Decorating & Design
These Small Foyers Make A Big Impression
Published on September 2, 2024
Don’t be fooled by their square footage; small foyers work even harder to achieve bold style and functionality. According to maximalist designer Cynthia Ferguson, a small foyer is a space for taking risks, because “the small size keeps costs down,” she says. Take inspiration from these condos and compact city homes that maximize every inch of space with standout tile, bold wallpaper and stylish storage. Scroll down!
In a French-inspired pied-à-terre, a wall of black cabinets in the foyer hides the laundry machines and makes the narrow entry feel more dramatic.
This petite entry features vibrant floral wallpaper, graphic floor tile and a painted cove ceiling. “You can take more risks here because the small size keeps costs down,” says designer Cynthia Ferguson.
Unexpectedly pink walls set the tone at the entry of designer Natalie Tredgett’s long, narrow terrace home.
Herringbone tile floors, art and a built-in closet with brass statement pulls bring style to the petite entry in this Toronto semi. “I love when you can walk in to a space and not be able to tell what’s older and what’s been added,” says Jessica. “Everything should feel like it belongs.”
“We added a white oak archway as a buffer between the vestibule and the rest of the house,” says designer Veronica Martin of the entryway in her 2,000-square-foot Victorian.
Olivia Botrie of Dart Studio created a cheery foyer with patterned wallpaper and heated checkered floors in her new semi-detached house.
In this Victorian house by Tom Design Studio, the console boasts a vignette of mostly vintage finds and is a focal point of the foyer.
In designer Ashley Shaanan’s compact foyer, a deep green paint color creates a punchy intro. The hardworking space features an Italian quartz floating shelf for keys and a stool for taking off shoes.
Not every entry needs a mirror, according to stylist Nicola Marc. “I was totally in love with the wallpaper and didn’t want to break up the visual impact,” she says. “If you have a mirror, you’re always checking yourself out. Admire my wallpaper instead!”
In the entry of this century home by Quebec designer Michael Godmer, the original marble mosaic floor was rejuvenated with new grout, and a streamlined bench provides seating. The space itself was inspiring, with its ornate ceiling medallions, deep moldings and baseboards.
In this foyer, designer Jackie Di Cara modernized the look with a cool triangle pattern in place of the traditional black and white checkerboard floor tile often seen in Victorian houses.
In this 15-feet-wide townhouse, designer Mariam Aboutaam installed a hexagon mosaic tile “mat” that adds pattern and texture in the front entry, and gives it a distinct presence in the petite space.
A cobalt blue Dutch door is a cheery welcome at the entrance of this Vancouver Craftsman and hints at the eclectic interiors.
A walnut starburst door with halfmoon pulls in the main entry of this condo makes a ho-hum closet look like a work of art.
In the foyer of this Vancouver house, a simple aesthetic sets the tone for the space, with grab-and-go hooks, an antique bench and oversized art. Arches are a recurring design element that add to the European vibe.
A narrow nook off the entry of Tim Lam’s condo is the perfect spot for a console, mirror and pendant. DIY art hides the electrical box.