The moment we’ve all been waiting for has arrived! It’s finally time to unveil the breathtaking transformation of our DIY board and batten project. If you’ve been following along, you’ll know we kicked off our complete foyer makeover earlier this week, diving deep into the initial steps of our budget-friendly board and batten installation. Today, we’re celebrating the stunning results, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with how this accent wall turned out!
Just last week, our entryway and connecting hallway felt functional but lacked the character and warmth we envisioned for our home. While the existing DIY faux shiplap wall added a lovely touch, the front door and the entire hallway area remained decidedly plain and builder-grade. It was a space that didn’t quite reflect our modern farmhouse style, feeling somewhat dark and devoid of natural light, offering no significant “wow” factor upon entry.
Before embarking on this ambitious yet achievable home improvement project, our foyer looked like this:
The hallway connecting our foyer to the living room was equally uninspiring. It was truly one-dimensional, often feeling like a transitional afterthought rather than an integral part of our home’s design. Our goal was to inject personality and architectural interest into these often-overlooked spaces, transforming them into inviting areas that flow seamlessly with the rest of our decor.
The Crucial Prep Work: Setting the Stage for Perfection
After the initial installation of the bare board and batten, the walls were ready for their grand transformation. This critical stage involves meticulous preparation to ensure a flawless, professional finish that truly elevates the entire space. On Sunday, our newly installed boards were begging for a beautiful paint job, but not before some essential groundwork.
We dedicated significant time to spackling, caulking, and sanding every single wood knot, seam, and nail hole. This isn’t a step to rush! Spackling fills any imperfections or holes, while caulking creates seamless transitions between the boards and the wall, giving a built-in, custom look. The sanding process, though tedious, is absolutely vital. It ensures a buttery-smooth surface, free from rough edges or bumps, allowing the paint to glide on evenly and beautifully. Trust me, skipping this step will show in the final result. I captured this image just before the sanding began, a reminder of how important those final smoothing touches truly are.
Once our surfaces were impeccably smooth, we carefully taped up all the trim, preparing for the painting phase. It was a family affair, with my little helper, Olivia, enthusiastically assisting. Her tiny “stickers” (as she called the tape pieces) adorning the wall were a sweet reminder of the shared joy in creating our dream home.
Choosing the Right Paint: Glidden Duo Paint + Primer Review
For this DIY board and batten project, we had the wonderful opportunity to try Glidden Paint Duo Paint + Primer, and I must say, I was thoroughly impressed. Having used countless paint brands over the years for various home improvement projects, I always look for a product that delivers quality without breaking the bank. Glidden truly delivered on both fronts. Staying under budget is a consistent priority for me, and this paint proved that you don’t have to compromise on performance for affordability.
I opted for the color Crisp Linen White in a semi-gloss finish, a choice that instantly brightened our previously dim hallway. The semi-gloss finish is perfect for high-traffic areas like foyers and hallways, as it’s durable, easy to clean, and reflects light beautifully, enhancing the crispness of the white. Glidden’s coverage was exceptional; it didn’t behave like an inexpensive paint at all. The finish was incredibly smooth, making the new board and batten look truly custom and professionally installed. A high-quality paint brush also makes a significant difference in achieving a clean finish, and mine has certainly seen its fair share of projects!
The Painting Process: Tips for a Flawless Finish
I started by meticulously painting the trim first. My technique involved feathering out the paint as I went, which prevents harsh paint lines and ensures a seamless transition, especially where the trim meets the existing wall or ceiling. This detailed approach is crucial for achieving that polished, high-end look that transforms a simple DIY project into a standout feature.
Throughout the entire process, my furry supervisor, Lola, kept a watchful eye. She’s my trusty naptime DIY buddy, always there to offer moral support (and perhaps a few shed hairs). Once the trim was completed to my satisfaction, I switched to a mini roller to tackle the larger flat sections of the board and batten panels. A mini roller is fantastic for smaller areas and provides excellent control, ensuring an even coat without overloading the paint.
For quick and easy cleanup, I swear by using a plastic grocery bag as a paint tray liner. It’s a simple trick that saves so much time and effort! Another huge plus for Glidden Paint Duo is its low VOC formula. This means no strong, unpleasant odors filling the house, which is incredibly important when undertaking indoor home renovation projects, especially with little ones and pets around. The air remained fresh, allowing me to work comfortably without ventilation worries.
Given that I was painting directly over rather dark wall paint and existing wood, I ended up applying two coats to achieve optimal opacity and depth of color. The good news is that this paint dried incredibly quickly, which meant as soon as I finished one coat, I could almost immediately begin the next. This significantly sped up the process, making the project feel much more manageable. Even after painting our entire hallway and foyer, meticulously attending to all those intricate trim details, I still had a cup or two of paint left in my gallon can, proving its excellent value and coverage. For those who like to do their research, you can find many positive reviews from other DIYers on Glidden’s Ratings and Reviews site.
The Grand Reveal: A Transformed Foyer and Hallway
The entire process, though certainly meticulous and a test of patience, was undeniably worth it. The transformation is absolutely incredible, and I truly “lurv” our hallway now! It has evolved from a bland, forgotten space into a bright, inviting, and architecturally rich area that feels custom-designed.
This is finally a space that Robert and I are incredibly proud of. The board and batten adds such a sophisticated layer of texture and visual interest, making the foyer and hallway feel larger and more purposeful. It now flows seamlessly into the rest of our home, creating a cohesive and welcoming ambiance from the moment you step through the front door. The Crisp Linen White paint dramatically brightens the area, reflecting light and making the space feel expansive and airy.
The newly enhanced walls perfectly complement our stunning $80 DIY wood beam doorway, creating a cohesive and charming architectural statement. This combination truly elevates the entire look, blending modern farmhouse elegance with a touch of rustic warmth. It’s incredible how these two budget-friendly DIY projects work together to transform a once-unremarkable area into a focal point of our home.
What’s Next for Our Foyer: Adding Color and Personal Touches
With the board and batten complete, our attention now shifts to the next item on our home decor to-do list: painting that front door something other than white. The crisp white of the trim has created a perfect canvas, and now it’s time to introduce a pop of color to truly make the entryway shine. I’m currently torn between shades of gray or blue – perhaps a deep, moody blue for a dramatic statement, or a softer, muted gray for a more serene welcome. The possibilities are endless, and finding just the right hue will be key to tying the entire space together. Your suggestions are welcome!
A Dramatic Before & After: Two Years of Transformation
To truly appreciate the extent of this foyer makeover, let’s take a moment to look back at where we started. For comparison’s sake, here’s a genuine “before” picture, captured on closing day back in December 2013. The contrast is astounding and a testament to what a little vision, hard work, and creativity can achieve on a budget.
In less than two years, we’ve come an incredibly long way in transforming this space into a true reflection of our style. It’s a wonderful feeling to look at these pictures and see the evolution of our home, one DIY project at a time. This board and batten wall is a cornerstone of that transformation, adding architectural depth and a sense of permanence.
Our $35 wagon bench, a fantastic Craigslist find, now pops beautifully against our shiny new trim. It’s amazing how a simple, affordable piece of furniture can be elevated by a thoughtful backdrop. We envision adding some practical hooks above the bench for coats and bags, along with a curated selection of art to truly personalize this inviting entryway.
Eventually, this space will be adorned with both functional and decorative elements, making it not just aesthetically pleasing but also highly practical for daily use. The dream is to create a fully styled entryway that greets us warmly every time we come home.
If this DIY board and batten reveal has inspired you to tackle your own home transformation, remember that beautiful results are absolutely achievable with careful planning and the right materials. This project proves that you can create significant impact and add substantial character to your home without a massive budget. Don’t forget to pin this post for future reference if you’re considering the DIY route for board and batten in your own home!
