If you’re renovating your home or building new and wondering how to create an entryway that feels both functional and stylish, this post is for you. Today I’m sharing how I turned my once non-existent entry into a welcoming, character-filled space—using clever DIY design, inspiration from art, and a cohesive neutral colour scheme that ties in with the rest of my home.

I’m Bozica, a qualified interior designer and colour specialist. I teach homeowners how to choose the right colours and create intentional, flowing interiors using neutrals, undertones, and creative styling techniques—without the overwhelm.

🏡 Before: No Entryway, No Functionality

When you walked into our home originally, you stepped straight into the living room. There was:

• No clear entry zone

• Nowhere to sit and remove shoes

• No surface to drop your keys or bag

• No visual pause when entering the home

It always felt like something was missing—and I wanted a solution that was affordable, practical, and beautiful.

🛠 The Build: Creating the Entryway Structure

A few weeks ago, we built a new enclosed room next to the front door—now a quiet space for the kids to watch TV. That change created the perfect wall and space to build an actual entry.

Using picture rail mouldings from Bunnings (nothing fancy!), my husband and I installed three rails vertically to mimic panelling. This added character and visually grounded the space, especially under the towering 7-metre-high ceilings.

🎨 Colour Inspiration: From a Cherished Artwork

The true inspiration came from a gift—a framed icon of a white angel, gifted to us by my children’s godfather on our wedding day. I never displayed it before, but it felt right to make it the focal point of this new entryway.

From the artwork, I pulled colours to build the scheme:

• Gold – seen in the framing and repeated in accessories

• Terracotta brown – echoed in the door and decorative vase

• Green – brought in with a plant and ribbons

• Black – in the console table and picture frames

• Soft white – to brighten and balance the palette

🪑 Styling on a Budget (That Still Looks Luxe)

• Console table: $40 from Facebook Marketplace, repainted in black gloss

• Candlesticks: Found on Temu

• Plant stand: Also Facebook Marketplace, painted to match the console

• Stool: Handmade by my father-in-law, upholstered by me

• Framed photos: Ikea frames, personalised with hand-painted colour-matched inlays

• Terracotta-toned vase: From Kmart!

💡 The trick is repetition—repeating your colours 2–3 times across the room for a designer look.

🔍 Wall Colour Details

I used Porter's Paints – SC Islands in the entryway. The LRV is 15, making it a deep, moody colour perfect for feature areas. I also used this colour in the bedroom and repeated it here for consistency across the home.

⚠️ Never choose a leftover colour just because you have it. It must connect with your overall open-plan colour scheme.

🎯 Why This Space Works

✔ Defined entry space with storage and purpose
✔ Visually grounded walls through vertical panelling
✔ Cohesive colour scheme repeated from adjacent rooms
✔ A mix of budget and meaningful pieces
✔ Inspired by something personal and layered with intention

💡 Tips to Create Your Own Entryway Like a Designer

1. Start with inspiration – Artwork, a fabric, or even a rug

2. Choose your main neutral colour (test it with your fixed elements)

3. Select no more than 2 undertones in your scheme

4. Repeat those colours across walls, furniture, styling, and accessories

5. Don’t forget function – add seating, drop zones, and lighting

6. Personalise with meaningful pieces and texture

🖼 The Power of Colour Repetition

Even on the gallery wall, I hand-painted each photo mat in colours from the entry—gold, terracotta, green—to subtly reinforce the palette. This is a simple, budget-friendly way to create visual flow and make your space feel curated.

🎁 Free Downloads to Help You Choose the Right White

Still unsure? Before you even pick up a brush, make sure you actually understand how to choose white paint and neutrals for your home. I’ve created two free downloads that will walk you through:

📌 Read This Before You Renovate or Build
📌 Understand the 4 Types of White + How to Choose the Right One for Your Home

They’ll help you avoid costly mistakes and feel more confident in your decision-making.

🎓 Want Step-by-Step Colour Selection Help?

If you're ready to learn how to choose white paint, test undertones, and create a full neutral colour scheme for your home, then join my online course. It's designed for homeowners who want to get it right the first time—without needing a designer.

👉 Check out the course here
It’s packed with visual guides, video tutorials, and includes access to a private Facebook group where you can ask me questions directly.