There is an old saying, something about how you only get one chance to make a good first impression This saying applies to homes as well as it does to people. Go outside. Imagine you are seeing your house for the first time. Open the front door and greet your house. Now, listen. What is your house saying to you? Assuming your neighbors are not calling to have you carted away for talking and listening to your house, let's continue.

Your foyer or entryway is telling you something. It may be saying "I am neglected space that no one has bothered to decorate." If this message is coming through loud and clear, it is time to have some fun. Whether your foyer is minuscule or spacious, it should make a statement. There are some important considerations when planning the design and decor of the entry. The amount of space, the rooms the entry flows into, the style of the house and the image you want to project all need to be addressed.

If the entryway is large enough, a settee, chair or bench is an attractive, as well as functional, enhancement to a foyer. A small desk or table can be useful for holding mail or keys. If you are concerned that this surface will invite a mess, drawers will hide the clutter while keeping essentials easily accessible. Put a decorative statue, candles, a pair of candlestick lamps, or a grouping of photos on the table. Fresh flowers always add a welcoming note.

Regardless of the size of the area, do not neglect the walls. This is an ideal place for a mirror. Mirrors are not only useful for that last check of your appearance as you dash out the door, but they can bounce light and make an area appear larger. Large and ornate with gold leaf to small and simple, accented with stained glass, or beveled, there is a mirror style and size to suit your entryway. Or, try a grouping of pictures with a similar theme. Make the photo display personal, group family photos, sailboats, gardens, whatever your passion. Wall color is extremely important in a foyer. If painted the same as the adjoining room, you lose the definition of an entry. In most cases, you want the color to compliment, not blend or fade into the adjoining room.

Look up. It might be time to add or replace the light fixture. This is a great place to have a dimmer switch. Soft lighting can imbue the area with a warm welcoming glow when you are entertaining. There are many lighting styles to suit any type of decorating.

Look down. If the entry is tiny and goes right into the living space, define it by using a different flooring material. Tile the entryway if the adjoining area is wood flooring or carpet. Because most entry areas are fairly small, this is a good area to use some of those gorgeous, but more costly, decorative tiles. Wood, marble, slate, laminate, ceramic or porcelain floors are all viable and attractive flooring options. An oriental rug can add great color and focus to an entryway.

The key to remember is that the entryway sets the tone. If your home is decorated in antiques and very traditional, the entryway should also echo that spirit. Decide whether your entryway should be casual or formal, simple or elegant, traditional or contemporary. This area introduces the rest of the house. Treat the foyer as a separate and important area of your home. Once you make these changes, invite your neighbors over and ask them what your entryway is saying to them.

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Creative Carpentry Remodelers, Inc.
434 Wilder St.
Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 892-0720
(630) 892-0776<Fax>

E-mail: info@creativecarpentry.net.