The DIY Runner in This L.A. Entryway Cost $700 Less Than the Store-Bought Option

This article details how Drew Scott of Lone Fox Home transformed the entryway of his Los Angeles duplex rental in just two days, making it a welcoming and personalized space. Facing a sterile, beige, and white staircase, Scott employed several DIY techniques to inject personality and style without making permanent changes to the rental property. The renovation focused on affordable and creative solutions, demonstrating how to achieve a high-impact transformation on a budget. One key transformation involved painting elements other than the walls. Scott used leftover Tricorn Black paint from Valspar to create contrast on the door, railing, and window trim against the existing plain walls. This approach not only enhanced the visual appeal but also simplified repainting when he eventually moves out. Additionally, he upgraded a dated flush-mount ceiling light fixture by applying brass Rub ’n Buff, giving it a vintage Parisian look in under five minutes. These paint-based hacks effectively modernized the space without requiring significant investment or permanent alterations. Another significant DIY project involved addressing the entryway's flooring. Scott, a veteran user of peel-and-stick tiles for rental properties, opted for FloorPops, specifically a white and black sunburst pattern. He emphasized the importance of choosing thicker tiles (⅛-inch) that mimic the look of real flooring, preventing the 'wallpaper' effect seen with thinner alternatives. This affordable solution, costing less than $20 per pack, effectively brightened the area and covered the granite-esque floor. Perhaps the most striking and cost-effective transformation was the stair runner. Faced with a $900 estimate for a store-bought runner for his long stairwell, Scott ingeniously created his own by stapling together seven IKEA Törslev rugs. This DIY runner cost approximately $200, saving him $700. The process involved cutting off the rugs' hems and stapling them to each step and riser. While acknowledging that he plans to use thicker staples in the future to improve durability and safety, this method significantly elevated the staircase's aesthetic. Scott also incorporated an IKEA dresser hack into the entryway. A $49 Ivar cabinet from IKEA's As Is section was transformed into a stylish storage unit. He attached half-inch wood dowels to the doors and sides, sanded, and painted the entire piece with a black wood finish, adding champagne-colored pulls for a refined touch. This project not only provided functional storage for vases and candles but also fit perfectly into a narrow space previously thought to be too small for a console table. Finally, a meandering gallery wall was installed to draw attention away from the compact size of the entryway and engage guests. Scott curated a collection of one-of-a-kind Etsy prints and other personal art pieces. He sourced frames that were either thrifted or appeared so, many being affordable Amazon finds. This strategy allows for easy updates and personalization, reflecting his desire to frequently change up his decor. Each of these DIY strategies demonstrates how thoughtful design and creative solutions can transform a rental space into a personal and inviting home, even with limitations. #DIYHomeDecor #RentalRenovation #IKEAHacks #EntrywayDesign #BudgetDecor #PeelAndStickTiles #StairRunnerDIY #GalleryWall #HomeImprovement #DIYHomeDecor #RentalRenovation #IKEAHacks #EntrywayDesign #BudgetDecor #PeelAndStickTiles #StairRunnerDIY #GalleryWall #HomeImprovement