your bird fix.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Rachel
    July 7, 2015 at 11:32 am

    Are you still doing the paneled sections above the lower wainscoting? Maybe instead of stripes on the whole wall above, you could do the whole upper half of the wall in white, except paint the insides of the paneled sections black and hang something inside: interesting art, sculpted pieces, or framed sections of that birds wallpaper (or a sharpie version that you do yourself). Or even the textured wallpaper in those sections (painted white or black, or the green from your kitchen). If you aren’t doing the paneled sections on the top half, I would probably just go with the textured wallpaper on the whole upper half. Subtle, but more interesting than more stripes. Just ideas!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Julia
    July 7, 2015 at 11:33 am

    1st photo with the horizontal stripes. No contest……!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Jo Ann
    July 7, 2015 at 11:50 am

    I really love the horizontal stripes but remember that verticle stripes visually raise the ceiling. Don’t forget the design on your window treatments when you pick a look for the wall. I don’t think the rug will be a problem since the table will be black and you will have chairs around it. The rug will be mostly covered. Go girl!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Angie
    July 7, 2015 at 11:55 am

    I think the black and white stripes would be a little bold, and tiring quickly. Possibly the opposite for the white, but could do a pearl or something to make it interesting. I love the idea of drawing the design yourself. If it’s only one wall it wouldn’t be too time consuming and you can do as you deem fit =]

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Krikit
    July 7, 2015 at 11:58 am

    I know there are computer programs ((varying in ease or complexity, no doubt) that you can use to take pics of these elements and place them on a computerized copy of your wall as you would like to see them. Is there a reason you are not availing yourself of such tools? I have seen do something similar with the outside painting and elements of the front of your house.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Sheila F.
    July 7, 2015 at 11:59 am

    I like the black and white horizontal stripes. The raspberry buffet will really pop next to that. I do hope you hide a peacock in the room some where though. I just love the handles on the music room doors and would love to see a peacock given in the dining/entry room. Lol

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Linda
    July 7, 2015 at 12:02 pm

    How about a tone – tone horizontal stripe but with flat black and satin black? Or stencil some birds and branches using the flat black and satin black tone-on-tone method.

    Another idea for what it is worth (not much, haha) Do the wainscotting like you did in the bathroom but instead of the tile, paint that area black.

    Love the bird wallpaper. If only that came in fabric.

    Love getting let in on your thought process. Thanks for all the inspiration.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    angela
    July 7, 2015 at 12:05 pm

    Option 2 – White tone-on-tone stripes.

    Although, would it have to be white tone? The black and white stripes would compete way too much for your front room (the room opposite of this wall that had the painted couch)

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Shari
    July 7, 2015 at 12:08 pm

    I prefer the tone on tone stripes. I think bold black and white stripes would compete with or detract from those gorgeous doors you designed in your music room. I saw a beautiful tone on tone stripe done in a foyer with a subtle metallic, or pearlescent, glaze that was rag rolled for the alternating stripe. It was very elegant, yet a warmer finish due to the texture achieved with the rag rolled glaze.

    Then, you could always design a pattern similar to the wallpaper on only a portion of the wall, once you put all the pieces together for the room. A tone on tone stripe wouldn’t compete with a floral/bird design painted over it. Then you could have both!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Robin McG
    July 7, 2015 at 12:12 pm

    I love all your ideas! Each works in it’s own way. The vertical stripes are a little hard on the eyes when the stripe is of contrasting colors. The tone on tone is very traditional and safe. This leads me to vote for the wallpaper (or variation thereof). Because your furnishings will be bold, and your carpet striped, I would really like to see your interpretation of the wallpaper. I think you can rock this big time and I also think it is a nice compliment to you awesome green kitchen!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Cindy
    July 7, 2015 at 12:15 pm

    I know how much you love color, so with the black and white chairs and the black and white striped rug, you need the wallpaper. Definitely. You could totally rock that look. Whatever you choose, I can’t wait to see how you’ll pull it off.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    sue2
    July 7, 2015 at 12:20 pm

    This is how I envision the entryway with your wainscotting: Plain white wall with two verticle panels above the raspberry buffet spaced far enough apart that they will balance between the two black chairs and the buffet. The frames of the panels painted black and within those panels your sharpie version of the wallpaper. Two small sconces within those panels with black shades. Can you see it? On top of your buffet you will accessorize in your talented way keeping in mind balance. This may be way off of your visions, but my idea lets you “play up” the music room without competing for attention at the entryway. It wil be lovely at any rate, I’m sure.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Sandra T
    July 7, 2015 at 12:21 pm

    How about a nice black and white bird wallpaper? Maybe you could sharpen some of the white birds with a dash of color?

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Kelly Palmer
    July 7, 2015 at 12:28 pm

    My vote would most definitely be for the Schumacher’s Birds & Butterflies wallpaper or something similar 🙂 I think it would look stunning with the buffet color that you are planning! 🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Lynda
    July 7, 2015 at 12:40 pm

    I like the black and white horizontal stripes or the birds. I love birds and trees too. 🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Laniece
    July 7, 2015 at 12:41 pm

    If these are our only choices…I have to say bird/butterfly wallpaper. UNLESS…you want to send your new black and white striped rug back and get a different rug. If you want the black and white horizontal stripes, (which is a beautiful option, btw), I think it would look too circus-y with the rug – way too much of a good thing.

    I think the bird wallpaper/sharpie design would actually look great with your rug. If you use sharpies, you can use the same colors that are in your dining room chairs and your buffet, and it will look splendid!

    I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the tone on tone BLACK idea!!! However, I think it would probably need a different rug. The tone on tone Black with your white wainscoting, your green and white trimmed window treatments, your pinkish red buffet, your captain’s chairs in the cool floral, your black with white piping chairs…would look BEYOND GORGEOUS!! And, MAYBE your striped rug would look good with all of that, too. But, maybe not… 🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Lisa B.
    July 7, 2015 at 12:45 pm

    Definitely the horizontal black and white strips!!! And definitely make them the size they are in that first picture you posted…about 6 inches wide. There is something really classic about the size/color combo to me. I also like the idea of you creating your own sharpie trees and birds art for the wall – maybe a series of them framed in thin gold frames – but placed on top of those fabulous stripes.

    Obviously, no matter what you do, it will be magnificent! You are so talented and such an inspiration and I can’t wait to see each step on this fun transformation journey!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Madeline
    July 7, 2015 at 12:48 pm

    I would choose the horizontal stripes. However, I also really like the vertical stripes over the wainscoting. I think either one would be awesome.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Andrea R.
    July 7, 2015 at 12:51 pm

    I am partial to the horizontal stripes. I did them in my last house in the foyer and I love them! I found my inspiration from the abode love blog! (I wish I could add a picture of my wall for you!).

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Julie
    July 7, 2015 at 12:57 pm

    I vote for the wallpaper as much as I hated wallpaper when I was removing mine and swore I would never ever do wallpaper again.

    Something like is In this link that Carol posted would be your black and white (just not stripes) but would look stunning with a raspberry colored buffet.

    http://www.houzz.com/photos/16137101/Hampstead-Artists-House-eclectic-bedroom-london

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Jane
    July 7, 2015 at 12:59 pm

    What exciting choices to choose from. I love some of the inspiration photos showing the black and white stripes with a piece of furniture in front of it. This would look beautiful and dramatic with the hot pink buffet in front of it. But, it might fight with both your striped rug and the pretty accent fabric for your drapes. Normally I would opt for the neutral tone on tone stripes, but I’m afraid that might be boring………..unless you put a fun piece of art above the buffet (of course, we know you will be doing that somehow).

    I do love the wallpaper, but agree that it’s too expensive. Someone suggested taking your sharpie idea and enlarging the design. I think that might be great!

    Another idea was mentioned about having the upper wall divided into sections with molding. I also like that idea……..perhaps in three sections? That all depends on the size of the wall and the wainscoting, of course. You could also do the sharpie idea in the panels and let the design flow between them. (Unless you have too many panels……..then it would look too chopped up).

    Good luck! I know it will be fun watching you come up with a solution. And congratulations on working so hard on the bathroom! That will make two rooms finished!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    diana59101
    July 7, 2015 at 1:03 pm

    Picture #1 is absolutely stunning!!! and by far my first choice. Subtle tone on tone strips are nice also but I love the “WOW” boldness of the first picture. Verticals made me dizzy just looking at them. Looking forward to the final results!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Tracy
    July 7, 2015 at 1:07 pm

    I’m chiming in late but I think the movement of the wallpaper will soften the black and white stripe rug and the black chairs with the white piping. Also the pink you use on the buffet can be carried up into the “wallpaper”. The juxtaposition will make the room a happy experience! Good luck!! Can’t wait to see it!!!!!!!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    barb
    July 7, 2015 at 1:24 pm

    I love the first picture of the B & W vertical stripes – beautiful. But then, the wallpaper. Ahhh – I think it would look incredible on your entry wall with wainscoting. I can’t explain the feeling it invokes in me- it’s so pretty and charming. Gahhh – if I wasn’t so expensive I’d look into it for our little nook. 🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Mason Leskowitz
    July 7, 2015 at 1:26 pm

    Birds and Butterflies wallpaper.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Mary Anne Looby
    July 7, 2015 at 1:32 pm

    I absolutely love the birds and butterflies paper. It is bright and cheerful and full of color. Your dining room is shaping up to be a very plain room, with white linen drapes (black and Green trim), black table, Linen slipcover chairs and black and white rug. I think the paper would be a charming and welcoming addition to the area. I don’t think the black and white stripes are right for your house. They belong in a more elegant manor house. You don’t want your home to say,”I wanted a big fancy house but this is what we could afford, so I decorated it like the big fancy houses.” You need to stay in line with the style of your home. The bone on bone stripes would be fine, but I also think boring. I would look everywhere for the wallpaper at a lesser price. Or maybe you could use it the extra somewhere else. I think is a charming pattern.Blessings

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Connie
    July 7, 2015 at 1:39 pm

    Kristi, I guess I’m confused. I keep seeing comments about your floral/multi-colored chair fabric. Are they referring to the dining room chairs since you said the chairs beside the pinkish red (raspberry) buffet would be solid black with white piping? Forgive my confusion but I wanted to make certain I had the correct ‘picture’ in my mind.
    Any of the wall treatments you are considering would work but I do worry about the black and white stripes being too bold but that depends upon how the striping is done (wide, narrow, all evenly spaced or asymmetrical). I have always loved the elegance of a tone-on-tone treatment but I’m not certain I would care for it in a white with white wainscoting. Love the DIY wallpaper idea since you could control the saturation of colors as well as the content of the pattern. One feature I really like about your wallpaper example is how so much of the design is black and white with only the accents in color. It would give you a chance to try out your colors on your samples based on other surrounding items. I do have the same concern as several other commenters and that is whether you should wait until more is completed in the two adjoining areas before making a final decision. Oh, and a suggestion regarding your solid black chairs next to the raspberry buffet, have you considered piping them in the raspberry color of the buffet rather than in white? Just a thought that you may have already rejected but sounds like it would be a small touch to add a little more bounce to the area and to the buffet.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Alice
    July 7, 2015 at 1:42 pm

    Hi! I’m new to your blog…found you by doing research for my own project house.

    I thought at one point, you mentioned doing the full wall paneled wainscot, and putting the grasscloth in them. If those are still an option for you, I wonder if putting the new fabric for the drapes in them. I don’t know if the texture is substantial enough to make it work, but it was an idea… My other thought was to do a sharpie rendition of the wallpaper you love, or a painted one, in them. If the birds are more time consuming to draw, you could decoupage them. (If in doubt, you could adhere them with starch for more easy removal if you decided you didn’t love them.)

    Regardless of what you choose, given what I’ve seen so far, I’m sure it will be glorious. And, at the end of the day, it’s your house, and I think that it’s of primary importance that it makes you happy to be there, and not just that the design “works”. I’m loving watching your progress, and hearing your thought process….it’s helping me in my house, although I’m quite a bit behind you in the process.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    PML
    July 7, 2015 at 1:46 pm

    I love the same-color-two-sheens look. Can you do a poll or questionnaire on your blog? It would be fun to see everyone’s vote. 🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    janpartist
    July 7, 2015 at 1:46 pm

    I have to agree that i love birds and trees and often use them in my artwork but not so much on butterflies. That being said, I adore that wallpaper and think it would completely be a cohesive element to your whole design. You already have a striped rug and can add stripes anywhere, that is special. (And, you have probably blown that much money in do-overs so what the heck, treat yourself!)

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Sarah
    July 7, 2015 at 1:47 pm

    Oooh, I love the DIY version of that wallpaper! Gorgeous!

    I saw someone else point out that it might be too busy with some of the other patterns in the room. I’d have to refresh my memory on your other choices to see if I agree, but if you think it might be too much going on, what about a DIY version of that wallpaper without the birds or butterflies? Just the white background and that delicate black floral design. Just a thought. I’m excited to see how it comes together!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Susan
    July 7, 2015 at 1:48 pm

    I have been following you site and I love that you are such an amazing talented designer.
    Love your DIY attitude.
    But I think I do not like any of them because it is just too much for your small house. In my opinion, you need to quiet down this area and have it ‘frame’ what is to come!
    That being said I like the tone on tone best but I would

    I adore your blog and it is fascinating with all the many ideas your are incorporating to such a lovely effect. That being said, I think you can do better.
    All of your ideas are nice, but have been overly used. Personally I do not think anything, other than human beings, should be anywhere near a dining room wall, dead or alive, but then I guess I am weird.
    I once saw a dining room in a very well know Shelter Magazine and on the wall they had two framed pictures in black and white of a 7 foot tall pair of centipede! It was just a tad creepy. That being said many people are uncomfortable that close to ‘living things’. But this is a place to explain your ideas about your ideas so I am. And I am in the minority, and that is OK. It is after all just a personal opinion and ones home is a direct reflection of the Self.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Veronica
    July 7, 2015 at 1:49 pm

    You have so many great ideas! Could you use the bird wallpaper on the ceiling and frame it out in molding so it looks like you are looking up at the sky?

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Margaret
    July 7, 2015 at 1:52 pm

    Definitely the Birds & Butterflies customized! Since you already have several big pieces (table & large chairs) in black & white plus the black & white rug, IMO the black & white stripe would be WAY too much of the same. I think the sea of black & white will overpower the room. Since the raspberry buffet would be the only real contrast, that’s the only thing you’ll focus on & the rest of the room would just be blah background. That wallpaper would really tie everything in the dining room together plus it ties in your kitchen colors. That’s the option that made me go “ooooohhh!!” & instantly see your whole room completed. It would be such a stunning statement piece! Maybe you could *possibly* pull the horizontal black & white stripe off using a big colorful statement piece of art over the buffett to tie in more color?

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Amanda
    July 7, 2015 at 1:57 pm

    I love the tone on tone, but would be very interested to see what you could do with your own take on the Birds & Butterflies wallpaper.

    On an unrelated note, am I the only one who has “Raspberry Buffet” (to the tune of Prince’s “Raspberry Beret”) stuck in my head?

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      sue2
      July 7, 2015 at 2:16 pm

      I’ve had that tune stuck in my head also! 🙂

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      JoanneS
      July 7, 2015 at 4:38 pm

      I had the same tune in my head too! heeeheee I love the tone on tone pictures. But, the bird design wallpaper would be neat also…

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Chelle Ellis
    July 7, 2015 at 2:05 pm

    Sharpie birds

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Sue
    July 7, 2015 at 2:19 pm

    While I love black and white stripes I think with your rug it might be a bit overpowering. I think I like the white/white stripe idea best and maybe make the bird idea into a large art piece for the wall.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Karen
    July 7, 2015 at 2:21 pm

    On one hand.. I wonder if stripes on the wall and stripes on the rug will compete and be too much.

    But on the other…. I’m going to go against the grain and vote for vertical stripes. Like this:

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Irene
    July 7, 2015 at 2:52 pm

    I am a fan of the tone on tone, matte and glossy paint look. I did a wall in my dressing room in a harlequin pattern. It is one of my favorite features in my home.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Beth
    July 7, 2015 at 3:00 pm

    I think the black and white is too much with the striped rug {though maybe it’s far enough away or will be hidden by the chairs enough}, but the bird wallpaper, especially if you were to draw it freehand so that it suited you even better, is perfect! You love doing things that are unusual and challenging, and this fits the bill, with the added benefit that you are already in love with the wallpaper. One tip if you do choose this option, though – use water-based sharpies so that you can more easily paint over them. My second favorite option is the tone on tone stripe. I did a stencil of this in my entry, and the light from the transom and sidelights hits it in the evening and it’s really pretty. It’s so fun to see you enjoying your home again after the burn out! I look forward to your post each day!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Lynne
    July 7, 2015 at 3:02 pm

    I love the wallpaper option the best! Simply beautiful and statement making without being too over powering, especially on the one wall only. I know it’s pricey but you save bundles of money with all your DIY so a splurge on the wallpaper seems reasonable. I hope you choose it! Can’t wait to see your final reveal!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Jacinta
    July 7, 2015 at 3:13 pm

    I like the suble stripes but also the b & w as well. Would you be willing to paint both sets of stripes on a piece of posterboard or roll paper then hang it in your hallway to see how you like it? Concerning the wallpaper, its not my taste but it seems like it suits you! I like the comment which said that perhaps you could do your own stencil of something similar, excluding the butterflies. I’m sure you’ll make it yours, whatever you choose!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Joy
    July 7, 2015 at 3:13 pm

    First of all, I wish you had a poll feature so I could see what other readers are thinking with out reading 100+ comments. I personally LOVE the birds!! I am afraid the stripes are too predictable for your house, but agree they would be pretty too. Can’t wait to see what you choose. Good luck!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Tami
    July 7, 2015 at 3:48 pm

    Hi Kristi! This is my first time commenting…I just couldn’t stay out of this debate! My first choice would be the “birds” but I can see where that might be super time-consuming. I think a second good alternative would be the subtle stripes but to top that off with a custom piece of artwork of the “birds”, in a black frame, proportioned just right for over your awesome pinkish-red buffet! I think either option would be stunning!! The birds could reflect the colors in your dining chairs, pulling those colors to that side of the room! Whatever direction you go, I know it will be beautiful!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Naomi Williams
    July 7, 2015 at 4:03 pm

    The thick black and white stripes look like a beauty salon to me. So…a no vote from me.

    Love the birds and butterflies!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Cindy
    July 7, 2015 at 4:05 pm

    One of the things that makes your kitchen so amazing is that there is only one true “star” of the show: your kitchen cabinets. Everything else is very simple, elegant, and low-key. I think the same principle should apply here. Remind me: what’s the big focal point in this room? Is everything else willing to play supporting role?

    And, I am good with many of the examples you provided *except* the vertical stripes, which look circus-y to me.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Peggy Rickard
    July 7, 2015 at 4:10 pm

    I think your creation would be perfect for this area.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Arlene
    July 7, 2015 at 4:11 pm

    I got confused. I thought the first horizontal was for the kitchen dining area and I loved it! Then I saw the birds and butterflies and realized my mistake. I like the idea of the wallpaper better but. Not too crazy about the butterflies either. Could you do a tree with branches like a mural and add some birds? I know whatever you choose it will be beautiful and I can’t wait to see it!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Sherri
    July 7, 2015 at 4:21 pm

    Not the opinion you were looking for, but perhaps recreate the wallpaper in framed art. You get the color and pattern introduced into the room without all the extra drawing.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Marigene
    July 7, 2015 at 4:33 pm

    I think the horizontal stripes would be awesome in your entryway!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Michelle
    July 7, 2015 at 5:12 pm

    Anything but the black and white stripe!! It’s too bold and just too much. If you’re going to have a raspberry pink buffet there, you want it to shine instead. You also don’t want Victoria Secret effect with hot pink and black and stripe… I’d say tone on tone stripe.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    C.C.
    July 7, 2015 at 5:12 pm

    Is the wallpaper, though lovely, able to hold its own with the wing chair fabric? Tone on tone can be done in any color, even metalics. The wall done in your colors like this artwork you posted could be quite striking. http://www.whiletheysnooze.blogspot.com/2013/01/diy-herringbone-metallic-artwork-easy.html

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Kim
    July 7, 2015 at 5:32 pm

    TONE on TONE!!! Black and white too strong and TAKE away from the chest which should be focal point. I love my tone on tone stripe wall in RED which I did in my powder room.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Sharon C
    July 7, 2015 at 5:47 pm

    Firstly I LOVE Option # 1 with the Black & White horizontal stripes, however I think with all the color that’s going into your dining room, the entryway wall would be too much and distract from the impact your dining room and raspberry color buffet is going to be, so my choice for your entryway wall would be the white tone on tone horizontal stripes and let the buffet and armchairs pop against it. Is there a way though that you could perhaps incorporate those gorgeous black and white horizontal stripes in your music room or the breakfast room? It would follow the black and white striped rug in the dining room. I could see a wall in either of those rooms done in those stripes with accents of green like your kitchen cabinetry. You have great taste and amazing vision, so I know which ever way you go, it will be stunning and can’t wait to see it come together.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Wendy
    July 7, 2015 at 5:49 pm

    I would do the stripes in 2 different sheens. But, if I had the ability to recreate the birds and trees, I would totally do that. Can you mock it up with the other fabrics to make sure it does not create too many different looks/ too much going on at one time? It is quite lovely, though.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Natalia
    July 7, 2015 at 5:50 pm

    White tone on tone, for sure.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Mary-Illinois
    July 7, 2015 at 6:00 pm

    Option 5…..B&W Buffalo Check

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Susie
    July 7, 2015 at 6:06 pm

    I love the bird idea! I think that would be very strong on that wall. Maybe you could find a bird fabric to use instead of the wallpaper? I’ve seen fabric applied like wallpaper, using a starch and water mixture.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    MARV
    July 7, 2015 at 6:12 pm

    Questions:
    1. Are you leaving the vertical Beige/Cream stripes w/hobnails in the Music Room?
    2. Are you still planning on using the Bright Splash Watercolor Fabric on the Dining Room Chairs Around your Black Dining Table?
    3. That’s in addition to the two Black w/White Piping side chairs that will be by the Hot Pink/Red Buffet, right?
    4. Your refinished floors throughout the Entry/Dining/Music Rooms are a Brown Stain (Dark, sort of walnut), right? (Note: you have a Hallway Bathroom that is done in Brown Wood Ceiling with light browns and creams.)
    5. You plan on putting wainscoting around the entire Entry Wall and Dining Room Walls, right?
    6. You have purchased GREEN Patterned Fabric, White Fabric For Drapes. (Does this GREEN fabric match or compliment the Kitchen Cabinets?
    * You have already purchased a Black & White Striped Rug.
    Depending on the answers to the above questions I would suggest changing the music room current decor if you want to go with your black and white idea. Horizontal Stripes (not large size) would expand the area. Black and White would be very bold with the other additions you’ve planned. The Black & White medium horizontal strip would not take away from the different size striped rug. The Pink/Red Buffet would pickup the watercolor splash chair fabric and the green of the drapes seems to appear in this patterned fabric so that it would be complimentary. The Black w/White piping chairs would pull all the dining room & Walls together. All that you’d need to add would be some BOLD paintings on the walls.
    Whatcha think?

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    MKay
    July 7, 2015 at 6:18 pm

    Love the birds. You are artistic, so personalize the area with your own birds. Then you
    can put the pinkish-red color in some birds!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Karen
    July 7, 2015 at 6:19 pm

    I love the horizontal black and white stripe! Especially with the color you have chosen for the buffet. If it’s too much with the rug then exchange it. I also love the wallpaper. I chose it for a small bath until I found out the price. Now trying to figure something out myself to use in its place.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Holly G
    July 7, 2015 at 6:23 pm

    Ok I don’t usually chime in….but I just feel compelled! That wallpaper Kristi…it’s just too traditional and conservative to work with that beautiful bold chair fabric. I also think the print is a little small. And I feel like it will be like the Jacobean curtain fabric you have…you love it but you just can’t work it into your house with the style you are striving for. That wallpaper would be an expensive mistake.
    You are not the timid type…and that wall will be stunning with the components you are sure of! I agree with the few that went with tone on tone ALL BLACK stripes, white wainscot below. It gives you the wow factor but not busy at all to compete with the rug. And you always wanted a black dining room!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Stacy
    July 7, 2015 at 6:48 pm

    I vote wallpaper (or a recreation of it)!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    teapotlady
    July 7, 2015 at 6:57 pm

    I vote for the wallpaper. The stripes remind me of our local Steak-n-Shake….do you have those in Texas? I love nature-inspired themes, too….maybe a painted branch with birds?

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Lynne
    July 7, 2015 at 7:04 pm

    I love the horizontal black and white or tone on tone design but for YOUR entry I definitely think the wallpaper or a diy facsimile. You want to make a statement and you want all your rooms to work together. By diy the birds you could use the green from your cabinets, the pink from your buffet, the black from your dining room, etc. what a unique thing to have in your home. It would really set the stage for letting people know what was to come! I love it and know you can pull it off!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Tammy
    July 7, 2015 at 7:11 pm

    Birds and Butterflies will provide a much needed relief from all the black and white.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Chris
    July 7, 2015 at 7:25 pm

    Hello Kristi,
    Although I love the black and white horizontal lines, It is too matchy matchy . You are above that. with much more experience and talent. Find something like the bird wallpaper…that is stunning Use some stripes in the music room instead, either on the wall or floor. Painted floors? love them
    good luck

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    elaine
    July 7, 2015 at 7:33 pm

    No to b/w stripes. I think victoria secrets uses that design. Bold. Yes, but too much . ( i am a first-time poster hete,, but want you to know how crazy in awe i am of you!)
    .

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Jenny
    July 7, 2015 at 8:00 pm

    I haven’t read through all of the comments, but it seems like you have quite the variety of opinions from what I’ve seen. Ultimately, it’s your home and your decision. 🙂 Isn’t that a wonderful thing?!? 🙂 However, since I love your blog and you asked for input, I’ll give you my two cents worth … my vote is for neutral tone on tone horizontal stripes. The black and white stripes, while striking, would compete with your beautiful rolling doors and the other black accents you’re adding to the room. I believe the tone on tone would provide a lovely background for whatever accents/accessories you might choose to do. The wallpaper/permanent marker mural is pretty, but it seems like it might be more effective to use a design like that as a piece of artwork. That way you can easily rotate it out of your like to a few years down the road. The textured wallpaper is fine … But with your nice wainscoting plan, keeping the wall above it clean and crisp seems like a better (and cheaper) option. 🙂 happy decision making! 🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Judy N.
    July 7, 2015 at 8:12 pm

    Option 4!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Shelley
    July 7, 2015 at 8:49 pm

    Are you still planning to use vertical stripes in the music room? If so I think a bird/tree pattern, of your own design, would be a lovely contrast to that room. I think the butterflies in the original wallpaper do feel a bit juvenile but I do like the tree and bird pattern.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Skye
    July 7, 2015 at 8:59 pm

    I vote absolutely not on the black and white stripes. I think your contrast stitch chairs would lose their oomph in your entry space.
    I really like the subtle boldness of the tone on tone stripes, but I think I like them more when they turn a corner…like in your example photo of the stripes in the alcove. And in all honesty, that is something I could see myself doing.
    And that wallpaper with texture, not a fan. I mean wallpaper dries out easily enough on its own, and then you add paint…just seems like a recipe for disaster…or a letdown.
    But I have to admit, I am in complete and total love with the birds wallpaper, except for that price (x2!). And since you feel that you could recreate it with sharpies and customize it more to you, well, it sounds amazing! I can just picture that crisp white wainscoting, with this whimsical, colorful, fun design with your pinkish red piece in front of it, flanked by those contrast stitched chairs…it sounds beautiful!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Kristine Brown
    July 7, 2015 at 9:34 pm

    I think wall murals are always absolutely stunning in the right place, and this could definitely be your personal art for the room. My question is will you have a hard time finding art for the other walls to match, or is that already taken care of with the fireplace and mom’s painting? I vote absolutely for the bird wall mural!!! Love your planning and your work!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Mary Anne Foux
    July 7, 2015 at 9:50 pm

    What is the exact size of your living room/dining room. What is the size of your foyer? It does not give the appearance of being large in these pics, yet when it was the living room it seemed roomy.
    Blessings

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Theresa
    July 7, 2015 at 10:04 pm

    If you go with stripes (b&w or tone on tone), will you make them uneven like the rug or even? If even, the mismatch of even stripes on the wall vs. uneven on the floor would personally drive me nuts! You could return your rug and create a rug with evenly sized stripes by buying Flor tiles.

    That being said, I LOVE the birds/butterflies. That would be my first choice. Swap out butterflies for peacocks???? Second choice, I love the idea above about using the birds/butterflies concept to make a stencil and doing tone on tone with the stencil.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Sharon
    July 7, 2015 at 10:18 pm

    I think that you need to get your table and buffet painted, get your area rug in, cover your chairs, and do your wainscotting. Only then will you really be able to tell what will work. And by then you’ll probably have about 10 more ideas. But for now, I’d say black and white stripes. Do not paint the wainscotting. Vertical stripes may compete with your columns, but, on the other hand, they may accentuate them.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Natalie
    July 7, 2015 at 11:09 pm

    DIY wall paper 100%!!!!!!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Shaun Roney
    July 8, 2015 at 12:51 am

    Tone on tone for the wall with the different sheens. Incorporate the wallpaper into the buffet (line the drawers or the doors with it). Or frame a square of it in some gold gilt frames.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Cate
    July 8, 2015 at 8:47 am

    http://assets.davinong.com/images/entry/2011/06/17/643/wall-painting-designs-stripes.jpg
    My vote: Tone on Tone vertical stripes with thin black “sharpie” stripe…similar to this link, just vertical instead.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Michele R.
    July 8, 2015 at 9:20 am

    I love the horizontal black and white stripes. They’re bold, classic, and fun!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Carol
    July 8, 2015 at 9:48 am

    I have read all 170 plus comments…and its neck and neck! While the stripes are fun, I just can’t seem to wrap my head around how it will look with the rug and the music room. But seriously Kristi– I really do hope you get a chance to paint some stripesAND keep them(a moment of silence for the kitchen floor and music room walls)haha.
    I love the DIY wallpaper concept. I love the whimsy and softness it will bring to a room full of hard lines(wainscotting, fireplace, pillars, etc).
    But like others, I would wait until the room starts to unfold before I make any decisions:). F-U-N!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Grace
    July 8, 2015 at 9:56 am

    I would go with the birds and butterflies which would compliment what you have already done with the bathroom and kitchen. The house is not large enough to go with all of these different and extreme designs and you will be back to square one and wanting to redesign what you’ve already completed. Your choices should related to what you’ve already done. Just my opinion….

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Kim
    July 8, 2015 at 10:23 am

    IDK I like the birds and butterflies. I think the buffet piece would make the color in the wallpaper pop and would be easy to change up the décor.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Rhonda
    July 8, 2015 at 11:16 am

    I think the black and white stripes are far too bold, especially because they’ll compete with the rug. (I was in love with the green music room stripes, however.) What about a black and white houndstooth pattern? Classically beautiful and you can scale it just right between your rug stripes and floral pattern.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Jaybird
    July 8, 2015 at 3:42 pm

    I did not read all of the responses.
    I love the black and white horizontal stripes….BUT……didn’t you once say that you were having a black and white stripe rug????
    Would that be too much of a good thing?????
    Whatever you decide will be great, so I don’t have any opinion otherwise :^)
    Blessings,
    J

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Marianne in Mo.
    July 8, 2015 at 4:49 pm

    I’m late to the party, and someone may have suggested this, but what about a panel effect of the bird paper, AND the two tone stripes in deep charcoal? Drama of the deep color, and instant art with the wallpaper. The panel could be a few inches wider than the piece of furniture and stop about a foot from the ceiling.

    Just a thought.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Gail D.
    July 8, 2015 at 9:21 pm

    Schumacher–I am with ya on birds and trees!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Katherine Leighty
    July 8, 2015 at 10:07 pm

    Okay I know I am a day late and dollar short, but I would avoid stripes on the wall…why because I have had them and I tired of it quickly…I think a very wise choice would be the anaglypta…to show the texture dry brush with shade lighter…so to get white…base coat in yellow or gray white, dry brush in white white…same as boards….
    Also stripe subtle stripe using both paints above the board and batten add your graphic rug..black framed mirror or wall art above your pinkish buffet…just an idea…I like texture and neutrals in backgrounds to get the most impact for art, etc. my style very different from yours…so ignore me I am sure you see what you want for your home…just telling you about the way to get texture to pop on anaglypta!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Gloria S.
    July 9, 2015 at 12:17 am

    Kristi, my vote would be for the black and white horizontal stripes over white wainscoting. And the pink buffet would beautiful! Good luck choosing!!!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Nancy
    July 9, 2015 at 6:21 am

    For that wall in your home I would choose option 2, either of the last two photos! Good luck! Pick what you love

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Jean P
    July 9, 2015 at 9:25 am

    Sorry this is a little late (and I’m not even sure you’ll see this comment days after you posted this), but I found this great idea for a large all-over trees with birds stencil that you could customize as you wish. Check it out here:
    https://www.etsy.com/listing/177802864/birds-in-trees-allover-stencil-trendy?ref=shop_home_active_15. Good luck with whatever you decide on for your entryway. I know it will be great.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Jane Gordon
    July 9, 2015 at 10:20 am

    All of these ideas are wonderful! Love black and white stripes, especially with a pop of color like red or gold. The birds and butterflies wallpaper is so pretty! 🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Sharon
    July 11, 2015 at 7:10 am

    I love the bird/butterfly wallpaper and I can just see you using that, Kristi. You are far more adventurous than I am. For me, I love that grey and stencil idea. Very elegant.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Wendi Sivers
    July 11, 2015 at 3:14 pm

    Option 1

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    designdreamer
    July 12, 2015 at 9:55 pm

    Not a fan of the black and white stripes, especially if you use the striped rug. But if I had to choose, I prefer the horizontal over the vertical stripes. I DO like the subtle tone-on-tone stripes, or really tone-on-tone ANYTHING! I think my favorite is the wallpaper, then the tone-on-tone, and then the Anaglypta, but what do I know?