Don’t be afraid of drama—or of playing with scale. Visitors to this North Shore house are welcomed by a nine-foot-tall zinc face (salvaged from a demolished building) hung over an antique jardinière. This statement piece has almost become a member of the family—the homeowners call it Washington.

1 Don’t be afraid of drama—or of playing with scale. Visitors to this North Shore house are welcomed by a nine-foot-tall zinc face (salvaged from a demolished building) hung over an antique jardinière. This statement piece has almost become a member of the family—the homeowners call it Washington.

 

 

In the foyer of this Edgewater condo, interior designer Sean Cowan and his partner, Eric Silverstrim, alternated two-inch stripes of semigloss black and flat charcoal paint on the walls, creating a glamorous backdrop for a white fiberglass Regency-style console.

2 In the foyer of this Edgewater condo, interior designer Sean Cowan and his partner, Eric Silverstrim, alternated two-inch stripes of semigloss black and flat charcoal paint on the walls, creating a glamorous backdrop for a white fiberglass Regency-style console.

 

 

In a cottage in Three Oaks, Michigan, interior designer Julia Edelmann took wainscoting all the way up to the ceiling and put baskets under a rustic turquoise bench to make the space homey and casual.

3 In a cottage in Three Oaks, Michigan, interior designer Julia Edelmann took wainscoting all the way up to the ceiling and put baskets under a rustic turquoise bench to make the space homey and casual.

 

 

An entryway is a great place for an eye-catching work of art. In this North Side home, a painting by Jeff Kruse anchors the space and also provides a hint of the citrusy color scheme that brightens the rest of the house.

4 An entryway is a great place for an eye-catching work of art. In this North Side home, a painting by Jeff Kruse anchors the space and also provides a hint of the citrusy color scheme that brightens the rest of the house.

 

Photography: (1–3) Nathan Kirkman; (4) Katrina Wittkamp

 

Talk about setting the tone for the rest of the home—a gallery-like entryway is a perfect introduction to the elegant mix of mid-century antiques, edgy art, and belle époque architectural detail that fills this Gold Coast apartment.

5 Talk about setting the tone for the rest of the home—a gallery-like entryway is a perfect introduction to the elegant mix of mid-century antiques, edgy art, and belle époque architectural detail that fills this Gold Coast apartment.

 

 

Attractive storage is always a plus in an entryway—a place to stash everything from mail to mittens. Here, a four-drawer dresser works very well. Its large surface allows for an inviting tablescape with books, flowers, and other elements that say home.

6 Attractive storage is always a plus in an entryway—a place to stash everything from mail to mittens. Here, a four-drawer dresser works very well. Its large surface allows for an inviting tablescape with books, flowers, and other elements that say home.

 

 

It’s a foyer. It’s a bar. It’s a foyer and a bar. Why not make the most of the space? Framed pictures and memorabilia express personality; the owners of this house display hand-lettered and illustrated quotes by Dorothy Parker.

7 It’s a foyer. It’s a bar. It’s a foyer and a bar. Why not make the most of the space? Framed pictures and memorabilia express personality; the owners of this house display hand-lettered and illustrated quotes by Dorothy Parker.

 

 

Sometimes all you need is one compelling piece of furniture, such as this Art Deco–inspired mirrored console, to make an entryway come to life. Another great idea: If expensive large-scale art is out of the question, hang a vintage map—it’s timeless, classy, and easy.

8 Sometimes all you need is one compelling piece of furniture, such as this Art Deco–inspired mirrored console, to make an entryway come to life. Another great idea: If expensive large-scale art is out of the question, hang a vintage map—it’s timeless, classy, and easy.