The esp8266 is capable of running the fastLED library. In my experience it doesn't work well with ws2812 leds over about 60 leds, it will cause glitching as the esp8266 interrupts the led writeout.
It works fine with leds with a clock line, I am driving about 600 ws2801s. However, each ws2801 drives 3 rgb leds in parallel so it's about 1200 leds. That allows me to use 12v instead of 5v; voltage drop over the power lines is less of an issue.
I have a controller with LCD display for choosing from about 30 different programs and any color. I also have a switch by the front door that lets me turn the leds on and off and adjust brightness level.
Everything talks to everything else via Mqtt