With temperatures beginning to dip, area homeowners are starting to think about fast and inexpensive ways to spruce up their homes for the holidays. One area where you can make a great first impression is your front hall entry area or foyer.
Local interior designer Kathleen Newhouse of Park Place Interiors has some creative and inexpensive tips for transforming your lackluster home foyer into an inspiring entry hall – in just one day! “When the door swings open, a home’s foyer sets the mood for the rest of the house,” says Kathleen.
Start with Your Staircase!
The centerpiece of almost any entry hall is the staircase, but until recently, remodeling a staircase has been cost prohibitive and an extremely time consuming. That’s all changed thanks to a new staircase hardwood overlay system that allows homeowners to upgrade their stairs to solid hardwood without the costly, disruptive mess caused by in-home demolition or reconstruction.
The StareCasing system comes in a variety of species, finishes and stains, and can also be custom color matched to allow coordination with existing wood floors. And because there is no need to tear out, cut off or modify existing stair treads, the full upgrade can be completed in 6-8 hours for about $1,500.
“This product is perfect for homeowners who want their stairways to provide the same beauty, elegance and longevity of their hardwood floors without the time-consuming cost and expense of demolishing and reconstructing their staircase,” says Kathleen.
Cost: $1,500-$2,000
Time: 6-8 hours
Light it Up
The right lighting can expand your entry hall and make it more inviting. Start by adding new lighting fixtures, such as a vintage crystal or interesting wrought iron piece. If you decide on a chandelier, make sure that the bottom is at least 7 feet above the floor. Be sure to equip all overhead fixtures with dimmers so that the lights can be adjusted to set the desired mood.
Accent lighting is crucial. Place a lamp on a decorative side table and select a bold and bright lampshade for a festive mood, or opt for a simpler shade for a quiet atmosphere. Sconces are an elegant addition and can be used to make the space more intimate.
“Always mount wall fixtures above eye level so that the light source is not visible. This creates a wonderful illumination effect that reflects off the walls and into the foyer space,” explains Kathleen.
Cost: $50-$250
Time: 2 hours
Get Rid of the Clutter
Since many home foyers serve as the dumping ground for shoes, mail and keys, these areas can become cluttered quickly. However, removing it an easy, inexpensive and effective way to both improve and expand the look of your foyer. “The goal when decorating your foyer is to keep the look simple and focused. Find storage areas for all your extra household items,” says Kathleen.
Keep shoes out of the way and tucked away in the closet. A foyer entry table allows you space to display accessories or family photos as well as giving your entry a warm feeling as soon as you enter the door. It can also provide needed storage areas for mail and keys. Whether it is a simple glass table or something more elaborate such as an ornate hall tree or a wood chest, make sure that the piece is proportionate to the size of the room. It should never block traffic flow or create an awkward space in the area.
Cost: $0
Time: 2-4 hours (depending on the amount of clutter!)
Add Some Color
“Don’t be afraid to make a dramatic statement in your foyer,” says Kathleen. Adding a fresh coat of paint allows you to change the entire look of your entryway, so select a color that will complement the rest of your home but do not be afraid to be dramatic and bold in your choice. You’ll want to foyer to have an impact and make a statement.
Be as adventurous with color and pattern as you desire, remembering that you will only be in the space for brief amounts of time. Create excitement with a colorful accent wall or painted stripes that highlight a prized piece of art, or select a wallpaper that provides interest and texture. Whatever you decide, make sure that there is good contrast between wall color and the ceiling, trim and other structural elements. Due to the high-traffic nature of a foyer, any paint used should be durable and paints with a high sheen will give the surface protection from scuff marks.
Cost: $300-$500
Time: Half Day
Accessorize
Lastly, finish off your newly redecorated foyer by adding some choice accessories. Mirrors are commonly used in entryways because they provide the illusion of more space and allow guests to check themselves out before heading into the home or outdoors.
Kathleen recommends centering the mirror over a console table or furniture piece. You can also easily upgrade your door hardware to coordinate with the lighting fixtures and furniture. Make sure that any area rugs reflect the size and shape of the room and do not interfere with the door swing. Finally, complete the look with a few vases, family pictures, candles and fresh flowers.
Cost: $50-$500
Time: 1-2 Hours
