Here in Texas, I often encounter large dramatic foyers and entries. When these
homes in North Texas were built in the 1990’s and early 2000’s, the big 2 story entry
communicated grandeur and drama.
But my clients often ask me how to decorate them. Here are a few tips:
1. You aren’t going to be able to fill them up.
And if you try, the space will quickly become overwhelming. I have seen homes with artwork rising to the ceiling and it makes a visitor feel small! Unless that is the intention, to create a real punch and extreme drama, there might be a better way. Additionally, who can enjoy artwork 2 stories above you? Let the pretty architecture BE the artwork, and don’t be afraid of the empty space. A beautiful chandelier or pendant, depending on the size of the space, is plenty to “fill” the second story of the space.
2. Create Eye catching vignettes…at eye level.
I work instead to create small areas of “story”: self-contained compositions of beauty positioned where visitors and family can take them in regularly. It’s also important to address the needed functionality of an entry: a place to drop mail, check your appearance before opening the door, etc.
3. Let the entry be the preview of the home.
Use your accent colors for the rest of the home in this space of first impressions. Consider this area a “trailer” for the coming attraction. I like it to have a mix of textures, a punch of color and a quiet simplicity. Consider the distance the viewer will be from the wall décor: if they will be 3-5 feet away, that calls for a smaller subject matter than if the viewer will be seeing the art from 15 feet away. Any tabletop should be dressed, but not cluttered.
