Making an Entrance

You only have one chance to make a first impression and

your foyer is just the place to do it!

The foyer is where you make that all important first impression, the impression that family and friends will remember every time their thoughts drift to you and your home. We all judge books by their covers, whether we admit it or not, and when we welcome folks into our homes, the foyer is the cover of the book that will be judged. So, let’s give them a cover that serves us well.

Beyond making a statement, the foyer is a transition room. It takes guests from the outdoors to the interior of your home. It's a place to take off boots and hang up coats, but it's also the area that sets the tone for the rest of your home. It introduces guests to your style and gives them a taste of what's to come.

First of all, remember who will be arriving and departing from the foyer most often- you! Therefore, more than a great new color for the walls or a glamorous piece of furniture, you’ll want a mirror in your foyer.

Start the day off on the right foot, you never know who you might meet. You want to leave the house feeling confident that you look. A number one must-have is a full-length mirror for that last once-over on your way out the door.

The next element is choosing a fabulous shade of color for the walls; a shade that is warm and friendly. Best bets are in the yellow and orange family: perhaps, a fabulous shade of cantaloupe, squash or pineapple. Not only do members of the orange and yellow color family signify a jovial and friendly personality but they will ensure that we’ll be welcomed home by walls with a cheery disposition.

Now it’s time to do a little ground work. For your floors, think low maintenance but with a high maintenance look. If changing the flooring is in the budget, natural stone has had a tremendous resurgence in popularity. Stone will last forever. It’s one of the hardiest surfaces on the market, plus it’s totally natural. If you can’t change the flooring but don’t love the one you have to live with, lay down an area rug. Ensure that the carpet can be easily cleaned because no matter what the season, there is bound to be a lot of mud and dirt coming home, especially if there are kids in the family.

Great lighting fixtures are also imperative to great spaces. Wall fixtures work well, as do ceiling chandeliers. Regardless of your lighting fixture choice, ensure that you install the fixture with a dimmer switch, that way if people visit unexpectedly you can keep the lights dimmed down. Besides, it is nicer to be greeted by soft light rather than a bright interrogation light.

And of course, a foyer also needs a piece of furniture (no more than two) and this can be as simple as a wall mounted shelf, a wall unit or bureau. Many people like to have a small wall unit that at least has some drawer space or “hanging” space. A simple but elegant decorative box provides a place to store keys, drop the mail, hang a hat and coat. A stool, bench or chair in the foyer usually fits well, but make sure you do not “overdue” it. Parents of young children and older friends will appreciate having a seat while they remove their footwear. Stools and benches can also serve double duty as storage boxes for extra clothing, shoes and accessories.

(Speaking of storage, the front hall closet is as deserving of a closet organizing system as much as any bedroom closet.)

Your foyer is almost complete but it still needs that “piece de la resistance”. Perhaps an exquisite statue or piece of art. You’ll also want to complete the space with a good smell! Remember that all of our rooms need to appeal to all five of our senses and the foyer is no exception; be sure to include a source for some welcoming and enticing aromatherapy.