Welcome, fronds. Are you ready for this?! Well, I sure hope so. Because it’s time to unveil this boho mod glam entryway!!! What was once a completely lifeless and aesthetically apathetic space—the first thing people see when they enter this home—is now a bright, shining, super sassy kinda star.

Before we dive deep, let’s take a walk down memory lane. Alas, a couple of befores and the vision board that kick started it all. In a word: borrrrring.

Let’s Recap

Formerly a finicky transition space, “the foyer measures 3.2-ft. x 4.5-ft. This antechamber leads into the lifeless welcoming space, which encompasses about 4-ft. x 4-ft. With all the windows and doorways in my floor plan, it’s always been tough to situate. That and the protrusion of the massive HVAC return makes for one fun, decorative puzzle.”

Huzzzzzah. Howyalikemenow?!!!

 

The Foyer

THIS FOYER THOUGH. As soon as I spotted Coloray’s Tropical Palm Leaf Wallpaper, I was hooked. From the get-go, I sought a black and white pattern for this space. With color splashed everywhere, I knew it would strike an excellent balance between the transition into the living room and be a bold focal point without being overpowering.

Yah know how I love my statements. 💁🏻

Next Thursday I’ll be sharing my tips on installing removable wallpaper and my experience with Coloray. I’ve installed alotta wallpaper. This product is in my Top Two. The paper quality is off the charts.

The wallpaper’s all fine and dandy, but this foyer went straight up LUXE when Pepe & Carol’s Brass A-Frame Chandelier joined this glammy, boho show. With high ceilings even in the entryway, I wanted to make good use of this available space. The chandelier was customized to be 16” tall, about 3-4” higher than the front door. The sleek design filled up the space just right. And I love that you can catch a glimpse of the globes from the living room.

You’d see more, but my foyer is 7.5” lower than my main floor! #oldhouseprobz

Also, a small, but substantial change: painting the raw wood trim we had installed with our front door three years ago makes me feel like I’m a responsible homeowner. Finally.

It comes as no surprise; the biggest project tackled in this space was the doors. OH, THE DOORS. I’ve been down stripping alley several times now, but taking on a french door is a whole different animal. Honestly, I almost gave up. But she’s original to the home, so I didn’t.

It took a week longer than expected, is about 87% perfect, but she’s done (which is better than perfect) and truly a smash hit in this space. I finished the doors with a stain/poly mix in a rich pecan color. I’ll be sharing an in-depth post about how to strip and refinish wood doors in the coming weeks. The best part: all my doors in this area match now!!! CUE THE TOWN PARADE. 💃🏼

On a side note: if and when I sell this house there will be a caveat in the seller’s contract that institutes martial law if paint ever touches these doors again.

The one bummer is the glass. I couldn’t get the former scratches out. Not for lack of trying, of course. After much research and many videos later, I found a product—cerium oxide and 2” buffing wheel—which is supposed to help lessen and/or remove scratches. I read if the they weren’t deep enough to catch your fingernail, a slurry of cerium oxide would do the trick. Maybe my fingernails are fatter than normal (they weren’t catching), but it simply did not work. So, I threw in the towel. Maybe one day I’ll have the glass replaced.

To catch you up to speed: a previous owner took a hand sander to the french door and foolishly left scratches all over the damn place. I’ve partially forgiven these butchers of the past. This project was not for the faint of heart. Their memory lives on. Engraved in glass.

A few final details primped the space: a geometric Moroccan shag rug from Well Woven that is so luxurious to the touch (especially on them toesies); a gorgeous, pensive piece by the über talented Heather Marie; and a clear glass hanging terrarium to bring in some greenery without obstructing the grand pattern. ‘Cause this girl has a need, a need for green. 🌿

The Welcoming Space

BEHOLD: the mean, the green, punchy color machine—my now bright-eyed and bushy-tailed welcoming space. I’m SO happy with how this space turned out. What was once a blob of white space is something I’m so proud to show off when company walks through the door.

A vision two years in the making, the custom poplar shelves I built make this space. I mean, what else do you do with a strange alcove abyss?! I can’t encourage it enough; when you have high ceilings, find a way to use them.

I love these shelves for four reasons: 1) they give me a reason to show off tchotch, and of course, plant bbs; 2) they add texture using my favorite and least expensive of all the fancy woods (poplar); 3) it was a great opportunity to add a pop of color (chartreuse FTW!); and 4) this space looks huuuuuge now. Why? ‘Cause it drags your eyeballs upwards, girl. Win, win, win and win more.

I’ll be putting together a detailed article in the coming weeks on how to build these beauts. 🔨 Sign up for my newsletter to be the first to hear!!  

I debated bringing in abstract, painterly shapes, but I followed my gut to go solid. I’m OBSESSED with this chartreuse color. It’s Bright Gold by Benjamin Moore (guys, we need to work on this name). I used this hue in the hallway of my last one room challenge. However, I needed a reason to see it everyday. You see, it’s a secret hallway, and that clearly wasn’t enough.

The Final Touches

I had so much fun putting the final touches in this alcove—there’s so many options!! As hoped, I loved my three reproduction travel prints where they started. They’re sentimental to my husband and I. We bought them in one of our favorite cities (Charleston, SC) and they represent where we’re from and where we’re at now.

These shelves are phenomenal because they would look good with ANYTHING on them. Books, trinkets, and tchotch, you name it! I shopped my home for a few of my favorite finds to keep it simple and fun (and affordable). I, of course, had to get a basket for the bottom opening to store Murphy’s dog toys. Like any good dog does. (Yes, of course that’s a taco in there. 🌮)

Guys, a moment of silence. 🙏🏻 How GORGEOUS is Pepe + Carol’s Mid Century Orb Wall Sconce?!! It wasn’t in the budget to hardwire and the sconce was customized to plug in. I went with a 6-foot long white cord to help it blend in as much as possible. She’s the glammy cherry on top of this whimsical art print by Depeapa.

Fun Fact: The Depeapa print is entitled Portuguese House II. Chris and I traveled to Portugal nine years ago and we loved it. We stayed in an awesome hostel (yes, this is possible) called the Yellow House. As soon as I saw her fun, personified house face, it reminded of that trip so much I had to have it!!

So much of our travel inspires our home. It’s the coolest.

I practically died and went to heaven when I found THE PERFECT PETITE CHAIR for this space. Thank you, IKEA, for bringing back some OG, MCM designs from the 50s. ‘Cause Gagnet be party rockin’. The rattan brings in great texture and pairs so well with the shelves. Plus, it’s extra seating to move around for company.

I accidentally missed out on the latest restock of Effic from Kaekoo Pillow Shop. I knew I wanted her when I haphazardly placed Vera on the chair. The black and white handloom fabric calls out to the foyer’s bold pattern, the legs of the chair and the black marble top side table. I thrifted that side table and it’s been hangin’ in my attic for a lonngggg time. Waiting for its forever home.

In Summation

I’m head over heels. I’m on cloud nine. Who knew remodeling 45-square feet could make such a difference? Heh, I did. 😙 Or rather, I believed. I’m so elated that this welcoming space will truly give people a taste—a bold flavoring if you will—of what to expect as they enter this home.

All the pattern, texture, greenery and color portrays my BBB (big, bold and beautiful) design persona to a T. I like being in my living room SO much more now. This space will serve as a conduit to display funky new finds and share my decor tastes at any given time. Hell, I’m ready to jump in the truck (a.k.a. Gloria 🚌💨) and go lookin’ now.

It’s so awesome how a dainty space can make such a strong impact. It’s all in the details, people, and I don’t overlook any of them. Welcome to the Brigham Craftsman.

A proper Before & After:

 

Thanks for taking this wild ride with me!!

Until next time. 👋🏻

Week 1 // Week 2 // Week 4 // Week 5

This post was sponsored by Coloray and Pepe & Carols. As always, all opinions expressed are my own. A HUGE thank you to these amazing companies for supporting this webspace!

Paint Colors:

Super White / Benjamin Moore
Bright Gold (it’s chartreuse) / Benjamin Moore

Foyer Sources:

Tropical Palm Leaf Wallpaper / Coloray
Brass A-Frame Chandelier / Pepe & Carols
Wazuu Dark Gray Moroccan Shag Rug / Well Woven
Series 2 Art Print / Heather Felder Art
Glass Hanging Terrarium / Home Depot

Welcome Space Sources:

Mid Century Orb Sconce / Pepe & Carols
Portuguese House II Art Print / Depeapa
Gagnet (rattan chair) / IKEA
Vera Pillow / Kaekoo
Art Deco Switch Plate / House of Antique Hardware
Striped Woven Basket / HomeGoods
Thumbs Up / HomeGoods
Eneby Speaker / IKEA

Found/Thrifted:

Travel Prints
Black Marble Top Side Table
African Basket

DIY:

Posts coming soon! 
How to Strip and Refinish Wood Doors
DIY Wood Shelves
How to Install Removable Wallpaper

See all of the amazing reveals over at the
One Room Challenge blog!

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