I’ve been sharing glimpses of the Entryway project I’ve been working on, and today I’m ready to show the whole space. Blogging gives me the push I need to actually finish projects instead of endlessly fussing and starting new ones. At some point, a space needs to be declared complete and enjoyed—this day seemed like the right one.
Come on in. This whole journey began with the simple goal of making our entryway feel “grand” — not flashy or pretentious, but warm, welcoming, and true to those who live here.
Side note: yes, I used rope instead of wood for the stairway trim. Little details like that give the space personality.
I like to think back to the very beginning—the day we brought in boxes, hopes, and the determination to make this house a home for our little family. Here’s a photo from that moving-in day:
Over the years the entryway has seen several updates. Below is how it looks now—cheerful, organized, and more reflective of our style.
That narrow hallway, with railings stretching from floor to ceiling on one side, felt like it was begging for personality. Adding color, texture, and meaningful touches turned it into a bright welcome rather than a pass-through.
The entryway really feels like it’s smiling now. A few strategic updates made a big difference in mood and function.
One of the most transformative changes was painting stripes on the walls. Stripes are a simple technique that adds visual interest and scale without a huge budget or effort.
Those stripes really brighten the space and give it personality. Another major improvement was turning a chaotic closet into usable storage. Before, it had a rod full of hangers, a precarious shoe shelf, and no door—functional but frustrating.
After clearing everything out and rethinking the layout, the closet became much more user-friendly and organized.
There’s still a bit to tweak in that space, but it already functions far better than before.
Underneath some of the older wallpaper we found multiple layers of paper. In tricky situations like that, painting over wallpaper can be a practical solution; years ago we chose White Down by Benjamin Moore as our primary wall color and it’s served the home well.
This recent update was mostly a simple, budget-friendly refresh that focused on paint, arranging artwork, and adding functional elements.
The gallery wall along the stairwell was constructed from scrap wood and leftover paint—a great way to create unique, cohesive artwork without spending a lot. Mixing DIY pieces with existing artwork keeps the collection personal and layered.
Most of the artwork was repurposed from things we already had, with one exception: a paddle I rescued in rough shape. After some glue, stain, and paint, it gained new life and became a focal piece for the wall.
If you’re working with limited resources, small salvage finds and a little elbow grease can go a long way.
I also updated a family command center I built a while back into something that’s tucked right behind the front door—perfect for keys, sunglasses, and quick messages. The small chalkboard is an especially fun touch and gives the entryway everyday practicality.
It’s amazing how a few thoughtful changes—fresh paint, strategic storage, handmade artwork, and functional details—can transform the first space people see when they walk into your home. I’m happy with how the entryway turned out: inviting, organized, and full of small personal touches that make it ours.
Enjoy your week—I’m off to visit a friend for a few days, and I’ll share more projects when I return.
