A Few Tips on Designing an Entryway or Foyer
A DIY Ally client wrote: “Alla, I have another project for you. We need a defined entryway. Not a grand foyer but something fitting of the inside of the house and the beautiful location. Can you give me a few tips?”
In response, I search through a few blog posts, like this one and put together a mood board of various possibilities. The collaging exercise inspires me to list the areas of focus. It’s a program of sorts.
Clearly, there are many ways of accomplishing a certain objective. As DIY architect, my advice is to be somewhat adventurous while displaying your taste and personality. The concept is to set the tone, to align with the mood of the house right at the entryway. One approach is to use colors and materials that will be found again in other rooms.
An entryway or foyer, regardless of size, has the responsibility to dazzle your guests right at the door
- Make it welcoming.
- Create a focal point.
Most importantly, a small entryway has to maintain a sense of order and feel organized, as it is responsible for holding keys, shoes, bags, and umbrellas. Not to mention coats and jackets. Thus:
- Employ a common theme to unify separate elements.
- Keep it simple and cohesive.
Tips on finishes & surfaces:
- Install a bold-patterned floor. If that’s not feasible, opt for a patterned runner to clearly define your entryway as a separate zone.
- Employ a neutral palette with splashes of color.
- Make a statement with a door.
Tips on lighting:
- Show-stopping chandelier makes a big impact. On the other hand, sconces and table lamps keep the mood cozy and the light flattering.
Tips on furnishings:
- Include a narrow shelf, bench, or a console table to stash mail, and packages.
- Line a wall with woven baskets (super practical) under a few eye-catching hooks.
- Add a mirror.
- Slip in seating.
- Integrate your personal style through decorative accents, such as a catch-all bowl or tray.
Armed with these tips, I revise the existing floor plan. See the sketch and a fragment of the collage above as proposed to my DIY Ally client. Instead of a blank space, his entryway or foyer can be well organized, stylish, and welcoming.
