Making an entrance is often considered impressive and eye-catching. Don’t you think so? Let’s apply the same rule when designing a home and see what wonders a well-planned foyer design can do!An entryway is not just a storage space for your shoes and keys. It serves as a transitional space between the door and private spaces of your home. Moreover, a foyer design creates a space where visitors can be greeted without giving them visual and physical access to the rest of the house.

If your home has a stipulated entryway, you’re in luck! But, if your entrance opens up into your living spaces with minimal privacy, you’re still in luck! We’ll show you how to design a foyer whether you have one or not with insightful inputs from Livspace designer Johan Chong.

#1: Determine the boundaries of a foyer design

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Opt for a divider that is see-through to avoid a cramped look

While most compact condos and HDBs do not have an assigned foyer space, luxury condos come with a private elevator that almost always has a spacious entryway. A foyer should have a clear definition from the rest of the home. When boundaries are created between the foyer and the living room, visitors have a clear idea as to where the entrance ends and the home begins. Here’s one way to do that – go for a minimal and see-through room divider. The minimal wooden frame partition in the above image isn’t bulky and clearly demarcates the two spaces.

#2: Lighting: A deal breaker or not?

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Wall sconces add just the right amount of light to a foyer

A dark corner used to greet your guests is hardly a warm welcome. Lighting is everything when it comes to designing a foyer! In order to make an impression and add to the glam, ambient lighting is your best choice, followed by accent lighting. Since, the foyer is not designed for reading or even relaxing, the lighting need not be task oriented. However, the lighting should be enough to get a good glance of yourself in the mirror as you step in or out. Opt for chandeliers, pendant lights and wall sconces for that perfect glow. Avoid installing floor lamps and recessed lights here. As the former will take up too much space and the latter is unnecessary in any modern house foyer.

#3: Create a cosy nook with seating

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Take a seat while putting on your shoes

Homeowners that have a no-shoe rule in the home must adhere to this tip. Your guests no longer have to lean on your shoulder to take off their shoes. Moreover, you can comfortably put on your shoes instead of leaning on a wall while doing so. Often missed out in a foyer design is a simple seat to put on or take off your shoes. This creates a convenient space to set down your bags as well.

#4: Stage it with storage

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A closed shoe rack hides away clutter prevents shoes from collecting dust

“Above all decor, a foyer must have these essentials: a shoe rack, a seating area and a key holder. Furthermore, he says that an umbrella holder and mirror can add to the convenience of the room but it can always do without it,” says Johan Chong.

To make the most of your foyer design, reclaim your compact space with suitable storage. However, when it comes to selecting a shoe rack, you may be faced with countless options. Many of these include open racks but if you don’t want your footwear on display, opt for a closed hinged cabinet. Remember, while an open shoe rack will keep your shoes odor-free and dry, a closed shoe rack will prevent them from collecting dirt and dust.

#5: Colours play a major role

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Opt for whites, off-whites and pastels paired with contrasting colours

“If the cover is how we judge a book then, the foyer is the same to our home. It sets the expectation,” says Johan.

While the colour scheme for any entryway depends on the style of the home, you can always opt for a contrasting colour to demarcate its boundaries. Captialise on this space and go all out with a contrasting wall colour that clearly separates it from any other room. Here, a pastel mint green is the perfect accompaniment to a dusty rose colour and is the subtle focus of the space due to the matching door.

#6: Amp up your foyer design with plants and decor

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Plants can act as the only decor

Here’s a quick way to make your guests feel extra welcome in your modern house foyer. Plants have the ability to freshen up any space. Use this to your advantage by placing them to create a boundary. 

Some foyer designs are known for their compact and narrow spaces. There’s a way to fix it! Bounce light into the space by using mirrors. This helps in making the foyer look bigger and brighter. Moreover, you can get a good glance at yourself before you step up to see if your tie is even or if you’ve got any lipstick smudges.

#7: What is a recessed foyer design in a HDB?

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Use the space outside your unit to create a semi-outdoor foyer

Homeowners of older HDB flats are allowed to purchase the recess or passageway area outside their unit. This space is often renovated into a semi-outdoor entryway, making it a recessed foyer. You can then go ahead and design it the way you like. Our suggestion would be to add a shoe rack for functionality and plants for decor.

If you are looking for more inspiration, check out: How to Get Insta-worthy Walls Without Going Broke

Write to us with suggestions or comments!

— editor@livspace.com