Functional Wainscoting Entryway

I am obsessed with accent walls. I love adding architectural designs to any plain wall. Not only is it such an easy DIY project, it also creates so much character by simply adding a little of bit of wood or some paint.

With wainscotting, strategic panels can break up the look of plain walls, and add visual interest to any room. I can't really say that my entryway is completely boring. It had a little bit of a character after adding the console table and a mirror but I got tired of it and it needed more function, and style.

With the winter season in full blast, layers and layers of clothing are worn on a daily basis. Not to mention hats, scarves, gloves, etc. So I decided to make the entryway somewhat functional where all these can be stored but hidden but also make a little bit of statement as soon as you walk in the door.

I didn't want to spend a lot of money and I love to upcycle. So I used my daughter's old crib, that I already previously upcycled to use as a ladder for the custom bed I made her (will work on putting that post next) which was a complete fail and some scrap wood I had from other projects.

I, then, cut each rail so I can use them as my panels for the purpose of wainscoting.

I used my nail gun to attach them to the wall and spackled any holes and imperfections on the wood. This would make it easier once you start painting.

NOTE: Please make sure that you do your measurements prior on where you want to put your panels.

Then I added a shelf.

I painted everything first around the panels white so the entryway would look really fresh then painted my panels a gray color. I used Benjamin Moore Iron Gate 1545.

Now the fun part, decorating.

I bought coat hooks and installed them evenly on the panels. This is where the jackets and coats and hats can be hung.

I mentioned that I didn't want to spend a lot of money so I went to Craigslist to see what I can find as far as storage is concerned and I found this 3-cube storage bench from a seller who is moving out of town. It was brand new. It just didn't come with the storage cubes that were in the photo. Not sure if the seller used them but I just bought some from Target after measuring the exact size that I need.

I love everything about this bench but the brown fabric of the cushion wasn't doing it for me. So I changed it.

And this is the end product. What do you guys think?