foyer in need of help

12 years ago

I am looking to start over with decorating my foyer area, and need some advice. I've added pictures showing what the whole space looks like, and each individual space in more detail. I don't like the small table and plant to one side of the front door; it's far to small. I also don't think I like the entryway table anymore, as I think I am looking for something to more effectively fill the space. I am also open to a new area rug and runner. Thanks!

Featured Answer

karemore55

12 years ago

Hello! You have a beautiful home there! It wouldn't take much to give it a fresh, new look. I would replace the little table in the stairway nook with a small chair, which might be more functional since you have a closet nearby. You would then have a place to sit down and put on shoes/boots. The Oliver chair from West Elm might fit. I can see it is a tight space, but this chair is only 24" wide and 26" deep, so maybe??

You probably don't need a runner. I would just replace the doorway rug, with the largest size that will fit that area. Consider an indoor-outdoor rug. They are togh, durable and easy to keep clean, and come in many different colors and patterns.

You probably don't need anything in that corner by the door, unless you feel you need a landing spot for mail, etc. if you do, consider a small round table like the Willow from Pottery Barn. It is only 18" in diameter, but 27" high, which is almost table height.

Your round mirror could remain where it is, but on the wall between DR doorway and closet, I would hang a modern, colorful piece of art. This would bring together the colors in your rug, chair and walls and tie it all together.

It is hard to see your entryway light, but it looks like you would need to stay with a semi-flush mount, rather than a chandelier. Consider a large piece that will have more impact in this space.

Posting below some rug, chair, art and lighting ideas:

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Comments (13)

icesk8r
12 years ago
The mirror seems to be hung too high in relation to the table for me and doesn't fit the more traditional style of the home. I think the runner and rug are also too modern for that space. I would add some frames on the wall. I love foyers for framing perhaps a wedding photo or invitation, child's birth announcement, an old black and white family photo or something. It's classy and meaningful to you rather than random art.
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karemore55
12 years ago
Here is a other colorway you could go with. Also, the Willow table from Pottery Bar :
Kate Lam
12 years ago
Love the lighting piece. Where can I get it?
PRO
Sustainable Dwellings
12 years ago
You need a larger oval or rectangle rug there... the rug and runner are too small
karemore55
12 years ago
Katelam, The light is from lampsplus. Here is the info:
suebanfield
12 years ago
Get rid of the runner. Add something tall in that corner by the stairs. A grandfather clock or tall green tree or plant.
Is there space to place another little table with plant on the other side of the front door? If so, balance the front door and frame it with duplicate things.
elsadawg
12 years ago
karemore55, wow! great ideas and with examples, but do you know where I can find some old amazing newels. I'm looking for round ones. Thanz
elsadawg
12 years ago
FOYER HELP: I'd get something the size of a Lane cedar chest preferable with upholstery (even of your choice) to put up against the stairs. Oh this you can sit, put things down, keep items you use regularly either on top or inside your chest. Is out side your front door friendly to having some glass in your door. I once had a set up like yours but my front door had cut glass in it. The light it let is was amazing and the prisms from the cut glass pattern were great. Just think how many times you go by that door in a day. Something to think about and not that expensive at Home Depot. A side table to the chest with a small lamp would be great for evenings and warm up the space a lot. I'm eclectic and eccentric so I would buy the same mirror and mirror it on the wall right next to the existing one, even at the same height. This would give your space so much more depth. I have a small stained glass lamp that puts a beautiful pattern on the ceiling from the cut out metal, but what ever lamp you would use would light up your mirrors fantastically. Thank you for asking opinions and please post your after pictures here as well. I'd love to see what choices you came up with. Good thoughts for a greener, more peaceful earth, Julie from coastal Georgia
jacka2002
12 years ago
Your home looks lovely. Not sure where you live, I would warm it up place hooks for coats/hats, and an umbrella stand if you live somewhere where it rains a lot. I like the idea of a gallery wall, family pictures etc, I prefer the frames to be the same colour (white is my preference). Good luck, I know it's not easy.
mrsgekko
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks everyone, I am loving all of the advice. I have thought of putting a large plant/tree in the corner where the table is, just haven't tried it out yet. I do love the idea of having a chair there, just not sure if it makes sense since we do have an area to take off shoes/hang coats just outside the picture. i posted it below so you can see. My husband took the doors off of the coat closet and made it into a different kind of area since the doors often collided with the basement door which is just off to the right. I have also thought about removing the runner, but it does come in handy as we use the basement for our main entrance/exit especially during winter with all the snow, so it's nice not having all the dirt everywhere from our shoes!
mrsgekko
Original Author
12 years ago
Thank you Cassie. I have been looking for art to go in that space. I am open to any suggestions, just like things that are affordable and definitely something that will bring in some color. I have gotten a lot of feedback about removing the runner and swapping out the doorway rug, so I'm not sure if I should choose a rug first or wall art first?
Kate Lam
12 years ago
Thank you Karemore55 for the info of the light fixture. I've posted a question for help with my foyer.

Here's the link:
https://www.houzz.com/discussions/help-me-with-my-foyer-dsvw-vd~895463