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Surviving a Foyer Makeover: Transforming Our Entryway Over the Years

The foyer is often the very first impression guests have of your home. It’s the space that welcomes you in after a long day and sets the tone for the rest of the house. But what happens when your foyer feels anything but welcoming?

When we first moved into our home, our entryway was a time capsule of outdated finishes. Think orange oak woodwork and peach tones dominating the space—on the walls, trim, and even the staircase. It was far from the warm, inviting, and stylish foyer I envisioned. But as with any home project, surviving a major foyer makeover requires patience, creativity, and a willingness to tackle things one step at a time.

The First Makeover: Breathing New Life Into the Entryway

I knew from the start that this space needed a dramatic transformation, but I also had to work within a budget. Instead of gutting everything at once, I took a strategic approach:

• Added Board and Batten: This instantly elevated the walls, bringing in a classic, architectural element.
• Gave the Stairs a Dramatic Makeover: A fresh coat of paint and some DIY work turned our outdated staircase into a striking focal point.
• Shopped My Own House: Instead of splurging on all-new decor, I repurposed furniture and accessories from other rooms to create a refreshed look.

Lesson learned: Surviving a foyer renovation doesn’t mean spending a fortune—it’s about making smart changes that have a big impact.

The Viral DIY Stair Runner

One of the most game-changing projects in this first round of updates was our DIY seagrass stair runner. Not only did it add texture and warmth to the staircase, but it also became one of the most pinned projects from my blog in the past 12 years!

If you’re considering installing your own stair runner, you don’t have to be a pro to get it right. I’ve compiled a list of tips and sources for a budget-friendly and stylish DIY stair runner installation.

👉 Find sources and tips for DIY stair runner installations!

Fast Forward to 2022: A Bigger Foyer Overhaul

While our first makeover served us well for years, I always knew there were bigger changes on the horizon. The time finally came to tackle a major foyer renovation—one that required more than just paint and decor swaps.

Hardwood Floors & Stair Refinishing

One of the biggest (and most exciting) updates? Replacing the old flooring. The original floors felt disconnected from the rest of the house, so we made the decision to install hardwood throughout the foyer and kitchen. The result? A seamless, timeless look that added warmth and continuity to the space.

At the same time, we had the stairs completely refinished to match. This alone made such a huge impact—the staircase now feels intentional and polished rather than an afterthought.

See our dramatic hardwood floor renovation here!

A Work in Progress: Staircase Trim & More

Of course, no home project ever feels truly done. While the flooring was a major transformation, I’m still in the process of finishing up the staircase trim. It’s one of those details that may not seem like a big deal, but once completed, it will add so much more polish to the overall look.

Surviving a renovation tip: If you can’t finish everything at once, focus on the high-impact updates first. Live with the space and tackle the details as you go.

The Overlooked Space: Foyer Closet Makeover

Let’s talk about another survival story in this makeover journey: the coat closet. If I’m being honest, this space was one of those areas I just ignored for far too long. But when you have guests over and they need a place to hang their coats, there’s no hiding an unorganized mess behind a door!

The before was embarrassing—stuffed with random items, poorly utilized shelving, and a general lack of function. I finally took the time to rethink how we use the space and gave it a much-needed refresh. Now, it’s not only guest-friendly but also so much more organized.

See the foyer closet makeover here!

Looking Ahead: More Changes to Come!

This foyer journey has been a lesson in patience, persistence, and creativity. From surviving an outdated entryway to embracing the challenges of a full-scale renovation, it’s been a transformation in every sense.

And the best part? There’s still more to come!

• The stair remodel is nearly complete, and I can’t wait to reveal the full before-and-after.
• A brand-new front door is in the works, which will truly complete the look of this welcoming space.

Stay tuned—I’m so excited to share these final updates with you soon!