First Impression

Whether we want to accept the truth of the following statement or not, deep down we know it’s true; after all, we are human and the most abundantly relied upon of all our senses is our sight.  We base are initial judgment of someone or something partially on how they present themselves upon our first introduction.  First impressions are a reality.   Whether we are interviewing someone for a job, meeting someone on a first date, visiting a destination for the first time, our first impression is just that – an impression upon our memory.  

With a home it is no different.  I remember the first time I was taken on a tour of my current home.  I can vividly remember standing in front of the front door with its worn-from-use, black iron knocker and being taken aback.  No door bell was necessary because one rap of this knocker would alert the attention of the owner from anywhere in the house. This particular knocker exuded a unique and original quality in my eyes, and I was immediately attracted. 

The entrance and foyer of a house set the mood, the tone, and reveal in a very small, compact window what is in store for the visitor.   Welcoming, tidy, presentable, contemporary, eclectic, bold, romantic or traditional – any number of adjectives have the potential of being set in stone in someone’s mind before they enter your home for the first time.  What impression do you want to send?  And what impression does your foyer send now?  It is certainly something to think about.

Keeping these two thoughts in mind, I’ve included a list of foyers that all make unique first impressions. Items that seem to be in just about every foyer for practical reasons are a mirror, unique and distinctive lighting, a console table of varying size and a place to sit down and remove one’s shoes.  As to what these items look like is completely dependant upon the style the owner is trying to achieve. What items do you feel a foyer must include? Enjoy having a look and welcome to each one of these homes.

I felt I needed to include two photos of the above foyer found at Decor Pad because there are so many beautiful elements – notice the seating, tiny table, a mirror and exquisite lighting.

A bold color immediately grabs the eye of any who enter this home, and with the added accessories and lovely console table a mood is immediately set. - House Beautiful

A simple, classic-ly clean foyer that allows the bones of the house to speak for themselves.  I appreciate how the color comes from simple elements such as the flowers in this case.   -Elle Decor

Cottage style with the above beams being revealed immediately whispers comfort can be found within.-Decor Pad

I have always been enamored with a spacious foyer furnished with a single table in the center of the floor. So powerful and screaming quality. –Decor Pad

If you happen to live in an older home, you may be fortunate (or unfortunate, depending upon your perspective) to have built-in decor by way of radiators.  I myself have a handful of radiators throughout my home, and love the character they bring.  But , how does one decorate with them?  One idea is displayed above, incorporate them into your design.  -Architect Design

The use of wallpaper and wainscoting announce a classic traditional look as one enters.  -Decor Pad 

A bit more rugged, yet clean and structured.-Decor Pad

I love the combination of the natural light, the long corridor and lavender in this particular foyer.  Scrumptious!  I would count the minutes while I was at work until the time came when I was able to walk in this front door.-Decor Pad

The double door, the glass chandelier and the mixing and matching of prints are simply stunning and work in an unexpected way. -Elle Decor

My eyes immediately were drawn to the blue and white urns on the floor and then they gently rose to the gorgeous bouquet on the console.  I enjoy the beige and china blue color combination as well. –Decor Pad

I will keep this short – the doors, the wallpaper – black and gold – gorgeous! -Elle Decor January 2010

And as we leave our homes this morning to venture out onto a new day  (with no mistakes in it –as Anne Shirley would say), it appears the sun is shining at least in the above photo, hopefully it is in your town as well.    Bonjour!