Row House Refuge: Decorating a Foyer

Foyers

The first thing anyone sees when entering our homes is usually the foyer. Since we don't spend large amounts of time in this area it is a great place to experiment; paint a wild color, add wallpaper, hang an unusual chandelier.

But, of course, a foyer should also be functional. Do your kids take off their shoes here? Backpacks? Do you drop the mail here? Need a place to store gloves and scarves?

An entryway is a small space (at least for most of us) that can pack a big punch.

For inspiration for decorating your own foyer, take a look at these creative entry's.

I am partial to black and white. This foyer featured in House Beautiful has real impact - crisp and modern.

Caroline, owner of Ekster Antiques, keeps things simple and practical at her house in Virginia. Not only is there a place for her keys, but also a bench for removing shoes and a charming place to leave them.

This beachy foyer from Creative in Chicago features that trend that keeps popping up, wood plank walls. Certainly a much nicer take on the paneling I grew up with.

Don't have a foyer? Maybe you can create one. Take a look at this charming solution from Better Homes and Gardens! I imagine the screen makes a lovely backdrop from the living room side.

entrances/foyers - Benjamin Moore - Smoke Gray - Wassily Chair black charcoal gray brown antique chest modern black leather chair black porcupine mirror lamp black shade wainscoting charcoal gray walls paint color entrance foyer

This striking room is from Decorpad. Juxtaposing an antique chest of drawers with a modern chrome and leather chair keeps this foyer looking fresh and timeless.