Creative Spaces

Creative Projects

Explore my favorite DIY projects that reflect my unique style.

Entryway Makeover

We had just moved into our house less than a year before this project. So, it felt a little silly changing things already, but it's easier for me to decide what I want to do with a space once I've lived in it for a little while. I like to see how the sunlight comes in and plainly how it feels as I'm living in it every day.

Our entryway and large living room side wall held a lot of "personality pieces." I have a mask collection and assortment of elephant statues. Of course, I have my heavy, old mirror that I'd held onto since one of my first apartments. It has so much character, I always seem to find an important place for it in all my homes. We also have a big, sturdy church pew bench that the boys love to climb and sit on. The entryway frames our incredible front doors, which are a rich, deep brown Mahogany. They're out of the Breezeport Collection with DSA Doors in NC. The glass window frames open inward and the screens allow airflow in. These doors have been a game-changer because they essentially give us the front windows that we didn't have in this floor plan. I can also open the window if someone comes to the door, without having to actually open the door and risk the cats or toddlers wandering out.

I chose a gorgeous and excessively dark brown paint, Benjamin Moore "Brownstone" for the backdrop of all of these pieces. I made sure it had enough warm grey undertones so that it would look natural next to the rest of the room in Benjamin Moore's "Pashmina". The Brownstone matches so closely to the color of the front door and makes such an impact in our big living space! The open floor plan and high ceilings in our living room and kitchen can feel overwhelming to me. The dark Brownstone section brings the whole room in and grounds what otherwise feels like endless space above and all around. I know this wouldn't work for everyone, but that's what's wonderful about decorating! You don't have to worry about how other people like it. You're living in your space and your style choices should reflect colors and decor that makes your heart happy.

This is the AFTER, with our petite cat, Tony.