We’re in the middle of a small entry refresh. After a renovation mishap where the painters used the wrong trim formula, we decided to repaint all the trim ourselves. It’s taken longer than expected, but once the trim is done we can move on to the more enjoyable finishing touches.
For the rest of the entry, our options were simple: wallpaper the tiny amount of wall space (and possibly the ceiling), or hand-paint a design. We added the lantern a couple of years ago, removed the carpet, installed wood floors, and plan to add a runner down the stairs at some point. We’ve also been deciding on a fresh color for the interior of the front door.
I’d been hesitant to choose a door color during the renovation because I couldn’t settle on the right tone. We briefly tried a darker blue but quickly vetoed it. After months of debating, we’re finally ready to make the entry feel more finished and inviting.
On a whim I tested Duxbury Gray by Benjamin Moore last week, but in that corner of the entry it read a bit too green and too dark for the mood I wanted. Color can be unpredictable; what looks beautiful in one space or on a screen doesn’t always translate in your own light. Although it’s a lovely color and my husband liked it, it wasn’t the right fit for this small, darkened corner.
We briefly considered bolder options—corals and yellows would have been playful—but I prefer the main floor’s palette to stay grounded in creams, whites, blues, and greens, with brighter hues used as accents.
Our living room is painted Beach Glass by Benjamin Moore, a blue-green that feels both moody and beachy. I thought about matching the door to that color, but I wanted the door to read as slightly different when seen from the living room—either a touch lighter or a bit greener—so I continued the search.
After looking through many samples, I found a color that felt right—a cheerful greenish-blue with a moody undertone: Del Mar Blue by Benjamin Moore. It appeared close to Beach Glass but slightly darker and greener based on photos and its LRV (light reflective value). Of course, online representations can be misleading, so testing in the actual space was essential.
We picked up a sample and applied the first coat this weekend. Thankfully, the color reads beautifully in the entry—just the right balance of blue and green without feeling too dark. We’re pleased with the result so far.
Next up: a final coat on the door, finishing the trim, and then we can focus on styling and the smaller details. We’re leaning toward a grasscloth wallpaper on the walls to add warmth and texture. My husband has hand-painted wall patterns in past homes, and while he’s open to painting here too, we both love the look of grasscloth. Because most of the stair wall is paneled, the actual papered area will be small, which makes a textured wall covering feel cozy and appropriate.
I already have a couple of rolls of a star-pattern wallpaper I bought from a designer friend; I’m thinking about using it on the tiny entry ceiling for a fun surprise when you look up. Installing a ceiling paper feels trickier than a wall, and I haven’t wallpapered in years, so I’m debating whether to do it myself or hire a professional. If I hire help for the grasscloth, I may have them handle the ceiling paper at the same time.
So that’s the current project: finish the trim and door, decide on wallpaper or paint, and then add the finishing touches like a runner and styling. I’ll share updates as we make progress. In the meantime, I’m still waiting on a new couch arrival, so there’s plenty happening around here.
What projects are you working on in your home?