How to Create a Foyer If the Door Opens to the Living Room

In small houses and apartments, many front doors open directly into the central living area. A foyer makes even modestly sized homes feel more spacious, creating a distinct separation between the entry and living room, where people may take a moment to gather themselves as they come and go. Creating a foyer where none has previously existed is a simple exercise in home decorating, providing an opportunity to experiment with color, furnishings and accessories. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Create a distinct space with screens and dividers to separate the foyer from the rest of your home, defining boundaries with style. For a classic look, use a laser-cut screen to separate the living area from the foyer. The screen has the added benefit of allowing light to flow freely between spaces. Hanging dividers provide a more contemporary look, while shelving cubes can define the foyer area and provide storage space.

2

Work with color to define the foyer area, and make it stand apart from the rest of your home. Use a different color of paint for the foyer, which will give it instant definition by creating a visual boundary that separates the space from its surrounds. A rug or carpeting roughly the size of the foyer area serves a similar purpose, creating a distinct point at which the space begins and ends.

3

Accessorize the foyer to enhance its status as a separate space from the living room. Use a bench or chair to provide guests with a place to sit and remove their shoes. If the area is particularly small, hang a mirror on the wall to reflect light and create an illusion of space. Several pieces of artwork with a common motif, like a series of prints or matching vases, help define the area as a unique space by creating a distinct theme.