Entryway Makeover Plans: The Before Tour + What’s Next

The Jenny Lane Project | Entryway- Split Foyer Style

Welcome to the very first post in The Jenny Lane Project — my real-life journey of turning an average ’90s shotgun-style split foyer into a calm, clean, non-toxic home, one space at a time. And we’re starting exactly where everyone enters: the entryway. Honestly? It’s not the most welcoming space right now. And it’ll be a miracle if I don’t sprain my ankle in the process.

First Impressions Matter

When we moved into our ’90s split foyer, I knew the entryway was going to be one of the biggest design challenges — and one of the most important spaces to get right. If you’ve ever walked into a narrow split foyer, you know the drill: open the front door, and boom — you’re instantly perched on a tiny landing with a choice to go up or down.

Ours? It takes that awkward setup to the next level. It’s dark, tight, oddly echoey, and genuinely a little unsafe. I feel like I’m one misstep away from tumbling down the stairs every time I walk in. Nothing about it whispers, “You’re home.” It’s one of those spaces that sets the tone for the entire house — but right now, it feels more like a trip hazard than a welcome mat.

Do you have a split foyer or awkward entry space too? What’s worked for you? I’d genuinely love to hear your thoughts — or even your “ugh” moments. Drop a comment below or send me a DM over on Instagram. I’m all about embracing the messy middle.

But today I’m pulling back the curtain and showing you the real before — no filters, no fancy angles — plus the makeover plans I’ve mapped out to make this space safer, calmer, and more welcoming. And yes, we’re doing it all on a realistic, real-life budget. While this makeover has plenty of DIY spirit, we’re intentionally partnering with professionals on select elements to ensure everything is safe, functional, and beautifully executed. A thoughtful mix of hands-on work and expert help makes this transformation possible.

(Here’s what it really looks like…warts and all)

What We’re Working With

• Layout: Classic shotgun split — front door opens onto a small landing, with stairs up and down.
• Lighting: One painfully bright overhead light that feels more like an interrogation lamp than a welcome glow. We call it “The Sun!”
• Flooring: Thin laminate that feels flimsy and fake. It’s one of the first things I want gone.
• Stairs: Previously carpeted, now partially stained with glue remnants and patchy spots. Definitely unfinished.
• Trim: The quarter-round trim is bowed and popping out in places — nothing is properly secured.
• Vibe: Dark. Echoey. Cold. The opposite of inviting.

What I Can’t Change

Let’s be real: a full structural reno is not happening…ever. We won’t be knocking down walls or rebuilding the staircase anytime soon — it’s just not in the cards (or the budget). We have already agreed that this is not the “forever” home.

But that doesn’t mean we’re stuck! Small, intentional changes can still make a big impact.

I’m aiming for an atmosphere that’s modern English cottage meets mid-Atlantic charm. Earthy tones, worn-in textures, and nothing too precious. Think: warm woods, aged brass, cozy lighting, and calming neutrals. The kind of space that makes you exhale the second you walk in. Not gasp. I’m pretty sure the neighbors can hear my audible gasp whenever I find another fun DIY the previous owners passed down.

My Goals for the Entryway

Design Goals

• Better Lighting: Swap the harsh overhead sun for something softer and warmer. I already have the light picked out but 13 foot ceilings make changing fixtures a tall ask.
• Updated Flooring: Replace the laminate with something that’s durable, beautiful, and better underfoot. And if you missed my IG post, not worries, the house consensus on this is pretty clear.
• Stair Refresh: Refinish the stairs completely — no more glue-carpet bit blobs! Definitely add a runner for comfort and safety. Does anyone know a natural stair runner that two cats won’t decide to turn into their favorite scratch pad?
• Entry Table: Add a narrow, functional table for keys, sunglasses, and little everyday things.
• Layered Décor: A soft rug, mirror, meaningful art, and maybe a touch of greenery to breathe life into the space. I have a Kimono style robe that was my grandmothers-my grandfather brought it back from Okinawa after being stationed there. I would love to have it professionally framed and hung on the giant 13 foot wall that extends up from the foyer. Unfortunately, I’m supposed to stay on a realistic budget- so that’s a project for if/when this whole blogging idea takes off…

Wellness Goals

As a nurse, I’m always thinking about the way our environment affects our health. Even in a small space like the entryway, we can make thoughtful choices that support wellness:

• Use low-VOC paint to reduce toxins– I’ll be exploring Clare paints and crossing my fingers that there a couple comparable colors to my favorite Benjamin Moore tones.
• Choose natural fibers for rugs and runners- cat proof, of course
• Declutter the space to create a more grounded energy- while it isn’t cluttered now, the shoe situation is constantly getting out of control. Maybe the coat closet downstairs should be the next project? Let me know in the comments below what you’d like to see next.
• Improve lighting to reduce eye strain and support natural circadian rhythms- Honestly, we don’t even turn the current light on due to how bright it is.

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress — and creating a space that reflects our values and supports the way we actually live.

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My Entryway Makeover Plans

1. Replace the Flooring on the Landing
We’ll swap out the cheap laminate for ceramic tiles that look like real stone. The idea is to hold up to traffic, weather, and daily wear. This one change alone will make the whole entryway feel brighter and more grounded.

2. Paint + Patch
A fresh coat of soft, warm paint (I’m thinking greige or creamy white) will help lighten the whole space. I’ll also finally secure that rogue trim and patch any dings or gaps with care.

3. Update the Lighting
No more hospital-grade overheads or possible retina damage. I’ll have a pendant style chandelier installed with a softer, diffused glow. Cozy, not clinical — that’s the goal.

4. Revamp the Stairs
I’ll sand and paint the entire staircase- railings included. Then add a runner for both traction and comfort. All the cracked caulking will be replaced and hopefully, with some elbow grease, the stairs will look like new.

5. Add a Small Entry Table + Decor
Even a narrow table can do a lot — somewhere to drop keys, tuck a basket underneath, and add a little moment of beauty with a lamp, mirror, and seasonal florals or herbs. I have an antique drop leaf table already in place that fits like a dream. It is the exact width of the stairs so it looks like it was custom built for the space.

Timeline + What’s Next

This isn’t a weekend makeover — it’s a real-life, working-person project. I’ll be tackling it in conjunction with professionals over the next few weeks, starting with lighting and flooring, then moving to paint and stair updates. Why am I using professionals? I’ve got big remodeling dreams, but I’m not trying to end up on an episode of House Disasters Unleashed. Some jobs are best left to the pros. And the last thing I should be doing is tiling anything…ever again.

If you want to follow the process, I’ll be sharing progress over on Instagram Stories, and I’ll pin inspiration to my Entryway board on Pinterest as we go. Eventually, this space will become the soft landing it’s meant to be. But for now? I’m starting exactly where I’m at — with glue on the stairs, bowed trim, and all.

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The Jenny Lane Project Begins

This is the first step in The Jenny Lane Project — a three-year journey to turn our basic split foyer into a peaceful, non-toxic home that feels like a modern English cottage sanctuary.

If you’re into before-and-afters, cozy renovations, and creating a home that truly supports your health — I hope you’ll stick around.

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