By Mi-Ling StonePoole
The old saying first impressions are lasting applies here. Some people underestimate the impact that the entryway into your home creates. Your style, character and personality are on display in this important space.
What type of entry do you have? Is it a two-story grand entrance that looks like it came straight out of the motion picture “Gone with the Wind,” or is it a plain and simple narrow foyer with a low ceiling, or something in between? It really doesn’t matter which type you have you can change the feel of your entryway with a few easy tricks.
John and Courtney Gray of Edmond love their entryway. The warm tones and the unique brick faux finish in their foyer is unique and a conversation piece. The detailed wrought iron railing and the large pillars imply grandeur. A wonderful antique cabinet warms up the area and adds to the feeling of an intimate space. Courtney and John along with their two daughters, Brittney and Megan have used their staircase for family photos and Christmas poses.
“The entry way is what sold us the house, it gave me the feeling of warmth and it made me feel like I was home, and I love the columns,” Courtney said.
Whatever category you fit into make your entryway the most important space in your home by taking into consideration the following:
Wall color is one of the most important aspects of the area. If you have a large foyer, you might want to consider painting it a warm, dark color. That will help to bring the room down and in turn make it more inviting. If you have a small and narrow space, add a stripe in a lighter color tone to make the room look larger and taller.
Another option is to add elegant wall paper to the area. It will add texture, and the patterns are endless. You can even find murals painted on wallpaper. That may be a better option then going to the expensive of having a mural hand-painted. Remember: you can’t take the mural with you when you move.
The next item to consider is your floor selection. You might want to add beautiful wood floors for a warm and inviting look or an array of patterned tile in granite or marble for a formal look. Top it off with a Persian rug for a rich and colorful feel, or a plain and simple throw rug for easy living.
If you have a staircase, consider using a colorful rug or carpet to run up the staircase for an added boost of color
When it comes to lighting this is the area to break the bank. If you have high ceilings consider a beautiful crystal chandelier or a hand-forged wrought iron piece. Both are equally inviting. Place unique table lamps with beads or feathers on your entry table to add whimsy.
Furniture is a major consideration. This is the place to display the wonderful antique cabinet or the unusual bench from your grandmother. Use large-scale items to give the space a larger and grander feeling.
Artwork placed in the appropriate location can add color and set the tone for what’s to come. If you don’t have a lot of extra wall space, buy an easel and display your favorite painting in the entryway next to a table or plant.
Before decorating your foyer consider traffic flow(you don’t want to block the walkway) and the type of usage it will receive) you don’t want to put fragile items underfoot.
What ever you decide, remember first impressions are lasting and you can create your own comfort zone and an entry to remember in your foyer.
Photo: Mi-Ling Stone Poole
The detailed faux brick finish and the wrought iron railing give an old word look to the foyer of John and Courtney Gray’s home. Large pillars add to the look of grandeur.