How can we make this outdated entryway look inviting?

12148551
by 12148551
We have had this dark color stained wood wall in our entryway which goes right into our kitchen for a long time. I don't think we want to remove/replace the wood wall or the railings going to the basement, but if we can get some ideas to update, brighten the entryway we would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for any help that we can get.
  13 answers
  • Cas3446227 Cas3446227 on Oct 29, 2017

    You could choose to paint the wood a lighter color this way you would not have to remove or replace it

  • Kathyy Kathyy on Oct 29, 2017

    How about replacing the runner with something more colorful and interesting? Maybe use some of the colors in the semi circular rug at the other door?


    Replace mirror with a piece of art and think about adding a very shallow ledge underneath that you can put a bowl on to catch keys and mail and such.

    Or maybe put a striking bowl or casserole on the kitchen island so there's something interesting to see as you walk down the hall.

    Nothing brown, you have plenty of that!

  • Emily Emily on Oct 29, 2017

    It is actually very nice. I would suggest a small table like Kathyy said but near the door, by the side light and a much smaller mirror (maybe taller and framed) too. Remove the large piece of mirror and hang a very large and colorful something there. Could be a quilt, or some other fabric something or even a very large museum print. This print was from the Met. Mus of art in NYC and cost $1. The frame I had but the mat cost something. I love the wall esp. the way the wood is put on, in fact I always wanted to make a quilt like that because it resembles Maine barn doors. Thanks for posting so many pictures. It makes it much easier to understand what person wants.

  • Jewellmartin Jewellmartin on Oct 29, 2017

    You already have the mirrors up. You could frame that area with precut pieces to meet at angles at the corners, or just butt the pieces with the extended pieces at the top and bottom, with the side pieces fitting in the space left. The pick a color you love, like white, cream, or a brilliant peacock blue, and paint the frame, bannister, the side of the island facing the door, and the wide dark wood that faces the door from the kitchen, all that cheerful color. The rug you have is serviceable, but a patterned rug containing your special color would be better. And paint the front door inside, outside, or both to start the invitation before the door even opens. Best wishes, Bert 😇💞

  • Barb Barb on Oct 29, 2017

    I found this picture at kohls to start your color theme, place a picture where the mirror is and the walls a soft mustard color then add sets of mirrors on the dark wood wall. A colorful hall runner in the colors of the picture will add the focal point your looking for in that entryway📌


    • See 1 previous
    • Barb Barb on Nov 16, 2017

      Hi

      I keep replying to your post and for some reason I‘m not seeing it posted. My ideas was to get one bigger width wise and longer height wise than the mirror being that wall would hold one of that size and keep your eyes will moving around that hall when entering 📌

  • Candy Walsh Candy Walsh on Oct 29, 2017

    I would paint all of the dark wood surfaces and lighter, cleaner color like white or soft gray. And just by changing all of our light bulbs to LED's the amount of light they give off now is amazing, that might help.

  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Oct 29, 2017

    You can white wash the paneling instead of painting,put up some art work on the empty walls,

  • Swinnen Lisette Swinnen Lisette on Oct 29, 2017

    Try to find the colour of that door, so you can keep the feeling of wood but everything will brighten up. Or At least, paint that part between de landing en the entrance of the stairs (first picture) and also the side of you tall kitchen cabinet. On the wooden wall of the stairs some bright large pictures and see how that goes?

  • B. Enne B. Enne on Oct 29, 2017

    I agree with the comments above. Paint will make a huge difference. I too think an area rug that you love, would be a great place to start. Pull a lighter colour from it.

    A gallery wall of pictures and/or art, with a similarly framed mirror in the middle would look nice. You could even frame them in a brighter or darker colour from the rug, for a pop of colour.

    https://static1.squarespace.com/static/4fcf5c8684aef9ce6e0a44b0/t/53cc1a17e4b0c984e431e9c8/1405884952176/long+narrow+hallway+design.jpg?format=500w

    https://i.pinimg.com/736x/c9/72/35/c97235ed7d75ab8eaef43170f47bb9d0--hallway-colors-hallway-walls.jpg

  • 17335038 17335038 on Oct 29, 2017

    Agree with Candy's comment to change the light fixtures to new LED ones.This will instantly give a brighter more updated look to the space, without any construction. I see that you have electric heat. The money that you save in electricity by using LED bulbs/fixtures can be put towards installing dimmer switches on all ceiling fixture switches. This will give you a wider range of light levels and updated atmosphere that can be changed according to daytime and seasons.

  • Bijous Bijous on Oct 29, 2017

    You have a lovely home. The paneling is gorgeous. I'd paint the wooden door off the entrance door the same color as the wall. Frame the mirror with a very large frame making it a conversation piece. The other suggestions of increased lighting, new runner and painting the back of the front door an inviting color is spot on. Good luck.

  • Barb Barb on Nov 10, 2017

    Thank for taking my suggestions 😊 It be should be larger than the mirror width wise and it can be longer in height if that picture you purchased is, being that wall appears big.


  • Barb Barb on Nov 14, 2017

    I personally would go wider and larger in height, being that wall can hold a picture of that size and you want to make a statement as you enter that wall and keep your eyes moving around that room and that’s when you know you you pulled it off.

    i posted this message 3 times and for some reason it woukd not post until now.

    best of luck