SmartHomeOwners

When you walk into someone's home, your first impression of that home is generally molded by the foyer or vestibule.  A home's entrance either welcomes guests with open arms or causes them to want to look for the nearest exit!  Whether you're building a home and need to design a foyer from scratch or wish to remodel your existing entrance hallway, these home design tips can simplify the process.

Locate a Focal Point

Focal points are crucial in establishing an overall look and feel for a home's front entrance.  Find the main focal point.  Is it an elegantly curved stairwell?  A distinct hallway?  A large, fancy chandelier?  The focal point is often the largest item or feature in a room.  If your entrance doesn't have a focal point, then create one!  Generally a large, decorative chair or a vintage style loveseat can be displayed in larger foyers.  These furniture pieces create a warm welcome, but don't necessarily have to be comfortable.  They foyer is usually for "looks only."

Foyer Colors

The color of a foyer or vestibule doesn't have to be the same color as the rest of the home, but should blend well with the adjacent walls.  Foyers can be bright and cheery or soft and cozy.  It depends on the mood you'd like to set for your guests as they venture into the remainder of your home.  Since a foyer is designed to set the mood, consider using colors and a decor theme that are consistent with the decor in other rooms.  This makes your home appear well organized and gives guests a sense of security and well being during their visit.  Popular colors for foyers are cream, light tan, light mauve, baby blue and dull red or burgundy.  Wallpaper of various colors and patterns can enhance one wall, the lower portion of a wall beneath the chair rail, or every wall in the room.

Entrance Door and Foyer Furniture

Your home's entrance door should be welcoming to guests and add to the cosmetic look of your home (on the interior and exterior). A door with windows either on the door or on either side of the door can add beautiful natural light to your entrance area.  Foyers tend to be the darkest room in the home, so adding a door with natural sunlight flowing through will brighten your foyer tremendously during the day.  Be sure to add a decorative frame around the door to enhance the foyer's look.

The foyer's furniture and accessories are important in creating the image you want.  If using a chair or loveseat, add a small table with a lovely Tiffany or candle lamp.  Enhance the wall behind your furniture with a painting, lighted by luxurious wall sconces.  The theme of your foyer can be modern, basic, elegant, Americana, or whatever you want.  The furniture you choose will set the tone for your decor.  Also consider adding a floor rug that matches your decor.

Other items to accessorize your foyer include plants/flowers, floor lamps, a large window with elegant tapestries, large floor pottery, portraits, an antique or wood coat rack, a bench or stool, and mirrors.

Whether designing a brand new foyer or remodeling, be sure to choose the paint, wallpaper, flooring and lighting fixtures carefully.  These will need to blend well to create an inspiring space for anyone that steps through your front door!