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 all angles for Foyer design
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 in the Foyer and Entry
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 directing traffic from foyer through home
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 foyer and entry style
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.

Multipurpose foyer
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.

Use foyer or entry to entice visitors and surprise the with style
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.

Low Maintenance Essentials for Easy Indoor-Outdoor Living

There is so much to look forward to at this time of year! Engaging outdoor spaces will help you celebrate the season, but not if you are burdened with upkeep. While indoor-outdoor living is a hot trend, low-maintenance design is essential for maximum enjoyment. Our tips for choosing the ideal location are listed in Creating Attractive Outdoor Living Spaces. Once that decision is made, these easy care ideas will add enough leisure time for you to truly enjoy your summertime happy place.

Lowell Management, Geneva Deck, Ecosmartfire, Brown Jordan Outdoor Furniture


Fold back doors and generous windows will create an invisible threshold that encourages a beautiful connection with nature. Keep the merger agreeable and reduce housekeeping concerns with durable flooring and a clear path of travel.
Geneva Deck, Zuri Deck, Sunbrella Fabrics, Surya Outdoor rugs and pillows

Geneva Deck, Surya Outdoor Textiles, Sunbrella Fabrics


Decking is a popular choice for delivering indoor/outdoor convenience with a level platform to accommodate activities. If easy care is your driver, new materials like Zuri® premium decking which is used by  Geneva Deck  will grant you the gift of time. The exotic hardwood appearance unites with remarkable durability for years of minimal maintenance.
Ecosmart Geneva Deck Lowell Management

Geneva Deck, Ecosmartfire, Brown Jordan Furniture


Round out your outdoor entertaining by introducing the element of fire. Whether the purpose is heat or light, fire creates a natural gathering place. Outdoor bioethanol fireplaces by Ecosmart are weather resistant, portable and self-contained. This renewable energy source produces no embers, ash or soot. There is virtually no clean up and they can even be placed on decks. When the focus is food preparation, outdoor kitchen equipment housed in Stainless Steel and Powder Coated Cabinetry is the weather resistant answer to your easy clean up dreams.
Lowell Management, Varaschin, Anacara Company

Lowell Management, Anacara Company Furniture, Varaschin Furniture


Innovative materials are extending the life and upkeep of outdoor architectural details and furnishings. Powder coated metal, teak wood and aluminum-framed resin products add lasting color and texture to traditional pieces. Top designers are creating fabrics for Sunbella that can tolerate remarkable abuse and offer built in UV resistance. Even area rugs are venturing outdoors using these new technologies to warm up and define exterior rooms with the same detail we enjoy indoors.
Join us on Facebook all season for updates on our favorite products for your outdoor enjoyment.
Product Links:
http://genevadeck.com
http://www.sunbrella.com/en_us/
http://www.surya.com/outdoor/
http://www.ecosmartfire.com
http://www.anacaracompany.com/index.html
http://varaschin.it