As we’ve been planning through every living space, we realized that our house is unintentionally very light and neutral. We opted to paint all the walls white when we renovated and will add in color over time. Now that we’re 2 years into this reno I want to add richness to our entry vestibule. So here’s my inspiration, palette and ideas for our classic and moody entry vestibule!
Is “entry vestibule” the correct term for this space? It’s a tight 5’x4′ entry that provides enough cover and separation when you come in to shake off the snow/rain but not enough space for storage or a mudroom.
Since the entry vestibule is the first impression someone will have of our home, I want it to set the tone for a classic home. Mike and I, although young, have a very old style and appreciate timeless details. To create some interest in the vestibule, I’m leaning towards more traditional wainscoting or board and batten with an inner edge/border.
These are current wainscoting inspirations on my Pinterest Board:
What do you think about the wainscoting? I am open to wallpaper but Michael is opposed because of how many layers we removed from the house the last two years, so paint will have to suffice. Wallpaper is also so permanent and expensive, I’m not sure I will find something I want to commit to.
Regarding the flooring, I think it should be updated to tile so it’s easier to clean and keep neat. White and black tiles are classic and I am leaning towards a few
My board of inspiration is below and will be updated regularly so be sure to follow me on Pinterest!
Entry Vestibule Wish-List:
- Rich colors and texture. Wainscoting and a texture/print above – but nothing too busy, geometric, floral, metallic, or trendy.
- Storage hooks to hold the stroller
- Umbrella rack
- Add a light!
- Herringbone floors are a pipe dream because I don’t think we should take up the existing perfectly good wood to replace with…wood. IF we redo the entry flooring it will be to a tile variety.
- Set the tone for our home as sophisticated, neutral and well planned. This may seem odd but I want guests to know that our design decisions are intentional and purposeful.
- Mix of modern and classic/traditional design elements.
Budget and DIY Plans
This might sound unrealistic but our budget for the vestibule is $250. Yes, 250 United States dollars. Here’s why and how we’re going to use it:
- We are not going to hardwire the new light fixture. We haven’t decided on or purchased a light yet but whatever we pick will be frosted or have a hidden bulb so that we can use hockey puck lights and a remote. Why? Because we don’t want to undertake the expense of hardwiring a light – there is no accessible electrical source and we would have to open the vestibule and hallway ceilings.
- Thrift for new door hardware. Our main door is solid wood, has a leaded center window, and has character we want to keep so it is not changing. The door hardware, however, does not compliment it. I’ll be searching (estate sales, Facebook marketplace, neighborhood community board, etc) for restored hardware – preferably brass 😉
- We’ll be doing the wall details, painting, door refinishing and trim details ourselves. I’m excited to DIY an accent wall!
- We do not feel you need to spend more to get a higher end look. This opinion is controversial but I have seen spectacular designs and transformations completed with a small fund. A great example is one of my favorite bloggers, Jenna Sue, who elevated her master bathroom with a statement wall – all DIY, all affordable, and the look is spectacular.
What do you think? Would you go with wood paneling? Do you think my budget is reasonable? Are you scared to use wallpaper? Help me decide below 🙂
Tiarra
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