By Lilian Kithia
The entryway or foyer is the first thing guests see when they come into your home. Whether you have a giant entryway with plenty of room to spare, or a door that leads directly into a tiny apartment, there are a few essential elements you can take advantage of and turn this space into a beautiful and practically functional area.
Artistic chest or shelf: Every foyer should have some sort of surface where you can toss your keys, loose change or whatever else you pick up or drop off as you enter and exit your home. A table with storage is a great idea if you have the space but if you don’t, try installing a shelf.
A decorative mirror: A full-length mirror is great if it makes sense in your space, but otherwise hanging one over your table or shelf is perfect. Mirrors are also great because they open up the space and reflect light. In a small entryway, a mirror can make a world of difference.
Welcoming atmosphere
Classic lighting: If you have even a little headroom, a chandelier is a great improvement over a common ceiling fixture. Not something huge and overpowering, but an interesting wrought iron or vintage crystal piece. Be sure the wiring is good and mount it so even your tallest guest won’t bump his head on to it. A well thought out table lamp can also create a soft and welcoming atmosphere that’s really lovely when guests come over.
Warm carpet runner. A carpet runner or mat of some sort is welcoming, thanks to its softness, and it helps define the space. Choose something that can handle a lot of wear and tear and is good for high traffic areas. A small additional mat that will define the space where shoes should go will also come in handy.
Mount a collection on the wall: This collection can have just about anything on it like plates, hats, evening bags, family photos or musical instruments. Your collection will stand out and tell your guests immediately what you love.
Remember that the entryway sets the scene for your home, so when decorating a foyer, put as much thought into it as you would any other room in the house. Think about style, colour and what kind of mood you want to create and go for something that you love as it is you who will have to look at it every day.
