Need Suggestions/inexpensive Decorating Idea

M.,

One way to create a "foyer" would be with a tall bookshelf.
You could even put two, back to back so that both sides, from the kitchen view or the front door view, are decorative. Put it about 3 ft from the entry (sideways) so it creates a little "square" area when you walk in.

You could hang stained glass sheets from chains and create a "wall" with them.

You could group a set of fake plants, one being very tall, like almost ceiling hieght if you have an 8 ft wall) another two maybe 6 ft another maybe 4 ft., just inside the entry to make the feeling of a barrier there. This is similar to the bookshelf idea.

maybe try one of those expandable, spring loaded shower/curtain rods for the opening .. and maybe some sheers that can be washed easily. That way if you don't like it it's easy to take down ... and it's relatively cheap.

I suggest a sturdy, foldable screen. I just purchased a screen and didn't notice that it doesn't fold down flat until I had it all up and built. Hey, you can try mine if you like. It's black metal, very simple lines, needs fabric inside the frame of each section. Let me know.

Dear M.,
When you open our front door, there is pretty much a straight view right to the kitchen/dining area. I didn't really like that either. I'm all for an open floor plan, but it just seemed awkward to me.
I bought a foldable screen and it's the best thing I ever did! I live in a rural area. We don't have stores where you can buy that sort of thing. I got mine on one of the shopping channels. It's gorgeous. Everyone that comes over compliments me on it. It's made of wood and very sturdy. It has cut outs and spindles towards the top so light comes through and it doesn't feel like the space is blocked off. I was so pleased with the quality of it that I bought another one from the same vendor, but in a different style. My bed is a waveless floatation water-bed so it doesn't have the typical mattress frame. I bought the second screen to use as a headboard.
I'm sure you'll get lots of other great ideas, but the screens have worked great for me.

Best wishes!

HI M.-
I see so many great ideas already! I like the curtain idea, I LOVE the booshelf idea- maybe put some plants or pottery on top of it...the screen idea is fantastic! And if you are looking for something a little more permamnent, you could try a pony wall. It's a temporary wall that can be placed anywhere. If you make it tall, you can put hooks on one side for hanging coats or umbrellas and on the other hang a photo or great wall hanging. If you want to make it a half wall, you can put plants on top to add to it...
Have fun decorating!

It's so hard to help without seeing the home and knowing your "style" :o) But here are my thoughts anyway :o)

Hang curatins on each side of the opening, then drape them off to their own side with a decorated hook. That way it's more "decorated" to look at.

Or, you can check onto Bi-Fold doors, or some kind of doors that hang and can slide to the side.

I was thinking the same thing with some lattice (which is cheap). Hang it on the sides, for sliding purposes.

Hope you figure something out. Good Luck!

~N. :o)

I would use a pressure mounted, expandable shower curtain rod and a pretty curtain if you can find one. If not, make one out of a sheet (that's what I did to cover my son's closet). I took a twin size top sheet, folded the top over so the sheet hung to the floor and basted (sewed) it down. I used really big, loose stitches in case I changed my mind, but it lasted for about 6 years until we moved. Once I had a top flap, I put the rod through the opening and hung it up. As I said, it lasted for 6 years and my son pushed it around daily. The beauty of using a sheet is you may already have one you want to use, or if not, they are fairly inexpensive and you can change them out whenever you want a new color, and of course, you can wash them repeatedly! :)

Hi M., They have curtain type panels and rods at Ikea that are inexpensive. We took a curtain panel and a shower type curtain rod and used it as closet doors in our daughters room. It looks really cute. good luck

I think the foldable screen idea is best. There are really beautiful ones. Try Cost Plus.

Also like the bookcase idea. Don't really get your layout but I think a curtain in the middle of the room could look odd.

Hi M., have you seen www.stylerooms.com? i recommended it to another mom here too. its a great site with lots of inspiration from normal homes. and great help-me albums for any question about how to make something better in your home. i love to go in there and see new photos. and it costs Nothing:) /J.