What’s Next: Foyer, Stairway, & Hallway

Inspiration in my life ebbs and flows. Right now, I’m really inspired to finish decorating my home. I’d love to be able to call some room “finished”. Nothing is quite finished now, but I’ve decided to focus on 1-2 main areas at a time. Right now, my foyer and stairway/hallway have my utmost attention.
Here’s the combined punchlist and wishlist for this area:

Paint foyer: painted Sherwin Williams Sea Salt, which I already mentioned here – DONE!

Paint stairway: I’m sure I’ll need to either invest in or rent an adjustable ladder for this steep area. I also plan to purchase a paint sprayer, which will make the job much easier to get done.

Finish styling entryway console: This is almost done.  I gave you a sneak peak a few days ago, but I still have a little ways to go.  I’ve already customized my lamp shades by painting the exterior black and the interior gold, which you can see peeking out in the photo on the left.  I just need to finish up my DIY abstract art for the space.

Refinish stairs: I know that picture is really ugly & really grainy but it’s the only one I have to really drive home the dramatic ‘Before’ shot I’m going for.  We have all the supplies and tools on hand to tackle this one. Just need to find that illusive thing called “Time” in order to get it done. Anyone have some extra time to spare?

Install stair runner: I’ve been in love with this Dash & Albert rug/runner for as long as I can remember, so I’ve decided to use this as our stair runner. I estimate I’ll need about 3-4 8’ runners to get the job done. I really didn’t want to make that much of an investment, so I tried to go the more frugal route and find some runners I like from Home Goods. I found a really great one for $22, and I picked up 3 of them. Unfortunately, they were on clearance, and I needed 1 more which I could not find in the 4 stores I searched. Their inventory is not computerized, either, so hunting one down over the phone was a dead end, too. So, with my head hung low, I returned the 3 I had and decided to just go with the option I love. I made that decision around the same time as this post, so because ‘love’ trumps ‘expense’ in this case, I’ll be placing my order soon. I’m really just holding out for some special sale or something.

Finish hallway gallery wall: (no picture available) many of the frames are hanging. I just need to repaint some and fill others. This is a wall I plan to add to over the years with things (not photos) that are memorable to us.

Change second floor hallway light fixture: This one is already on the first floor. I’ve entertained the idea of getting the same one to install up there or moving the first floor fixture up there and finding something more dramatic for the foyer. What would you do?….Who am I kidding? Dramatic is my middle name, so I guess I’ll be moving this one upstairs and sourcing a one-of-a-kind (i.e., thrifted/vintage) option for the foyer.

Kilim rug runner: I really want a kilim runner for the foyer. It needs to be about 12’ long, though, so the pickings are either slim or really expensive. I still have my eyes peeled, though, because I haven’t found anything I love.  I’ve found some really nice options on Ebay, but nothing is ‘speaking’ to me just yet.

Pantry doors: We have ugly hollow core bi-fold doors there now, and I plan to reconfigure them to make them French doors. We’re going to paint them and add trim detailing. We have all the supplies and hardware on hand to get this project going, too. It’s just that sneaky “Time” thing we’re still trying to nail down.

Of course, I’ll update any and all progress here on the blog…