I love foyers and entryways. Architecturally, they add so much interest to our living space, even when, functionally, all all we really do is pass through them. But artistically, it’s a first impression of your interior space. It may be all some guests ever see of your home. And if you’re anything like me, it’s often what you see from the street when walking through interesting neighborhoods at night.
Someday, I’d love to have a formal entrance to my house – a wide open gallery-like space with loads of sunlight, green plants and interesting artwork; or perhaps a tall, narrow hallway with thick moulding, an ornate chandelier and a fabulous rug.
Since these are not the things a first home is made of, I will hold on to these dreams for another time…
For now, our front door opens right into our living room and almost directly up the stairs. I’ve been trying to think of a clever way to create more of an entrance, visually.
There is not much natural light, though there is a small nook cut out between the stairway and a closet fit for a desk or a bench. My antique, hand-me-down dresser fits the space nicely with room for a lamp, a purse and the mail. But wanting something more striking, I decided to tape off an interlocking square motif and paint the narrow wall facing the front door a dramatic orange-red. The color picks up tones from artwork, pillows and a rug nearby, while the bold pattern creates a focal point that clearly defines a separate space.
If I didn’t love my Paper Cloud lampshade so much, I would definitely hang a small chandelier or pendant from the ceiling to further define the entrance. But I’m really pleased with the modern geometric pattern on the wall, combined with the fresh organic lines on the lampshade and the rustic edges of the dresser. It suits our eclectic style perfectly and makes me feel like we have our very own foyer [foi-ey].
Tags: foyer, paint, small spaces
Fabulous! May we have more process pics (if you have) and more information, please? How did you get the sharp angles with tape? What brand of tape did you use? What tools are needed? When does one remove the tape–when paint is very wet, somewhat wet, or dry? Sorry if I am asking too much. Love your style.
Juliet-This turned out so well! I think the large scale of the squares is perfect for your small space.
Juliet, I can’t wait to see it in person. It looks so lovely. I’d love more project detail pics and techniques too!
Love what a huge change some paint can do. I have a foyer with stairs, a very old desk and neat lamp. But my house is all “builder beige” (as I call it) I’d like to do some paint or something because right now everything just blends in. I hesitate to do this because the color I really want a celery/grassy green color there but it’s not anything like the rest of the house.
I love it!
looks fabulous!
Love the pattern and freshness it adds to the foyer. I am wondering what it would look like if you carried the “red” color onto the wall behind the dresser? May round out the statement a bit….
Karen – that’s a great idea! I just may give that a try. Especially since I’ll have the paint out again to do a few touch ups.
Sigari – I regret that I didn’t take more photos as I went along. I can tell you that I used standard blue painter’s tape from the hardware store. I don’t know if there are superior brands out there worth trying, but I did get some “bleeding” under the tape. Though I’m fairly certain that the old, uneven plaster walls are to blame and not the tape! Since you asked, I am going to take a few snapshots of the taping process, because I did come up with a good way to overlap the tape and still get perfect corners. Measuring (and re-measuring!) with a yardstick and pencil was critical.
Emily – I think you should go for a little bit of that green in your foyer. Start with a wall that faces out, rather than into other rooms. That way you won’t feel like the color is competing with or overwhelming your primary decor. Or maybe you could try painting below or above a chair rail for a more restrained effect. This could work (below the rail) if you have moulding going up your stairs. Or you could try taping off a large square/rectangle directly behind your desk that gives you the colorful space you desire without committing to the whole entrance. I’d love to see photos if you give it a try.
Thanks for the positive feedback!
Thank you. I’ll be looking for your post on the taping process. I really like how the painted design appears to be a wall hanging of an exotic blanket or carpet, so I vote for not continuing with the red on the other wall. Plus, the way it is gives the foyer height, whereas extending the red would just flatten the entrance again. I think the red’s boldness would crush the lovely deep honey dresser (nice piece, btw) as well as interfere with the pitchers and lamp as art objects. I like how red and turquoise play with each other, but that pitcher looks to be more milky, like a rare jade color or sun-faded Tiffany and Co. box. The focus should stay with the objects and I just think that’d be harder for the eye to do if there was anything more than a neutral background–like in art galleries.
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Gorgeous! What color paint is that (the orange/red one)? Also – I second the idea of you posting the process pics for how you taped etc etc
Thanks Alison! I’ve been working on the process pics this week and plan to post them on Monday. About that paint color, there’s a little bit of story behind it, so I’ll share that with you on Monday as well! Juliet
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This turned out great! LOVE the pattern and bold color. I’m going to include it in an upcoming DIY post and link back, if that’s okay.
Absolutely! I would be honored for you to include it on your blog. Thank you!
one word: FABULOUS!
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