This post is sponsored by Lowe's.
After testing paint colors for months and finally deciding to update a thrifted cabinet, our foyer feels like a brand-new space. We’re nearly finished—there’s just one small project left—but the transformation already feels complete.
It’s amazing how a handful of affordable DIY updates and three decor pieces under $300 from Lowe’s completely changed the entryway’s look and mood.
The entry now reads like a polished, intentional space, but we achieved it with low-cost projects: paint, a stain refresh, a lamp, a vase, and a rug. Below are the exact changes we made and why they worked so well for a small colonial foyer.
1. Paint Stair Risers
Adding a runner has been on my to-do list, but painting the stair risers in HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams Willowleaf gave the stairs a dramatic update on its own. A single gallon of paint brightened and defined the staircase, creating a strong visual spine for the foyer.
For trim, doors, cabinets, and other high-traffic areas, choose an acrylic urethane enamel; it dries to a durable, easy-to-clean finish. We used the HGTV Home Interior & Exterior Door & Trim paint and have been pleased with its resilience against everyday wear from kids and foot traffic.
2. Contrast the Trim
Giving the trim its own color makes an entryway feel deliberate and memorable. We chose a semigloss sheen for contrast to catch light and make the molding stand out against the walls. If your home’s trim is all white and feels flat, a contrasting color can instantly add character and depth.
3. Paint Doors a Pop of Color
Painting doors a bold or unexpected color is one of the most effective, budget-friendly ways to elevate your home. We painted the back of our new front door the same hue as the trim and stair risers; matching these elements ties the whole entry together and visually enlarges the space.
(For comparison, here’s the foyer with the previous door—the changes really make a difference.)
4. Gel Stain Your Old Furniture
Refinishing a secondhand cabinet with gel stain was a game changer. For under $40 we transformed the piece into a classic, neutral wood tone that complements our hardwood floors. I used Minwax Gel Stain in Coffee; the process took about six hours of hands-on work (not including drying time), and the result looks custom and durable.
5. Add Cozy Lighting
A table lamp instantly makes an entry feel warm and lived-in. We added a soft white-bulb ceramic lamp from Lowe’s to create a gentle, welcoming glow. Layered lighting—overhead plus table or accent lamps—helps set mood and invites guests into the home.
6. Go Big With Greenery
Tall stems in a large vase add instant drama and scale. We used oversized faux stems in a smoked glass vase to create height and visual interest; if you have large branches or foliage in your yard, they work beautifully here as well. Greenery brings texture and life to an entry without crowding the space.
7. Try the Unexpected Red Theory
To add warmth and a sense of history, we incorporated the “unexpected red theory” with an antique red wool rug from Lowe’s. A single red accent—whether a rug, lamp shade, or pillow—can make a room feel richer and more intentional. Wool rugs are particularly practical in entryways because they resist stains and wear well over time.
We plan to tweak the frames on our family gallery wall up the stairs, but already the foyer feels more cohesive with the house’s colonial character. These small, targeted changes created a lasting impact without a major renovation.
Foyer Decorating Sources
Below are the main products and finishes we used to achieve this look. Checking Lowe’s for lamps, rugs, and vases was a pleasant surprise—there were plenty of stylish options at reasonable prices.
- Trim color: HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams Willowleaf
- Cabinet finish: Minwax Gel Stain, Coffee
- Antique red wool rug (Lowe’s)
- Off-white ceramic table lamp (Lowe’s)
- Smoked glass vase (Lowe’s)
- Candle and accessories
- Black & white picture frames (similar)
- Antique gold mirror (similar)
More Entryway Decorating Ideas
Entry Table Decor – How to Style Step by Step Like a Pro
How to Hang a Gallery Wall Perfectly Every Time