Today’s update combines three projects into one room refresh—so yes, it’s a 3-in-1 reveal, and we’re celebrating the results. What began as a dark, generic builder-grade foyer is now a bright, welcoming modern farmhouse entry that finally feels like us.
When we moved into our cookie-cutter house in 2013, the foyer never quite felt finished. Last year we had a basic layout and a few pieces that worked, but the space still lacked personality and cohesion:
We started pulling the room together with a few smart secondhand finds from Craigslist and thrift stores, a runner, and a mirror we refreshed ourselves. Those pieces gave the room a foundation, but it wasn’t until we clarified our decor direction that the foyer really came together. Once we embraced modern farmhouse style, everything started to make sense.
The first dramatic change was installing a shiplap wall. That single addition changed the scale and feel of the space, and from there the rest of the makeover flowed naturally.
After the shiplap went up, the console table became the next target. We had scored a perfectly sized table on Craigslist for $50, but the paint job was lackluster. It was a great candidate for a furniture makeover.
For the makeover I used Fusion Mineral Paint in the shade Ash to create a bold contrast against the shiplap. The paint has a matte finish but rich depth and dimension, which made the table feel substantial and modern. On top I nailed pine planks and finished them with my usual DIY stain for a rustic wood surface that added warmth and texture.
With the table transformed, styling the space was the fun part. I used a mix of thrifted finds, DIY accessories, and inexpensive accents to keep the budget low while achieving a layered, intentional look. Book page botanical prints I made fit perfectly on the shiplap, and a neutral runner unifies the foyer with the adjacent rooms.
Small, affordable touches make a big difference. I decorate with old books found at thrift stores for pennies, and small plants in woven pots from Ikea bring life to shelves and tabletops. I’m not great at keeping live plants alive, so faux greenery is a reliable option too if you’re like me.
Some of my favorite decor elements came from thrift stores and online marketplaces. A vintage desk fan I found was an inexpensive, charming accent despite not working. A picnic basket purchased on a thrifting trip got a quick gray wash to tone down yellow-orange wood and now hides everyday clutter like leashes and gloves. A metal scroll lamp from Goodwill received a new shade and now provides soft layered light.
One sentimental piece I kept is my grandparents’ old suitcase, which sits tucked under the console table. It belonged to them on their honeymoon more than sixty years ago and adds a personal touch and history to the vignette.
Overall, I’m thrilled with how the foyer greets guests now—a bright, cohesive entry that flows into the dining room and complements the rope chandelier there. It proves what you can achieve by combining DIY updates, thrifted treasures, and a clear design direction.
Budget and Sources
Shiplap wall – $140 (DIY)
Makeover console table – $62 (paint and materials; painted in Ash)
Runner – $90
DIY book page botanical art – $56 (DIY)
DIY sphere pendant light – $25 (DIY)
Desk fan – $10 (vintage find)
Picnic basket – $2 (thrifted and gray-washed)
Plant and pot – $12
Lamp – $14 (thrifted, new shade added)
Assorted small decor (letters, bottles, books, suitcase, basket) – free or previously owned
Grand total: $411
For a full, budget-friendly modern farmhouse foyer makeover, focus on one major architectural update (like shiplap), refresh a key furniture piece, and add personality with thrifted accents and DIY art. I’ll be sharing another reveal soon—there’s one more big update coming later this week. Stay tuned!
