This post has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ICantEven #BigLots #CollectiveBias
Not that long ago our foyer was the ugliest room in our house. And it was definitely the most boring! Our foyer gets very little natural light, had a dated brass light fixture, and the floor was covered in horrible stained black stone. On top of that, it is pretty narrow which makes finding the right furniture and décor a major challenge.
Over the past year, this little room has undergone a major transformation. I repurposed the dated brass light fixture into a modern orb chandelier (for only $20!), painted the front door gray, replaced the brass doorknobs, installed a colorful plank wall, and most recently replaced those stained stone floors with beautiful hardwoods.
Things were definitely looking better. I mean, seriously, that wall is gorgeous! Even so, it still wasn’t quite the welcoming foyer I was looking for. There was something missing. I knew I needed to find some sort of art or mirror to hang on the plank wall to round things out, but I hadn’t found quite the right thing yet.
Sometimes a room refresh is the result of months and months of meticulous planning. And sometimes a simple afternoon shopping trip turns into a total room redo!
The other day I was shopping at Big Lots when something grabbed my attention.
How beautiful is that white table! It was calling out to me from across the store.
When I got closer, I saw that it is actually a cute little writing desk. I could definitely picture myself writing up my blog posts there, but I had an even better idea. This cute desk was going to become my new foyer table.
After nabbing my table, I decided to take a look at the mirrors as well. I had been on the lookout for the perfect mirror to provide a focal point and break up all the horizontal lines of the plank wall. Lucky for me they had a quatrefoil beauty that was both the right size and the right price. Styles and assortment vary by store, so check back often, and check every store in your area!
The Big Lots employees helped me load up my purchases, and with that one shopping trip, the foyer was redecorated!
I put the table together that night and then the next day I hung the mirror. Of course I didn’t want to damage my beautiful wall, but all it took was one little nail hammered in the crack between two planks.
I added a few of my thrifted treasures – a vintage balance, some antique books, some candle holders, and a few pumpkins painted with chalk paint and now it’s all ready for fall!
And now I get to be greeted by this gorgeous view whenever I walk in the front door and I’m loving it.
This was definitely the fastest, easiest room refresh I have done in a long time! Next time you want to refresh a room in your house, make sure you check Big Lots first!
Did you know Big Lots is on social media? You can follow along on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for lots more affordable decorating ideas.
Debi Carser says
It looks great Carrie! What a transformation from the beginning to end! I love the whole look!
Carrie says
Thanks Debi! It was definitely a major transformation!
Angel says
My husband and I love this wall-especially the colors you chose! My question is: did you dry rush even the base paints or did you fully paint the base oats and then only dry brush the lighter colors on top? Also, for the golden oak stain did what type of stain was it…gel, liquid, cream? Thank you in advance for your reply and thank you for doing a BOLD plank wall instead of playing it safe. We LOVE it!
Carrie says
Thanks Angel! I fully painted the base coats of paint – but only one coat so the coverage wasn’t as even as it would normally be. Then I dry brushed over top. The golden oak stain was regular Minwax liquid stain. Hope that helps!
Summer Davis says
I Just love EVERYTHING about this. That wall is amazing and I love what you’ve done with your accessories from Big Lots to just take it from WOW to WOWZA! #client
Carrie says
Thanks Summer!
shelly says
Carrie! This looks so fab! I love the horizontal lines that pull you through the door inviting you into the living space. It also brightens up your space! I’m a huge fan of ORBing everything so props on your light fixture. :)
Carrie says
Thanks Shelly! It definitely brightens things up. And I am an oil rubbed bronze convert. A few years ago I didn’t get why everyone loved it, but after giving it a try I get it. It just goes with any look!
Diana Rambles says
I love that mirror! So pretty against the stripes!
Carrie says
Thanks Diana!
brandy says
Your room is stunning! I especially love your plank wall, great job!!
Carrie says
Thanks Brandy!
Ashley S says
Oh wow! What a great improvement. Looks awesome.
Carrie says
Thanks Ashley!
Jenn - a traveling Wife says
That wall is everything!! I might be drooling a little bit. :) Also, I love that entrance table – it looks perfect.
Carrie says
Thanks Jenn! The table really was the perfect fit.
Dana Brown says
Love everything! especially the table. And the scale with the pumpkins is perfect
Carrie says
Thanks Dana! Those little pumpkins are just the right touch of fall for me.
Victor says
That looks great. We have been looking for a small table for our entrance and that one looks like it would be great in our house.
Carrie says
Thanks Victor – it is such a great table.
Naomi says
That is such a great area, so inviting!
Carrie says
Thanks Naomi!
Angela Bishop says
So pretty! I can’t wait until we move and have a foyer to decorate.
Carrie says
It is so nice to have a foyer! Our previous house opened right into the living room and there wasn’t even a coat closet. This is so much easier!
Adriana says
Beautiful ideas loving the color selections all looks very nice. Great job!
Carrie says
Thanks Adriana!
Lisa says
Seriously – that wall IS gorgeous! That light fixture is stunning too and who knew Big Lots had so much style?!
Carrie says
I know! Big Lots has really upped their game.
Raquel says
I love that table you bought! It looks perfect there and you decorated it so nicely!
Carrie says
Thanks Raquel!
LauraOinAK says
Wow! The foyer really ‘pops’ with that table anchoring it all. And, I love the mirror, too.
We have a very small entry space in our home and a bench with storage underneath is exactly what fit the bill for people to take off or put on their shoes.
Samantha MWilliams says
Thank you so much for your lessons. I love it!! My main thing is about ” Painted Funiture”
Your notes cleared my mind about a lot of mistakes that I was trying to accomplish.
Carrie says
So glad it helped Samantha!
Sherry says
How did you make the wall??
Carrie says
You can find the tutorial for the wall here – https://www.lovelyetc.com/2014/02/bold-diy-plank-wall/ It is definitely the best wall in our house!