To some homeowners the foyer is a place to enter and exit the house, but to others it is a space to combine decorating style with function and practicality.

The Wall Street Journal (8.21.2015) featured an article on luxury homeowners who repurposed their entryways into entertainment, reading and hidden storage spaces.

Regardless of your budget, designing and decorating a welcoming foyer is within your grasp. Here are a few tips from experts on ways to transform a pedestrian entranceway into something really special.

Add a Console: A place to toss keys, gloves, and mail is a must in a fully functional foyer, and a console or a repurposed sofa table is the ideal furnishing. Keep height and proportion in mind for the area.

Hang Pendant or Chandelier Lighting: The proper height for the lowest point of a chandelier or pendant light is approximately six feet nine inches from the floor. At this height it will make the greatest visual impression, and it will be high enough to clear the heads of most people entering the home.

Accessorize with a Table Lamp: If overhead lighting is too much, a table lamp can provide just the right amount of light in a foyer.

Add a Runner: An area rug or runner adds warmth and welcoming appeal to a foyer. Keep in mind that an area rug or runner should not completely overtake the square footage in a foyer. As a rule of thumb it should not expand down the entire length of the foyer, and it should be at least eighteen inches from the walls on both sides.

Wall Décor: This can include wall mirrors, artwork, and metal wall art.  Keep balance and proportion in mind when selecting wall art of any variety to design a foyer that is well-composed and harmonized.

Additional Reading:

• Foyers & Entryways (For Your Home) by Hallie Einhorn
• Decorating Foyers with Furniture and Color – Entryway Ideas: www.housebeautiful.com
• 21 Ways to Enhance an Entryway | Real Simple: www.realsimple.com
• Entryway Ideas – Design, Accessories & Pictures | Zillow Digs: www.zillow.com