Inviting Entries – Guidelines for your homes first impression
You had me at hello!
It is scientifically proven that first impressions are lasting. A phenomenon refer to as thin-slicing demonstrates our powerful ability to make rapid decisions based on a narrow window of experience. No matter the size, the entry point is where you and your home will make a first impression. With thoughtful design guidelines, your foyer will make a stunning statement on your behalf.
Communicate Your Style
Create an “ahhh” moment at the point of transition between the great outdoors and your home interior. Ancient Feng Shui principles believe the entry is the gateway for your homes energy. Use this idea of natural flow to heighten the anticipation for visitors with a well-curated selection that represents your style.
- Focus on developing a mood that will set the stage for your entire home.
- Connect to the exterior of your home by repeating an architectural element, color scheme or material.
- Control the visual “thin-slice” with simplicity as your guide with a few well-chosen features.
- Think of the entry as an introduction to your home with a story that will unfold room to room.
- Hint at the level of formality to your lifestyle with the size and detailing of your space.
Consider every angle
Your entry is experienced from several vantage points. Consider them all when making selections for this space. Start with the exterior approach to your entrance and take in 360 views while standing in the foyer. This space is often in the background of your daily activities. Reach for an integrated design theme that can be referred to throughout your home.
- Select an entry door that enhance the character your homes character.
- Express your style and gain natural light by choosing from the variety of transoms, sidelights and windows.
- Consider privacy needs during in the initial design process. Size, shape and architectural features can control exposure to the elements and unknown visitors.
Practical matters
Comfort features will be greatly appreciated by guests and family. When the entry is reserved for visitors, a more streamline, statement focused on design is possible. However, don’t neglect these basics that are appreciated by everyone.
- A Chair or bench for struggling with footwear
- Closet or coat rack
- A mirror for last minute check ups
- A chest or console table to hold and store out-the-door items like keys and gloves.
- Good general lighting with a task light option
Traffic Flow
An Architectural pivot point, the foyer often guides traffic through the home. Directional cues are helpful for guiding visitors and family to the path you would prefer they travel.
- Increase the size of any openings that you want used more often.
- Use the same type of flooring to encourage flow into adjacent areas.
- Change the flooring or wall color to subtly suggest a boundary.
- Minimize walls or hallways and use open space to establish a visual connection that will encourage everyone to move into that space.
Showcase Your Style
The entry is an ideal location to showcase your style by displaying art or special collections. This placement allows you to share something special with visitors while the central location lets you appreciate it daily.
- Build in shelving or niches to keep collectables out of harms way.
- Use accent lighting to highlight your treasured pieces
- Keep this area simple and streamline to create a gallery effect that elevates the value of art, area rugs or a statement light fixture.
Foyer Flexibility
Often various rooms within a home converge at the foyer or entry. The shared open space will facilitate traffic flow as well as create open space that you can transform as needed.
- Place important pieces, like a baby grand piano, in this area to make a statement within easy view.
- Free up family activity areas by moving large storage pieces to this transition space.
- Expand into this space for special events with a beverage bar or dining tables.
- Enjoy this space for music lessons, dance practice or reading corner.
Entice and Surprise
Complete your entry area in a way that will entice and surprise everyone including yourself. When all of the elements of this space are carefully selected, your first impression will be memorable.
