Before going into the foyer you should paint the outside of the entry door an inviting color. Why? Because it is the first thing people see when approaching your home and a lifeless door is not inviting anyone to enter. The color you use will depend upon the color of your home, but red has been used and is very popular.

This foyer is probably one of the most neglected areas of the home; yet it is the first room a visitor sees when entering your home. This is where visitors get the first impression of the rest of your home; so it should be nicely decorated and give a great image of your home. So what can you do to make it more presentable? That depends upon the size of the foyer.

If you have a large area you can use it as an art gallery to show you favorite pieces to all who enter. Perhaps you may want to put a chair in the corner, so someone entering can sit and remove the wet boots or just to relax for a moment.

But, what if you have a small foyer like most of us? Well, how about hanging a wall mirror or even a full length one. The mirror will make the area look larger. You could also hang one large picture or a few smaller ones. This gives the area interest and creates a focal point.

A dark entry can create a challenge for lighting. Use a fixture or chandelier that allows for brighter bulb wattage. Many fixtures only allow for 60 watts and in some areas that is not enough lighting. If you need even more lighting a mirror will reflect the existing light very nicely.

Of course, color is very important. It should reflect the preference you use in the rest of your home. Choose colors that make you feel good when you look at them in the store; but remember that the color will look different in your home and under your lighting. You want a color that will react nicely with you when you walk through the entry door into your foyer.

You can use a small table and add some pictures to accessorize the foyer or use it to hold keys, etc., but be sure the container is very decorative and doesn't make it look like a mess of keys. And a nice plant and stand will bring the outdoors indoor.

Vignettes can also be created. These are miniature (in size not scale) scenes that depict areas or scenes you have seen and really liked; but can't have because it is impractical. What do I mean? I designed an entry vignette with a garden bench, silk tree and potted flowers. I even added a small silk bird in the tree and some butterflies on the flowers. This was a condo project and my client loves gardens, but they don't exist in condo developments.

Wall shelves are another way of decorating the foyer. You can display some of your favorite collectibles or even pictures of the family and friends. But don't overdue the amount of items and place several together instead of spreading them all apart to take up space. Look through some decorating books for ideas.

Be creative with the foyer decorating and remember, it is the first room people see when entering your home!