First impressions: tips for an unforgettable foyer

First impressions can be crucial: that's why we are sharing with you our ideas on how to make a great first impression, starting right from your doorstep.

Interior design is not about following the latest trends, buying the most luxurious furnishings and showing off to your friends. At least, it’s not just about that! Interior design is about creating an environment that reflects exactly who we are: every subtle hint and instinct of our nature must find its correspondent in a shape, a color, a dialogue between pieces. Why is this so important? Because if our home is a mirror for our personality, it will speak for us: people will get an extremely precise idea of who we are just by taking a look at our interior design choices. That’s why we should always remember that our foyer is the first room our guests see, and therefore it is imperative that we spend some time designing it. Shall we go in?

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Welcome

Forget “welcome” mats: you’re free to have one of course, but what actually welcomes your guests in, is your door. That’s why we encourage you to go crazy with it! If you’re young and dynamic -- or feel young and dynamic, which is the same thing, don’t be afraid of choosing a bright color for your door! On the contrary, if you love harmonious lines and warm materials, like wood, you can choose a more classic door. Just always make sure that your door gives away at least a hint of your personality!

Tip: don’t make it boring! Play with frames: why not try a round(-ish) one?

Browse Gardesa's catalogue for more foor designs

Step into the light

There are two aspects to consider here, before choosing lighting. First, the atmosphere light creates is the first feature your guests will notice: there’s a huge difference between being welcomed in by a glowing, golden light, and by being hit by a cold beam of while light. Imagine you’re stepping into your home during one freezing winter night: which option would you prefer? The second aspect is the design of the lamp you choose. Focus all of your attention on getting one single, stately piece: an oversized fixture will punctuate the space and its colors and design will tell your guests all they need to know about your personality.

Feel free to choose a standing lamp, a table lamp, or a ceiling lamp, as long as it’s oversized and it sheds warm, diffused light.

Take a look at more stylish furnishings by Ana Roque Interiors here

Over-the-top walls

How you style your walls tells a lot about yourself, and about what kind of interior design your guests can expect to see in the rest of the house. A relatively low-cost but tasteful idea is to use an intense wallpaper: close-knitted geometric patterns and rich colors will make it hard to forget your foyer. If you feel like splurging: try out frescoes! On the walls or on the ceiling: if you have a Neoclassic spirit, frescoes are the way to go.

If you love Zoffany's rich hues, take a peek into their world here!

“F” like “functional”

A foyer isn’t just a decorative room: it has the specific function of helping people in and out of the house. Because of this, something that can’t be missing from it is a coat rack; after all, putting your coat on is the last thing you do before leaving, and taking it off the first when you enter. A coat rack is also a great way of giving away something about you! Take this one, for example: an apparently smooth, space-saving wooden surface, that allows you to use only the hangers you actually need. What does it say about you? That you’re a person with a practical mind, who probably lives a busy life. Go ahead and get a rack like this if you think it reflects you!

PER/USE is the way-to-go if you like essential designs

Do you need somewhere to sit?

Yes! You absolutely do. First of all, it’s a very practical choice: you need somewhere to sit while you’re putting on your shoes before leaving the house. And then again, a unique piece of design will go a long way in telling your guests something about you. But what kind of seating should you go for? Our suggestion is to get a couple of low, comfortable armchairs: they will harmonize with the rest of the room and contribute to the general welcoming atmosphere.

Find out more designs by Nordal here!

Don’t be scared to choose a couple of extravagant pieces: if that’s going to be the tone of your house, you should start showing it right from the foyer.

Choose Gianfranco Ferrè Home to add a touch of elegance to your interior design

Make your foyer even cozier!

Unless you’re designing a minimalist foyer, why not add one more touch of color and coziness? Consider placing a rug on the floor! Choose a natural raw material, like wool. Would you like to achieve maximum warmth? Go for a hair-on-hide rug!

Take a look at more soft rugs by Mohebban here