This is one of the parts of my house I was most excited about remodeling. That might sound strange because it’s not an area you linger in, but it’s the first thing you see and it really was pretty dark and unattractive with it’s faded carpet-wrapped stairs, the broken cottage-style handrail and the cracked art deco lead-light window.

I replaced laminated flooring with more of the large scale matte gray tile I’ve used elsewhere throughout the house. The front doors are now modern aluminum frames with frosted glass inserts, creating a horizontal emphasis. The stairs of course make a big difference (see stair transformation here). I furnished the small space sparsely with a Parsons hall table that conceals shallow drawers to hold keys and the dog’s leash. Underneath, a pair of ottomans with removable lids provide extra storage. On the opposite wall, a Barcelona bench gives family members a place to sit and put on their shoes.

Updating the stairs made a big difference.

The front doors were centered and replaced with modern aluminum and glass doors.

The entrance now and as it was before.

The old entry.