Make first impressions count

JUST as you take the time and care to be appropriately dressed and groomed before you leave for the office or go out for a date, how you dress up the foyer or entrance area of your home works to give that all important first impression.

The entrance to a home is the first space that serves to welcome a visitor into your home. It is also the first place you step into each time you return home after a hard day at work.

Hence, it really pays to have a point of view here depending on how you want your family or your visitors to be greeted and to feel when they first step into the house. It could offer a warm tropical embrace or a cheerful funky vibe. Or something in line with the homeowners’ personality which could run the spectrum from the bohemian to the minimal and austere!

No matter what you choose, keep in mind that nothing says welcome more than a sense of style and heaps of your personality at the front door.

Start with that stand-out piece of furniture.

Always have an anchor piece at your entrance. Choose something that can keep away your keys, mail, briefcase and more – so best if it comes with some handy drawers. It could be a vintage French commode or a beaten up butcher’s table from an old farmers’ market. Just make that piece of furniture work for you.

Light it up!

An entry vestibule must be appropriately lit for any time of the day. A modern angle poise lamp comes in handy when you need to check your mail while a big crystal chandelier overhead screams drama to the max. There are so many lighting choices out there from the expensive to the cheap so there’s no excuse for keeping your guests in the dark when you greet them.

Colour it right

Colour can be the difference between something ho-hum and high style. Paint the entrance area with one of your favourite colours. For a space to feel expensive and polished, use glossy paint. I believe a house should have different rooms for different moods. Sometimes you want to feel refreshed, and sometimes you want to exude sophistication.

Art works

Hanging that all impressive artwork, whether it is an original oil painting by your favourite artist or a large photographic print from your recent holiday to Rome, is key to making the right impact at any entrance. Sometimes, all you need is a rare piece of textile or fine old sarong from grandma’s cupboard. Vintage movie posters saved from that visit to a local flea market or inexpensive black and white posters from Ikea can be good options too.

Add a mirror

Placing a mirror at the entrance is great for a last minute check before you leave the house. A well placed mirror also helps reflect more light to a room making it look brighter and feel more spacious. Your choice of mirror, whether modern and bold or elegant and glamorous, will certainly help you make that welcome more sparkly.

Texture underfoot

A rug works wonders at making an immediate statement. Whether modern and jazzy or exotic and oriental, a rug certainly adds colour and texture to your foyer. Rugs also work perfectly on any flooring be it marble, timber or tiles providing the contrast and plush comfort as you walk in.

Accessorise, accessorise!

Accessories are the crowning touch to any space and your foyer or entrance is no exception. For example, placing a hand-carved box on your foyer table not only looks pretty but helps you keep keys and access cards neat and tidy. Dramatic and bold sculptures carefully placed in a corner will give a sophisticated and arty look. A large and leafy houseplant in an elegant planter is a great finishing touch too. Even an umbrella stand can make a positive difference to that space.