Your foyer is the first thing people will see when they
enter your home. You want to make sure that you pull out all the stops during
the design process. At the same time, you want the space to be warm and
inviting to guests, and homey and familiar for your family. When it comes to
the foyer, it is all about striking a balance between being a gracious host and
designing a comfortable home.
Make a Bold Statement with Paint
To differentiate the foyer from the rest of the house, try something different with paint. You can use a totally different color than the rest of the house. The only thing you need to remember is that your foyer will set the tone for the rest of your design aesthetic, so keep your main themes in the back of your mind.Let in the Sun
Most foyers have great access to sunlight - use this to your advantage. If you have large windows in your foyer, keep them open and bright. They will attract attention to the details you included in your design process, and make your foyer warm, bright and inviting.Include Wall Art or Family Photos
If you love including personal touches in your design, don't be shy to include some family photos in the foyer. If you've taken professional family photos, show them off in the entrance of your home. Photos of your kids and pets are a great idea, since it will probably be their belongings that litter the floor of your foyer. Wall art is also a great idea. If you're looking to make good use of your wall space, pick a bold piece of art that incorporates your color scheme.Greet Your Guests with Nature
Think of the foyer as a transition room that separates the indoors from the outdoors. With this in mind, don't be afraid to sprinkle a bit of nature throughout your foyer design. Plants that are relatively low maintenance, and require little feeding and watering are a great addition to the corner of your home's entrance.Avoid the Daily Clutter
The foyer is a high-traffic zone and can easily fall victim to the clutter of personal items. Make sure you avoid using it as a drop off spot for bags, coats and shoes, unless you already have proper storage space for these items. You don't want your guest to be greeted by last week's lunchbox and an old pair of socks.Tie it All Together with a Floor Rug
Often overlooked, the floor rug can lend a lot to your overall design aesthetic, especially in a small space like the foyer. Purchase a rug that includes some of the more understated colors in your paint, wall décor and furniture. It is a sophisticated way of tying together elements that otherwise would appear disparate.Play with Entrance Seating
Since the foyer ends up being the meeting point in your home, it might be wise to incorporate some seating. A bench or a small loveseat are both appropriate for this type of space, and will allow your guests and family a place to sit and wait for you when you're applying that last bit of lipstick or straightening your tie.Make Use of the Ceiling
A great addition to any foyer is a chandelier. Since the ceiling is often high, and the space is often abundant, the foyer is a great place to add some real sophistication with a classic light fixture or chandelier.Don't Forget the Usual Entrance Décor
While it's great to be unique in your design aesthetic, don't be afraid to incorporate the traditional entrance elements as well. Don't underestimate the power of familiarity; you want your guests to feel right at home. You can't really go wrong with a coat rack, umbrella holder and an old-fashion welcome mat.The foyer is a great area to play with. It allows you to have a very specific design aesthetic in a concentrated space. There are two things you should remember before you begin your foyer design: it will set the tone of your house, but no one will linger for long. With these factors in mind, you can feel comfortable making well thought out, but bold choices, and strike that perfect balance in your foyer.