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You only have one chance
to make a first impression and your foyer is just the place to
do it!
The foyer is where you
make that all important first impression, the impression that
family and friends will remember every time their thoughts drift
to you and your home. We all judge books by their covers, whether
we admit it or not, and when we welcome folks into our homes,
the foyer is the cover of the book that will be judged. So, let's
give them a cover that serves us well.
Beyond making a statement,
the foyer is a transition room. It takes guests from the outdoors
to the interior of your home. It's a place to take off boots
and hang up coats, but it's also the area that sets the tone
for the rest of your home. It introduces guests to your style
and gives them a taste of what's to come.
First of all, remember
who will be arriving and departing from the foyer most often-
you! Therefore, more than a great new color for the walls or
a glamorous piece of furniture, you'll want a mirror in your
foyer.
Start the day off on the
right foot, you never know who you might meet. You want to leave
the house feeling confident that you look good. A number one
must-have is a full-length mirror for that last once-over on
your way out the door.
The next element is choosing
a fabulous shade of color for the walls; a shade that is warm
and friendly. Best bets are in the yellow and orange family:
perhaps, a fabulous shade of cantaloupe, squash or pineapple.
Not only do members of the orange and yellow color family signify
a jovial and friendly personality but they will ensure that we'll
be welcomed home by walls with a cheery disposition.
Now it's time to do a
little ground work. For your floors, think low maintenance but
with a high maintenance look. If changing the flooring is in
the budget, natural stone has had a tremendous resurgence in
popularity. Stone will last forever. It's one of the hardiest
surfaces on the market, plus it's totally natural. If you can't
change the flooring but don't love the one you have to live with,
lay down an area rug. Ensure that the carpet can be easily cleaned
because no matter what the season, there is bound to be a lot
of mud and dirt coming home, especially if there are kids in
the family.
Great lighting fixtures
are also imperative to great spaces. Wall fixtures work well,
as do ceiling chandeliers. Regardless of your lighting fixture
choice, ensure that you install the fixture with a dimmer switch,
that way if people visit unexpectedly you can keep the lights
dimmed down. Besides, it is nicer to be greeted by soft light
rather than a bright interrogation light.
And of course, a foyer
also needs a piece of furniture (no more than two) and this can
be as simple as a wall mounted shelf, a wall unit or bureau.
Many people like to have a small wall unit that at least has
some drawer space or "hanging" space. A simple but
elegant decorative box provides a place to store keys, drop the
mail, hang a hat and coat. A stool, bench or chair in the foyer
usually fits well, but make sure you do not "overdue"
it. Parents of young children and older friends will appreciate
having a seat while they remove their footwear. Stools and benches
can also serve double duty as storage boxes for extra clothing,
shoes and accessories.
(Speaking of storage,
the front hall closet is as deserving of a closet organizing
system as much as any bedroom closet.)
Your foyer is almost complete
but it still needs that "piece de la resistance". Perhaps
an exquisite statue or piece of art. You'll also want to complete
the space with a good smell! Remember that all of our rooms need
to appeal to all five of our senses and the foyer is no exception;
be sure to include a source for some welcoming and enticing aromatherapy.
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