Foyer Design Ideas

The foyer of your home speaks volumes about you, your lifestyle, the things that are important to you and the impression you wish the outside world to have regarding you and your family. Often neglected by amateur decorators, professional designers understand the meaning of first impressions, and your foyer is the first impression others get when they first walk into your home. Does this Spark an idea?

The Formal Foyer

Regardless of the size of your foyer, it can be decorated in a formal style. If your living area decor is formal, carrying the design through to the foyer continues your theme. A black and white square tile floor is dramatic and can be used with any color scheme. A wood side table, either antique or reproduction, with a small table lamp, creates an ambiance that gently says "Welcome." A gold-edged mirror over the table, artwork on opposite walls, all framed in either black or gold, and an oriental area rug over the center of the flooring creates a formal, yet warm, entry.

The Modern Foyer

A foyer with a soaring ceiling is common in many of today's newly built homes. Decorating the expansive walls can be a challenge for the novice. Choose a dramatic chandelier that hangs from the ceiling down into the foyer. The size of the chandelier shouldn't over-or under-whelm the space. Use a dimmer switch to control the intensity of light. The lower the light, the more welcoming. Approach the high walls with assurance. Hang a large painting low enough to be appreciated by those walking in and out of the door. Do not use small pictures as the space is too large to do them justice. A large mirror, hung horizontally if possible, is another good way to fill the wall space. Place a contemporary parsons table under the mirror with an arrangement of fresh or silk flowers at either end. A decorative area rug, a mosaic-tile inlay or patterned porcelain tiles keep the eye focused downward instead of up toward the high ceilings.

The Family Foyer

A busy family will run through a foyer many times during the day, often bypassing the design or decor. Keys are flung. Books and backpacks laid on the floor. Mail is strewn across any surface, and shoes are discarded wherever they fall. However, there can be order in this confusion if the space is made usable. Start with a parsons table that fits your space. On the top, put a decorative dish or basket for keys. On the same table, place another dish or basket to catch the mail and magazines. Under the table, designate a box or basket for each member of the family, which is where the backpacks and shoes are tossed. Knobs fastened to the wall or a hall-tree can collect coats and hats. Scatter a decorative rug on the floor and place a small bench nearby, and the entire area will look organized and welcoming.

The Odd-shaped Foyer

A round foyer tends to be more formal and welcomes a round table in the center of the space. A sculpture, bowl, piece of art or decorative silk or fresh flowers in the center of the table give a warm welcome.

A long, narrow foyer needs to be bright and cheerful. Paint the walls a very light color. Stretch a collection of black and white matted photographs along the length of the wall, keeping the frames all the same size and color. An oriental runner brightens up the space and leads the visitor to the main living area.

Creating a Foyer Where One Doesn't Exist

Many homes have no foyer, but instead a straight passage leads from outside into the living room. A foyer can be created with some clever design ideas. Place an area rug in front of the door to immediately give your "foyer" dimension. An oriental screen can separate the foyer from the living room by being placed horizontally adjacent to the area rug. Or you can create a visual separation by putting the screen perpendicular, leading into the living room. A hat rack, small side chair or even a small side table can also create the separation.