Hi there! Thanks so much for stopping by! If you’re visiting from Erin’s Blog: Live Pretty on a Penny, Welcome! If not, be sure to stop by and check out her project–an upstairs hallway never looked so good!
(Disclosure:this post contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase an item that I have referred to you when clicking the link, I will receive a small commission.)
If you tuned in yesterday, I shared a quick run-down about the #Springintoactionbloghop on Instagram and my mini mudroom project I’ve been working on. You can also see some of the behind the scenes on my Instagram Highlights. I also discussed my plans, progress and some sources for this project. Well today I am revealing how my 3 weeks of hard work paid off!
But before I reveal this space, check out all of these beautiful faces below, my fellow participants in this hop:
As a recap, we started with this doom and gloom of a mud room (I’m so clever):
 |
| BEFORE |
And have now upgraded to this lighter and brighter space:
 |
| AFTER |
I have to admit–the minute I began painting the first stencil, I instantly regretted my decision, because, well . . . patience. BUT, I kept chugging along with an end goal in sight. And boy, am I happy I did.
It’s not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, and still needs some more touching up, but it’s such an improvement!
I had family over for the Easter holiday and several family members thought they were real cement tiles! I should also mention that the tile floors underneath are actually Traffic Master Ceramica Tiles (vinyl groutable tiles), not actual ceramic tiles.
The crown jewel of this space is definitely the light fixture, as it really ties the space together. I’m bummed that I was unable to get a good shot of the entire space.
Although I thought I’d hold off on painting the stair treads, I went ahead and painted them my favorite Behr Private Black Paint. Its a beautiful dark charcoally-gray. I didn’t get around to refreshing the risers quite yet, but you know—it’s a work in progress.
 |
| BEFORE |
 |
| AFTER |
Since it’s an entryway, I kept it relatively simple decor wise. The mirror used to hang in our front entry, but had been replaced with some artwork, so instead of hanging photographs, I decided to save some money and use it here, adding some warmth to the black and white with the warm rattan frame.
The woven bamboo shade is the same shade, but was bleached to strip some of the stain from it. I was so glad to be able to save some money here. I may give it one more pass just to lighten it a bit more. I’ll share a tutorial for bleaching wood shades very soon.
Since we are a no-shoes home, I added my recent thrift store rattan magazine rack to the top of the steps to corral shoes and other random items that end up cluttering the steps.
 |
| Embarrassing BEFORE |
 |
| AFTER |
I am so thrilled with this makeover, although I still have a bit of work to do on this space, the transformation is REAL! Thanks so much for taking the time to visit my blog! Be sure to visit Crystal at The Holliday Collective as she shares a beautiful Budget-Friendly Powder Room Refresh. And visit the other talented bloggers along this hop listed below—-ALL the inspiration awaits!
Live Pretty on a Penny: Upstairs Hallway
The Holliday Collective: Budget Powder Room Re-fresh
Home on Poplar Creek: Pantry shelving and organization
Whitney J Decor: Hallway Update
She Does a Bunch: Kitchen Update
J’Adore Le Decor: Quest for a Hypnotic Bedroom
4th House on the Left: Decked Out Apartment Living Room
My Design Rules: Diy Front Door Decor
Delightfully Styled: Master Bed & Bath Refresh
She Does a Bunch: Kitchen Update
Three Bean Circus: Pantry Organization
Carla Bethany: Home Office/Guest Room Update
*****Shop this Post******
Carli!!! Absolutely amazing as always!!! I live that you were so creative in stenciling the tile!!!
Thanks Nicole! I almost didn’t make it, so glad we did this hop!
That stenciled floor is IT Carli! I love it. I'm always amazed at what can be done with small spaces. Great job!
Thank you Ola! I am so glad I pushed through-lol be that it makes such a statement in this tiny little area 😊
I looks so good, Carli! I love the stenciled landing!
Thank you Whitney 😘
I am a stencil fan girl! You did so amazing! I am proud of you for sure for sticking with your first mind, and not giving up! Carli you did that!!!
Haha! Thanks Arie! Love your enthusiasm! Yes Girl, had to go with my first instinct-and so glad I did too! So very glad you join us this round!
I love the stencil! it looks just like that tile that you see in all of those fancy magazines for half the cost! Beautiful job as always and I love the light fixture too! It definitely ties the space together so well! Love love it all!
Yes, Girl the flooring portion of this project only cost me about $40-not bad for the impact it has 😍
You are so talented! Its looks amazing as usual!
Thank you my bestie!!! Xoxo
First I have to say… I'm only 3 hops in and I'm loving this hop..(especially being introduced to new POC designer blogs) no on to my comments..:-) That stencil is the "Set it Off" of the space!! I you really livened up the space and your do diligence with it paid off.. very nice and fresh new look!! on the next blog.. 🙂
Thanks Jamala! You have to join us on the next one! And yes, I love how this little stencil detail packs such a bang for my buck, not bad for about a $40 project 😊
The FLOORS!!! Turned out amazing. Great job Carli. I love your baskets on the adjacent wall too – glad to see those stayed. There's so much texture in this space. Great job Carli!
Hey Nikki, I almost took the baskets down too, glad I didn’t though-it was too hard to part with them! Thanks again for joining this hop xo!
Wow! The floor looks awesome. Patience paid off big time. I love the black and white and that you threw in some warmth with the mirror. Very inviting entry.
Thanks so much Andrea! It was a fun little project to tackle! Yes black, white and wood forever!!!
Even though you went against my tile vote…LOL I reallly like the whole transformation. The floors look absolutely amazing as does the entire space.
Haha Kenyatta! Sorry girl! Sometimes I poll in hopes that people will just confirm my gut instinct 😂😂😂. So glad you joined us!
You did an AMAZING job on the floors Carli!! And I learned something new about the Ceramica tiles! I’m definitely checking those out!
Thanks so much Nicole! This was such a fun little project to tackle! Thanks again for joining us!
the painted tile is everything, glad you stuck it out and completed it! Totally paid off. I love that light fixture too. Amazing work, it really came together exactly like your vision.
Thank you Kendra! I’m so glad we did this hop-gave me the motivation needed to make this space happen! Thanks again for joining us!
Carli, I love the floors! I know it had to take a lot of patience to complete that project. But what a thrifty way to make an impact in your mudroom. The lighting and "free" mirror looks awesome too. I can't wait to see what you do next in your home.
Thank you Crystal! And thanks for always being such a valuable contributor to our hops! So happy to have you join us again!
Carli your floor came out so great! I have really (reallllly) ugly tile in my foyer that I have often thought of stenciling over until I can replace it altogether and your pretty floor is making me think it's time to go for it. Love the Moravian star light you put in this space too!
Thank you Lisa —you should totally try it! It’s such an improvement from the outdated brown tile I had!