Step inside our 1950 stone cottage foyer, where spring decor, vintage style, and slow decorating come together in a space filled with charm and character.
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| Sorry it is a bit blurry, pre-blogging days |
Wallpaper... Everywhere!
When we got the keys to this house, we had barely owned it for 30 minutes before we started ripping wallpaper down in every room. It was a go-big-or-go-home moment, and looking back… yeah, maybe we should’ve gone a little smaller. I mean, who takes on every room in their house at once? We did. Rookie move.
If I could whisper in past Cara’s ear, I’d say: “Girl, pick a room. Just one. Finish it. Then move on.” There’s power in small wins. Tackling a whole house at once can wear you down faster than Bentley racing for a ball.
Grandma's Seal of Approval
When my then-90-something grandma first stepped into the house, her face lit up. “I love it!” she exclaimed. And I, trying not to panic, thought, “Of course you do, Grandma. It’s your era!” It was filled with bold floral wallpaper, colorful slate tile, and a heavy dose of movement in every room. I couldn’t imagine living in all that “personality.” I like a little more subdued in our home.
The Foyer That Grew On Me
For years, we left the slate tile and carpet untouched. I had a soft spot for that slate—it felt true to the home’s age. But that awkward angle? I just couldn’t get past it. I did, however, lovingly pack each piece away in our basement. Because if I’ve learned anything, it’s to never toss something original if you can help it. (You never know when inspiration will strike again.)
The carpet? That had to go when we were ready. It was in the living room, dining room, and foyer—all the same, all tired. But the debate over what to replace it with? That went on forever. Hardwood vs. luxury vinyl planks… I was on the fence until Bentley made the decision for us. He loves to sprint, skid, and slide his way down the halls. Hardwood wouldn't have stood a chance. Luxury vinyl it was—and I haven’t looked back since.
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Me and My Decisions...
If you should know anything about me, it’s that I have a difficult time making decisions when it comes to our home. In the back of my mind, I’m always thinking, "Let’s try to keep things original here." I try to preserve the big pieces that were here before me, and I never want this old gal—our 1950 stone cottage—to feel like a modern woman. I like her just the way she is, with her old squeaky floors, the slopes in our flooring that sometimes make Bentley’s toys roll all on their own, and the little quirks that make her who she is.
I like her plaster walls and the marble window sills, of varying colors—I've often wondered if the builder matched each slab of marble to the room’s décor. I adore the soft curve at the bottom of our staircase railing, the oak steps leading upstairs, and even the original brass light fixture in our foyer that casts a warm, nostalgic glow when the sun fades. The oversized doorbell, mounted on the wall with real brass bells dangling down, still works and fills our foyer with the sweetest chime. Even the mail drop—complete with a petite glass knob—has found a permanent place in my heart. These little touches, these timeworn details, are the very reasons we fell in love with our home in the first place.
A friend with many years of knowledge behind them said, "If it’s still standing, it still has purpose," and I carry that with me every time I debate a change. There’s a certain comfort in keeping things as they were. I know a lot of folks are quick to rip everything out and start over, but for me, there’s a kind of magic in preserving what once was.
You might have seen the wallpaper that once graced the stairwell—a blue floral that had grown tired but still held its charm. And the green and cream toile pattern in the dining room, straight from a different era, made our home feel like a time capsule. I didn’t want to erase its history, just bring a little freshness while respecting her age.
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| Click to read How to Create the Bunny Embroidery Hoop |
When I started updating the foyer, it wasn’t about trendy overhauls. It was about finding harmony. I replaced the wallpaper with something quieter, painted the door white, and added vintage touches that whisper instead of shout. Now when I walk through the front door, I see a blend of old and new, and it feels like us.
I’m still mulling over a name for our cottage. I thought about Crag Cottage—strong, a bit mysterious—but maybe something a little more feminine would suit her better. She’s not flashy or loud, but she has presence. Maybe something like Rosewold Cottage (in honor of Rosezella), or The Slope & Bell (for our sloping floors), to honor her quirks and charms.
This space isn’t just an entryway—it’s a story in progress. Just like me, this home is learning to blend what was, with what can be.
Let’s Talk Paint and Lightbulb Moments
Our walls now sport a color called Asparagus White—don't let the name fool you, it's soft and subtle and goes with everything. We painted nearly the entire house in it before moving a single stick of furniture in. I still don’t know how I made that decision off one tiny paint chip, but it worked. (If you’ve ever tried choosing a color in an empty house with zero natural light, you know what I mean.)
My future tip? Be on site when work is being done in your home. We learned that one the hard way. Now? I’m here, every day, for every little detail. I may not be able to swing from a two-story stairwell ceiling with a paintbrush (heights? Nope. Not happening), but I can keep tabs on the crew. And I do.
Trim, Doors, and Ahh.. Those Moldings
All of our home’s trim was painted white back in 1950 when women decided they were ready for something different than what their mothers had. I like to think about that when I look around. Change is okay. Clean white trim? Still gets a thumbs-up from me.
The front door has had a few personalities—black, turquoise, back to black, this time with a high gloss finish that makes it pop. That was one of my “let’s try it and see” experiments, and it turns out the original black was just right all along. Hey, I can admit when someone else had it right first!
But let me tell you about my one true regret… I removed the original oak shoe moldings before the new flooring was installed. What was I thinking? I usually keep everything, but that day? My brain took a coffee break. The new MDF white moldings just don’t compare. If your house has original features—save them. You might thank yourself later.
A Work in Progress
Am I done with the foyer? Honestly… I don’t know. It’s better, brighter, and feels more like us, but sometimes, I still look around and wonder what’s next. And that’s the fun part of living in a vintage home—you don’t have to do everything at once. You get to evolve with it.
So if you’re staring at your own dated entryway wondering where to start, take it from someone who’s been there: begin small. Let the house tell you what it needs. And don’t be afraid to keep a little of the old along with the new.
A Spring Welcome in Our Old Gal
Once the bones of our little stone cottage foyer were in place—the floor refreshed, the walls brightened, and the door painted just the right shade—I began layering in personality.
Not everything in our foyer came together overnight—far from it, actually. This space was lovingly pieced together over time, with meaningful treasures we've gathered from both sides of our family. I’m a firm believer that you don’t need to rush out and buy everything at once to create a space you love.
That old lamp with vintage shade? It got a new lease on life with a bit of twine and patience. The baskets, books, and antique cameras? Passed down and full of memories. Even the little frame and wire basket came into our home at different times—but together, they create a warm welcome in our entryway.
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| For the How to on this planter, click to read |
I want readers to know it’s okay to take your time. Let your home reflect your story, one piece at a time. The magic is in the mix, and nothing beats that cozy, collected-over-time charm. Nothing fancy—just thoughtful pieces that work together to say, “You’re home now.”
If you take one thing from this space, I hope it’s this: you don’t need to rush to fill a room. Let it evolve. Let it reflect your life, your loved ones, and the stories that shape your home. There’s beauty in a space that grows with you.
If you would like to see more about our foyer and how it changes throughout the year, click to read:
How to Add Privacy to Front Door
Cottage Entryway Decorating Ideas
Ciao,
Cara
