Ingredients…
1- Interesting console table
1- Unique large mirror
1 or 2 - Lamps or sconces
Mix with some greens or floral
Garnish with a few tasteful accessories
Combine all of the above and serve as an “Appetizer” to the main course… the rest of your home.
The entry, (foyer) is a place where guests are welcomed into your home. Its one of the first impressions they will encounter as they enter. A classic and easy way to decorate an entry is to implement the furnishings listed above. If you’re unsure what to do with your entry, this type of arrangement will always present a well decorated look to the space. Any style works, from contemporary to traditional. Its simple but classic.
Try to be a little bold and daring when decorating this space. Buy that off-beat unique mirror, (a good sized one, nothing whimpy here). Find an interesting console table. It doesn’t have to match any of the other furnishings. Also, don’t match the mirror to the console. This grouping stands on its own and announces your style. Find some great lighting, one or two tall lamps, or wall sconces. Make sure you light them at night for a wonderful ambiance. Add a few well placed plants or a floral to add color and life to the space. Also, a FEW accessories can be added, don’t overdo.
If your entry wall area is larger, add some art to either side of the mirror to fill the scale of the wall. Or, some tall plants on either side will do the same. Symmetry works well in an entry space.
The last thing your guests will see, again, as they leave, is your entry. It should be like that last bite of dessert… delicious, satisfying, and memorable.
(model home photos)
1. Cathy–I really like this post a lot, probably because you’ve described my entry to a T! Just one thought I’d like to add. While a console table can be perfect for a foyer–supporting accessories and providing the logical spot for the mirror–in my home I used a large buffet in its place. The buffet offers all of the benefits of the console, but it adds another–tons of storage space. Why not make the entry a more useful area of the home? Everyone needs additional storage space and here is a great spot for it. You can store almost anything in the big spaces inside a buffet. Some buffets also have small drawers on top, perfect for gloves/scarves/knit hats housed adjacent to the front coat closet. My entry gets very little light, so my cypress-like spiral topiaries are very definitely faux! Even the classy urns they are sitting in are faux–they are resin. Mitch
by mitch bobkin — 9/23/07 at 9:57 am #
2. Hello Mitch,
You’re absolutly right. Any low piece of furniture will work.. buffet, sideboard, chest, sofa table, demilune, drop leaf table, etc. The extra storage is always a plus in some pieces. Also, faux greenery is fine, some entries get little natural light, so these are the perfect choice.
Your foyer sounds wonderful. We would love to see it. If you can post it, it would certainly add to the subject.
I just want to tell you how much I’ve enjoyed and learned from your postings. You have a great style, both in writing and designing. I always learn so much from other designers. Its exciting to be in this business.
Looking forward to hearing more from you.
Cathy
by Cathy — 9/24/07 at 11:45 am #
3. I just moved into a new home and I have niches, one is in the entry way and the other is huge and it is in the hallway leading to the master bedroom. Does anybody have any help for me? I am so lousy when it comes to interior design. Thanks
by carole [...] — 9/25/07 at 12:46 am #
4. Carole….how about creating a llibrary wall in the nich near your master bedroom.? Eiither built-in shelves or a decorative bookcase to match your decor should work. Depending upon how deep the space is, you might add an upholstered bench in front ot the shelves for stopping to browse through your collection. Good luck!
Vevia
by Veiva — 9/25/07 at 10:01 am #
5. Good stuff! Thanks!
by Janine Willis — 9/25/07 at 4:54 pm #
6. Hello Carole,
Thanks for your question about niches. Niches are a wonderful architectural detail in some homes. They provide and create interest and dimension to a wall area. They can be all sizes and shapes. The lady below you, Vevia, had a great idea for your large niche, creating a library wall. You could have a beautiful landscape painting painted in it, or hang a big mirror and console table with a large floral on top, or display some art glass on glass shelves set inside the niche with an accent light washing down through all the glass. The smaller niche in your entry, maybe a beautiful candlestick (s), a floral arrangement, a piece of art, or sculpture, art glass, large Asian plate, an urn full of coral,
stacked carved boxes, many ways you can display nice things. Your attention will be drawn to these spaces because of the design of the architecture. Something special should go in them. Look through some decorating magazines for more ideas.
Thanks for writing.
by Cathy — 9/25/07 at 10:48 pm #
7. Hi Vevia,
You had a great idea for the large niche area that Carole wrote about.
Thanks for adding your good idea. I would love more people to add to, and comment on any and all questions. We learn from each other.
Thanks so much.
by Cathy — 9/25/07 at 11:07 pm #
8. I love your ideas about the “Classic Entry”. However, my entry is Southern California mid-50s ranch. The entry space is just the width of the front door plus a couple of inches on each side. The door open right to left. The wall it opens onto used to have a bedroom door and hall closet door. We blocked off the bedroom door and I have a wall hanging made by my sister there.
The opposite wall has a door into the kitchen immediately inside the entry. The remainder of the wall (opposite the hall closet) is @ 30″. Because the hall is so narrow, hanging things on that wall can be a problem when people come and go. Likewise, there is no console table that will fit there and look right. Please, does anyone have any suggestions?
by Diane [...] — 9/26/07 at 5:45 pm #
9. Hello Diane,
Some entries are very small and cannot accomodate furniture. My suggestion would be, which ever wall area is largest, hang a beautiful framed mirror. As large a mirror as you can to fit the space. This will do a few things… the mirror will reflect light and make the space feel and look larger… it will “drerss up” and add interest to the area…it states, “this is an entry” before you enter the living spaces. Also, since furniture won’t fit, add a beautiful entry rug or runner. You could also paint the area a darker color to add a little drama (see photos above).
Add a beautiful light in the ceiling of the entry for even more interest.
There are many things you can do to make small entries exciting. I hope these gave you a few ideas.
Thanks for writing.
by Cathy — 9/27/07 at 11:57 am #
10. I have a hard to decorate foyer. What can you put in a corner wall you focus on from the front door Dimensions 25 1/2 & 26 1/2
by Cathy [...] — 9/27/07 at 2:14 pm #
11. Thanks for all your suggestions. Now come on over and help!!!!!
carole
by carole [...] — 9/27/07 at 11:30 pm #
12. Your welcome Carole,
I’ll be right over! LOL… Or you can find me here in a pinch.
All the best
by Cathy — 9/28/07 at 11:40 am #
13. Hello Cathy D.,
You say you have a corner wall in your foyer, what to do? This is a great place to put a 20-24″ round table in. Find a unique one in the style you like and top it off with a beautiful TALL floral. You could add 2 sets of pictures, 2 on each corner wall, one above the other. It would make a great focal point as you enter. Another idea… use the round table and find 2 exact tall framed mirrors to hang above the table at right angles to each other. Add a smaller floral so the mirrors can be used.
A few ideas for you to consider.
Thanks for writing in
by Cathy — 9/28/07 at 4:42 pm #
14. Hi Cathy,
I always love your work. But some these are a little too much with all of the plants around. Take xsome of the plants away and they would be perfect entrances.
Carla
by carla — 10/4/07 at 3:55 pm #
15. Hi,
Since my furniture in the living room is relaxed and white wood with a pale aqua sofa and chair, what would you recommend for a foyer? I have a large foyer but I don’t want it too be formal.
Thank you.
Yolanda
[...]
by Yolanda [...] — 10/5/07 at 8:11 am #
16. Hi Carla,
I agree, a few too many plants in some of these. These are model home entries and were used as an example of the concept of a classic entry.
I do like to see a plant or 2 or floral in an entry. Gives a little life to the space.
by Cathy — 10/5/07 at 11:17 am #
17. Hi Yolanda,
Your living room sounds light and airy with a casual style that you want to reflect in your entry. If your entry is large enough. A round white iron patio table in the center with a large (unarranged) floral could look nice. Maybe paint the entry the same light aqua color of your sofa from your living room as well. Stay with the open airy ironwork table, a large console table would work also. A large mirror above. You could add a bench, chair and /or tree if room permits. Add a natural woven entry rug, like sisal, jute or seagrass. A more casual feel.
Just some ideas for you.
Thanks for your question.
.
by Cathy — 10/5/07 at 11:59 am #
18. is it ok to have family pictures on walls of entry?
by sue — 10/10/07 at 11:18 am #
19. I love shopping at Home Goods. This is one of my favorite stores full of beautiful things at terrific prices. I am so excited to know that all I have to do is go to your site for helpfull ideas at my fingertips. Thanks!
by Mimi — 10/10/07 at 11:57 am #
20. Cathy, I don’ t have a mirror over my buffet table in the entry rather I have a lithograph. Is that a big ‘no no’? When we moved to this house a few years ago, I didn’t have another place for the print. It looks good there, but after seeing the beautiful pics above, I’m not so sure I’m doing the right thing. Thank you in advance for your time.
Rose
by Rose — 10/10/07 at 1:57 pm #
21. Cathy, My husband and would like to sell our house and we have heard that wallpaper is not in style anymore. What is your feeling about this? If it needs to be removed do you happen to know of a good wallpaper removing technique.
Also, we have medium-color oak kitchen cabinets which I also have heard is no longer in style. Is this true? If it is should I paint them white. I do have plenty of light coming in my windows.
Thank you, Mary
by Mary [...] — 10/10/07 at 4:27 pm #
22. Speaking of large niches - My new home has a 23″ x 63″ niche in my front entry facing the front door - couldn’t find something powerful enough to fit right. Wala - a beautiful topiary found in HomeGoods looks really great!!! Topiaries are not just for the floor anymore !
by Carol [...] — 10/11/07 at 10:30 am #
23. My home is a bungalow. My hallway off the living room is long but small. I want to paint it so that it would reflect the livingroom yet, giving the effect of seeming large. Should the color be light or dark?. The livingroom has a spong effect of tan & dark beige. HELP.
by Bridgette [...] — 10/11/07 at 10:34 am #
24. Hello Sue,
Of course its OK to have family pictures in the entry. You could arrange them on either side of a mirror, ( see bottom photo above). Just don’t overdo a good thing. Many of us, including me, find it hard to edit those pictures and it always ends up looking too cluttered. I like to limit a lot of family pictures in the public areas (entry, living room, etc) Private areas are great for family pictures, ( hallways ,stairways, bedrooms, dens ).
Thanks for your question.
by Cathy — 10/11/07 at 10:11 pm #
25. Thanks Mimi,
I’m so glad you love shoppibg at HomeGoods, (who doesn’t). Also I’m glad you’re enjoying this site and finding lots of good ideas and information. Keep checking back, Lots of good Holiday stuff soon to come.
by Cathy — 10/11/07 at 10:18 pm #
26. Hello Rose,
NO NO, its not a big NO NO to have a picture or lithograph over your table in the entry. If you enjoy it and it makes for a welcoming and interesting addition, by all means use it. The pictures above are simply a CLASSIC way to decorate the entry, not the ONLY way. Just keep in mind, the entry welcomes guests or family and is a PREVIEW to the rest of your home. Its a great place to display beautiful art and unique furnishings. Let it announce your style.
Good to talk to you. Write again.
by Cathy — 10/11/07 at 10:37 pm #
27. Hi Mary,
Wallpaper is always in style and is used in many current and stylish applications. However, if you are trying to sell your house and your wallpaper is dated I would definitely remove it. Its a big job. If you can hire someone to remove it, its worth it. But if not, look online, or Google, “wallpaper removal” and a number of sites can tell you how to proceed.
If your oak kitchen cabinets are in really good condition. Clean them really good and add new pulls, maybe in a brushed nickel to update the
look. If they are scratched or damaged then I would paint them a white color. You will have to sand them, prime them and paint them to hold up well. Either way will help in the sale of your home.
If you really want top dollar for your home. Hire a Home Stager in your area. They will tell you exactly what needs to be done to MARKET your home to sell fast and sell high.
Good luck and thanks for your question.
by Cathy — 10/11/07 at 11:08 pm #
28. The lamp cord that shows in the first photo is very unappealing.
by Rosemary — 10/13/07 at 8:53 pm #
29. Hi Rosemary,
Its best to try to hide cords if you can. Sometimes its not possible. I’ve painted cords to match the wall color before, just to make them not stand out as much, or cover them with a cord cover and paint that.
Another way is to use some good tape and tape the cord to the back or underneith of the piece and down the leg to an outlet. They can be hard to hide at times.
Thanks for your comment.
by Cathy — 10/15/07 at 11:56 am #
30. Needing help with my front entrance area …very small and has natual stone tile so I’m worried about covering that up with a table? Any thoughts on decorting this area?
by Sadie — 10/15/07 at 12:11 pm #
31. Hi Carol, # 22
What a perfect solution for your large niche. A topiary is a SCULPTURE in plant form. A piece of art. A perfect piece for a niche. Great idea.
by Cathy — 10/15/07 at 12:24 pm #
32. Hello Sadie,
You have a very small entry with natural stone tile you don’t want to cover up…
If you have room, you still could have an entry table. Just get a thin, open -legged style, no shelves. You still can see your beautiful floor and have a table (console) as well. The mirror, again , will add SPACE to the area.
Another idea…Get a tall “lean to” mirror. place that on the floor in the entry, (secure if necessary). Maybe add a couple of light sconces on either side. The tall mirror, going down to the floor, will visually increase the space and will reflect more of your pretty floor as well.
Great question, thanks for writing in.
by Cathy — 10/15/07 at 5:20 pm #
33. Hello Bridgette, # 23
Sorry I bypassed you. Didn’t mean to…
You have a long small entry in you bungalow. Wall colors in your Living room are light and dark beigh…
A couple of ideas…
1. Paint a tone on tone (your light and dark beigh) 9 inch stripes all around the entry. They will be subtle but interesting. Add a console table and mirror, lamp, etc. The stripes will make the room feel taller.
2. Paint below a chair rail the darker beigh and above the lighter beigh. Add the table and mirror as well.
3. Paint all the entry the light beigh color. Then find a simple stencil or copy a detail from your bungalows architecture (rosette, bullseye, etc)
and make, or have a 3 or4 inch stencil made. Use your darker beigh paint to stencil the design all over the entry. Use an 18 inch spacing grid to space the stencils. Add a table and mirror etc. as well.
Let me know if any of these ideas works for you.
Take Care,
by Cathy — 10/15/07 at 7:57 pm #
34. Thanks Cathy for you advice …great to get a couple of idea’s to work with and I love the tall mirror idea!! I will take a look around and see what I can find and let you know the results. thanks
by Sadie — 10/17/07 at 3:50 pm #
35. Your welcome Sadie,
Hope one of those ideas works for you.
by Cathy — 10/19/07 at 12:26 pm #
36. We have a two-story house where we have not entry way. Entry is basically into the living room. On top of that we have no hall or coat closet and are considering an entry tree bench w/ hooks piece of furniture. Do you think that we could make this piece work in a living room and not in an entry? We would place it next to the front door, but on the living room carpet.
Thanks for the input.
by Chris [...] — 11/10/07 at 9:15 am #
37. Hello Chris,
Yes, the entry tree bench with hooks would be fine in your living room by the door. Word of caution… These pieces sometimes collect way too much clutter…coats, hats, mail, bags etc. Since it will sit right in your living room, try to avoid this mess. Is there any way to put a small closet in your garage for coats etc. then you can keep your living room looking nice with a console table and mirror instead.
by Cathy — 11/12/07 at 12:17 pm #
38. We have a very large foyer in an Arts and Crafts style home. To the left I have a large opening in the wall leading into the living room–we have NO closets in this 1920’s home so we added a pretty uninteresting armoire and an arts and crafts style storage bench…I need something pretty for under the opening…the entry has pretty woodwork…I have a chair and a half and large mirror with sconces on the wall straight ahead looking from the door…I am not that satisfied with the arrangement. Any suggestions?
by Jennifer — 12/14/07 at 9:56 pm #
39. Hi …I have attached a picture of my entrance way - do you have ideas of what else I should add here. I used your advice from a post while back a added a celtic mirror to my entrance. However I’m now needing ideas on colors - objects - to add to the area as the wall color is light taupe??? Any input or suggestions - would be really great
by Sadie — 1/29/08 at 11:56 am #
40. Hello Jennifer,
I really missed your post back from 12/14. Sorry! You are looking for something to fill in a large opening from the entry to the living room.
Arts and Crafts style. You could put 2 tall topiaries on either side of the opening into the L.R. or hang 2 simple stained glass panels on either side. Lets light through but closes down the entry a little. It sounds like you’ve done a beautiful job in the entry. Maybe instead of the large chair, you could add a table with the mirror above.
Thanks for writing.
by Cathy — 1/29/08 at 3:19 pm #
41. Hi Sadie,
I’m not finding the picture here. Did you upload it in “Customer finds”? Try again and I’ll look for it.
I’ll comment later.
by Cathy — 1/29/08 at 3:23 pm #
42. attached photo of entrance - did you get it
by Sadie — 2/1/08 at 2:42 pm #
43. Sadie,
No, I didn’t get it. Go up to the right sidebar and look for “Customer Finds” Click on “submit Yours” and upload your photo by those instructions. I”ll look for it that way. Try again, I’ll be happy to comment.
by Cathy — 2/1/08 at 8:37 pm #
44. Okay, I have a curved stair case in our foyer entry with a niche at the bottom of the stairs. I would like to put a foyer table and mirror with candlesticks or lamps like the many suggestions given, however a friend told me that if I put up a mirror facing the entryway door, it wasn’t feng shui. Is this true?
by Jeannine — 2/28/08 at 2:50 pm #
45. Hello Jeannine,
Your foyer area sounds very nice. I know some people follow Feng Shui to the “T”. I don’t, because I think there’s” harmony” when there’s balance and proportion. Sometimes, in Feng Shui, it’s not balanced or proportionately pleasing to the eye and that would make me feel more uneasy and uncomfortable in the space. Unless you are an avid follower of the art, I would place your furnishings where its pleasing and feels good to you. I Think It’s more important to follow the “principles” and “elements” of good design. When YOU feel good in a space you will draw in and reflect good energy, no matter how it’s arranged.
…Just my opinion…do what feels right to you.
by Cathy — 2/28/08 at 9:20 pm #
46. Hello
Love your comments! I live in a townhome with a small foyer but no hall closet. With 4 kids…I don’t allow shows in my home! I need a nice place for shoes and coats…any suggestions! Thanks.
by Giada — 10/5/08 at 4:17 pm #
47. Hello Giada,
Thank you so much.
Do you have a staircase near your entry. If so, could you enclose under the stairs and turn it into a closet for coats and shoes? Or, do you have room to build a closet partition between the entry and living area? Or, maybe in your small foyer could you build a bench that has 4 spaces below it, one space for each childs shoes and have some decorative hooks to hang their coats on above the bench.
Just a few ideas for you. If anyone has some more, please share.
Thanks for writing in. Thats a tough one.
by Cathy — 10/6/08 at 10:05 pm #