When Dan and I were house hunting, all it took was one look at the entryway of our historic fixer upper, and we were transfixed. Even though nearly every room in the house needed to be renovated, we were so captivated by this space we decided to buy the house. That pivotal moment taught me a mighty lesson about the power of first impressions. And since then, I have worked hard to make my entryway one of the most beautiful spots in my home.
Are you ready to make a winning first impression on everyone who knocks on your door? Here are a few tips to help you turn your entry into one of the most attractive rooms in your home.
Create an Art Exhibit
One way to give your foyer jaw-dropping presence is to turn it into a mini art gallery. (Click here to see the fabulous art that’s available right now at Nell Hill’s Online!) A perfect place to start is your stairwell. The collage of portraits in the photo above hangs at the base of my stairwell. The similar color palette, subject matter and shapes of these oil paintings makes them a grouping in and of themselves, yet they flow seamlessly into the larger exhibit of paintings further up the wall.
Art can be pricey, so start small. Tackle one little wall, like the one pictured here in my foyer. I created this lovely patchwork of treasures out of a host of dissimilar pieces, from trays to a plate to sketches. You could also start by placing just one nice piece in the center of the open wall space. Then, as you add to your art collection, grow the arrangement upwards and outwards so it eventually fills the entire wall. Or, start with one small cluster of paintings on either side of a large wall then gradually add paintings to each of the groupings until they meet in the middle.
Don’t leave any good walls unadorned! I like to feature sets of artwork above the interior doorways in my foyer because it adds to the wow factor of the space. This set of bird prints looks fabulous tucked into the empty spot between the top of the door and the ceiling, and gives the room more grandeur.
Pull up a Chair
If you have a larger entry area in your home, decorate it just as you would any other space, with killer furnishings, artwork, flooring and accents. In the entryway pictured above, I placed a console table against the largest wall then topped it with a huge mirror. Isn’t it dramatic? And, this powerful display doesn’t gobble up much floor space, keeping the entry hallway open for traffic. Notice that instead of filling the console table with a lot of little accents, I placed one large urn on top of a riser and filled it with boughs of pine. The accents match the scale of the furnishings perfectly and make a memorable statement.
Similarly, in my home, I have a long, narrow console table against the wall by my staircase, which gives me a spot to showcase a few carefully chosen accessories. I like to change out the display regularly, adding a few touches here and there for each new season.
My foyer also has a nook by the front window, which I thought was the perfect spot for a comfy seating arrangement. Now it holds a table and two winged back chairs. The photo above is a close up of the mirror that hangs above the table. I love how the mirror reflects light and makes the little alcove merry.
If your entry area is more like a wide hallway filled with doors to the front rooms, leaving you no wall space against which to place furniture or art, you can still define the space using furnishings. Put an area rug a few feet from the front door, then place a round center hall table on top of it. Dress up the table with a dramatic accent, like a large ginger jar or olive oil vessel holding some foliage.
Stairway to Heaven
If you live in a two-story home, your stairway may be the focal point of your foyer. If so, play it up to its full advantage. If your steps are hardwood, consider adding a beautiful carpet runner to dress them up a bit. Or, work some magic on the banister with a few cans of paint. One of my favorite looks right now is to paint banister spindles a creamy white, then paint the banister a shiny dark black.
You can also embellish your stairway for the holidays. Here, a friend of mine placed a decal on each step leading upstairs, spelling out a cheery holiday greeting for family and friends.
Arresting Accents
My home was built over 100 years ago, long before central heating and air conditioning, so it was designed to protect its residents against the elements. One trick was a small vestibule between the front door and a second inner door. This quaint little space features a built in bench, designed to sit on and take off your wet shoes, I’m sure. But for me, it’s the perfect spot for a seasonal display. I keep a big old cast iron planter on the bench year round, then just change out the display with each new season. If you have a vestibule in your home, give it a little spark so it greets guests as they pass through.
I love how this little entry table in my friend’s home is dressed up. The accessories work together to create a charming cottage feel, from the simple wreath to the faux bird’s nest accents. The silver tray, placed at the front of the table, is an ideal place to drop your car keys and the day’s mail when you walk in the door.
Next Week … When I entertain for the holidays, I love to set up attractive drinks tables, like a stunning bar for a holiday party or a charming coffee service for a holiday brunch. Come find out how to do the same in your home.
Debbie says
October 10, 2011 at 6:33 pmWhat a great post. I love a beautiful (non generic) entry way. It gives you a little sneak peak of what the owner is like and what the home will be like! Great ideas here.
Blessings,
Debbie
I really like the silver tray for the keys. I use a white and red enamelware dish for our keys…we live in a farmhouse so it just seemed appropriate!
Renae says
October 10, 2011 at 9:01 pmIs the wall color on the stairway to heaven Mary Carol’s Hedge Apple?
Lisa Fernandez says
October 10, 2011 at 9:35 pmWell Mary, you did achieve making the foyer a spectacular point in your home, although your entire home, every nook and cranny is simply mesmerizing. I try to copy every thing you do.
Love you, love your home.
Lisa Fernandez
Patti Dame says
October 12, 2011 at 5:47 pmI so enjoy receiving your blog every week – very uplifting for me. Thank you for sharing your talents!
Sandy Isaacson says
October 12, 2011 at 5:56 pmI love getting your blog here in Northeast Ohio! I enjoy all the fresh ideas! Thanks to my decorator friend Janice for telling me about Nell Hills, I’m always inspired, can’t wait to come and visit your store again soon!
Kathy Dickey says
October 12, 2011 at 8:19 pmI have been to your open houses several times. I can see why your entryway made you fall in love with the house. It is gorgeous!
Jan says
October 12, 2011 at 8:32 pmVery beautiful, but what about us poor folks who have no entry hall of any sort?
Victoria Lynn says
October 12, 2011 at 10:01 pmI’ve been a fan for years and have all your books. I love keeping up to date with your new ideas. The entry ways are stunning! Blessings, Victoria Lynn
Betsy Woods says
October 12, 2011 at 10:50 pmMary Carol,
How beautiful – makes me miss my beautiful foyers of the
past. We’ve downsized but I still embellish every nook and cranny with a Nell Hill’s find.
pat pennington says
October 13, 2011 at 2:52 pmMary Carol
I have a small bedroom 10by 11. going to pull off the wall paper and make it into a man cave. Would using your new color grey, the darkest, I think It’s abby steps make the room look too small and too dark? I will use white pottery as some of the accent plus a white porcelain deer head on one wall. Also what color celing paint would you reccommend and do you think that missouri bluffs would be better? There is one window in the bedroom and it faces east. Would appreciate any intput you have. Kitchen is your cream color as is the living room and hallways. Other bedroom is front porch with molasses bathroom , walls and ceiling and persimmon is master. Thank you. Loved all the pictures .
Mary Carol says
October 13, 2011 at 8:44 pmYes Renae— The 7th picture down is our Hedge-Apple Green, available online or in the Nell Hill’s stores.
Mary Carol says
October 13, 2011 at 8:48 pmNot a problem Jan, focus on a pretty rug or runner at the front door, a collage or artwork on an adjacent wall or a wall shelf with a vase of flowers or artwork.
Mary Carol says
October 13, 2011 at 8:50 pmHi Pat—I think probably the ‘Missouri Bluffs’ would flow better with the rest of your home with the ‘Picnic Basket’ on your ceiling.
Judy says
November 26, 2011 at 12:59 amDo you have any small entry tables like at your friends home?