A long, long time ago, dear readers, Jon and I started our entry. When we started this project, our entry was dark, small and cramped. “Not inviting” would be putting it lightly. Here are some before pics for you (the folding door had already been removed — that’s it leaning up against the other wall in the second pic):
Jon and I decided to rip out the closet that was there since it wasn’t really functional. We used this as our inspiration:
I’m proud to present to you our after:
Usually, when we begin a project, Jon sketches up a rough plan. This time, I drew up what I had in mind, complete with dimensions. I measured the length of my longest coat to make the hooks would be high enough, and the height of our tallest boots to make sure they’d fit underneath the bench. Here’s my drawing, complete with the “NTS” mark (not to scale). #iamveryofficial
So let’s hit the rewind button for a sec.
First, Jon ripped out all of the paneling that once was there and installed new sheetrock:
We then painted it the same color as the living room:
Jon then added some molding to create a “board and batten” look. He also installed a shelf by using a stair tread and the same brackets we have in our kitchen nook. Why a stair tread you ask? Well, stair treads are already finished on one side, so there was less work to do. Clever man!
The molding and shelf got a coat of white paint, and Jon hung some hooks. While he was working on this, the architect was in Dallas on a business trip. So he consulted with her via text message to determine the best height for the hooks:
Those baskets are from Target, and it was as if the DIY gods made them just for us. They fit perfectly. We use them for all of our scarves, gloves, extra umbrellas, etc.
We picked up this light fixture at the Pottery Barn outlet, where it was — wait for it — a whopping $24.99! Not bad if I do say so myself. It is still sold on their website for $99. And happy accident: the pattern in the wire is a hex pattern, which compliments our hex tile nicely.
I knew I wanted an umbrella stand in the entry. Necessary? Not really. But I’ve always wanted one. I’ve been lusting after this ceramic owl which seems to be all over the place lately (at least in the decor blog world), but there was no way I was going to pay $125 to hold a freaking umbrella.
So, I was tickled pink when I found another white ceramic animal umbrella stand at HomeGoods for $20. This one has peacocks instead of an owl, but it’s close enough. White. Birds. Umbrellas. Done.
Some of you might have spotted The Bench in these pictures, but that beauty deserves his own post. Jon and I are sort of in love with him. (Yes, I’ve personified my bench). We need to give him the attention he deserves.
I love, love, love walking in the door now at the end of a long day. The space seems so much more open and is SO much more functional than it used to be. Like, 100% more function is going on now. This space served 0% function before. A functional space that’s also beautiful (well, beautiful to me, anyway)? What more could I ask for?
LOVE how this turned out! You guys did a fantastic job! Love that peacock umbrella stand too – I have a thing for the owl, too, but agree – that’s a lot of mullah for something you put a wet umbrella in. What a great compromise.
You can always count on Home Goods! And so funny that you also had an owl crush… that little stand is everywhere!
Absolutely beautiful!!! Love your new entry. I’m getting inspired again……..
Thank you! I told Michael that this sort of thing would be perfect in your house… Sea Cliff summer project??
I LOVE it too. It came great. Much more functional, welcoming and a lot brighter.
Thank you!
WOW. wow. Seriously Christine, what a transformation. I would have never imagined that space looking so great!! The entry way is so important to a home, and I guarantee you’ve got the best in Mineola! I really can’t believe it! Awesome job.
Thanks Mike!! And that means so much, coming from a professional!
It look amazing!! Good job Miss Architect and good job to Jon too for executing. Can’t wait to see it in person.
Thanks! You have to come over soon!!
I absolutely love the entryway transformation!!! And your love affair with crazy light fixtures!! Can’t wait to see it live!
Haha thanks! This one isn’t as crazy in person!