We’re in the middle of a small entry refresh. After a renovation mix-up where the painters used the wrong trim paint 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 exciting design details.
For the rest of the entry we debated a few options: hand-painting the small wall areas, wallpapering the walls or even wallpapering the ceiling, and choosing a fresh color for the front door interior. A few years ago we added a lantern, removed carpet, and installed wood floors; we’ll likely add a runner later. The goal is to create an inviting, cohesive entry that feels finished and welcoming.
I’ve been wanting to pick a color for the inside of the front door since the renovation, but it took a while to land on the right shade. We briefly tested a darker blue and decided it wasn’t the right fit. We also considered corals and yellows for a bolder pop, but ultimately want the main-floor palette to remain soft creams, whites, blues and greens, with brighter tones used as accents.
Our living room is painted Beach Glass by Benjamin Moore, a blue-green that reads moody yet beachy and welcoming in that space. I thought about repeating it on the door, but wanted a slightly different tone—something that would read uniquely when you can see both rooms at once. After more searching I found a shade that felt right: Del Mar Blue by Benjamin Moore.
I also tested Duxbury Gray by Benjamin Moore on a whim, but it skewed a touch too green and felt a little heavy in the darker corner of the entry. Color can be tricky—what looks great elsewhere won’t always translate to every spot in your home. That’s why testing samples in your own light is essential.
Del Mar Blue struck the balance I wanted: a cheerful greenish-blue with some depth, a bit more green and slightly darker than Beach Glass. After picking up a sample and applying the first coat, we were delighted with how it brightened the space without dominating it.
We still need a final coat on the door and to finish the trim painting, then we can move on to deciding on wall treatments and accessories. We’re leaning toward a grasscloth wallpaper on the walls to add warmth and texture. My husband has hand-painted patterns in past homes and offered to do it again, but we both love the subtle, natural texture of grasscloth and may hire a pro to ensure a seamless finish.
There’s also a small star-pattern wallpaper I bought over a year ago that I’d like to use on the tiny entry ceiling as a playful surprise overhead. Installing wallpaper on a ceiling feels tricky—especially because I’ve never enjoyed the process—but the space is small enough that it might be manageable. If we decide to hire someone for the grasscloth, it would make sense to have them install the ceiling paper too.
For now, the focus is finishing the paint and trim so we can layer in the textures and accessories that will make the entry feel complete. I’ll share progress updates as we move forward. In the meantime, I’m still waiting on my new couch, so there’s plenty happening around here.
What projects are you working on at your house?