Foyer Wall Design Tips and Ideas

A foyer can be a tricky space to decorate.  Frequently they are not really large enough to be a room, but they may be two stories high.  Or you may find that they are extremely tiny.  Either way, they offer their own decorating challenges.  However, there are several decorating techniques that you can use to make your entry way and inviting portal to your home without spending an arm and a leg.

Photo Collage – To create a photo collage simply choose a collection of photographs that somehow relate to each other.  You may choose family photos, photos of your pets, photos of houses, cars or even hats.  Virtually any subject matter will do.  Then, regardless of the subject matter, keep one element between the photos consistent.  Whether it is the frames, the colors in the photo, or the subject matter, it does not matter.  If you have a color printer, you can create your own collection of pictures showcasing virtually anything that you like.  If you have frames that do not match, spray paint them the same color for an instant match. 

Wall Decals – Decorating with wall decals can be really fun.  There are a number of outlets where you can pick up wall decals, and they are one of the newest things in interior design.  Easy to apply and removable, these decals let you decorate, and redecorate as often as you like without the muss and fuss of painting.  You can buy the decal or make your own from cling vinyl with a die-cutting machine or an Xacto knife. Wall decals are versatile, easy to use, and they can make a great focal point for your foyer.  

1.  Organization Station – If you have a family that is constantly coming and going, the foyer can be the perfect place to keep track of everyone’s schedules.  By installing cubbies for gear that needs to go out the door with you, and stations to charge cell phones and hold car keys, your busy family will always know what plans are on the horizon when they look in the foyer.  There are several companies that manufacture organization stations that can be customized, so if you need room for coats and hats, or if you need calendars and writing surfaces, you can build a unit that is perfect for the needs of your busy family. 

Mirrors – There is a reason that a mirror is a classic accouterment for any foyer.  Not only does it draw light into what is frequently a dark space, but it is handy for that last little once over before you walk out the door.  You can find mirrors in all shapes and sizes so picking one that compliments your décor should be easy. 

All text copyright Shanel. Photo from Flikr - "House 0047" courtesy of craftingthegalaxy.

2. The Hotel Way – If you can picture your favorite hotel lobby, you can find inspiration for your own foyer design. By simply imitating your favorite hotel lobby on a smaller scale you can create a beautiful foyer. Tall vases, fresh flowers, stunning art works and gorgeous furniture can all be found in your hotel lobby. Simply select an element or two to incorporate into your foyer design, and you will have a beautiful entryway into your home.

Experiment with Color – If you tend to be a beige sort of designer, the foyer is the perfect place for you to bust out of the box and try your hand a bolder colors. By selecting a simple wall and painting it in a bold color, you instantly create a focal wall. If you are not sure what bold color to choose there are a couple of ways that you can decide. Either choose a neutral bold color like red or even blue, or stand in your foyer and look at the rooms in your house. What colors to you see? Now what bold colors to you see? Choose one of the bold colors likely found in an accessory and put it on the foyer wall, and it will create a nice balance with your already existing rooms.

All text copyright Shanel. Photo from Flikr - "Foyer: Curved Wall - Paint Color" courtesy of monkeysox.

3.  Niches are Nice – If you have just a tiny wall in your foyer, you can group several of your favorite things on the wall and make a stunning presentation.  For example, you can hang a wall sconce and two of your favorite wall art plaques on either side for balance. Choose art that ties in with your home, such as metal fish wall art in a house with nautical attitude.  A small, entryway table can be a great place to plop keys and mail.  Even though the space is small, there is no reason for it to be bland.

Memory Wall – You may also want to represent your family on your foyer wall.  Since this is the family that inhabits this house, it might only be fair to visually warn visitors of what they are walking into.  All kidding aside, a collection of graduation pictures with wedding pictures, birthday pictures and even vacation pictures are a great touch for welcoming a visitor to your family home.  

All text copyright Shanel. Photo from Flikr - "the foyer" courtesy of danielle_blue.