It has been a long journey to get our entryway just right, but that’s the beauty of home renovations—you can take as much time as you need to let a space become what you’ve always hoped it would be. For us, this foyer has been well lived in and well loved through every stage of our family, and the changes along the way tell a little piece of that story.
The First Steps
One of the first updates we tackled was ripping out the old carpet on the stairs. Beneath, we found wood that—though imperfect—was full of potential. Knowing there were bigger projects ahead, we decided to keep things simple for the moment. I hand painted a runner onto those bare stairs, adding just enough texture, warmth, and softness to make the space feel cared for.
And here’s the surprising part—we lived with those painted stairs for seven years! I loved them, but as we continued updating other areas of the house, we knew it was eventually time to take the entryway to the next stage.
Don’t underestimate the power of temporary solutions—sometimes a simple stopgap can add warmth and character for years.
Layering in Character
The next layer of the transformation came with wallpaper, wainscoting, and a pair of sconces. These small details made such a big difference, instantly grounding the space and giving it the cozy contrast I’d always envisioned. It was amazing how these subtle additions shifted the mood of the entire foyer—it finally felt like it was starting to tell the same story as the rest of our home.
If you want big impact without a full remodel, focus on wall treatments and lighting—small changes can completely change the feel of a room.
Finishing Touches
The most recent update brought everything together: matching the stair treads to the hardwood flooring throughout the house, adding a soft runner for comfort and warmth, and updating the railing for a more traditional, timeless look. Suddenly, the entryway felt complete—quiet and cozy, with just the right balance of contrast. Warm and welcoming, yet soft and familiar, almost as if it had always been this way.
Coordinating finishes across your home helps create a sense of flow and timelessness—it doesn’t have to match perfectly, but it should feel connected.
A Final Thought
Now that the work is done, I catch myself finding little excuses to walk by—pausing to take in the space and the way it greets us at the door. That’s how I know we got it right.
Sometimes the best transformations aren’t about speed, but about letting a room unfold over time—layer by layer—until it feels like home.
