Traditional Entryways

A traditional foyer creates a welcoming entry into a home.

A traditional entryway is also called a foyer. The entryway is positioned inside the front door and should include a floor that is resistant to water. The floor should also be formal and attractive, as this is the space where guests are greeted. A well-designed foyer will have room for a receiving table, an upscale light fixture, a wall mirror and a coat closet. These basic features allow the space to function properly for both greeting guests and leaving the premises.

Empty Foyer

A foyer that is too empty is not inviting or useful for guests.

A well-designed traditional entryway is not an empty space. The foyer is the receiving room that establishes the decor and style of the entire home. To function properly, the room needs to meet the requirements of a guest. A coat closet is essential for removal and storage of coats or other outerwear. A table or shelf is necessary to hold purses, keys or other objects. A chair is helpful if you prefer to have guests remove their shoes. A mirror is useful for checking your appearance after removing coats and hats or just before you leave. A plant in the corner isn't necessarily useful, but it can serve to fill a space. Select functional furniture and design elements first and accent pieces such as a plant or flower vase after the furnishings have been arranged.

Comfortable Entryways

A comfortable chair greets guests at the entryway of a home.

For larger traditional-style entryways, position a large and comfortable chair for guests to sit on. Situate small side tables to one side of the chair so that guests have someplace to set down their purses, gloves, hats or other objects they may be carrying. This allows guests a landing spot within the entryway. If the weather is inclement, the entryway is the appropriate place to remove boots to prevent tracking moisture or debris into the home. There should be a location for shoe storage if possible.

Good Lighting

Extra windows around a door bring more light into the foyer.

The entryway should be well-lit, with both natural daylight and good overhead lighting. Overhead lighting should be more elegant than a simple, functional light. In general, the entryway should be formal and elegant, or at least as attractive as the dining room and formal living room. The decor should be balanced, appropriate and welcoming. Usually a traditional entryway will utilize the same colors and decor of the adjoining formal rooms.

Entries With Staircases

A balanced entryway has space on either side for flow.

A well-planned entryway that includes a staircase will meet all the requirements of an entry, and will also allow ample room for people to walk past the staircase. Often a staircase is designed to be decorative and inviting. Exposed wood, carpet runners and polished handrails add to the elegance of the entry. The staircase should be well-maintained, clean and decorated to match the rest of the entryway. An upstairs landing that is visible from the foyer should be treated as an extension of the foyer so that the decor is seamless.

References

• House Beautiful: Fabulous Designer Foyers
• Apartment Therapy: Color Therapy; Michael's Traditional Foyer & Grand Staircase; Aaron Able; Aug. 2010