FRONT ENTRYWAY CLOSET REVEAL

I know the power paint has to transform a space, and yet it surprises me every time how the right paint can drastically transform a space.

This quick project added instant gravitas to my otherwise lacklustre entryway closet.

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BEFORE

Our entryway closet is primarily used for guests (our family uses the mudroom) and I couldn’t help but feel that this closet was such a poor first impression.

As you can see this closet was bordering on scary. Once upon a time this area was a hallway to the back of the house, but when the second story attic was turned into finished space a staircase was installed here, creating this functional but ugly closet space.

*^{in the “it gets worse before it gets better” stage}*

I saw it’s potential to be a statement piece; much like a powder room, a closet is a fabulous place to step outside your design comfort zone and go bold. I envisioned opening the door to reveal a surprise jewel box, a complete juxtaposition to the white walls in the adjacent rooms.

FIRST, THE WRONG PAINT

I knew I wanted a bold paint, and I tried to get the right one using only paint chips, without sampling a colour – always a mistake. I was after a saturated dusty blue, instead I ended up with this teal-ish blue/green. Whoops.

*^{It only took one coat to know this was the wrong colour}*

So while I pondered how to pivot on the paint colour, I found the perfect new light fixture for the space.

DIY LIGHTING UPGRADE

You can never overlook lighting in its ability to change the vibe of a space. I swapped out the contractor grade wall socket for a pretty sconce.

I stumbled upon the perfect sconce – it’s dimensions fit in this cramped space, gorgeous traditional styling, glass shade, and it was only $24! However it came only in polished nickel and I knew a warm brass would really sing with the blue paint (the one I’d still yet to choose!).

This was a simple DIY fix – spray paint the metal matte black, then brush on Rub and Buff in the colour Gold Leaf. It’s now a dead-ringer for this $126 Pottery Barn Sconce, don’t you think? Check out this quick video to see the before & how I applied the rub & buff for this antiqued finish.