A lot of people have mixed emotions about foyers and entryways. They are small rooms so they don't require a lot of work, but they're also low priority rooms so they rarely get any attention. The problem with this is that the foyer is typically the very first room guests see when they enter your home. It really is a major impact room because it basically sets the tone for the rest of the house. For this reason, it's important, not only, for Foyers to be addressed but also for them to be styled in a way that sets the tone for the rest of the house. If you're wondering how to accomplish that, you've come to the right place! Today we're discussing key elements of foyers and helping you determine what yours might need.

Even though the foyer isn't really a room where people will lounge, it does need to be functional and appear comfortable. A comfortable looking foyer makes for an inviting home. So consider adding some sort of bench or ottoman for seating. Even if this isn't a place where guests will sit for long periods of time, it may be a place where they'll set their bags down or sit to put their shoes on. A bench also says, I want my guests to be comfortable. It's subtle but it gives off a vibe that lets guests know, I've got you in mind!

Usually a foyer doesn't have any more than one large piece of furniture (bench, ottoman, console...), but once that piece is established, you have to build the rest of the foyer around it. A piece of art in a foyer is key. It adds color and left to what can be a very cold space. If you've got a console, a bowl and plant, maybe a lamp are all decorative and functional items to have on top. Just be careful not to clutter up your foyer with too much stuff--that kind of greeting can make guests feel cramped and uncomfortable.

Be sure to address your entryway floor. It can be hard to spend the money on a nice area rug for a foyer because it can quickly get dirty in such a high traffic area. You have to consider, though, that the floor of the entry is a big part of what guests see as they enter. A small accessory or lamp might be missed in the overall feel of the room but a blank floor will leave it feeling unfinished. A rug warms things up and, for practicality sake, helps with sounds absorption and dirt-tracking. :)

Be sure to consider your overhead lighting in a foyer. Because there are so many sizes and shapes of entryways, the lack of walls in your foyer may limit you on the number of place to add furniture. In this scenario, the overhead pendant is your hardest working piece. A foyer pendant has the ability to transform the room by not only adding light but adding art and movement. We view lighting as art because it's sculptural so we place a lot of value on good lighting. Don't go cheap. Find a light that you're proud of!

If there's anything we can impart on you today, it's that your foyer should be tidy and inviting. So if it's a collection of shoes, mail, and bags, you may want to re-think what pieces are in the space and how it's used. Remember--best foot forward!

All About | Foyers