|

Progress Update in the Entry

We spent a good portion of Friday and a couple of hours on Saturday working on a few projects, so we thought we would share a progress update on the entry today.

Honestly, we really did not intend to start working on the entry so soon after the breakfast nook makeover. Our original plans were to start working on the kitchen but once we decided to paint the interior doors it was all but inevitable we would have to shift gears just a bit.

We have a loose design plan for the entry in mind which I shared a few weeks ago. I say “loose” because I’m a big supporter of using whatever you have at home first before you go out and buy something new. Given we have several original pieces we’re going to refresh and reuse in the entry, we’re pretty sure things will come together fairly easily.

The one thing we knew we wanted to make a priority in the entry was to add an architectural element by installing board and batten. We currently have board and batten in the home office one of the bedrooms, and the half bath too. it’s a simple and inexpensive way to add a custom look to basic builder grade walls.

I won’t give you a full tutorial since we’ve already done that post but I will say having these things completed in advance have helped us to save time when installing board and batten:

  • Spending time prepping and painting the walls
  • Having all the measurements and math figured out, especially if you’re adding the panes to the top of the board and batten
  • Buying all the supplies you need and having them at the ready (don’t forget the safety gear)
  • Cutting the boards in advance, when possible
  • A good shop vac at the ready (the sanding dust is super fine, and it gets into all the nooks and crannies)
  • An extra set of hands

Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of steps to installing board and batten, definitely more than planking a wall. Thankfully, a project like this can usually be completed in one weekend so it’s not too disruptive.

See how everything looks more defined? Totally worth it!

Now that we’re finished painting the entry, I’m going to focus on what color to paint the bench. My first thought was a creamy white, but I think a light taupe color would be pretty too. My Mom voted for a pale gray and white combination.

Honestly, I think it’s all going to come down to what color cushion I can find and what pillows we decide to use. A typical settee size is about 48 inches and a porch swing seat cushion is about 59 inches. Given this bench was made from my childhood headboard, I need a bench cushion that’s at least 56 inches. I’m still on the hunt for the right size right now so I’ll keep you posted when I find one.

I’m letting the rug rest now so that will help us make a decision on the bench color, cushion color and which colors to use pillows in the as well. Let me know if you have any special suggestions on how to get the wrinkles out of the rug. I’ve tried heavy books, boards and everything else I can think of to get them out.

Once we have the bench issues sorted out, we’ll start concentrating on the wall art, hooks and other accessory items to make the entry pretty and functional. I’m hoping to use the same shelf we already have but I’ll need to find another way to use the hooks. The window is going to be way too big now that the board and batten has been installed.

Anyway, here’s a look at the rest of our entry makeover design plans and the steps we’ll need to take to make it all happen (in real time) …

  • Install board and batten
  • Paint the walls in Valspar’s Bistro White
  • Paint the trim and the board and batten in Valspar’s Ultra White
  • Paint the front door in Valspar’s Cathedral Stone
  • Install new rug (We picked up this one on sale)
  • Add architectural piece over the door (maybe)
  • Install new light fixture (I originally planned on using this onebut we ultimately ordered a completely different one. It should be here later this week.)
  • Repaint existing bench in a creamy white
  • Add new pillows
  • Add new bench cushion
  • Install functional place for hooks
  • Reinstall the existing shelf
  • Create new sign for shelf
  • Add mirror to 4-foot wall

I know it might seem like a long list but it’s actually not too bad. The biggest thing is going to be the bench decision and after that it should be smooth sailing. Or that’s what I’m telling myself anyway.

See you guys back here tomorrow. I’ll share our August goals video. Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Many blessings,

CoCo

Similar Posts

5 Comments

  1. This made such a big difference. I cant wait to see more!

    1. I know, Sarah, I couldn’t believe it either! We were SO close to putting up shiplap but I’m really glad we went with the board and batten now. It sets the tone for the rest of the house. Hugs, CoCo

  2. Love, love, love the board and batten! Y’all have done an amazing job. With the rug – the only suggestion that we have is to add a gripping rug pad underneath. It acts like a magnet.

    1. You guys are sweet, thank you! Installing the board and batten made a huge difference in the entry. It feels like it’s own space now. I will definitely look into the gripping pad, that is a fabulous idea. Thanks so much for the suggestion! Hugs, CoCo

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *