Come on in and let’s take a stroll through the foyer. It’s not a jungle safari—just a quick tour to highlight updates we haven’t properly introduced yet. Over the past year this space has evolved into a brighter, more layered entry thanks to swapping out a heavy table and a dark slate floor, and adding more tone-on-tone texture with a new light fixture, mirror, and woven baskets. Below are plenty of photos and details so you can see the changes up close.
For comparison, here’s a before shot from a similar angle so you can see the difference.
And back to the after—much lighter and airier.
Quick paint and finish notes for anyone who asks: the walls are Edgecomb Gray by Benjamin Moore, the trim is Simply White by Benjamin Moore, and the ceiling is Revere Pewter—a slightly deeper gray-taupe than the walls. The floors are oak hardwood stained with Minwax Provincial. We also stained the handrail a dark color to coordinate with the black-and-white stair runner. That covers the main paint and stain choices in this space.
Some of you spotted that our star light moved to the beach house. It turned out to be a touch too large for our 8-foot foyer and we were constantly reminding tall guests to watch their heads. The star light fits much better at the beach house where the ceilings are higher, so we rehomed it and brought in a lighter fixture for this entry. Since many folks have asked about the new light, here’s a closer look.
I’m a big fan of capiz, so this chandelier was an easy win. Its soft, beachy look fits the small space and the gold finish plays nicely with the woven blinds we use on all the first-floor windows. Together the light and blinds create a relaxed, layered feel you notice the moment you step in.
The mirror is also from Serena and Lily. It’s one I watched for years and finally purchased during a big sale. It wasn’t cheap, but it’s a piece I enjoy every time I walk past, and I’m glad I waited for a good deal because it sold out not long after. If you’re hunting for something similar, there are comparable inlay-style mirrors available that capture the same look.
I still check periodically to see if that mirror comes back in stock, which is a good reminder: if you love something, it may not stick around forever. I’m glad I took advantage of the sale when I did.
The console table we had is no longer sold, but there are very similar options available, and the woven baskets we use for storage are easy to find in many styles. In our home they regularly corral dress-up clothes, stuffed animals, or occasionally half of a child (picture a head popping out while the rest of them hides in a basket—always entertaining).
The large glass jar on the table is handy for seasonal decor—one year we made an Easter tree from a yard branch and tiny egg ornaments. The cozy sweater-covered vase we used is out of production, but similar wrapped and knitted pot covers can give you the same warm texture. I’m obsessed with a faux ginkgo branch I placed in the vase: its warm yellow tone reads well in fall but remains cheerful through spring and summer.
One of the foyer closets is dedicated to toys and games, which has been a game-changer for keeping the main living areas tidy. We installed a simple track-shelving system and it’s been invaluable for stashing everything in one accessible place. With this setup, the living room can look relatively polished while the majority of toys live behind the closet door.
We still keep some toys upstairs—in built-ins in the bonus room and in the kids’ bedrooms—but having a centrally located storage closet downstairs is incredibly convenient when it’s time to play or tidy up.
The colorful artwork beside the door is by artist Teil Duncan, and the door itself is painted Benjamin Moore Blue Lake on both sides. A small kids’ portrait hangs nearby and is one of our favorite personal pieces; we’ve written more about it and other artists we love in a previous post.
If you want to recreate the look, the key elements are a light capiz chandelier, a textured inlay mirror, a bright accent art piece, woven baskets, layered vases with a faux ginkgo stem, and warm neutral wall paint (Edgecomb Gray) with crisp trim (Simply White) and a bold door color. This combination creates a welcoming, collected foyer that feels both fresh and lived-in.
Thanks for joining this short, non-exotic walkabout through the foyer. I know there were no giraffes, but hopefully the refreshed look gives you some ideas for your own entryway.
Note: a full source list for items seen throughout our home, including paint colors and furnishings, is available on our house source page.
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