Making an entrance – the art of foyer design

Making the perfect entrance is key on any stage and designing the perfect entrance to your home can be just as dramatic. We may not be doing a lot of entertaining these days, but when the time comes – and it will come soon – when we can again enjoy inviting guests over to the home, the foyer will play an important role in setting the scene.

Remember, there is only one chance to make a good first impression, and the foyer (or front entrance, as it is otherwise called) plays an important role in this. It does not help when there are mounds of shoes strewn about, or piles of unopened mail, or a coat rack overflowing with garments. Clean, uncluttered and bright is how the opening of the home should be, but there is an art to putting this together.

NextHome spoke to a few showhome designers (who better to ask, right?), and they all agree on the importance of the foyer in setting the stage for the rest of the home. The focus is making the most use of the space and to dress it up by choosing the best flooring, furniture and wall accents.

Gurpreet Randev, Lead Designer, Luxuria Homes, says a foyer -first and foremost - needs to work for the family. “It is the first place you enter after a long day at work, school, and other outside responsibilities. It is also the last place you see before you leave your house. In that regard, it has to serve the purpose of wardrobe completion with coat and shoes, mirror check, and accessory grab-hold. So, above all, it has to function for all those purposes.”

Julie Punter, Manager of Showhome Selections and Presentation at Homes by Avi says the foyer – and its more practical sibling, the mudroom - has to be outfitted first as a place of function.

“Foyers, mudrooms or drop zones are really about function, it is the hub in which transition happens from the outside, in. It’s the first and last place everyone sees, so essentially is the first and last impression stop,” Punter says.

Chloe Leung, Showhome Coordinator for Brookfield Residential, points out that the foyer works best with an open concept design. “An open concept is key to a great foyer. You don’t want to have the space crowded with too many closet doors or furniture pieces,” she says.

Leung says she loves to wow guests to the home with a large format, faux stone tile floor in the foyer that’s as convincing as they are low-maintenance. “It is your first point of entrance into a home, the large format tile adds elegance and the fewer grout lines allows for a space to feel larger than it really is.”

She says adding a nice pattern to the tile can also work, like arranging them in a herringbone pattern, gives the entrance more pizzazz.

Next, layer on a durable yet attractive area rug or mat (depending on available square footage) and consider going bold with pattern and colour to make this pass-through space truly sing.

“Lighting is also very important, you may have natural light from windows around, however lighting is the jewelry on top of everything. A great fixture really accents the space and provides an inviting entry into the home. Great art is also a great addition to a foyer. Not too many pieces, but one giant piece is the way to go. A large piece of art makes it feel like you are walking into a museum, it presents itself in the space,” Leung says.

For Punter, the elements that are key in making an impression in the foyer are those that can provide dual function. “Storage, a fun tile pattern, bench, side table, hooks for keys and a charging station for your devices,” she says are some of the essentials.

She does emphasize the “less is more” tenet of design for the foyer. “Be thrifty when it comes to storage and function of the space. Maximize everything you can out of it! For instance, if you can fit a bench or side table how about add baskets below the bench to store shoes, mitts and gloves. Make a zone for keys and charging phones. Don’t forget you can maximize space by using the walls to, add shelves, hooks etc.” Punter says.

Randev says the key is organized storage. “Organization and storage are vital. This can be accomplished in a variety of forms including baskets, shoe racks, hooks, coat racks, closets, storage benches, dressers, and closets. In fact, the more storage the better. That’s why Luxuria Homes always includes a front entrance closet in every one of our homes, big or small. We know that no home is complete without easy storage solutions, especially in the crucially important foyer.”

But style is just as important, Randev adds. “A foyer can be easily overlooked but keep in mind that the first point of contact is often the most important and it is no different for our homes.

“It should be a continuation of the style of your house and introduce guests to your unique space. A foyer can be easily overlooked but keep in mind that the first point of contact is often the most important and it is no different for our homes.”

Five elements to a beautiful and functional foyer

By Gurpreet Randev, Lead Designer, Luxuria Homes

1. Storage –

It’s easy to throw your bags, coat, shoes, and keys onto the nearest surface when you walk in the door but if you add organized storage to the space, you can beat the clutter before it begins. Install hooks for everyday coats and bags, a basket to catch miscellaneous accessories, and a shoe rack for wet boots. Another great addition would be a small console table or dresser, which can add unexpected character while increasing the functionality of the space. Add some fresh flowers on top and you have a great vignette with plenty of style.

2. Seating –

Whether it’s a chair, stool, or bench, seating allows a spot for you and your guests to sit and take off shoes. Ideally, the seating should be fuss-free and easy to wipe down from dirt, mud, and grime.

3. Accent Mirror –

A last minute makeup check is always a good idea before heading out the front door. An attractive accent mirror is a necessary addition to any foyer. Not only does a mirror act as a great focal point in the foyer, it can also make a small space appear larger.

4. Overhead Lighting –

Whether you choose a chandelier or a single pendant, overhead lighting can add instant drama to the space. Just make sure the light switch is within easy reach of the front door!

5. Durable Rug –

A weather resistant rug that is easy to keep clean and helps keep wet messes at bay is a necessary foyer accessory. It can be a long runner in an elegant pattern or a wildly fun area rug; just pick one that matches the rest of the décor in the house to keep the design consistent within all spaces.