Guest Picks: A Welcoming Foyer
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
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.
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.
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.
A navy and champagne striped umbrella speaks chic style and should always be on hand on those rainy days.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A low-sitting lamp that is sturdy, neutral and provides adequate light is a good addition on a console table.
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?
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.
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.
A set of candles placed on top of the console table is a simple, inexpensive accessory.
With high ceilings, hang a chandelier in your foyer for dramatic effect.
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.
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.
An investment piece, but rustic urns to place just outside your front door with beautifully arranged plants or boxwoods.
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
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.
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