A maximalist home lacking in anything but character, when I first laid eyes on the home belonging to Downton Abbey actor Michelle Dockery, I was overwhelmed by its playful spirit.
A Victorian property with an enviable array of original features, the home was brought to life by interior designer Emma Ainscough. The perfect balance of character meets contemporary, the entire home is layered with vibrant hues, thoughtful finishes, and plenty of meaningful decor.
As you can imagine, every room in Michelle's West London home is artfully designed (I'd be quite happy spending the rest of my days in her powder blue mudroom), but the cozy entryway has left me pining for a pass-through space just like hers. Featuring a bespoke bookcase painted in mustard and olive and the perfect plush armchair, it proves that with just a little bit of attention, 'less important' pass-through spaces can feel just as accomplished.
Characterful Picks Inspired by Michelle's Eclectic Home
The epitome of the eclectic interior trend, Michelle's home is filled with unique pieces, from one-of-a-kind coffee table books to vintage decor lined up on her shelves. Perfect for infusing color and charm into any nook or corner, these stylish picks pay homage to Michelle's characterful space.
Featuring a striking red enamel border, this playful picture frame will uplift any shelf or empty corner. Position a meaningful photo at its center for an arrangement that catches your eye and inspires for years to come.
Create a pocket of thoughtful pieces with Mustard Made's charming ledge. Finished in a timeless mustard hue, it's the perfect way to introduce vibrancy without overwhelming your scheme.
Inspired by organic marble, this charming vase is unique in both finish and colorway. Woven with natural blue and green tones, it pairs best with vibrant stems for a thoughtful arrangement that charms and uplifts.
The entryway is refreshingly homely. Many pass-through spaces can feel like an afterthought (hallways are another example), but it's clear that the utmost attention has been given to Michelle's space. It's been designed to be enjoyed and used, rather than being a place for temporary visits.
Several things make the space feel inviting. Emma has transformed the conventional entryway into a functional space, providing Michelle with her own personal reading nook, made possible with a simple armchair and bookshelf. When you look closer, it becomes clear that the actual layout of the space is quite straightforward. It's a simple formula of a shelving unit, armchair, floor lamp and rug, but what makes it so accomplished is the sympathetic styling; they share common ground in both style and hue.
It's hard to miss the layers of color that have been thoughtfully injected, from the bespoke bookshelf unit covered in a warm mustard and olive green to the subtler pops of warm red found on the rug and stair runner. The deep tones catch the eye without overwhelming, simply cocooning the space and supplying enrichment.
A balance of new and old, the bolder colors nod to current color trends while the antique armchair and one-of-a-kind decor situated on the shelving provide the entryway with all-important homely charm and character.
Like all good creations, Michelle's entryway is a space designed to be enjoyed. A room with multiple uses, it's been brought to life with a clever color palette and a fool-proof layout, a recipe that is perfect for even the smallest of spaces, such as styling a tiny entryway.
