Loving our front entry 8 months AFTER we moved in.

Let’s go back to where we started and I’ll share how we got to a place I finally love….

I disliked this home when we were house hunting last spring. It felt dark, cramped and lacked interest. It was really neither here nor there. The entry definitely bothered us.

We visited it a few times and I kept wanting to keep the door open for some light at the end of the dark tunnel. I knew many things could change inside the home and it was in the right location. So we bought it.

I knew we could add a storm door for instant light and did so immediately. I also hoped we could add an entryway to the living room so we could get natural light from those windows. I was told that was totally doable. YAY!!!

Painting the wall color, door, trim and changing the light fixture was easy for me to tackle. The building and creating a new entry required help and waiting time.

For the stair rail we only had a small section to work with. I love Chinese chippendale style and it’s nod to the Far East recognizing our 3 years living abroad in Japan. I adore the ornate fretwork and Pagoda tops.

I my contractor an idea of what I wanted and told him that I couldn’t find it anywhere to buy it. He said he would build it so he placed me on the wait list and ordered materials.

On the big start date my contractor had a sick child. I confess that I started the job for him. I just couldn’t help myself.

Whacked off the balusters and hand rail with my jig saw. Demo is fun…try it when you can!

He cut the entry and removed the post in one day.

He framed out the casing the next day and basically built the pagoda style fretwork one cut at a time. It took 2-3 coats of paint plus we painted the handrail on the wall to match.

I am in love and this is exactly what I hoped for.

If you are looking for something unique find a local contractor and make it come to life!!!!

Cheers- Kristen