Dramatic Entry Make-Over

My husband and I recently decided that it was time to ditch our small, one-bedroom condo and move on up the property ladder to a new home. However, before we put our condo on the market, I wanted to make some adjustments. It's not easy for some people to imagine the possible potential of a given space, so I decided to make a pocket-friendly improvement that will help a buyer imagine themselves in our condo. After all, you only get one shot to make a first impression! Here is a sure-fire way to spruce up the entry to your house- prepare to watch the jaws drop of potential buyers, or house guests if you don't plan on selling!

 My inspiration for this project came from a post on Pinterest.com (as do many of my inspirations!)

This project works in ANY entry way and seriously can transform the look of your home! I'll take you step-by-step how my husband and I created ours...

Shopping List:

Here are the board sizes you will need- the lengths depend upon the size of the walls you are working with. 

3/4" x 6"- Horizontal pieces

3/4" x 3.5"- Vertical pieces

3/4" x 2.5"- Corner pieces and Top Ledge pieces

First, you need to determine if the corners of your walls need corner pieces. Where two walls meet, a corner piece is needed. If your door meets up in the corner (like the left side of our door) you do not need a corner piece in that corner. If your door doesn't touch any corners, you will need corner pieces in both corners.

Next, cut your 3/4" x 2.5" board. You'll need two pieces at 34.5" long and two pieces at 15" long.

If you have a table saw, all four pieces should be cut on one side down the length of the board at a 45 degree angle so that they meet up in the corner. (see picture to the right)

If you don't have a table saw, you can place the two pieces of wood against the wall just as shown, but leave a gap in the back so that only the front corners match up. (If you push one board all the way back against the corner, the two boards will become different widths) At this point, you are only nailing the 34.5" boards to the wall.

Do this on all necessary corners.

Once your corner pieces are in, you need to measure each wall and figure out how many vertical panes you want. Our largest wall was only 41.5 inches, so we decided to go with two panes.

Next, use a pencil and sketch out where your molding will go. I drew over my pencil lines so you could see them better. On your wall, the height placement of the wood should be the same, but the length of your boards will differ depending upon the width of your wall.

Once you have your boards drawn on the wall, it's time to start cutting! First, you'll need one 3/4" x 3.5" board cut 35.5" long and one 3/4" x 3.5" board cut 15" long. Then, you'll need two 3/4" x 6" board cut the same width of the wall. (This is based on two panes, if you want three panes, you will need one more of each vertical board.)

Start by nailing the 34.5" board at the bottom, and work your way up the wall.

Again, the length of all your horizontal boards will depend on the width of your wall.

The next step is to add wood filler to all the corners and nail holes. I used Elmer's Pro Bond WHITE.

Next, add the top ledge. This is a 3/4" x 2.5" piece of wood-
cut at the width of your wall.

Now you are ready for paint! I used Valspar's indoor paint and primer, white and eggshell finish and an angled brush.  

 ***PAINTING FYI***

Don't you hate when you wipe the brush on the side of the paint can, and all the excess paint somehow seems to find it's way down the side of the can? Just wrap a rubber band around the paint can! Now, just wipe your brush on the rubber band instead and all the excess pain drips right back into the can!

I totally get if you are reading this and feeling a little bit overwhelmed  but once you see this before and after shot you will realize it is totally worth it!

Good Luck, and Happy Inspiring!