Step inside: a refreshed neutral foyer
Welcome—let’s take a short tour of the foyer updates. Over the past year this entryway has been lightened and softened: a heavy table and dark slate were replaced, the palette shifted to softer neutrals, and subtle tone-on-tone textures were layered in through the light fixture, mirror, and woven baskets. Below are the highlights, with photos to show the before and after.
For comparison, here’s a before shot from a similar angle.
And here’s the after again—much brighter and more inviting.
Paint, trim, and floors
The wall color is Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray, the trim is Benjamin Moore Simply White, and the ceiling is painted Revere Pewter for a slightly deeper gray-taupe contrast. The floors are oak hardwoods stained with Minwax Provincial. We also stained the handrail a darker tone to coordinate with the black-and-white stair runner—simple changes that made the entry feel cohesive and brighter.
The light fixture and mirror
We previously had a large star pendant here, but it proved too oversized for the eight-foot foyer ceiling and forced taller guests to duck. That fixture now lives at our beach house, where ceilings are higher. In this foyer we installed a lighter capiz chandelier that brings a softer, beachy vibe and pairs well with the warm gold finish and nearby woven window shades.
The mirror complements the chandelier and provides subtle texture and depth. It was worth waiting for a sale on this piece—when it finally dropped in price I snapped it up. If you like the look, several similar inlay or woven-frame mirrors can achieve the same effect without being identical.
Styling details
The console table and woven baskets anchor the space and add functional storage. Baskets are especially handy for rotating contents: one day they hold dress-up clothes or stuffed animals, another day they might be tucked away as seasonal decor. A large glass jar is used for holiday styling (we decorate it as an Easter tree in the spring), and a textured wrapped vase and faux ginkgo stem bring organic shape and a warm yellow accent that reads cheerful across seasons.
Closet conversion for toy storage
This foyer has two closets; one serves as a dedicated toy and game closet. Installing a track-shelving system turned a narrow space into efficient storage for frequently used toys. Keeping most toys in a central downstairs closet makes the main living areas appear tidy—guests often ask where the toys are until we open this door for the big reveal. We still keep a selection upstairs in the bonus room and kids’ bedrooms, but this closet handles the bulk of everyday play items.
Art, color accents, and finishing touches
The colorful piece by artist Teil Duncan livens the wall beside the door and the door itself is painted Benjamin Moore Blue Lake for a bold, welcoming pop. A small kids’ portrait sits nearby; personal artwork like that adds warmth and character to the entry. Together with the mirror, light fixture, and woven textures, the result is a balanced entryway that feels light, layered, and lived-in.
Get the look
If you want a similar foyer update, focus on three elements: a softer, lighter fixture (capiz or shell styles work well), a textured mirror to add depth, and natural woven accents like baskets or blinds for warmth. Accent the space with one bright piece of art and a painted door for personality. Those simple moves will refresh a compact entry without overwhelming it.
Thanks for joining this short indoor walkabout—no giraffes necessary. If you’d like the source list or paint names used throughout the house, we keep a full source page with our finishes and furniture picks that includes the colors and items referenced here.
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