Entry Makeover
TThe entry should create a strong first impression whether you walk through the front door or welcome guests. Because our entry is an open two-story space at the heart of the house, it needed thoughtful planning. It’s not only the arrival point for visitors and family, it also connects several rooms and should function well while feeling welcoming.
We bought this house three and a half years ago and have been gradually transforming the entry. The goal was to add charm and personality while making the space more useful and inviting. There have been a few detours along the way, but lately everything is coming together and the entry finally feels like an intentional, finished space.
Here are some of the updates we’ve made so far:
- The striped wall makeover
- The stairway refresh
- A new personalized chandelier to replace the old fixture
- New hardwood floors
- Plank wall paneling to add character
- Fresh paint on the big trim and entry walls
- An updated front door exterior
To appreciate the change, it helps to remember how the entry looked when we first moved in. It was a perfectly fine room with some good bones, but it lacked the warmth and function we wanted. Over time we’ve layered in details that make the space feel lived-in and welcoming.
One small victory worth celebrating: the entry is finally free of the mismatched decor that used to be there, and that simple change makes the whole area feel calmer and more cohesive.
Because our main floor has only one closet, we wanted the entry to work harder for us. We rethought storage and daily use to make arrivals and departures smoother for everyone in the household.
One of the most practical and visually pleasing updates was adding hooks to the wainscoting. This simple change turned the entry into a mini mudroom: coats, bags and hats can be grabbed and stashed easily without cluttering other rooms.
I genuinely love how much difference a few well-placed hooks have made. They’re an affordable, high-impact addition that improves everyday life.
The small stool from World Market is a handy spot for tying shoes and keeps the floor organized. Its scale fits the space without crowding it.
To complete the wall, I added mirrors that bounce light and make the entry feel larger. I found ones I liked at a national retailer; the clean lines complement the rest of the updates and add a polished touch.
Looking back at the early days and comparing them to the room now is gratifying. The entry has evolved from a basic passageway into a warm, functional space that reflects our style.
Progress in the entry continues to be a satisfying part of our home improvement journey. If you’re curious about more recent updates, I shared a thrift store vignette I added later that builds on this entry refresh.
Update: We later painted the door a dark gray for additional contrast and curb appeal.
What rooms are you working on in your house?
Sources for items used in this makeover:
- Stool: World Market
- Hooks: Rejuvenation Hardware
- Mirrors: Threshold line at a national retailer
- Wall sconce: Home improvement retailer
- Hardwood floors: Mohawk
Paint colors used in the entry:
- Gray walls: Behr All in One Studio Taupe
- White trim: Benjamin Moore White Dove
- Original black door: Martha Stewart (later updated to a dark gray)