There will always be parts of your house that don’t fit your personal style, taste, needs or wants when you buy it. That’s where DIY comes in! I promise your vision is doable when you look at a space and break it down one project at a time. Read on to learn how to update your entryway with 5 easy projects.

My entryway was a perfect example of slowly working to turn your vision for a space into reality. For starters, it wasn’t my style. Paint color, chair rail, light fixture… it all had to go. It’s a small space, so I knew it wasn’t big enough for a piece of furniture. But I sill wanted to create a space I could decorate while keeping it functional. Let’s dive into the five projects to update your entryway that took this space from the dingy before photo to the inspiring after you see pictured.

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This post contains affiliate links for your convenience which may reward me in the event of a sale. Note that I only recommend tools and products I have personally used and loved.

How to Update Your Entryway

1. Remove Chair Rail and Paint

Step one was to address the walls. I didn’t need the chair rail anymore. It would interfere with my plan for a DIY wooden wall hook project.

To remove the chair rail, first cut the bead of caulk to loosen the seam. Next, use a pry bar to pull the chair rail off the wall. Try to be gentle to minimize damage to your drywall.

In addition to the chair rail we had dated, stained and painted grasscloth on the walls. Because the home had been smoked in for 30+ years, we had to remove the grasscloth to ensure the smell was gone and start with a clean slate. I outlined the step by step process explaining how we got rid of the smoke smell from the whole house if you’re interested.

After the chair rail was removed, it was time to fix the damage and smooth the walls. Using mud and a trowel, apply the mud in layers and feather out the edges. It may take one, two or even three coats to achieve a smooth finish and that’s ok. Do as many layers as it takes, sanding in between.

I am purposefully keeping the tutorial for this project brief because my husband did all the work! He worked on smoothing all the living room and entryway walls while I primed and painted the entire rest of the house. I’m sure there are great tutorials out there for how to do this correctly, I remember him watching a lot of YouTube videos as well.

Once the walls were smooth and sanded, I decided to re-paint. I created a whole house paint color scheme to keep everything cohesive. I chose colors based on the flooring. Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams looked great paired with the dark LVP floors in the entryway, dining room and living room. So, Agreeable Gray in the entryway it was!

The hallways and bedrooms have a lighter wood-look ceramic tile flooring. You can read more about the paint color I chose for this part of the house, as well as the doors, trim and exterior.

2. How to Update Your Entryway: New Lighting

I’m going to be honest here, electricity is something I’m still not super comfortable with. I know the basics, but I have a fear I will absentmindedly forget a step and make a mistake. So I have two options- pay an electrician to change out light fixtures or rely on my handy husband. Lucky for me, husband it is! He has changed out every single fan, fixture, switch and outlet in the house. And I’m really grateful.

An updated light fixture is a small thing that can make a big impact. I chose this budget fixture (it’s under $30 at the time of me posting this!), but you could choose anything ranging from low end to high end.

Want to shop this space? I have all the products you see pictured above linked for your convenience!

3. Paint Interior Doors Black

Contrast is a good thing. The gray walls were just waiting for something bold to happen. I made the decision to paint the front door and closet door in this area black. After almost two years, I still love them. No regrets! I outlined the entire process if you want to take a chance and try this in your home too.

See that black door through the dining room opening?

4. DIY Entryway Wooden Wall Hooks

This is one of my very favorite projects to date. My DIY entryway wooden wall hooks feel custom and unique, and allow room for me to decorate seasonally while providing organization and function. I was still very green when completing this project, and learned a lot along the way. Read the full tutorial here to build one of your own. I think these hooks work great in an entryway, bathroom, or even a mudroom.

5. How to Update your Entryway: Add a Vintage Rug

Oh how I love my Turkish vintage rugs. I also love home decor that is an investment, and brings much needed color and character to a space. These rugs check all those boxes, and are such an easy way to update your entryway.

I actually have so much to say on this topic, I have put together an E-book that goes into even more detail! For links to shop these vintage Turkish rugs at 10 of my favorite sellers, a general pricing guide and information on how to keep your rug in pristine condition to last throughout the generations download my E-book for free here.

Or maybe you are looking for an affordable alternative. I gathered my favorite Target vintage Turkish rug dupes for you to shop as well. I have these scattered in my house among real hand woven rugs. The price point of $16-$45 is hard to beat!

SHOP HERE

So there you have it! 5 projects over the course of almost two years that turned this entryway into a space I love. Our house feels like more like “us” thanks to our updated entryway.