Practical design transforms foyer into sanctuary
DEAR DESIGNER: We have an older home with a foyer that exits to our backyard. Our immediate family uses this space to walk through, but nothing more. I have left this area empty because I don’t know what to do with it. It feels like wasted space to me. I’m very excited to get your input. — Kate.
DEAR KATE: A private foyer or hallway can become a delightful retreat for you and your family.
Although hallways can be tricky to decorate, the mystery is taken out when you approach the design with practicality.
When I begin to decorate any room in a home, I first consider the architecture of the space. If the home is older, as your backyard foyer indicates, I choose traditional and/or antique furniture and fixtures to complement the space. When we try to deviate too far from the style of the home, we create discord.
If you’ve ever walked into a home or building and things didn’t seem quite right but you couldn’t put your finger on why, sometimes it is because the homeowner tried to decorate a traditional home with contemporary design, or vice versa.
I don’t mean to imply you can’t put contemporary design in an old home; you can add contemporary effects to any home with careful thought and planning. Primarily, your design should always acknowledge the style in which your house is built.
For your back foyer, I’ve selected furniture to complement your traditional home and transform the empty place into a delightful and usable space.
The room is rectangular and the stairs repeat a lot of rectangles, leaving many 90 degree angles. Repetition is good but we need to add contrast in order to feel balance.
To soften the edges, I put an oblong rug in the center of the room. Because rugs come in limited sizes, colors and styles, it’s advisable to select the rug first. Then, select complementing furniture and fabrics for the room.
Beginning with the north wall, the stairwell wall, I recommend a comfy reading chair on the left and a tall curio or bookcase on the right. This will give the area gradation. It will move your eye up, repeating the upward movement of the stairs. The chair with a nearby reading lamp will add a comfortable function to the room.
On the south wall, the wall with the back door, I selected a large console and mirror. Center the console between the door and the wall. Be sure the mirror is hung about 4 inches above the console and is high enough to reflect a tall person’s head.
This is a great place to display a tray of drinkware or an empty bowl to toss keys and/or mail. You will want to add something tall to the left side, on top of the console. Gradational (stepped height) candles or a floral arrangement will work well here. In my opinion, every room needs a little nature to add warmth. So, in the corner next to the console, I placed a tree.
Don’t forget to complete the room design by decorating the bay window. Hang draperies inside the window to keep fabrics clear of the walkway, place a seat cushion and add a few throw pillows.
When the room is complete, you will have an inviting sanctuary for your most cherished guests: your family.
Cindy Payne is a certified interior designer with more than 25 years of experience, a member of the American Society of Interior Designs, as well as a licensed contractor. E-mail questions to her at deardesigner@projectdesign interiors.com or send them to her at Project Design Interiors, 2620 S. Maryland Parkway, Suite 189, Las Vegas, NV 89109. She can be reached online at www.projectdesigninteriors.com.
