Every now and then in between building projects I try to focus on spaces in our home. Today I’m sharing a front foyer makeover. We all know the power of paint and this space is further proof that one small change of color can make a huge difference.
A foyer makeover in an antique farmhouse. See how a little paint can transform a space and enhance the historical beauty of 300 year old wood floors.
I probably should’ve shown you the before first so you can truly appreciate the makeover. You can see down below in the before photo the beige walls were making everything look yellow. It was a nice warm glow but I wanted the original wood floors to be the star of the show in this space.
This is technically the front door of our 1740 farmhouse and I can imagine way back in the day how many people passed in and out (probably not this actual door but rather a more crude version). We don’t actually use this door on a regular basis except for the occasional stranger ringing the bell.
For this foyer makeover I choose to paint the walls Benjamin Moore simply white. And I’ve used this color in nearly all the original parts of our home: the master bedroom, dining room, upstairs hallway and loft because I think the white walls let the history do the talking. The white contrasts so beautifully against the wood floors and painted trim.
Paint Details:
Below are the specific details on the paints I used for this foyer makeover.
The front foyer includes one of my most favorite features of our home, the original butterfly stairs. This staircase is nearly 300 years old and shows every bit of wear and tear in the original wood.
You can see below the previous wall color was more yellow, muted and dusty looking. The fresh white gives an updated feel to an antique home.
Below is the view from the living room through the foyer and into the master bedroom. I really wish I had a before shot of this view when we moved in but sadly I don’t. Trust me it’s a whole different space.
I’ve tackled quiet a few spaces in our home with this same paint combination of simply white on the walls and london fog on the trim.
The kids loft space.
The upstairs hallway:
I hope you enjoyed your visit in our home. It’s been a joy making over each space and I truly cherish each quirky floor board, every door that’s not square and all the nuances that come with living in an antique home. Please follow me on social media for sneak peeks and more project inspiration:
What a difference the new paint makes! Your home is gorgeous, I love the floors!
I love the white, fresh and crisp!
I love your home, my ex and I bought a really old farmhouse but were never able to do the work so I enjoy seeing others complete theirs.
Came by way of pinterest where you showed an upgrade of your kitchen which was beautiful BTW and am wondering if you would kindly share measurements with me re the size of both cupboards flanking your stove. Reason; my stove is beside a door way and I would like to add a countertop space beside it and am researching about how much is considered functional by someone who has a similar layout. THANK YOU SO MUCH and with appreciation of your input …. -Brenda-
P.S.: Your home is lovely! As for myself, I am currently doing upgrades room by room beginning with four bathrooms (two down and two more to go) but the kitchen is slated as well.
I just want to say that I love all the patina on your dark and exposed woods, all marks and the proof that it each planks has been loved for hundreds of years. Your abode is beautiful and gorgeous! I love the shot from the stairs to the entryway!
Thank you for sharing. I just found your blog and will keep reading! I live in an 1850 house in NC with the wide plank floors also. The floors were sanded and waxed in the 1980’s and have held up very well. I don’t like the poly shine, so was wondering what products and care you use on yours?
Hi Nan, I love hearing from other antique home owners who love their wide plank floors. We have the original wide plank floors from 1740 in the upstairs and 1/3 of the first floor. They have definitely been sanded and waxed years ago but I only vacuum and use Murphy’s oil soap and water to wipe. They are probably due for a fresh sanding but I’m just worried about taking off too much thickness. Cheers to old house lovers!