I figured it was high time for a little apartment decorating update. We’re slowly but surely making progress on furnishing things! For the most part, we have all the big pieces (still hemming and hawing over one last big ticket item), and now we’re working on adding in all the little touches — art, pillows, blankets, baskets, throws, decor. You know. The fun stuff!
By FAR one of the items I was most excited to get was our Fairmont console table, courtesy of Lulu & Georgia. Our previous entryway console table was a leftover from college, and didn’t match anything in our apartment — we literally only kept it because we had gotten it for pennies circa 2006. Definitely not an item worth shipping across the country.
One thing I hated about our last console table was that it didn’t have a second shelf. I know that that seems minor, but our entryway is ground zero for lots and lots of junk (more on that in a second). I realized that having a second shelf would allow us to feature extra storage baskets, while keeping the whole thing looking neat and put together. However, we also needed something that had some depth to it, so that all the baskets and objects I might want to display would fit. The minute I saw the Fairmont on L&G’s website, I was in love. So much so that even when it was backordered for two months, I didn’t care…I couldn’t find anything else out there that I liked as much! Believe it or not, it’s next to impossible to find dual shelf consoles made from wood and metal that aren’t 10″ deep or less. It was well worth the wait; I love that the wood has a distressed, warm feel to it, and really love the black iron — it matches the stairwell railings in our apartment, so it’s perfect.
Below are more photos of how I’ve styled it (for now), AND a very special Lulu & Georgia discount code, just for vmac+cheese readers!:
I ended up moving the Audrey lamp (remember this post?) from our bedroom down to this table. I kind of figured I would, and once we found a set of matching lamps we really liked for the bedroom, it was a done deal. I love having this cheerful yellow lamp be the first thing you see when you walk up our stairwell! I want to find another piece of art to layer here, but for now, my treasured Tadahiro Uesugi print leans against the mirror. The little wire basket is filled with polaroids taken at our wedding; I feel like I’m constantly moving this basket around — it just works in so many places in our home! It’s such a great conversation piece, because everyone always wants to look through the pictures.
I found this bowl at our local hardware store for $1. I adore the geometric print on it — and it helps corral keys and knick knacks. I have a thing for historic European houses — can you tell? All of these books are faves of mine, and even seeing their titles on the spines inspires me.
So, I’m notorious for walking in my front door, and dumping anything and everything on my person right onto the floor. Joe HATES it — he’s definitely the neat freak in our relationship. With our old console, we had one large basket underneath it, but it was always a huge jumble of dog leashes, shoes, socks, and other junk. This time, I opted to get some fun baskets to help keep everything organized. I didn’t even realize until after I’d gotten them how perfect it is — Lucy has a basket, Joe has a basket, and I have one too. Note that mine is the one that’s actually full of stuff. But it works…now I have a place to throw my shoes when I walk in.
We almost got divorced installing a mirror over the console. You know those frames or mirrors that, because of their mounting hardware, are always a bitch to hang? We have one of those — and we made the mistake of trying to hang it versus just lean it. Two trips to the hardware store and one fight later, we gave up…and instead, ordered the one you see now, which took 5 minutes to hang and fits the space better. I’ll show you guys the bitchy mirror another time. We’ve decided we’re never attempting to hang it again (especially after realizing that every time we’ve hung it in our last three places, we’ve gotten in an argument…ha!)
I’m sure I’ll keep moving things around on our console, but for now, I’m loving it! I’m so thankful we found this beauty at L&G…I think I spent no less than 3 hours looking for options online, and I couldn’t find anything quite like this!
In addition to supplying some of my favorite pieces in our new apartment, Lulu & Georgia has another trick up their sleeve. For one week, they’re offering vmac+cheese readers 20% off their entire purchase! That’s 20% off a new pouf, a garden stool, a rug, a pillow, or even a table like mine. Just use the code VMACANDCHEESE20 when you check out. Remember, the code is good through next Thursday, so get to shoppin’!
IN THIS POST:
Lulu & Georgia Fairmont Console Table (gifted) | Lulu & Georgia Audrey Lamp (last seen here) | Wire Basket | Topiary (gifted) | Mary McDonald Interiors | English Country House Interiors | Versailles | Metallic Stripe Baskets (gifted) | Mirror | Print
{Just so you know: For writing this post, Lulu & Georgia generously gifted me with the console table. All opinions are totally my own, and I can promise you that this table is one we will treasure for years! Images by Victoria McGinley for vmac+cheese}
Looks great! I think I have the exact same books that you do!
I love this entryway so much! You did a great job. I love the idea of having multiple baskets for different items by an entryway. Right now mine is a total mess so I’d love to try this!
this console is so perfect and love the baskets underneath. we unfortunately don’t have room for a console in our house so the shoes just pile up!
— jackie @ jade and oak
Jackie, ours is in a little stretch of hallway in between our stairwell and den (you have to walk up a flight once you walk in our front door) — maybe there’s a stretch of hall somewhere you could set one up?
Love the basket of polaroids! I can absolutely see why that would be an instant conversation starter!
Love this, gorgeous!!
Well done! It looks great. The basket of polaroids looks like an art-piece in itself – brilliant idea! Can’t wait to see the rest of the apartment :)
Love the polaroids in a bowl! Going to pin some of these for our new place in Austin :)
what a perfect freaking console! and the baskets are brilliant – it’s organized but you don’t have to try too hard (ie – chuck your shoes into em without thinking twice).
Wonderful job Victoria! It looks so good! :) And it’s always nice seeing Lulu & Georgia items out and about! :) xo
I think it’s so funny how you fight over such a silly thing like a mirror! My husband and I fight over the silliest things too.
I’m liking the idea of putting a table by the entry way. I already have a shoe cabinet so I take my shoes off and place them in the cabinet as soon as I’m in!
HAHA – “two trips to the hardware store and one fight later…” I can relate all too well. We recently moved to Potrero and have an amazing space, but have no idea how to set it up! Interior design is not my forte. There aren’t many closets in here, so finding “cute” storage ideas has been a struggle, but I like the idea of the boxes under the console. Looking forward to checking out Lulu & Georgia. xx
I love the idea of a few separate catchall baskets to go under the console — I have a serious habit of kicking off my shoes near the entryway and they become such a jumble! Getting ready to move into a new apartment and this discount code might be just the ticket for a L & G item!
OMG… i’m stealing EVERY one of these ideas. I’m in the process of doing the SAME project & it’s so much harder than you’d think. It’s lovely.
Your entryway is GORGEOUS!! I love the little items and how they have certain significance to you for different reasons-can’t wait to see more photos as you progress!
Blonde in this City
Victoria, your entry looks awesome! I love the table and the smart use of the bottom shelf by adding baskets. I love the style of the table-I’ve only seen that style as a coffee table but it’s great as a console. I really like your bag too!
I love how you styled your entryway! So elegant!! I hope you are enjoying New York life so far!!
We are moving on Monday!! This post couldn’t have come at a more perfect time thank you! and the discount code…! Thanks! :D you did a beautiful job…and I have the same mirror problem. they cause fights between me and the mister all the time. ;)
Xx
Lauren M
I love your entry way. Thank you for the inspiration. I will try something similar for my home. I have also shared on my blog.
I love it!! That lamp, especially!!
http://pinkflamingostyle.blogspot.com
I love your entryway! You have great style!
Lauren,
http://atouchofsoutherngrace.blogspot.com/
Lovely! Where did you get your tassel keychain??
It came together beautifully! I’m obsessed with those baskets!
Love your entry, it’s too cute. If only I could get the husband to actually use the baskets I have out in our entry…
Totally unrelated, but I have to ask. Is that the medium or large sized Phillip Lim Pashli Bag?
I think it’s the large? I’ve had it for so long that when I got it, only one size existed! It’s definitely larger than the mediums I see now though!
I thought it looked big but wasn’t sure.
Thanks!
I like the entryway, table and storage baskets what a fun feature. I’m glad someone else keeps up decorations long past and organized too. This resource surely helps on our entryway work. Thanks for sharing this useful read.
I can completely relate to the mirror hanging experience. I think you made the right choice in trading it for an easier model. The whole setup looks great!