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First Impressions
by Angela Ceccacci

You should never judge a book by its cover, however most people do. The entrance to your home is like the cover which should always make a good first impression. It is most likely where your guests enter and get their first impressions of your home, so you want this space to feel warm, inviting, and cozy.

There are many words to describe the entrance to your home. First, the term foyer is an anteroom or lobby. In Latin, it means focus or the focal point. The word Entryway is used to describe an entrance. Another word to describe the entrance is vestibule, which is a passage, hall, or room between the outer door and the interior of a building.

When designing your entrance, begin with color. Rich, deep colors are a great choice for entry ways, whether little or grand. Select a shade that can tie into the color palette in the rest of your home. Try being creative and experiment with faux finishes and other painting techniques. You can also use wallpaper for your entryway since the selections are nearly endless.

Next, select your lighting. Lighting is important because it can change moods with a turn of a switch. Have your lighting put on dimmer switches so you can easily create an appropriate atmosphere. Two story entry ways are usually paired with the staircase so you will want to select lighting to be hung in the particular style of your home. For example, a wrought-iron lantern works well in a rustic interior, yet an antique crystal chandelier would add drama to a formal space. Table lamps are also nice because they draw the eyes of your guest as well as providing light for the room and accessories on the table. If you choose not to use table lamps, wall sconces on either side of a mirror have a great effect as well.

Entry ways usually consists of some type of table. Whether it is a console table or a "found piece" you love, tables can be functional with storage or purely decorative. Remember to select furniture for your entry way that does not block the flow of traffic and fits the scale of your entrance area.

Flooring in an entry way should be durable since it gets a lot of traffic. Use a walk off mat outside prior to entering the home to reduce dirt inside the home and scratches on wood flooring. Be dramatic with your design as the floor is also an important part of the entry's first impressions.

Finally, the last step to making your entry way grand is to accessorize. This is the best way to display what you love or collect. Artwork or family photos are a nice touch. A vase of fresh flowers or a plant is also a good idea. Group your accessories in odd numbers to help ease the eye.

Foyers create the design statement that will give a foretaste of your home's design style. Using your personality in the design helps guests learn more about you and your creativeness. Since you don't have a second chance to make a first impression, enliven your entry way to provide a welcoming atmosphere for your family and friends.



For more information on finding great ideas for your entrance, visit the designer resources section of this website.