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Young House Love » Reader Redesigns » Reader Redesign: An Enlightened Entryway

| By Sherry Petersik | October 26, 2009 | 77 Comments

Reader Redesign: An Enlightened Entryway

When Jen and Erik sent their toddler-friendly entryway makeover our way we had to share their genius transformation. Here’s their letter:

I just wanted to let you guys know how much we love your site. It’s funny because in a lot of ways you remind us of ourselves. People think we’re nuts doing all we do around the house. We thought once we had a baby we’d be done- but nope, our son just inspires us more, as is the case with our new mudroom. The space was once green, which wasn’t bad but looked crazy with all the colorful art we were trying to bring in. So we decided to lighten it up with Glidden’s Quiet Light. The saying above the door was inspired by our two year-old again (he says “have a good day!” to anyone leaving the house). Just seeing it makes us smile! Then there’s the case of the lockers I loved from Pottery Barn and begged Erik to make for us because I didn’t want to spend all that money. Boy, did he- and for a steal too – $250 total. The bench on the lockers doubles as a pet bed and a place to sit down when taking off shoes. The rug is from Flor.com. It was our one splurge at about $150, but the tiles come up and can be washed in the sink if there are spills. We used magnetic primer above the desk, covered with 2 coats of chalkboard paint to create the magnetic chalkboard to display Jack’s art. The bench cushion was made for $30 with fabric from JoAnn Fabrics and two coupons for 40% off from each of our parents’ Sunday papers. The canvas is recycled from the basement. I helped our son Jack paint it with tempra paint using his feet, the palms of his hands and even his nose at one point! The blinds are el cheapo Target blinds. We paid $41 for the pair and then hot glued fringe on them make them look more custom. Lastly lighting is a recycled pendant light with a $15 Walmart shade. Our son, Jack seems to really enjoy the room and so do we. Keep up the great job on the site! -Jen and Erik

Here’s the room before its two-year-old-inspired makeover:

Entryway Before

And here’s the I-can’t-believe-that’s-the-same-space after:

Entryway After1

Entryway After2

Entryway After 3

Isn’t that a stunning little entryway makeover? We love how Jen and Erik were so inspired by little Jack (the quote above the door is so sweet, and we love the personal meaning behind it). What do you guys think? Isn’t this a great use for an old hallway that needs to step it up in the function department? And the fact that they made those lockers is beyond amazing. Thanks so much for sending your fab before and afters our way Jen and Erik! And be sure to give your little guy a high five for his awesome art work.

Psst- Don’t forget to check out Jen and Erik’s brand new blog right here for more amazing eye candy…

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Comments

  1. Avatar for JenniferJennifer says

    October 26, 2009 at 9:58 am

    They did a fabulous job re-creating the Pottery Barn locker look! And the desk area is great! Thanks for sharing!
    Have a great week!

    Reply
  2. Avatar for RebekahRebekah says

    October 26, 2009 at 10:02 am

    That is super stylish and cute! I’d love to see an overall shot of the desk area, though — love the magnetic paint, chalkboard paint combo.

    Reply
  3. Avatar for SueSue says

    October 26, 2009 at 10:05 am

    I couldn’t agree more. The quote above the door is my favourite part I think – something so simple that will send you (and loved ones) on your way with a smile

    Reply
  4. Avatar for Jessie (Vegan-minded)Jessie (Vegan-minded) says

    October 26, 2009 at 10:07 am

    What a great makeover! I love the built-in features, especially the little computer desk :)

    Reply
  5. Avatar for LesleyLesley says

    October 26, 2009 at 10:09 am

    Love this makeover. I just finished painting my living room that green color, now I may want to change it. I wish I had a gerat area like this for a mudroom.

    Reply
  6. Avatar for KateKate says

    October 26, 2009 at 10:12 am

    Great transformation! I love the entire look – the PB inspired locker turned out very well and I love the new light fixture.

    Reply
  7. Avatar for MollyMolly says

    October 26, 2009 at 10:20 am

    I think AWESOME sums it up very nicely! The lockers are amazing!

    Reply
  8. Avatar for Anna SeeAnna See says

    October 26, 2009 at 10:21 am

    I absolutely LOVE this. I would love a space like this in my home. It is so warm and inviting. Love the light fixture, too.

    Reply
  9. Avatar for Jenny @ DIY NewlywedsJenny @ DIY Newlyweds says

    October 26, 2009 at 10:26 am

    Wow, I’m jealous! That is a beautiful entryway. The lockers are amazing, but I’m in love with all the personal touches like the magnetic wall for Jack’s artwork.

    In the last photo, is that a gorgeous kitchen cabinet sneaking into the picture? If it is, I’d love to see pictures of that kitchen too!

    Reply
  10. Avatar for AmyAmy says

    October 26, 2009 at 10:26 am

    Love the lockers and the color stain! Hope Jen drops by to let us know what color she used…need to stain an entryway table my father in law made me that color to match our living room furniture! Everything at the store to me is either too red or too brown or too light!

    Reply
  11. Avatar for BarbaraBarbara says

    October 26, 2009 at 10:31 am

    This is fabulous! I’d love to know how to paint a phrase on the wall like this.

    Reply
  12. Avatar for Amanda in BostonAmanda in Boston says

    October 26, 2009 at 10:32 am

    This looks just great! It turned an unused space into something functional! I’d love to see the rest of the house if this is just the mud room! :)

    Reply
  13. Avatar for Kasey at Thrifty Little BlogKasey at Thrifty Little Blog says

    October 26, 2009 at 10:38 am

    What a great space! I love all of the diy elements like the lockers and paint detail.

    Reply
  14. Avatar for LaurenLauren says

    October 26, 2009 at 10:42 am

    Love this! The quote is the best part!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 26, 2009 at 10:43 am

      Hey guys,

      So glad you’re loving our latest Reader Redesign. Here’s hoping Jen and Erik stop in to answer all of your questions asap! Stay tuned…

      xo,
      s

  15. Avatar for Janell BealsJanell Beals says

    October 26, 2009 at 10:49 am

    They did an outstanding job, looks like every bit of space is taken advantage of.
    Janell

    Reply
  16. Avatar for Nicole B.Nicole B. says

    October 26, 2009 at 10:58 am

    NICE! I am now seriously considering getting rid of our tiny dining area and doing this. Although the “where would we sit to eat” keeps breaking into my dreams :)

    Reply
  17. Avatar for LauraCLauraC says

    October 26, 2009 at 11:03 am

    WOW!!!!!

    Reply
  18. Avatar for kelly@TearingUpHouses[email protected] says

    October 26, 2009 at 11:04 am

    those “lockers” turned out beautifully! and the meaning behind the quote is very, very sweet. also, the fact that they managed to squeeze a desk in there is fantastic!

    kelly

    Reply
  19. Avatar for JessicaJessica says

    October 26, 2009 at 11:05 am

    Would love for them to post the materials used to make the locker!

    Reply
  20. Avatar for HeatherHeather says

    October 26, 2009 at 11:18 am

    Any idea what the wood floors are by chance?

    Reply
  21. Avatar for AmandaAmanda says

    October 26, 2009 at 11:26 am

    It’s beautiful!!

    Reply
  22. Avatar for cshteynbergcshteynberg says

    October 26, 2009 at 11:29 am

    Yes! Is there any more DIY information on the lockers–how they put them together or a cost breakdown?

    Reply
  23. Avatar for SonjaSonja says

    October 26, 2009 at 11:35 am

    Awesome result! The fact that her husband made the lockers makes the finale even more brillant. consider me inspired!

    Reply
  24. Avatar for KingaKinga says

    October 26, 2009 at 11:42 am

    WOW! This is awesome, I love every detail of it! I was just looking at the same lockers on PB this weekend and they are pricey. Could you post instructions how you build the lockers by yourself? Thank you. Kinga

    Reply
  25. Avatar for CarMajCarMaj says

    October 26, 2009 at 11:46 am

    Absolutely beautiful and functional – better then Pottery Barn if you ask me! Love the FLOR carpet too! Awesome job!

    Reply
  26. Avatar for RachelRachel says

    October 26, 2009 at 11:46 am

    My entry way needs a little pick me up! Thanks for the inspiration…

    Reply
  27. Avatar for Danielle@ Newlyweds Paradise[email protected] Newlyweds Paradise says

    October 26, 2009 at 11:54 am

    Aww….so cute!! Perfect for growing kids!

    Reply
  28. Avatar for Tasha SchifoTasha Schifo says

    October 26, 2009 at 11:57 am

    I too would love a tour of the rest of this adorable home.

    Reply
  29. Avatar for ChelseaChelsea says

    October 26, 2009 at 12:05 pm

    I am in love – what a great transformation. I wish our backdoor or even entry was arranged differently so we could have a built in this lovely! Thanks for sharing.

    Chelsea

    Reply
  30. Avatar for JenniferJennifer says

    October 26, 2009 at 12:05 pm

    This is a GREAT redesign!!!!

    Reply
  31. Avatar for Jocelyn StottJocelyn Stott says

    October 26, 2009 at 12:09 pm

    Wow – that looks amazing and so cozy!

    Reply
  32. Avatar for LindsayLindsay says

    October 26, 2009 at 12:13 pm

    My jealousy is seeping through my pores! My house doesn’t have a “mud room”. You walk right into the kitchen from the garage. Needless to say, that when I see a gorgous/useful one I am green with envy! What a beautiful room. Love everything about it!

    Reply
  33. Avatar for MeghanMeghan says

    October 26, 2009 at 12:13 pm

    I love this redesign! The color is delicious!

    Reply
  34. Avatar for Sarah @ Dream In DomesticSarah @ Dream In Domestic says

    October 26, 2009 at 12:16 pm

    Wow, I would love walking into a home with that entry way every day! I absolutely adore the magnetic chalkboard paint treatment above the desk. It looks so great and is very functional too!

    Reply
  35. Avatar for Amy @ Rennovation InnovationAmy @ Rennovation Innovation says

    October 26, 2009 at 12:17 pm

    What a fantastic use of the space. Irs amazing how they turned the long non-functional entryway into some beautiful. I especially love the little desk area – any more pics of that?

    Reply
  36. Avatar for JenJen says

    October 26, 2009 at 12:22 pm

    Thanks guys! That is so nice! I will ask Erik to stop by and answer the question about the stain.

    The words were so easy! They are vinyl. Check out http://www.wallwords.com/ .
    They allow you to personalize your space easily and the best part is the words easily come off with tweezers. :) Jen

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 26, 2009 at 12:23 pm

      Hey Jen,

      Thanks so much for that info! Looking forward to Erik dropping in with the stain info too!

      xo,
      s

  37. Avatar for Jenny @ Making the Most of MoneyJenny @ Making the Most of Money says

    October 26, 2009 at 12:29 pm

    Gorgeous! I love it! I’ve always wanted an entry way so that I can install those cute little locker/cubby things for coats. And the tiny desk in that nook is brilliant! I love the way it seems so much richer and more welcoming now!

    Reply
  38. Avatar for Briel K.Briel K. says

    October 26, 2009 at 12:31 pm

    What a great makeover! I love the new paint and dark wood. Looks great!

    Reply
  39. Avatar for Candied FabricsCandied Fabrics says

    October 26, 2009 at 12:48 pm

    Yup, love it! NEED it! If they feel like sharing info on how they built the lockers, I’m sure I’m not the only one to be interested!

    Reply
  40. Avatar for Tegan and TageTegan and Tage says

    October 26, 2009 at 1:05 pm

    Nicely done! I like the “toddler friendly” aspect too, since we now have a little one who is crawling…

    Reply
  41. Avatar for :::Lyzz::::::Lyzz::: says

    October 26, 2009 at 1:08 pm

    What a stunner. Love it!

    Reply
  42. Avatar for CarmenCarmen says

    October 26, 2009 at 1:28 pm

    What a great space! I’d love to know how they did the lighting fixture too.

    Reply
  43. Avatar for karen@strictlysimplestyle[email protected] says

    October 26, 2009 at 1:45 pm

    An excellent use of space.

    Reply
  44. Avatar for NatalieNatalie says

    October 26, 2009 at 1:47 pm

    Gorgeous! Do Jen and Erik have a blog? I’d love to find out where they purchased their rug! :)

    Reply
  45. Avatar for Katherine VKatherine V says

    October 26, 2009 at 1:48 pm

    It’s like a designer showhouse – I love it. One thing I would love to know is – Is the color I see peeking from your kitchen the same color as the mud room? If not, would you post the name of that one?

    Thank you!

    Reply
  46. Avatar for Jennifer S.Jennifer S. says

    October 26, 2009 at 1:52 pm

    I love the lockers. This is a great transformation. I have a mud room area that I’ve been wanting to build lockers for, but don’t know where to begin. I need a place to stash my kids’ stuff and this is perfect.

    Jen, please share with us how your husband built them!

    Reply
  47. Avatar for EstherEsther says

    October 26, 2009 at 1:56 pm

    Touch me!

    My favorite app is the urbanspoon app. You shake your itouch or ipod and it shuffles through restaurants in your area! Great way to find new places!

    Reply
  48. Avatar for AnnieAnnie says

    October 26, 2009 at 1:59 pm

    This is so chic. I love how elegant it came out. I’m also wondering if it’d be possible to duplicate the look of the lockers/bench using the Ikea Expedit? (For those of us who suck majorly / lack the tools of a carpenter).

    Great work! Love Reader Redesigns and YHL (of course!)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 26, 2009 at 2:27 pm

      Annie- Great idea! Using Expedit bookcases, shelves and benches from Ikea can definitely create this built-in locker look for those who don’t have the carpentry skills or tools to DIY them like Erik and Jen!

      Natalie- Nope, sadly they don’t have a blog (we always include links to any and all blogs that we know of in Reader Redesign posts so when there’s no link, alas, there’s no blog). Maybe after Jen and Erik hear how much everyone loves their space they’ll be inspired to start one!

      Sandy- We love your idea to add a shade outside of your chandelier for a more modern ZGallerie take. Just hit up any lighting store in your area with the diameter of the shade that you’ll need and they should be able to help you out (we saw giant shades that would work perfectly on sale for $39 here at a lighting outlet in Richmond). Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  49. Avatar for SandySandy says

    October 26, 2009 at 2:14 pm

    Love the look of this entryway. This is a semi-related question. I love the look of the large drum shades around chandeliers — like this: http://www.zgallerie.com/pc-5666-38-erto-chandelier.aspx
    Does anybody know of a source for a shade to retrofit and approximate that look? I have a chandelier in my dining room that I paid heaps of money for a few years ago, which now sort of clashes with the decor in there. It’s silver plate, with small individual shades, and I want to update the look to something more contemporary. I saw something somewhere once on a site, but now I’ve lost the link (and besides, I recall that it cost around $200 (!).

    Reply
  50. Avatar for MagchunkMagchunk says

    October 26, 2009 at 2:21 pm

    Definitely passing this post along to my parents. My mom has been in love with those Pottery Barn lockers for years but balks at the price. They are VERY handy (ie built their home all on their own), so I bet seeing that someone else did it will inspire them to go for it!

    The stain really is beautiful too.

    Reply
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John and Sherry smiling against pink backgroundHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
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