Guest Picks: A Welcoming Foyer

A gracious home starts with an inviting entry. Here's how to create one in your house

At the end of a long day, there is something reassuring about crossing the threshold of your home and noticing a carefully thought out foyer that is stylish and tranquil.

From just outside the front door until you take off your heels and hang your coat, I've gathered ideas for decor, illumination and arrangements so that you too can create a foyer that is impressive for your guests and instills a sense of calm when you arrive home. — Shannon from The Simply Luxurious Life
eclectic buffets and sideboards by Shabby Chic Couture
Warrenton Cabinet - $750.00 »
I love the rustic feel to this console organizer. Place baskets, magazines, books and anything else that will help keep you organized each and every day.
mediterranean outdoor decor by ARE NATURALS
Fresh Organic Bay Leaf Wreaths with Rosemary - $37.00 »
For an all-seasonal, natural look, I prefer a bay leaf wreath. Especially if you have a window on your front door, this wreath provides enough coverage for privacy while also being very attractive and welcoming.
mediterranean rugs by World Market
Wheat Crete Wool Rug - $149.00 »
As guests arrive in your home or you step over the threshold after a long day at work, warm up the space with a runner rug that is soft in tone, yet wears well.
eclectic coat stands and umbrella stands by Pier 1 Imports
Umbrella Stand - $59.99 »
The rain is a welcomed sight most of the time, but not if you'd like to maintain your blow-out. Place your fabulous umbrella in this unique and quite functional holder.
contemporary accessories and decor by Umbrellas
Pasotti Italian Umbrella - $129.00 »
A navy and champagne striped umbrella speaks chic style and should always be on hand on those rainy days.
traditional  by Nordstrom
Always have a pair of wellies in the coat closet as you step outside. They look stylish and they last. I love mine in yellow.
traditional mirrors by SimplyMirrors
Aubrey Decorative Framed Wall Mirror - $305.50 »
Foyers are typically smaller spaces in the home and they are also usually your last chance to check your wardrobe, makeup and overall look. With these two reasons in mind, place an attractive, yet conversational mirror in your foyer.
mediterranean benches by simplybenches.com
Marvolo Bench by Butler Specialty - $469.00 »
For a place to take your boots off or rest your tote as you wrap your scarf, I love having a bench if the space affords it. Nothing of importance ever touches the ground where so many feet pass over.
contemporary baskets by The Container Store
Water Hyacinth Bins - $7.99 »
Keep gloves, hats and other outdoor accessories in their basket upon coming inside, so you'll know exactly where to find them when you head outdoors.
eclectic side tables and accent tables by Restoration Hardware
Vintage Foyer Pedestal Table - $1,695.00 »
A round table for larger foyers is a grand idea and will certainly impress your guests. Place a gorgeous arrangement of flowers or branches on top and let the grandeur begin.
contemporary table lamps by Lighting by Lux
Alcott Table Lamp - $289.00 »
A low-sitting lamp that is sturdy, neutral and provides adequate light is a good addition on a console table.
traditional knobs by Rejuvenation
Archer Entry Set - $622.00 »
I live in a 1930s Normandy house. One of the simple things I love about my front door and entry is the vintage door knob. And guess what — if your house's style fits, you can update your doorknobs as well. Why not?
traditional hooks and hangers by Restoration Hardware
Marston Hook - $12.00 »
A DIY project that will add character and is quite simple is to create your own coat rack. Choose hooks that fit your style of decor and mount them on a finished piece of wood. I love these rustic hooks from Restoration Hardware.
mediterranean outdoor planters by garden.com
Tinozzo Con Piedi Clay Pot - $517.45 »
Just outside your front door, place two planters and a hardy plant — boxwoods, for example. Greenery is welcoming and calming, and boxwoods are easy to care for.
traditional candles and candle holders by Pottery Barn
Clear Glass Square Base Pillar Holders - $19.50 »
A set of candles placed on top of the console table is a simple, inexpensive accessory.
traditional chandeliers by Rejuvenation
Abernethy: Large Neoclassical Bowl-Shade Chandelier - $805.00 »
With high ceilings, hang a chandelier in your foyer for dramatic effect.
traditional artwork by Crate&Barrel
Cityscape San Francisco - $69.95 »
I love framing prints and placing them around the home to reveal just a glimpse into my personality. Crate & Barrel has a handful of city sketches framed and ready to go — perfect for pairing above a console in the foyer.
contemporary accessories and decor by Ethan Allen
Set of Three Ivory Porcelain Bottles - $249.00 »
A simple way to decorate is to buy classic, understated accessories such as these three porcelain vases. They're just right for adding height to you console table.
traditional outdoor planters by 1stdibs
by 1stdibs »
Pair of Directoire Painted Garden Urns »
An investment piece, but rustic urns to place just outside your front door with beautifully arranged plants or boxwoods.
mediterranean serveware by Ethan Allen
Aged Copper Hammered Bowl - $149.00 »
A perfect place to put your keys and incoming mail, all the while keeping things organized and chic — that's my kind of simple decorating.

Next: 5 Ways to Make a Better Entrance

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