Episode 2 of Renovation Resort we focused on two spaces that are often overlooked but incredibly important: the front room and the entry. These are the first spaces guests experience, yet they are frequently underused, overdesigned, or left without a clear purpose.

In this episode, we transformed the front room into a casual conversational lounge where you can entertain and unwind, while designing the entry to feel vibrant, intentional, and connected to the rest of the home.

The Most Common Problem: A Front Room That Never Gets Used

So many homes have a front room that looks nice but rarely gets lived in. It is too formal, too precious, or simply does not feel inviting enough to use day to day.

The entry often suffers from a similar issue. It becomes a pass-through space with no personality and no real function beyond getting people in the door.

In Episode 2, our challenge was to make both spaces feel approachable, relaxed, and purposeful without sacrificing style.

Solution 1: Reimagine the Front Room as a Casual Lounge

Instead of designing a formal sitting room, we leaned into the idea of a casual lounge. A space meant for conversation, music, and slowing down.

We accomplished this by:

Using four chairs arranged to encourage face-to-face conversation
Skipping a sofa to keep the space light and flexible
Introducing a record player to give the room personality and purpose

This layout instantly shifts how the room is used. It becomes a destination rather than a display.

You can shop the chairs, accent tables, and decor used in this space through my LTK links from the episode.

Solution 2: Create Balance Through Symmetry and Scale

This entry is designed to make a statement the moment you walk in. A bold, patterned wallpaper sets the tone as a feature moment, instantly adding personality and visual interest. To balance the impact, a coordinating fabric is used on the bench, pulling colors and pattern into a tactile layer that feels intentional and inviting. The result is an entry that feels curated, confident, and warm. A true first impression that welcomes you in while hinting at the layered design story beyond.

How We Achieved the Look

Selected a bold wallpaper with depth and movement to create an immediate focal point without overwhelming the space.
Chose a coordinating bench fabric that complements the wallpaper while introducing softness and comfort.
Kept surrounding finishes neutral and warm to let the pattern shine and feel elevated rather than busy.
Layered lighting and accessories thoughtfully to balance the bold pattern and complete the entry with intention.

This is where many homeowners struggle. Too much furniture makes the room feel tight, while too little leaves it feeling unfinished. Thoughtful spacing makes all the difference. Designed as a conversation room just off the entry, this front lounge invites guests to pause, connect, and settle in. A grouping of four chairs creates an intimate, face-to-face layout that encourages conversation, while layered textures and warm finishes keep the space feeling relaxed and approachable. The result is a welcoming lounge that feels intentional yet effortless. A space meant to be used, not just passed through.

With four chairs in one space, balance was key. We paid close attention to:

Chair scale so the room did not feel crowded
Spacing that allowed for easy movement
A central moment that grounded the seating arrangement

Solution 3: Let the Entry Set the Tone

The entry is your home’s first impression, and it should immediately communicate warmth and intention.

For the entry, we focused on:

Lighting that feels inviting the moment you walk in
Finishes and materials that connect visually to the front lounge
Simple styling that feels elevated but not fussy

Rather than overloading the space, we kept it clean and layered just enough to feel complete.

Solution 4: Design for How People Actually Live

Both the front lounge and the entry were designed with real life in mind.

That meant:

Durable materials that can handle everyday use
Furniture that encourages people to linger
A layout that feels natural, not forced

The record player was not just a styling moment. It was a signal that this space is meant to be enjoyed.

First Impressions Matter More Than You Think

Episode 2 of Renovation Resort proves that when you give overlooked spaces a clear purpose, they quickly become some of the most loved areas in the home.

By:

Turning the front room into a casual lounge
Designing the entry with warmth and intention
Focusing on comfort, conversation, and flow

You create a home that feels welcoming from the very first step inside.

If you are wondering what to do with an unused front room or an uninspired entry, take this episode as your sign. With thoughtful planning and the right pieces, these spaces can become a true extension of how you live. Be sure to explore the LTK links from Episode 2 to shop the products used and recreate the look in your own home.

Ready to Create Your Entryway?

If you’re considering a renovation and want expert design paired with top-tier fixtures, let’s chat! We’d love to help you create a space that’s as functional as it is stunning.

Renovation Resort Episode 2: Turning the Front Room and Entry Into a Welcoming Casual Lounge