Sarah's House 4: Entry, Mudroom & Powder Room

This first of this week's back to back episodes of Sarah's House 4 highlighted the front entry, mudroom and powder room. One of the first decisions for the entry and front hallway was to select flooring. Unenthusiastic about the builder's plan to lay standard ceramic tiles from front to back, Sarah and Tommy decided to upgrade the flooring in this area. They chose to spend a small sum ($549) to get a big impact just inside the front door, using cipollino marble tiles to add a wow factor. When I visited the space, I oohed and aahed over these tiles, proving the importance of a good first impression!!

Cipollino Bianco Tile

To create flow throughout the main level, Sarah chose to upgrade the flooring to a pewter stained hardwood. For paint colours in this area, Sarah chose to accentuate the opposite ends of the hallway by using a darker shade on the front door wall and kitchen entrance, while selecting a light, bright, welcoming colour along the hallway walls and up the stairs.

Vintage Pioneered Hardwood
Red Oak Estates Pewter:

Side Walls: Para Paints, SR5, Bubbles:

End Walls: Para Paints, SR58, Elephant:

Since the front hall is wide and long, Sarah was able to place two Jordan benches in the vestibule, along with a gorgeous custom credenza for storage and an occasional chair. A statement piece of artwork above the credenza creates an interesting focal point. Of course again we see Sarah's signature mix of fabrics, although limited to just three in this space, with a crewel, a zigzag and a lyrical woven.

Vestibule Fabric Scheme:

Just off the front entrance, a hall with coat closet serves as a mudroom. Tommy and Sarah select a slate tile for the floors, but because the colour in these natural tiles is extremely varied, they must be careful to choose just the tiles that work well together. On the walls, tongue in groove paneling topped off with a fiery orange paint colour creates an interesting sight line to the powder room. Hooks provide a spot where children can easily hang coats and school bags.

Tartuga Oro Slate Tile:

Mudroom Walls: Para Paints, SR37, Clay:

In the small powder room, there is an opportunity to use a wallpaper that would be overwhelming in a larger space. Sarah chose this bird print for a bit of whimsy and a splash of colour - notice how the birds in the paper are picked up by the paint colour used in the hallway.

Schumacher A-Twitter:

Since the pedestal sink and toilet take up most of the floor space in this room, Tommy goes on the hunt for a small shelf where guests can set down a cell phone or clutch bag. This vintage Moroccan piece from The Door Store is just the right size for the space.

All room photos courtesy of HGTV Canada.

Did you watch this episode? What did you think?