I’m no pro but no shiplap and no to accent wall. I think your entry needs to be simplified in order to not feel cramped and busy.

I like the tile idea. Your front door? you should really get something diff. If you're going through all the expense of changing everything else, what's a few hundred on a new door? (get it raw and paint it and hang it yourself) Or look for a used one.

this kind of door/lite, perfect. paint the walls a brght white. (other ideas below)

here's your shiplap, new glass door, glass sidelite (can you make yours a little wider?

even a door like this would be better. (you could see about modifying yours w/glass panels)

how about this look? love the board/batten trim all the way up (and the transom window is brilliant to bring in more light) the chandelier, similar tile, more light

but maybe this stairway

if you want the wood, then do one similar to this. paint.

if you like the white, do it like this. I'd use a brighter white since its dark in that entry.

again, the transom over the front door really makes this entryway. any chance you could have one put in?

all of these pictures have the transom. it will open up that cramped from area.

what's it look like from the outside?

Thank you! I agree about the door but that wont happen until we do exterior. So I’m set on what I have for now. Definitely getting a light like the one pictured. Just need guidance on tiles, paint, shiplap..

I added more pics to my comment above. see the one about the staircase. 6th /7th photo

and if you're doing the door, then do a transom above it at the same time. that alone will be a huge difference.

do you like the wall treatment on the 2nd and 4th pics?

Would shiplap look ok above door for now? Until I can get large window. Working with what I have currently (frustrating I know!!) I need help on what to do above door and above the stairs going downstairs

I do love that wall treatment on the wall ! I thought I should focus on wall above door sone it’s more of a “focal point”. It’s just so darn boring. I know a window/new door would be best.

I like this, w/the first black door, this transom and the wall treatment on the side (if you do want the window transom, then hold off doing the shiplap above the door)

This will be more of a statement then doing only shiplap above the door. (and if you like the shiplap, do it here)

Craisglist has some great steals on front doors. you may be surprised. check daily

I would not do shiplap in that smaller area. I would find a nicer and much larger piece of artwork to hang up there. Center it on the wall and have it wide enough, to add some interest there. I wouldnt do shiplap anywhere in that entry way. It would make it look smaller and busier. I like the flooring, and yes, I would definitely paint the door.

Thank you! I agree . My first thought was a black/dark door. So are you saying g to do shiplap above door now? Window is a year or 2 away:(. Any advice for wall going downstairs? Any wall floor suggestions? Or accent wall suggestions? Thank you so much! I appreciate your help!

I also have a small entrance way. I chose antique white walls and ceilings. I had my staircase redone recently in oak. I hired a wonderful carpenter who specialized in staircases, and he matched the stair stain beautifully to my Italian porcelain wood look tile floors. I think that when you have a small area, it is best to keep things simple. I am becoming a minimalist, “Less is More”.

You can also consider getting a new front door. I had a new front door also installed recently. The new door adds much needed natural light to the entry way. It is a Therma Tru triple locking door, well made and very secure. In the spring I plan to paint it a pale gray.

No shiplap. That ship has sailed. The board and battan sample pics above are nice and classy looking, though.

Paint a warm white and heed the advice regarding cluttering up your small space with lots of different design features/colors/doodads. Less is more, definitely.

Love the stairs!! So helpful, thank you!

No Shiplap👍 I was really wanting something above door. Now I know what’s missing is a big window. Hopefully next year🤞

Joanna Gaines and the shiplap thing are behind us now, and gray is in the running to be off the table too. The best thing for a small, cramped entry is simplicity and clean, clear colors. Generally, the foyer should introduce you, your style and give a hint about what to expect in adjoining rooms. Go get a color strip that has mascarpone on it and see what other shades there you could use. A new front door and light fixture should be the statement makers in this area. I like the style of the first (black) one Beth showed, but not sure I would inject that much black here. I just like that it provides more light, and privacy really shouldn't be an issue in a split entry. Is your stair railing pony wall style? Are you going to redo it with ballusters and a new handrail? Can you match the new stairs to your flooring elsewhere in the home?

I totally agree with the new front door, not sure if I can get hubby on board! We just finished a big kitchen reno. if no new front door, are you suggesting just keeping it a light color? We plan on redoing stairs with a newel post, handrail and ballusters. Color tbd. I'm thinking dark newel post, white balluseters and dark railing. Stairs will be matched to hardwood flooring.

Attached pic is a close up of tile we are leaning toward.

Floor tile

If you really love those tiles, then let them be your only busy touch and paint the stair handrail black.