Julia from Chris Loves Julia just wrapped up a fantastic renovation to the exterior area just outside her mudroom entrance, and it’s packed with smart, approachable ideas.
This project took a full year, which included transforming a former laundry room into a functional mudroom along with its own exterior entrance (this post focuses on the exterior portion).
To make the new entry feel intentional, they installed bluestone pavers in a clean grid pattern—no artificial grass here, just grout between the stones for a polished look.
They added a single line of grass to separate the path from the backyard, creating a subtle but effective transition.
One of my favorite touches: Julia planted American wisteria along a trellis against the brick wall.
She chose this native variety because it’s less aggressive and easier to manage—perfect for adding charm without the chaos.
She also spray-painted the gray electrical meter box to blend in with the brick, which made a huge difference in the overall aesthetic.
Finishing touches like a monogrammed waterproof doormat and a stylish wall lantern made the space feel complete.
If you’re tackling an exterior entry, Julia’s approach to blending hardscaping with thoughtful greenery is a great blueprint.
Check out her full timeline and process at Chris Loves Julia for more inspiration!
Quick Summary & Tips for This Project
Materials Used:
- Bluestone pavers (24″x24″)
- Grout for paver joints
- American Wisteria plants
- Trellis panels
- Exterior-grade spray paint (for meter box)
- Monogrammed waterproof doormat
- Outdoor wall lantern
- Landscape edging materials (optional)
Steps:
- Excavate the pathway area and level the ground.
- Lay down the bluestone pavers in a grid pattern.
- Apply grout between pavers for a clean, modern finish.
- Install trellis panels against the brick wall.
- Plant American Wisteria at the base of each trellis.
- Spray-paint the electrical meter box to match the brick.
- Add the doormat and wall lantern for final touches.
Key Tips:
- Choose native plants like American Wisteria for low maintenance and easy growth.
- Use grout instead of artificial turf between pavers for a more natural, timeless look.
- Small details, like painting the meter box, can dramatically improve visual cohesion.
- Plan your layout before starting to ensure balance and function.