How to Create a Foyer (when there isn't one)

There is something about coming into a home that has a foyer, an entryway, a vestibule.

It says, "Come on in! Welcome. Stay awhile."
It's the welcoming committee for the rest of our home.

But not everyone's home or apartment is blessed with such a space.

Many front doors open directly into the living room.

However, it's not hopeless! You can create the feeling of a foyer.


House to Home Elements to Consider:

• Lighting: table lamps, hanging swag lamps, floor lamps, uplights (can lighting), candles
• Softness: rugs, rug runners
• Seating: benches, chairs, ottomans, stools
• Storage: dressers, credenzas, armoires, large covered baskets, stacked luggage, night stands, umbrella stands, hooks
• Personality: family photos, travel prints, souvenirs
• Reflection: mirrors, glass, mercury glass
• Life: plants, flowers, clocks with pendulums

The primary thing to remember is that you'll either need a physical barrier or a visual one.
A physical barrier literally blocks the view of the rest of the room.
A visual barrier gives the viewer decor to instantly view in the front door area;
it separates and sets the entryway apart from the rest of the house.
Even if it's only a few square feet, give your home a place
in which to pause before entering the rest of the house.

Make it Organized & Pretty

If you only have one wall near the front door and no coat closet or console,
compact helpers work perfectly here.

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If It's Compact, Make an Impact

A slim and sleek shelf  topped with a gallery wall of precious photos
makes a spectacular statement.

The drawers below the shelf hold keys, gloves,
the dog's leash, gadgets, whatever. 

Brilliant!

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Define with Molding

Give the spot its own personality.
Frame the wall you'll be using to draw attention to it.

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Define with Wallpaper

Accent wallpaper makes a dramatic statement
that can be fun for a transition space.

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Define with Wainscoting

Easy-to-apply wallpaper or the traditional wood panels
create instant cottage appeal.

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Paint It Happy

A dresser or console painted in a fun, vibrant color is a sweet way
to say "Hello" to your family and friends.

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Display It Happy

Your collection of heirloom and thrift plates needs to be displayed somewhere.
Why not the entryway?

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Use a Hall Tree

If you only have three to five feet of space
(and perhaps you're renting and can't alter the wall in any way),
the classic hall tree may be just what your entryway needs.

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Focus on the Front Door

Painting the inside of the door is probably
the easiest fix and the most eye-catching.

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Illuminate with Swag

You can create a small square of foyer space simply by
flanking the front door with sconces,
spreading a rug upon the floor,
and hanging a lamp from a hook over the spot.


(If there's no nearby outlet, use an extension cord;
secure it as close to the floor molding as possible.)

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IKEA to the Rescue

A tall or low Expedit shelving unit can be used
between the space near your door and the rest of the room.

(We have the black/brown 5 cube by 5 cube unit and love it!)

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A House (Er, Room) Divided

In a larger or longer room, a screen or hanging divider
is an excellent solution for a lack of defined landing area
once you've entered the home.

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Tile Transitioning

My friend Gina from The Shabby Creek Cottage
tiled a tiny space by her front door.
She says:
"Making a grand entrance isn't all that easy
when you have a 2 ft. by 4 ft. square to do it in.
No room for big furniture. No big open space to decorate.
That's okay, I like to keep things simple..."

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Family Friendly

Children love their own personalized space!
Give them one (or two, or three, or more...).

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Lean a Mirror

Even a chunky wardrobe mirror works well to define a visual vestibule.
I like Old Time Pottery and Hobby Lobby's selections.

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Nook Necessities

Maybe you have a bitty spot that is more like a crevice than anything else.
Shelving, hooks, and baskets can help to organize your homecomings.

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Armoire

Not only is it great (hidden) storage, but it looks great, too!
A mirrored one is perfect for last-minute primping.

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Recycle That Pallet 

Yet another pallet creation, and it's fantastic!

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In My Home

My basement cafe has no foyer to speak of.
Here's how I used the wall behind the door
so guests can park their purses or primp.

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I hope that this encourages those of you who have lost hope of having a foyer!
Try creating one; you will feel proud to enter and to invite others into your home!

Have a beautiful, blessed day making your home!