Come on in and take a stroll through the foyer. Not a wildlife walkabout — just a quick tour of the updates we’ve made here. Over the past year the space has been brightened up (we swapped out a heavy, dark foyer table and the slate floor) and layered with tone-on-tone textures in the light fixture, mirror, and woven baskets. Below are photos and notes on what changed. Safari hat optional.
Here’s a before shot from a similar angle so you can see the difference:
Back to the after — much lighter and airier.
Quick paint and finish notes: the walls are Edgecomb Gray by Benjamin Moore, trim is Simply White by Benjamin Moore, and the ceiling is Revere Pewter — a slightly deeper gray-taupe than the walls. The floors are oak hardwoods with a Provincial stain by Minwax. We also darkened the handrail to coordinate with the black-and-white stair runner. That covers the main paint and stain details for this area.
We moved our star light to the beach house because it was a touch too large for our 8′ foyer and forced tall guests to duck. The beach house has taller ceilings, so the star fits there perfectly. Meanwhile, we installed a new pendant that’s become a focal point in this space.
I love capiz, so this capiz-and-metal chandelier was an easy choice. Its lighter, softer feel suits the small foyer and the warm gold finish pairs well with the woven blinds on the first-floor windows. You can glimpse those shades in the adjoining rooms when standing in the foyer.
The mirror is also from the same brand and was one I watched for a long time until I snagged it on sale. It was a splurge, but it’s worth it every time I walk past. Unfortunately it later sold out, which reminded me that items you love can disappear — so if you see a great price, it might be worth jumping on it.
Not all the pieces are still available, but there are very similar options for the table and baskets. Our woven baskets are practical and often hold dress-up clothes, stuffed animals, or occasionally a child whose head is the only visible part — a source of endless laughter.
The large glass jar is handy for seasonal decor — we use it for an Easter tree made from a yard branch and small egg ornaments. The cozy sweater-covered vase isn’t available anymore, but similar wrapped or knitted pot covers exist. I’m also obsessed with a faux ginkgo branch that adds a warm yellow accent, which works well in fall and feels cheerful year-round.
This foyer includes two closets; one we converted into a toy and game closet using a track-shelving system. That storage has been invaluable for the last several years. It keeps toys organized and out of sight in the living room while remaining easily accessible for play.
Having toy storage centrally located on the main floor makes it easy to keep the living room tidy. We still have fewer toys than we once did, which was a deliberate choice that simplified life and clutter. Additional toys and games live upstairs in built-ins and the kids’ rooms.
The colorful art beside the door is by Teil Duncan, and the front door is painted Blue Lake by Benjamin Moore on both sides. The kids’ portrait visible in some shots is a favorite and has its own post where we share more about it and other artists we love.
To help visualize the overall look, here’s a quick “get the look” list: capiz light, colorful art, inlay mirror, faux ginkgo stem, a couple of design books, large glass vase, wrapped vase, acrylic table, Edgecomb Gray walls, Simply White trim, Blue Lake door, woven baskets, and bamboo blinds. These layered elements create the light, textured foyer we enjoy today.
Thanks for joining this short indoor walkabout. No giraffes this time, but I hope you enjoyed the tour.
If you’re curious about additional sources seen in background shots, there’s a full house source page that lists paint colors and many items used throughout our home.
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