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July 23, 2014 · 56 Comments

Neutral Foyer – Before & After

Foyer

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I really love my newly redesigned neutral foyer with before and after pictures.

Neutral foyer before and after - So Much Better With Age

The other day I showed you how I redid the sign in our foyer. Well today I’m showing you my neutral foyer with before & after photos!

If you were to search waaaaay back in my blog, you can see what it was like after we renovated our house (actually, maybe you shouldn’t look back at that embarrassing post).

I’ve been wanting to paint the staircase like forever (okay five years when we bought this house).

When we first moved in, we had it painted by someone and that someone told us the staircase couldn’t be painted – that the stain would just continually bleed through the paint, so he restained it.

I’m sorry but that’s a load of crap!

And because of that I’ve held off painting it…until recently 😉

If you follow me on Instagram, you probably noticed the first couple of coats I painted.

I’m also trying to get the house ready for a magazine photo shoot (say whaaat? More on that later this week so stay tuned!)

Neutral foyer before and after / picture of completed foyer - So Much Better With Age

So let’s start with the ugly, shall we?

Neutral foyer before and after / before picture of outdated foyer - So Much Better With Age

 And now we see the light!

We changed all the flooring in our house, added beefier baseboards, crown moulding and doorway trim. It makes a world of difference.

Neutral foyer before and after / all new flooring - So Much Better With Age

I’m sorry, but who would put carpet up on that second level? Do you notice there’s even an electrical outlet??

I guess someone wanted a Christmas tree up there?

Neutral foyer before and after / before picture of outdated lighting - So Much Better With Age

Ahhhh so much better.

A couple of years ago we added new front doors. I took the shades off my Restoration Hardware chandelier (thanks for the tip, Tanis, my bestie).

Neutral foyer before and after / after picture of lighting - So Much Better With Age

Our 80s house was definitely dark and dingy when we bought it.

Neutral foyer before and after / before picture of staircase - So Much Better With Age

I’m all about light and white!

And I’m so excited about our newly painted staircase!!!

Neutral foyer before and after / painted staircase - So Much Better With Age

Just over a month ago my staircase was a dark stain when I showed you my gallery wall.

Neutral foyer before and after / dark staircase and gallery wall - So Much Better With Age

Now it’s finally brighter!

So I managed to get two coats of paint on the staircase by myself that totalled about 12 hours.

Then when I went to Haven I guess my hubby was sick of looking at a half finished staircase for over a month and so he arranged someone to come in and finish it for me (thanks boo)!

Neutral foyer before and after - beautiful staircase - So Much Better With Age

Oh yuck.

Neutral foyer before and after / picture of descending staircase - So Much Better With Age

You might recall my painted junky trunk. It’s still here!

Neutral foyer before and after / Junky trunk - So Much Better With Age

Neutral foyer before and after / staircase redone - So Much Better With Age

Neutral foyer before and after / wallpaper - So Much Better With Age

Neutral foyer before and after / painted walls - So Much Better With Age

The main floor is Country Beige by Behr and the upper floor is Seaside Sand by Behr.

I like the slight contrast in color. It’s just a touch lighter on the upper floor.

Neutral foyer before and after / Behr pain - So Much Better Wth Age

So yeah, I love my foyer now!

Neutral foyer before and after / pictures of foyer - So Much Better With Age

What about you? Do you love a good before and after? Don’t you find paint makes a world of difference?

 And here are my paint colors again:

Top walls:  

behr-seaside-sand-2 - So Much Better With Age

Bottom walls:

behr-country-beige-2 / So Much Better With Age

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. imnotatrophywife says

    July 23, 2014 at 5:05 am

    Hi Jamie- Love it! laura

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      July 23, 2014 at 10:46 pm

      Thanks so much, Laura 😉
      Hugs,
      Jamie

      Reply
      • Lauren Beyer says

        February 19, 2018 at 4:50 pm

        Beautifully done! I have been searching for a neutral for my home. I’m going to give the Country Beige, super excited! May I ask you what color you painted the back of your door? Thank you so much for your inspiration!

        Reply
        • Jamie says

          February 20, 2018 at 12:48 pm

          Hi Lauren,
          Country Beige is such a nice warm neutral! The front door was custom made and I believe it was a charcoal grey color even though it appears black. I sold those house a couple of years ago so I can’t double check.
          Hugs, Jamie

          Reply
  2. jillkraai says

    July 23, 2014 at 8:06 am

    Love the script rug! Where is it from?

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      July 23, 2014 at 10:43 pm

      It’s from Ballard Designs and I LOVE it!
      Hugs,
      Jamie

      Reply
  3. [email protected] says

    July 23, 2014 at 11:25 am

    Oh my gosh Jamie its STUNNING!!! Sooo in love with the new look!! xo, amy

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      July 23, 2014 at 10:44 pm

      Awww, thanks Amy!
      Hugs,
      Jamie

      Reply
  4. Colleen says

    July 23, 2014 at 1:35 pm

    Hi Jamie, it looks great! I’m getting ready to do mine when the kids go back to school. Did you first put on shellac so you wouldn’t have bleed through, or did you just paint it? I have blond oak, which tends to bleed.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      July 23, 2014 at 10:41 pm

      Hi Colleen,
      I primed with Zinsser 1-2-3 then many coats of a white latex enamel!
      Good luck!
      Hugs,
      Jamie

      Reply
  5. Jenna says

    July 24, 2014 at 6:49 am

    Looks SO good! I love the rug, and love the white banister!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      August 15, 2014 at 11:24 pm

      Thanks girl 😉

      Reply
  6. Jen @ Migonis Home says

    July 24, 2014 at 1:10 pm

    a 100000000000 times better. 🙂

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      August 15, 2014 at 11:24 pm

      Awww thanks girl 😉

      Reply
  7. BrocanteuseRose says

    July 24, 2014 at 1:28 pm

    Oooh lala!!!! Simply gorgeous!!!! Love it and the decor… total eye candy!!!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      August 15, 2014 at 11:25 pm

      Thanks darling!!

      Reply
  8. Mari Gonzalez says

    July 25, 2014 at 10:13 am

    Love all the details! Great job!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      August 15, 2014 at 11:34 pm

      Thanks so much 😉

      Reply
  9. mlskidmore says

    July 25, 2014 at 7:20 pm

    LOVE your foyer! Shared it on my FB page tonight! 🙂 Life to the full! Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      August 15, 2014 at 11:32 pm

      Thanks so much, Melissa!
      Hugs,
      Jamie

      Reply
  10. Shayna @ The Wood Grain Cottage says

    July 26, 2014 at 9:56 am

    So pretty! I’m in love with how light and bright it is! 😀

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      August 15, 2014 at 11:32 pm

      Thanks girl 😉

      Reply
  11. April Hoff says

    July 29, 2014 at 5:21 am

    Your foyer is looking amaaaaazing! I am always obsessed with your accessories, but that painted trunk is absolutely delicious! I love the painted staircase too!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      August 15, 2014 at 11:31 pm

      Awww, thanks so much April!! That means so much to me 😉
      Hugs,
      Jamie

      Reply
  12. Krista thehappyhousie says

    July 29, 2014 at 7:41 am

    Jamie it is absolutely stunning and even more stunning because of the before. Wowza. Awesome job girl!! And the railings look fab – all the hours were worth it.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      August 15, 2014 at 11:30 pm

      Thanks girl! And yes, totally worth it 😉
      Hugs,
      Jamie

      Reply
  13. Jeanette @ Creating a Life says

    July 31, 2014 at 8:11 pm

    The wood was pretty, but the white is gorgeous! The whole space looks great, and I still love that trunk 🙂

    Jeanette

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      August 15, 2014 at 11:29 pm

      Aww, thanks Jeanette!

      Reply
  14. [email protected] Blue Clear Sky says

    August 2, 2014 at 10:51 am

    Wow, your foyer is huge and so much prettier now that is light and bright. The front doors seem more intentional painted dark beside the other white doors. We painted the interior of our front door black too, although it is much less dramatic in our tiny foyer. I really like the RH light fixture too. Happy Weekend.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      August 15, 2014 at 11:28 pm

      Thanks so much, Elizabeth, it’s made such a huge difference 😉
      Hugs,
      Jamie

      Reply
  15. Krista thehappyhousie says

    August 5, 2014 at 10:37 pm

    I love this transformation so much Jamie…you are my hostess pick of the week tomorrow at WIW!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      August 15, 2014 at 11:25 pm

      Thanks again, Krista!!
      Hugs,
      Jamie

      Reply
  16. Marie says

    August 22, 2014 at 12:11 pm

    I think it’s fabulous and about that ledge with the outlet. You could decorate it and add lights for holidays.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      August 22, 2014 at 11:18 pm

      I know! I’ve thought of that. That outlet doesn’t work though 🙁
      Hugs,
      Jamie

      Reply
  17. Tess says

    August 22, 2014 at 12:28 pm

    Thank you, thank you, thank you for listing your paint colors!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      August 22, 2014 at 11:18 pm

      Awww, you’re welcome Tess!
      Hugs,
      Jamie

      Reply
  18. Ruth Yoder says

    August 22, 2014 at 1:08 pm

    It looks absolutely beautiful! Can I ask what color you used on the door? I painted mine black and it just doesn’t seem to work

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      August 22, 2014 at 11:21 pm

      Ruth, you’re going to laugh (or maybe cry), my front doors are actually painted this ugly brownish color but in photos they look black. I’ve been meaning to paint them black for some time. When I DO paint them, I’ll be painting them a charcoal grey because actual black would be too stark. Try a deep or charcoal grey. That might make it a bit softer but give you the same effect. I’ll be posting when I do my door too.
      Hugs,
      Jamie

      Reply
  19. williams8352 says

    August 22, 2014 at 9:09 pm

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!! What a transformation! You’re right, who in their right mind would carpet an area no one steps on and gets incredibly dusty. But the outlet, pure genius! I love to decorate a lot for holidays (Christmas really). Having an outlet there would be so helpful, for me anyway. Beautiful entry!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      August 22, 2014 at 11:17 pm

      I know! I think that’s what it was originally for. Sad part is that outlet doesn’t work 🙁 I love decorating for Christmas too. Thanks so much for your sweet comment.
      Hugs,
      Jamie

      Reply
      • williams8352 says

        August 22, 2014 at 11:26 pm

        Get it repaired! 😉 Too bad it doesn’t work. The transformation is beautiful. Gives me hope for our entry. 😉

        Reply
  20. Kelly Brooks Guadalupe says

    August 23, 2014 at 7:53 am

    Amazing! !!!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      September 10, 2014 at 10:33 pm

      Thanks Kelly 😉

      Reply
  21. Kristy says

    September 8, 2014 at 1:14 am

    Gorgeous Jamie! I can’t believe the difference! I also have a white painted staircase and the builder couldn’t believe I didn’t want a dark wooden one. Best decision I ever made! I love your new doors and everything is just beautifully updated and so light and bright. Oh and great job ‘starting’ the staircase… 😉 your hubby sounds a lot like mine. Thank goodness for amazing partners. 😀

    Hugs and again- beautiful! xo

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      October 15, 2014 at 8:58 pm

      Kristy, you’re so sweet, thanks so much. Love your blog 😉
      Hugs, Jamie

      Reply
  22. Lisa Stammer says

    October 1, 2014 at 1:28 pm

    Hey Jamie – where did you get the rug at your front door?? LOVE it!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      October 15, 2014 at 9:02 pm

      Hi Lisa, I bought that rug at Ballard online and love it! Here is the link: http://www.ballarddesigns.com/le-poeme-indoor-2foutdoor-rug/outdoor-living/category/indoor-outdoor-rugs/13282
      Hugs, Jamie

      Reply
  23. James Lewin says

    April 9, 2015 at 2:01 am

    Great transformation-home owners version of a frog that turns into Prince. What is the thought behind two different wall colors in the foyer? Thanks

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      April 21, 2015 at 9:56 pm

      Thanks James! For the wall color, I liked the bottom part to be a touch darker than the top just to ground it a bit more 😉

      Reply
  24. Jeanine says

    April 20, 2015 at 9:40 am

    Your foyer is absolutely stunning! I love every detail. Do you mind if I ask what color did you paint the entry doors? Your whole home is gorgeous!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      April 21, 2015 at 10:01 pm

      Thanks Jeanine! I’ve been wanting to paint the doors black (they look black in photos) but they are chocolate brown. They are new doors and it’s the darkest color they could be ordered in. My plan was to always paint them black.
      Hugs, Jamie

      Reply
  25. sarah says

    May 27, 2015 at 7:21 pm

    Hey, so sorry if I missed this in the post, but did you cut the carpet on the sides of the stairs? It looks like it went all the way to the edge before and then now you can see wood on the sides? Just curious…

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      June 12, 2015 at 11:32 pm

      No they’ve always been that way, Sarah. We had the hardwood installed first and they did a portion on both sides of the stairs then the carpet was laid down the stairs.
      Hugs, Jamie

      Reply
      • Stacy says

        August 24, 2015 at 10:24 pm

        What a great idea! Nothing is worse than vacuuming the corners of the stairs! And what a great look for not much money! I am hoping for our wood floors before too much longer, so it’s something to keep in mind.
        Thanks!

        Reply
  26. Linda says

    October 16, 2015 at 6:22 am

    Did you remove the wall paper in the foyer or paint over it?

    Reply
  27. Anita says

    October 16, 2015 at 3:56 pm

    Nope, sorry – I cannot agree with all the positive comments here. WAY too neutral and white for me. And the script rug is so trendy. But I would never have bought a house with this design – I don’t like the high entryway. And I think painting all the staircase balusters and bannisters white is really just awful: at the very least I would have used a (at least slightly!) contrasting color for the two. But I’ve never lived in a house that wasn’t at least 50 years old, and more likely 100 or 200, so this contemporary style just doesn’t do it for me.

    Takes all kinds!

    Reply

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