Ask A Designer™
Ask A Designer: How To Turn Your Entryway Into A Stylish Focal Point
Updated on November 28, 2023
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.
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.
Above this piece, hang a large mirror…
…and some abstract art…
…then add a stool or bench on one side of the cabinet.
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].
House & Home January/February 2021