Blank Canvas to Collected: Our Entryway & Hallway Transformation
Hello and welcome back to Collected West!
In our last post, we explored how our powder bath went from a blank slate to a space full of personality, proving that even a small room can have a huge impact with cosmetic changes and thoughtful decor. Today, I'm excited to continue our "Transformation Series" by taking you through another vital part of our home: the entryway and long hallway.
When we first moved in, this space was, once again, a true blank canvas. While bright and spacious, it lacked any sense of personality, color, or warmth. It didn't tell you anything about the people who live here.
The "Before": A Long, White Welcome (or Lack Thereof)
Looking back at these "before" photos, it's clear: this entryway and hallway were a parade of white walls and unadorned space. There was no personality, no color, no art, and no rugs to ground the long expanse of flooring. It was clean, yes, but it certainly didn't set the tone for a home filled with collected treasures or hint at the stories within.
This is a common challenge with open-concept floor plans and newly built homes. You want an inviting welcome, but a true "before & after" transformation can feel daunting when you can't just slap on a bold paint color or wallpaper.
The Vision: Setting the Tone Through Collected Layers
My main goal for this space was to make it feel genuinely welcoming and to begin telling our story the moment you step through the door. The challenge was real: given that this hallway is entirely open to our living and dining spaces, there was no natural stopping point for paint or wallpaper without having to carry it through the entire main floor. So, all the color, texture, and interest needed to come from the art, rugs, and functional decor we already owned. I wanted to create a clear through-line from the entryway to the dining room and kitchen, using subtle connections in color and style.
The Transformation: Infusing Personality Without Painting the Walls
This transformation truly shows the power of layering and strategic decor choices when you're working with architectural limitations. It's all about making every piece count, especially when you're working with what you already have.
Grounding the Space with Color & Light: One of the first cosmetic changes we made was painting the built-in cabinet a grounding Gravel Gray. This immediately broke up the expanse of neutrals and subtly connected the entryway's palette to the powder bath and kitchen, creating a seamless flow. We also replaced three of the original, small ceiling light fixtures with more noticeable pendants (by Suzanne Kasler). The previous lights barely registered, but these new fixtures add a much-needed layer of interest and draw the eye upwards. To add even more contrast throughout the house, we also painted all the interior doors black.
Art That Tells a Story: The long wall in the entryway became a key canvas for our art collection. The incredible "All for a Setting Sun" piece by Adam Young found its perfect spot here, hung above a thrifted church pew – a quirky find that provides a practical spot for taking shoes on and off. We layered the pew with a colorful Mexican textile to add warmth and more visual interest. Next to this vignette, a thrifted still life painting, which we already owned, brought out the same color palette. A round skirted table in a neutral tone offered a quiet moment, letting the art, rug, and blanket truly be the stars.
Rugs for Warmth and Flow: Rugs are always essential for grounding a space, and here they also brought in much-needed color and warmth. A colorful antique rug with its Western-inspired palette, which we already owned, instantly defined the entry area. Further down the hall, another colorful, dark antique rug that we'd collected over time fit perfectly adjacent to the newly painted cabinets. This not only added warmth but also connected the front and back of the home's color schemes, guiding the eye through the space. We also added a plaid stair runner, another layer of texture and warmth to break up the previously stark staircase.
Collected Vignettes & Unexpected Finds: Across from the cabinet, a yellow thrifted chest, paired with antlers, a large mirror, vintage books, and a collected box, creates a quirky, layered vignette. This area offers additional storage and subtly complements the office behind the glass doors. Further down the narrow space, a round marble table topped with a pair of vintage boat paintings adds another layer of depth and visual interest without overwhelming the pathway.
This entryway and hallway are now so much more than just a path through the house. They're a true reflection of our Collected West aesthetic, filled with pieces that tell a story and welcome you into a home that's anything but blank.
Embrace Your Own "Blank Canvas"
This hallway transformation is another example in our series demonstrating that you don't need to knock down walls or repaint everything to create a home you love. Instead, focus on:
Strategic Color: Even small areas of paint on built-ins or interior doors can make a significant impact.
The Power of Art & Rugs: These are your secret weapons for injecting personality, color, and texture when structural changes aren't an option.
Layering for Depth: Combine different textures, materials, and periods to create rich, visually interesting vignettes.
Function with Flair: Choose pieces that not only look good but also serve a practical purpose, like the church pew or collected storage boxes.
I hope seeing this transformation inspires you to look at the transitional spaces in your own home with new eyes. I'm not sure I'll keep this space exactly this way forever, but it was a great way to use the things I already had to create a welcoming space that truly reflects us.
Until next time, keep collecting, keep creating, and keep telling your story.
