Need help updating this entry way/formal living room. Would love to redecorate dining room too so that it flows nicely. Its the first thing you see when you enter the house. This will be the formal living room/entryway so no television in here.

Does the front door open right into the living room?

Young family? What do you think is the focal point as you enter the home? The dining room wall? I would suggest you look through pinterest or magazines and create a vision board of room, style, things you like. 'The sky's the limit' on decorating from scratch, everyone has a different idea. Budget, needs, style, colors... location?

Since the foyer area appears to be so vast, have you given any consideration to placing furnishings floating in the center of the room instead of being placed against the walls?

Are there any particular functions that must be accommodated in this space?

Is there any electrical in the ceiling of the foyer?

You could have some traditional elements like chairs combined with a contemporary table.

Please show us the missing wall. That would be the wall with the front entry door in it.

Some option for decor

Taking a picture standing in front of the dining room can you post a view of the front door ? Is the furniture you show from the listing or is it yours showing us your style? It it's not yours what is your style? contemporary? traditional? transitional?

Without knowing your style and your aim for foyer especially, not seeing both areas in their entirety/knowing dimensions, it’s hard to suggest specifics. Just be sure the spaces connect style wise: furniture, chandeliers (add one in foyer), rugs and definitely with color repetition.

To achieve a more modern feel, I’d remove the pillars if not structural and add a modern insert.

Take you time to decide and look on line for lots of inspiration. Good luck!

Love that idea!

when you say Love that idea!

what Idea do you love?

Thank you all! Great suggestions. i will include the photo of front door leading into the entryway. There is electrical for a chandelier, and I will show the one i like. I think my style is traditional and a bit eclectic mixing antiques with new furniture. The furnture shown in the photo with the front door is not mine. its a photo from the listing.

Love the idea of the modern insert instead of the pillars (if they arent load bearing)

Also love this dining room set up shared by Maureen! Thank you! Is there a budget friendly place to find chairs like that?

ChatGPT showed a cream couch in this room but got the placement of the couch wrong. lol

The cream couch matches my existing furniture. I agree that i need a bigger rug in that room. Thought a green couch could be cool.

@Lyn Nielson Just me living there. Budget of $4k to decorate.

For the budget friendly dining chairs, look into Ikea chairs with a removable washable slipcover.

Is this your only living space? A condo/apartment? Or is this an entry in a grand space?

OP said this is the entry/formal living space. I don't think she wants to block the flow into the house which that above arrangement would do.

@WestCoast Hopeful This is the entryway formal living room. There is a family room in the back of the house. Thanks!

@kcooz07

I took it as being the living room area on the other side of dining room since the OP had posted this picture below that I simply improved but maybe I'm wrong.

So it’s a really tricky spot as it’s a living space but also the way to get through true house. I would personally create a conversation area that has lots of space on one side so people can walk through with ease. I would not want a tv in this area

@WestCoast Hopeful Thanks! i agree with you! No tv, just a welcoming entry area with a conversation area.

Regarding the slip covered chairs maybe Google; but there will be a wide price range. Ikea’s are on the lower end if budget is a big factor. You can also buy chairs (consider second hand) and have someone sew covers; which gives you the opportunity to find the perfect fabric.

https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/p/bergmund-chair-with-long-cover-oak-effect-inseros-white-s19477399/

Be sure to consider the shape of the table and how much seating you’d like. Here is a light, smaller look that would suit the space given it’s a high traffic area.

I missed that the entrance area is also a living room. Define your usage, given you have a family room. Work on a floor plan/look on line for ideas and only then start your search.

you haven't mentioned colors. Do you want a light/white or dark and moody space?

Are you starting from scratch, or do you have furniture to use?

your budget may limit you to choosing the most useful things and build as you go.

How many do you need to seat for conversation and dining? ...6?

Will you be painting?

It's a pretty room and you've got a good start with the furnishings you have. Some of the flow seems off balance because things are not symetrical and don't all line up. Having a small sectional that extends out help the eye not look at the room like a runway. I like the painting you had in the dining room but it's pretty muted and looks a little lonely. By adding a gallery wall of pictures with some pops of color you can help they eye be pulled to the back. A new changlier with something that is more open helps to not highlight the fact that the light is not centered with the decorative columns between the two areas.

Make sure that the dining table is centered below the light. And I'd suggest adding a couple of upholstered dining chairs at the table ends to help soften that area. A little greenery and some accessories will go a long way to adding warmth and comfort to it. The painting you currently have in the dining room may work well above the sofa.

Thank you!! Love all these ideas and will begin incorporating them. i wasn’t planning to paint the walls. I think i prefer the light and bright look rather than moody. Thanks all!!

So now I understand! Your entry is also your living room... without a TV.

@lisedv Yes, this is the formal living room which you see when you walk in fhe front door. I’m decorating it as a large foyer with a conversation area. It leads into the dining area and behind that is the kitchen and family room. Thanks!

I like Emily's suggestion just above with a floating sofa and open space to walk by behind the sofa.

Thanks @lisedv! I agree. im excited to incorporate the suggestions from @Emily too!