It's One Room Challenge time again! I seriously contemplate not joining in every single time but I LOVE the blogging camaraderie during the challenge. I talk myself out of doing the challenge and then I feel left out, so then I talk myself right back into it. It's crazy, I tell you. Anyways, this time around I'm doing an Entryway Makeover for the One Room Challenge! I'm really excited because our entryway is a sad, dark, uninspiring place. Before I share all the "before" pictures with you, let me catch you up on what the challenge is if you are totally confused at this point.
Twice a year, Linda from Calling It Home hosts the One Room Challenge (ORC). Designers and bloggers take on redecorating and renovating one space during the challenge and the challenge runs for 6 weeks. So, every week during those six weeks, I will provide you with a weekly update. I'll also link to lots of other participants in the challenge, so you can follow along and be inspired by all the amazing talent involved with this event.
Before jumping forward to the challenge, let's take a walk down memory lane. We're going back to two of my favorite ORC reveals.
Mid-Century Dining Room
Eat In Kitchen
So, this year... I've decided to tackle the entryway area.
For a LONG time, we've wanted to change out our front doors.
The misaligned hardware drives me nuts, but more than that, the glass is so dated and doesn't allow any light in.
The doors stick in the summer when the humidity is high, so that's another problem.
Right when you walk in, you are greeted with this view.
I really want to axe it all to freshen-up the space, but the budget doesn't allow that.
For sure, these lights are getting the boot.
Some people could make those lights work, but they really just don't work with my decor style.
I'd love to get rid of the scroll work on the railings, but I'm not sure time/budget is going to allow that. Painting the railing is always a possibility. If I did that, I'm thinking a deep gray/almost black color (the same color as our kitchen cabinets). Thoughts?
The interior doors are all bad. They don't have any mechanical issues but they are just dated and the way the panels are set in; it's just a major dust trap. The hardware on all the doors used to be a tacky gold (you know, the fake looking shiny gold). I spray painted them the first year that we were here to change them without spending money. The paint is flaking off now, and let's be honest... spray painting hardware just doesn't last.
The gallery wall in the loft is so old! I hope to update the pictures but keep the layout the same.
Again, these doors are all dated as are the hardware. The door to the garage is missing weather stripping, so that's another problem that we need to take care of.
As you can see, we have quite a bit to do! Not a gut renovation, by any means, but just a lot of small tweaks. I'm hopeful that all these tweaks with decor will transform this space!
Lizzie Ravn
Yay, you're in again! That all sounds very exciting. I love the idea of dark railings. With the right saw, could you just cut the scrollwork off and sand it?
Ashley Mayes
I need to look into that. I'm just nervous it wouldn't be a clean cut...but I'm off to do some research!
Kristi
I also love the idea of dark railings. What do you think of encasing the scrolled part with 1/4" plywood panels for an interesting metal and wood railing?
Cassie Bustamante
can't wait to see what you do- i always love your spaces!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks girl! We are doing similar spaces.... I'm excited!
Kristi Mercer
You've got some great bones to start with here! Cannot wait to see what you do with it Ashley!
Ashley Mayes
I agree! Good bones, just needs a good update. Hopefully, it turns out good!
the cape on the corner
can't you just take sawzall or other saw to the scrolls? we did that to our railings a few years ago and it made a huge change in terms of modernizing, to me. you might not be able to if that leaves too much space in between that a child could stick their head in tho. we just swapped in and welded some plain railing pieces in. can't wait to see your changes!
b
Ashley Mayes
I need to look into that! Did you post a tutorial on it?
Gina
Entryway was the first thing I did when I started making over the house. It was dark. Glass insert was a game changer. Looks like you have good bones. I like the dark gray paint on the railings, should be dramatic!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Gina! I'm hoping the new front doors will bring in a lot of light! Crossing my fingers that that's the case anyways!
Robin from Frugal Family Times
I'm really excited to see what you do, Ashley! That front door hardware would drive me nuts, too!
Ashley Mayes
it's so bad!! I'm excited to tackle this entryway! It should be fun!
Brit | House Updated
I just can't wait to see all you do in here! You have such great style and I know whatever you do will be awesome, as always.
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Brit! It should be a good transformation. I'd love to take down all the texture on the walls but I think that's just asking for problems - that circle staircase is the issue! Can you image trying to drywall that?!
Ariel
You've got your work cut out for you! Hopefully it can all align with the help of some good ole' fashioned DIY and power tools. If anyone can do it, I know it's you!
Ashley Mayes
Haha, thanks Ariel! I hope so! Lots of work to be done for sure.
Kristen
You have a great entryway to makeover! I love the space! I think the dark railings would look really good. Can't wait to follow along with your transformation.
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Kristen! The railings definitely need something ... just not sure how far to take the project. They weigh a ton so if I take them out... I just want to be sure that I'll love them.
Kate Smith
Can't wait to see how you transform this entryway!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Kate! I'm excited to get working!
Brittany Goldwyn
I can't wait to follow along with your makeover. I've loved all of your past makeovers, and you have such a unique-looking space to work with. It might be dated, but the bones are there!!
Ashley Mayes
Yay! Thanks Brittany! I always enjoy hearing your comments.
Emy
I love your home. It fills me with nostalgia. The scrolls can probably just be cut off. I can't wait to see what you do. I know it will be amazing!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Emy! I think I'm going to go for scroll cutting. Wish me luck!
Bre
Can't wait to follow along on this space! I know you're going to make it just as pretty as the rest of your house!
Ashley Mayes
I hope so! It's definitely one of my most challenging spaces.
Thalita
Well, Ashley, this is bound to be another gorgeous transformation from you. And I do think that painting the stair railing the same colour as your cabinets will make them instantly fit in more with your home!
Ashley Mayes
You are so sweet girl! I'm going for the stair railing. Hope to have something to show this week!
Lindi
What an ambitious space to tackle! I always find open spaces like this hard, where do you stop and start the design?! I'm sure I'll love anything you do! So excited to see!
Ashley Mayes
You said it! I'm scared because it's definitely a challenging space!
Susie
What a cool space! The shape is so interesting, I can't wait to see what you come up with. Love that we are both doing an entryway for the ORC and that Mid-Century Dining Space !? How did I just see that? Love.
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Susie! Ha. Mid-Century is my favorite but I can't go full-on in this style of home.
Kendra @ www.joyinourhome.com
Your entry way has some gorgeous structure to it already, Ashley! Can't wait to see what you do!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Kendra!
Stephanie Rech
This looks like a fun transformation ahead!!! I cant' wait to see how this all comes together - the bones are great!
Cheers!!!
-Stephanie
Ambience Inspired Interiors
Ashley Mayes
Thansk Stephanie! The bones are definitely there... it just needs alot of work!
Iris Nacole
If you have anything to do with it, this space will be amazing no matter what you decide. I'm excited to follow along!
Ashley Mayes
Oh Iris, thanks girl!
Amanda
Can't wait to see the finished! Happy Friday!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Amanda! I can't wait either!
Sarah
I think painting the railings a dark color would look great! I looooved your fall ORC dining room so I cannot WAIT to see how your transform this space.
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Sarah! I'm definitely going for the railings. Hoping to take one off today to test it out.
Erin
Im so excited to see this makeover! I think the new doors alone can make a big impact!! Anxious to see how the railing turns out.
Ashley Mayes
I do too!! Operation railing hopefully starts today!
Cecilia Cannon
Love your space!! I clicked over to see your post cause last spring I did our entryway too. I cannot wait to see our progress and final reveal. good luck!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Cecilia! Entryways can definitely be challenging. I hope this one comes along.
Eliesa
Your house is one of my favorites, so I'm excited to see the end result of this challenge! Love the idea of painting the railing dark. I'll be back - good luck!!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Eliesa! Getting ready to tackle the railing today! HopefullY!
Lynn Spencer
Wow! You are tackling ALOT!! If you can swing it, I think painting the iron railings would look fantastic. I can't wait to see how you make your front door and foyer mesh with the rest of your design aesthetic! It will be fun to watch. I'm sitting out the ORC this year, so get to sit back and live it vicariously.
Have fun!
Hugs, Lynn
Ashley Mayes
I know! It definitely feels like a lot of work! I'm hoping to try out the railing makeover this weekend!
Jessica
I absolutely love your foyer! I think you should paint the scrolls to add some interest. I felt like you kind of teased me a bit. We see all the boxes of goodies from your insta stories but no moodboard. I want to see the details and the door you chose. I am so bad.
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Jessica! Haha!! I had nothing to post for next week so I had to hold the mood board back!
Sarah
Can't wait to see what you do with this space, so much potnetial!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Sarah! I'm hoping it transforms to a much lighter space!
Rachel
This is going to be such a good makeover. So much potential for a gorgeous space!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Rachel! I hope I can capitalize on the potential!
Creatively Homespun
Your previous ORC Projects are amazing!! I'm so excited to have just "met" your blog during this challenge!! I'll be following along for sure and I can't wait to see how it turns out! xo
Ashley Mayes
Awww, you are so sweet! Thank you!
Michelle from Weekend Craft
I am so curious what you end up doing with the railings! I have been following on IG. Can't wait to see the transformation.
Ashley Mayes
Don't you get tired of me going on and on in my stories? Ha!!
Jessica
wow there's so much potential in this space! I subscribed to email, can't wait to see what you do!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Jessica! I'm really hoping it matches up to the potential that the space has!! We shall see!