Foyer Makeover : A Good Welcome Home

I love having the chance to take someone's space and make it over simply, but have it make an impact visually.   In the case of this foyer - that was exactly what I wanted to accomplish.   

I tried to keep the goals easy and doable.  First, I looked at what should stay and what should go (or be modified).  The pine wood dresser worked well as the main foyer furniture, however the antique trunk was too heavy for the space.  The sailing-inspired accent in the props and artwork worked, but just needed to be showcased in a new way.  I like the idea of the draped front door (so it can be closed up at night), but I definitely wanted to lighten things up a little. 

The walls were painted a pale yellow, so I wanted to warm them up slightly by bringing in a sand tone matched with crisp, white trim throughout.  

The staircase, a major focal point in the foyer, needed something to give it a whole new look.  In this case, I decided that I would lightly sand the bannister and steps - prime them and then completely paint them a bright white.  

I wanted the white to make the space brighter overall - but also give the welcoming room a new sense of style...

Once everything was lightly sanded - I used Aqua Lock Plus from Benjamin Moore as my primer.  I was very impressed how it covered up everything nicely with no odor and it dried so fast on the stairs and bannister!

You can see here how it already is starting to change the look of the room.

In the end, I used a "Super White" for all the trim and also the main staircase makeover in a "Satin Finish."  Still is washable but not overly reflective. 

For the walls, I used Benjamin Moore's Regal Select paint in the "Bone" color as my main wall color.  

As you can see here, the new staircase look speaks for itself.  Clean, simple and classic in style.

I even came across some old frames that they had - and quickly primed and painted those in white as well.  I found some vintage black and white sailing photos - hence giving me instant art for the staircase walls that tied into their existing sailing images.

At the end of my makeover day, the sunshine poured into the second floor landing.  You can see how bright the space is just from the painting!

Of course, I could have left the staircase as it was - but I always envisioned bringing in my favorite rug company Dash & Albert into the mix.  I love their casual, washable rugs and runners.  So I choose two runners for the staircase with a great oatmeal color set against a denim-looking blue stripe.  I simply tacked them up by hand.  Which still allows the runners to be removed and washed when needed.

With the crisp whites in the room - I wanted to introduce some blue.  Not that I wanted to go with that Hampton's Beach House style - but just something classic that could move through all seasons - not just summer style.  Plus, I have heard it said that blue and black accents in your foyer brings good luck and good fortune to your household.  All for that!

I gathered some props they already had around the house.  I also visited HomeGoods and started creating some visual moments that would be welcoming for this homeowner.  

I found these drapes that had a great blue tone in them that were perfect for the front door.   They are a lighter weight and bring that blue theme to life in the fabric too.  A simple sisal rug is now on the floor.  

The white mirror was key for this nook - to not only bounce light into the room - but also just to add to the casual style.  In this case, I leaned the big mirror on top of the existing dresser.   Found this mirror in stock at Lowes.

Here you can see the runner on the stairs and some of the newly painted frames on the wall.

I also painted an old bench they had in the same white to lighten up the area under the stairs.  Just a fresh new look for a space that needed a new lease on life.

The frames on the staircase wall are laid out in a simple line - but I envision this family adding black and white family photos in white frames of various sizes on this wall over time.  I love that you can create a visual tapestry on this wall and it can expand as you wish.

The wide wooden edge around the photographs is unique - but I like how it allows more white to be featured in the room.

There is something very classic about this runner matched with the white trim.  

In the end, it shows how the power of paint can truly be a makeover in a can!  It also shows how you can set your mind on a project - make the change happen in a day and get a whole new look for a space you see all the time!  

Give it a try!  

Be Creative!!!