Once upon a time, I had an aversion to split foyer homes. They didn’t make sense to me. I hated the layout and overall, I just wasn’t a fan. I refused to ever live in one.
Then one day we walked into a split foyer house and I kind of fell in love with all the potential.
Fast forward eight months and a renovation later, here I sit typing this post in my split foyer home eating my words.
I love our 70’s Landing Pad in all it’s split foyer glory, y’all. No, there isn’t a lot of room on the landing for a nice entry table or even for more than two people to stand, but overall this house is just damn near perfect for us – split foyer and all.
So let’s take a look at how far our split foyer entryway has come….
BEFORE:
Just like the master bathroom, this is a hard space to photograph since it’s a split staircase, but here’s my best shot at it.
The Entryway AFTER:
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Wall Color / Door & Trim Color / Chandelier / Eyes Art
Well that’s a dramatic difference, huh?
Let’s talk about the (good) elephant in the room first, shall we? Those eyes…
The floor space of the entryway itself doesn’t have much room for decorating, therefore I had to use my wall space on the stairwell efficiently. I knew I wanted to set the tone here for our whole house. As soon as I found this eyes watercolor artwork called Soul Seeing by Kelsey McNatt on Minted, I knew it was perfect. To me, it screamed The 70’s. And since we are calling this place the 70’s Landing Pad and also giving quite the nod to 70’s design, it was the perfect choice. I went for it in a copper frame to really pop off the wall.
The chandelier was a vintage find from a local store. I actually bought it just a couple weeks after we first got the house knowing it would be perfect somewhere. You can find the same one on Etsy here, but you can also do a search for lucite chandeliers and find lots of gorgeous options.
I have to pause here and give a huge thanks to my two husbands, Grunt Labor and Nicky, for hanging the chandy. I didn’t exactly pay attention to the hardware, or lack thereof, that came with the chandelier because I was just so damn excited about finding it, so it was somewhat of a challenge to get it hung. They have made me promise not to buy another vintage light fixture again. We’ll see how that goes.
I carried the black walls, Limousine Leather by Behr, from the living room throughout the entry and painted the trim and door white. The white is Bit of Sugar by Behr and it is a true 100% white – or to me at least. It isn’t cottage-y or beige-y, it’s bright white, which is what I wanted for this space. At some point, I would love to update the door and sidelights, but they aren’t horrendous or anything, so it isn’t at the top of the list.
I’ve also got plans to get rid of that metal railing when the budget permits and replace it with something much better. For now though, I just painted it black to make it blend in more and not takeaway from the entry.
The rug is called Momeni Vogue and is from Rug Studio, which is a new-to-me rug store. I have to say I was really impressed with just how many rugs they have (thousands) and how reasonable their prices were.
We also installed the Cocoa Oak NuCore that we used throughout the main living area of the house on the stair landing as well.
And let me show you what’s hiding on the other side of the stairwell, leading down to the den…
A lucite hand rail.
And we DIY’ed it ourselves.
Isn’t it pretty?
And it is so easy to make. The tutorial for it is here.
And the best thing about the lucite hand rail?
Every single older gentleman who comes in our house comments on how much they like it.
I’m not even kidding. It’s fantastic.
My dad loves it. My father-in-law loves it. Nick’s dad loves it.
Out of all the things we’ve done during this renovation, I’ve at least earned the compliments from the men in my family for the lucite hand rail. #winning
Spill your thoughts.
What do you think about the split-foyer entry’s new found glam?
Shop the Entryway…
Have you seen these yet?
The 70’s Landing Pad Home Tour
Disclosure: Minted supplied me with the art for the entry and Rug Studio supplied me with the rug. However, all opinions are 100% mine and they are things I would have bought anyway.
Maggie @ Maggie Overby Studios says
What an amazing transformation! I am in love with that Lucite handrail and if I didn’t already have every square inch of wall space covered I buy that eye art today. I love it!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Maggie! Those are probably my two favorite things about the entry as well!
Kellie Smith says
I cannot WAIT to get up there!!!!!!!!!!!! It looks fantastic Jenna!!!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Well hurry up already! haha! Thank you!
Alison Dunwoody says
It is gorgeous!!! I’ve never seen such a beautiful split level foyer transformation! I too, have always had an aversion to this style of entranceway, but you’ve done an AMAZING job and changed my mind! You are extremely talented, Jenna!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thank you so much, Alison! I’ve also got plans to switch out that metal railing at some point when the budget permits!
Julie says
Wow that lucite rail ‘pops’ with the gold trim. This is the first I’ve seen of it and looks awesome! This area gets you ready for what’s to come with the rest of the house!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Julie! That’s exactly what I was going for, so I’m glad to hear that!
Lisa A. says
My heart skipped a beat ….. it is truly amazing….I woke this morning and perused my inbox with my first cup of coffee and said “Oh Goody, something from Jenna and the landing pad to start my day!”
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Oh Lisa, I just love you for saying that!! Thank you for making my day!
Patty says
Wonderful transformation. Love that handrail and those eyes, gorgeous art work. Great job Jenna.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Patty! I just love the eyes as well – they worked so perfectly here!
brocanteuserose says
I have never liked the split entryway houses, but if anything were going to change my mind it would be your entryway, and that is saying something! Especially since the only kind of house on my do not like list is the split. 🙂
I must be part older gentleman as well, because oooh la la that is a fancy pants stunning handrail! I mean it is just asking for fancy ladies all dressed to the nines to be sweeping up and down the staircase, gloved hands resting on the Lucite as the paparazzi go crazy. 😉 Love it!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks! I’m glad I could bring you over on the split-level side for a bit! haha! Now excuse me while I go put on fancy dress and sasshay up the stairs! haha!
[email protected] Stroll Thru Life says
Love the entry and that handrail is amazing too.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thank you, Marty!
Regina says
Beautiful and fun! I actually like the metal railing, but anxious to see what you have in mind. That rail though! Yum!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Regina! I have an awesome idea for the new railing, BUT I’ve got to figure out exactly how it will work….
Diana Serpa says
I have a very similar entry way and LOVE your inspiration! My first plan is painting my pine trim all white. Will need to check out your white paint color in person.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Awesome, Diana! I hope that white will work for you!
Sarah Mansker says
Absolutely LOVE the renovation!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thank you, Sarah!
Jeannee Taylor says
It’s incredible! Waiting impatiently for your tutorial on the Lucite Handrail!
Jeannee
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Jeannee!! Yay! I’m so glad you like the handrail!
Jennifer says
Beautiful job! On the stairs, did you use the hardwood planks on them or did you buy full stair treads and stain them? I think they’re gorgeous and we’re dealing with stairs right now ourselves.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Jennifer! We bought new stair treads and stained them. I’ll have a tutorial up on it soon.
Susan the Farm Quilter says
Well, Miss Jenna, I wasn’t sold on the black wall color when I saw it in the living room – just seemed like it would overwhelm the room with heavy darkness. You totally proved me wrong and knocked it out of the park with the entry. Totally sets the tone for what to expect in the rest of the house…unexpected elements put together and ending up gorgeous, welcoming, warm, friendly with a bit of spice…a wonderful reflection of you! I certainly hope that when this whole renovation is finished (at least as finished as you will let it be because I know there will always be a “to-do” list), I would love to see a video, beginning with the street view, through very room (with running commentary from you) and ending up in the backyard!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thank you, Susan! I’m glad I could sway you to the “dark” side a bit! haha! A video would be SO much fun!!! Thanks for that idea!
Josephine says
My family and I moved into a raised ranch/split level when I was just turning 5 in 1962. So I share aversion a lot of people do. The layout just never really worked. But we all survived. When father passed away in 2005, we sold it. I hope you and your family enjoy your home. Yes I love the Lucite handrail, and yes get rid of the wrought iron railing when you can. We had a pony wall on the upper side which gave us some privacy as well as safety. One of our neighbors had a their baby fall through their railing and die and your railings are not up to code for that very reason.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Oh wow, Josephine. That’s terrible! We plan on replacing the railing as soon as the budget allows. I like the idea of the pony wall up top – that would probably end up being cheaper than railings there anyway. Thanks for the heads-up.
Cyndi says
Have you seen the window films for the door sidelights? I purchased a sheet and cut it to sizefor each separate pane. Easy application.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
I haven’t, Cyndi! Where do you find them? I’m going to have to look into it!
Margie says
A perfect prelude of what’s to come… So exciting! One can barely wait for what’s up and down stairs. Love,love, love it!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thank you, Margie! That’s exactly what I was going for!
Stephanie S. says
Love it and how did u get Grunt to go with this whole color scheme. My man would be so not there.
I have always loved splits. From a child to older. It gives character to the house and let’s say wild feel or mixup. This looks like my grandparents front entrance.
Good job.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Stephanie! Honestly, Stephanie, I’m not exactly sure how I get him to go along with all my crazy ideas around here at all! haha!! I think he kind of decided to just let me try just about anything out a long time ago. Most of the time, he ends up loving it. Sometimes, he lives with it. haha!
Bonnie Schulte says
One word…WOW!!!!!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thank you, Bonnie!
Debra Bartels says
I have seen all you’ve posted and I’m in awe! Coolest house ever. This older lady(59) is in love with the lucite hand rail also. If I was younger and just starting to decorate a home I would hire you in a skinny minute. You Rock! Look forward to reading your post each day.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thank you, Debra!!! You just made me smile from ear to ear! Cheers!
Anne Coles says
I’ve never been a fan of black!!! NEVER,NEVER,Never! But this is growing on me. The picture, chandelier, handrail and rug are fantastic and make all the black bearable. I had a depressed daughter who chose black for everything and I still don’t like it , for me. But it looks wonderful! It takes time, but it’s all coming together nice!!!!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thank you, Anne! I know black definitely isn’t for everyone and every space, but I really love how well it’s come together here!
Lizz says
It is so gorgeous!! It gives us all hope to purchase a split level in the future!! Well done.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
haha!! Thanks, Liz! I’m glad I could sway you to the split level side a bit!
Dana says
I love it, especially the chandelier and the handrail!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thank you, Dana!
Deneen says
Wow, beautiful Jenna!!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thank you so much, Deneen!
Sara says
I have a house that needs that handrail!!! I love it!! So waiting for your how-to on that!!!! You’ve done a great job! I, too am a fan of window films for the side lights. Love your posts!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thank you, Sara! That handrail is so simple!!! It’ll be up soon!
Beth says
Hey Jenna,
You are creating yet another grand masterpiece with this new home. I love the chandelier and hand rail. I love keeping up with all of your projects. I learn so much!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thank you so much, Beth! We, well me at least, Grunt isn’t always a fan of everything I do, are loving everything too! So glad you do as well!
Laura says
Absolutely stunning. You definitely made the split level entry look more modern and definitely appealing. There are so many split level homes in my neighborhood, I may have to walk around and suggest this post to some of those individuals (Microsoft land). LOL I know most of my neighbors that own one don’t care for it, but this would help them.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thank you, Laura! Ya gotta work with what you have, so that’s what I’m trying to do! Hope it’s helpful to your neighbors!
Nicki Parrish says
I also live in a split level home, for over 4 years now! And I also swore I would never live in a split level home. We have done our best (and still working on it) to make this home ours. We moved here for the fabulous neighborhood and the price was in our budget. So I don’t regret it for one second, but I still hate split level homes, and I swear I won’t live in another one! What I really dream of is a two story farmhouse with a wrap around porch but those are hard to come by in this area. I am enjoying seeing what you do with your split level!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Nicki! Our home was in the perfect neighborhood too, so that always helps with the home buying decision! Your farmhouse dream does sound beautiful though!