Ask A Designer: How To Turn Your Entryway Into A Stylish Focal Point

In this Ask A Designer column, Jennifer Koper shares her advice for creating a stylish — and hardworking — foyer.

Question: In our entryway, we need new furniture, art, a mirror, and a spot to sit and put on our shoes. How do we make this space both beautiful and functional? — N.C., Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Answer: How lovely to have this much space and such high ceilings in an entryway. The walls feel flat though, so start by adding architectural interest with a simple panel molding and painting everything out in a bright white, like this Inspiration image from Amber Interiors.

With your ceiling height, a couple of pendants would be perfect for lighting and will add a layer of detail.

Robinson

Alexa Hampton Hailey 1-light 18″ Pendant by Visual Comfort, $1,432, robinsonco.ca

Your furniture right now is a little too small in scale and gets lost. Anchor the space with one long, low cabinet along the wall; it will provide lots of functional storage.

Article

Envelo Black & Walnut Sideboard, $1,399, article.com

Above this piece, hang a large mirror…

Renwil

Barton Mirror, $658, renwil.com

…and some abstract art…

Wills & Prior

Golden Scatter Artwork, Series 4 by Celadon Art, $164, available at Wills & Prior

…then add a stool or bench on one side of the cabinet.

Elte Mkt

Stout Stool, $425, available at Elte Mkt

Finally, finish your foyer with a colorful runner that’s long and narrow. Enjoy your freshly decorated new entryway!

Do you have a design dilemma? Send your questions to [email protected].

Elte

Herki Runner, $2,185, elte.com