Tour Our Rustic and Modern Entryway

See the transformation of our rustic and modern entryway and explore the design and decor items that bring charm to this space.

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While the whole house has seen its fair share of changes, this entryway is one that I am most fond of. From the brick to the barn wood to the built-ins, this space really reflects our style. Plus, it functions so well for us and what we need.

Of course, it didn’t start out that way…

Originally, this entrance was for the mother-in-law apartment that took up 1/3 of the home and the main entryway was on the north side. When we knocked that down (along with the divider wall), we made this space the main entrance.

And, like most things in our house, it’s been an evolution of changes ever since.

The white cabinet entryway

The first iteration of this space is what I now lovingly refer to as The One Room Challenge Entryway. It was the room that we chose to renovate for the One Room Challenge. We added a barn wood wall, white built-ins, a new door and window, and brick floor.

Unfortunately, Brett wasn’t as big a fan of the white as I was. And, in his defense, it really didn’t work for our life. Two black labs and #lakelife living do not mesh well with a white paint cabinet lifestyle. Add to that my first ever painting mistake: I selected flat white finish, meaning they were absolutely impossible to clean.

If there’s one thing you take away from today please have it be this: never, ever, ever choose flat finish paint. 🙂

Our rustic and modern entryway

Thus, the entryway kicked off our now all-too-common habit of redoing a room or space that has already been done. Because renovating a room once just isn’t enough for us, we have a tendency to go back and do it the same room again… and again (insert sarcastic tone here).

Kidding and sarcasm aside, I will say the entryway refresh was a much-needed change and the result is even better than expected. Plus, we’re several years in and there hasn’t been the desire to make any drastic changes.

Black door with interior brick pavers for flooring

Besides the issue of the white cabinets, the other big function problem was lack of storage and separation from the living room.

To help with this, we added a half-wall bench that now serves as a great storage area as well as a natural separation point from the living room and kitchen, without making the space feel cut off or minimized.

Modern and rustic entryway with built-ins and brick paver floor

We also wanted to make the built-ins more of a focal point so Brett built this new set to go around the window instead of just below and to the side. This feature is now one of my favorite spots to decorate, so I’d call it a win.

We also went from a double window on the south side to a single – an update that was the result of the other window changes we made in the living room and kitchen.

Last, but certainly not least, we repainted everything and went a little darker. From the door to the walls to the built-ins, I love how moody the colors feel against the barn wood. It really blends together the rustic and modern style.

So, what’s left to do to finish this rustic and modern entryway?

It would be lovely if I could tell you, “Absolutely nothing, this space is 100% complete!” But does that ever really happen?!

Touch up paint
Install a new front door
Install a screen door
Change out the white trim to something else (we’re still deciding how to best transition from white to wood)
Paint the interior window trim white

So, not too much left on the list and absolutely nothing that needs to be done immediately. But I haven’t decided if that’s a good thing or not. Because, here we are, nearly four years after the second go-round and those items still haven’t been done. Oh well, such is life 😛

All our best,