DIY Front Entryway ideas: How to create a stunning first impression
Want a welcoming spot to greet family and friends? These DIY Front Entryway ideas will help you create a stunning first impression.
How important is a great first impression?
More than you might think. Since the front entrance is the first place people see as they enter your home, it’s worth taking some time make it warm and welcoming.
What started by me painting the interior of the front door on a whim, quickly snowballed into a complete makeover. Such is the life of a DIYer 🙂 See partner post below.
Front Entryway Design Dilemmas
Our front entryway is small and narrow and the footprint wasn’t going to change. The flooring was boring, dated and dark. It was definitely not the welcoming vibe I was after; more like a mix of left over decor I aimlessly threw together.
Front Entryway ideas: Where to start?
Begin by gathering front entry images (on Pinterest or Houzz) that suit your style. From feature walls to herringbone floors, there are countless inspiring options out there. Next, depending on which DIY projects you choose, check out Youtube for loads of helpful step by step tutorials on wall/flooring installation.
Two Simple DIY Front Entryway ideas
1. Board and Batten wall
Since we had a long boring wall, we knew we needed to begin by adding some visual interest. An easy way to do that is to construct a board and batten wall. (Why hadn’t we done this years ago??).
What we used: For our DIY board and batten wall, we used modern flat molding from Home Depot, a saw and a nail gun. It took us a day to build and a day to paint. Done and done.
In order to brighten up the lower wall, I painted it the same Benjamin Moore Decorator white (CC20) as our trim but in an a satin finish. Then I painted the top of the wall in a warm neutral that allows me to easily switch up décor.
Pro tip:
In a high traffic area like a front entrance, it’s helpful to have a paint finish that is easy to clean. More sheen means easier to clean.
Check out details on how to install a board and batten wall .
2. Flooring Upgrade
Next, it was time to address the floor. Once that beautiful wall went up and I could see the potential of the front entryway, I realized that the boring brown tile had to go.
Thankfully ,my hubby was fully onboard and before I could make us each another coffee, he was hammering out that ugly floor. (cue happy dance!)
Have your floors seen better days?
If you have never installed a floor before, you’ll be happy to know there are easy DIY options at many home improvement stores. Starting with a smaller area, like an entryway is probably a good idea for a first time flooring project.
Furthermore, if you’ve ever removed old tile, you know it’s not a particularly fun job but when you have a small space it doesn’t actually take too long. And I promise, it’s worth it! You will forget about the dust when you see a gorgeous new floor in its place 🙂
See details on how to install vinyl plank flooring here.
DIY Front entryway flooring considerations
Once we had everything removed, then it was back to Home Depot to find an easy and affordable floor option. Since the rest of the main floor is hardwood, I wanted something that was light in colour to brighten the whole area.
LVP for the win:
Because I wanted the look of tile, with the ease of click installation, this Drop Lock Luxury Vinyl Plank was the perfect choice.
The LVP flooring clicks together and given the small entry size, it was easy enough to install ourselves in a day. And what an instant transformation!
Light and bright new look: In addition to making the space feel bigger, both the light new flooring and board and batten wall brightened up what was once a dark cramped front entryway.
All styled up: Adding a new table and stool completed the comfortably elevated look I was going for. Gold decor options like these thrifted brass candlesticks and scallop bowl are an affordable way to add some elegance.
This console table is from HomeSense/Winners but I found a similar 4 drawer console table that is also gorgeous.
Check out all more front entry details in the partner post Interior front door makeover DIY.
These two DIY front entryway ideas took one weekend each. I can honestly say it was time well spent!
In the end, the front entrance has been transformed into a warm and welcoming spot to greet friends and family. And since I designed this space to be able to change with the seasons…Welcome Spring!! Enjoy your run until Summer is here 🙂
Check out these other inspiring HGTV Front Entryway ideas.
More DIY ideas
If you liked these DIY Front Entryway ideas, you might also like these other DIY projects.
