 Decorating a foyer can be one of the most confusing tasks for a homeowner attempted. The foyer is the first room that will introduce your style to your guests meaning it must reflect the style emphasized even further throughout the rest of your home. To make this job an easier more enjoyable decorating experience a step-by-step plan is ideal.
Step 1: Understand a Foyer
The simple definition of a foyer is a hallway which connects to a main room or group of main rooms. In a home, it is an entrance at which you will use and guests will use to first enter the home. Being an entry/exit means that it is also going to be used for storage of items you frequently take on your daily outings.
In design definition, your foyer is your introduction or welcoming room for all of your visitors. This is where you will show them just a bit about what they can expect to see throughout the rest of your house. This can certainly be a room that you are proudest of once completed.
Step 2: Determine the Foyers Uses
To decorate a foyer appropriately it is essential that you first look at how you will be using the space and what this means for decoration. More functionality no longer has to mean less decoration with hundreds of storage solutions that can be hidden or camouflaged to appear as decoration. Determining the foyers uses can be done easily and quickly with a little time to make a list and think through the rooms uses. Here are the typical uses of a homes foyer:
• Primary Entrance and Exit
• Guest Greeting Area
• Guest Waiting Area
• Coat, Jacket, and Umbrella Storage
• Outing Bags (purses, handbags, diaper bags, book bags, etc.)
Step 3: Address Storage and Functionality
Once you know what you must plan to use your storage space in the foyer you will be ready to plan what storage systems are appropriate. This step is easy but will require thought along with some research to price the best storage for your budget. Some wonderful foyer storage solutions include:
• bench w/ storage compartments below
• wall mounted coat and jacket hooks
• wall trees
• hallway hutches and chests
Step 4: Measure Space for Furniture
Now that you have a good idea for storage in the foyer you have the important task of seeing how it will actually end up. Measuring the space is one of the most crucial steps to creating balance and order. Some things to note when fitting furniture in your foyer:
• Bulky furniture should never be more than 2/3rds the length of your foyer. Going bigger than this could make the foyer cramped and congested causing chaos when getting set to leave the home.
• A small foyer should never have more than 1 piece of large furniture. Tables, benches, and lamp stands lined up against all walls will throw off the balance and make your space feel much smaller.
• To maximize storage in a small foyer take advantage of wall space as well. When mounting wall storage you must still follow balance rules as with floor furniture.
Step 5: Envision the Space Decorated
It will not take much of an imagination to envision your foyer decorated with the help of a few handy tricks. To get an idea of what your room will look like after doing the storage and decorating project all you need is a measuring tape and masking tape.
1. Measure out the size of your floor furniture and place tape down to create a visual outline of where it will be and how much space it will use.
2. Measure the places on the wall where you will be placing wall décor and place tape in boxes (squares) to visually see what effect this will have on the space.
3. Step back and take a look. Change it around a bit to just experiment with the layout.
4. Once you have chosen a layout and design you are ready to just observe for a few days. See how it hits you every time you walk in and out. Check to see if the taped off lines on the floor are a burden or stepped on often, that means the space will be too cramped.
Step 6: Shopping
Once you know what you are looking for with both the storage and decorating elements of the space you are ready to begin shopping. Anytime you shop for any decorations in your home there are some general tips which will make it easier and less expensive in the end.
• Shop deals to save money. You may be drawn to certain looks, items, and furniture but often times you can find an item just as appealing minus minor details and save a few bucks.
• Buy based on need not on want. The bottom line is that you have a space which needs to be decorated. Your goal should be to make the space look good without breaking the bank. Forget the extras to begin with and go for what dramatically improves the rooms design.
• Keep your receipts! If the decoration does not work for the room return it! It can be tempting to store it away for some other room or time, but the truth is you would put it out now if you really appreciated it.
Step 7: Start a Trial
Your trial run of the foyer is much more important than you may realize and should be taken very seriously. The trial will be used to test the flow, storage functionality, and even guests reactions to the foyer.
During the “trial run” make note of things that are an inconveniences as well as changes you would just like to make. Ask guests that are close to you to give their opinions. Move things around a bit to see what difference it makes.
After two to three months you will find that your understanding of your foyer is much greater. Only at this time should you begin finalizing your plans for decorating your foyer.
Step 8: Finalize with Paint
The foyer of your home is a special place which allows many exceptions to the rule of design. While typically small, the idea of going bold and dark with colors is a definite possibility in this space. By choosing one of the boldest and darkest colors you will create drama. Drama is a fantastic way to welcome guests into your home while giving them just a peek of what your homes style is all about.
Take advantage of the opportunity to wow guests the moment they enter the door.
• A foyer is a great place to do a faux or textured finish on the walls. This will add to the drama by creating a well finished professionally designed look.
• Use dark colors for walls and light colors for contrast to create a more dimensional look in the space.
• Play up storage by hanging coats, jackets, or handbags which are placed specifically for design purposes. You will be surprised at the difference a little staging will make.
• Take advantage of lighting options. The use of bright lights is not typically a must so try soft glows which will also add to the drama.
• Remember that decorating a foyer is like introducing yourself to guests. Keep this in mind as you make your design choices.
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