Nothing says “Welcome Home” better than a beautifully decorated foyer. It’s often the first room our guests see when they come to visit, but it’s usually the last area to get a little tender loving care. Here are some quick and simple ways to make sure your foyer makes a good impression.
REMOVE THE CLUTTER.
Though it is usually the smallest room in the house, we manage to pack a lot in there. Remove everything from the area, especially anything that doesn’t belong. Foyers often become a depository for mail, shoes, coats and other items that get dropped the minute we walk in the door. Take down anything on the walls and remove the furniture.
BRING IN A LITTLE COLOR.
Now that it’s empty, freshen up the walls with a fresh coat of paint. If you can see adjacent rooms, coordinate the color. Lighter colors make a small room seem bigger. Don’t forget the front door! You can either paint it a complementary shade, or give it some style of its own with a pop of color. Add a pretty coordinating rug!
ADD STORAGE.
Make the most of the small space by using a table with drawers or one with room underneath for baskets. You want it to have a presence of its own, so don’t put a dainty table there. Add a bowl or basket for keys and other small things that will get stored there. If your family finds themselves taking off their shoes in the foyer, add a basket for shoe storage. Use an armoire that will hide anything you need to store if the area is big enough. A smaller area might be the perfect space for a storage bench.
CREATE A FOCAL POINT.
Create vertical interest by hanging art or a mirror over the table or bench. It can be one large piece or make a grouping. Just make sure it is visually the same weight as the furniture and it is hung at eye level.
A PLACE TO HANG YOUR HAT.
If you don’t have a coat closet handy, hooks or a coat rack will organize jackets, purses and umbrellas neatly.
LET THERE BE LIGHT.
Update your overhead lighting fixture to brighten the room and add a lamp or two for a more intimate glow.
ADD A PERSONAL TOUCH.
Place something special in the room whether it is a vase of flowers, an interesting collection, or a small sculpture.
Create a beautiful, functional foyer by playing around with the furnishings and accessories until you find an arrangement that works for you. Keep the clutter to a minimum and don’t be afraid to mix it up occasionally to keep things fresh and seasonal.
