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We are in the ongoing process of remodeling our home and we are currently working on the foyer. When we moved into this home, the foyer was very closed off and dark, with dim lighting. I knew right away that I wanted to change that. So, we decided to enlarge the cased opening between the foyer and the dining room, which essentially doubled the size of that opening. This brings in a lot of light from the adjacent dining room windows. We also plan to change out the front door from a solid door to one with windows at the top. This will let in a good amount of light, too. Now, I know that saying I wanted to lighten things up will seem like a contradiction to the mood board pictured above, which shows the design plan I have for this room. I really love moody design elements that make an unexpected statement and that is what I wanted for this room. That’s why I knew we needed to bring in as much natural light as possible, to balance out the darker finishes I wanted to use.
I will start with the ceiling (because it’s one of the most dramatic elements) and move down to the flooring. I really wanted some type of interesting ceiling treatment and I changed my mind several times (you will learn that, even as a designer, that happens a lot), but I finally decided to go with shiplap. However, to make it more “modern”, I decided to paint it black. The color I will use for this is Iron Ore by Sherwin-Williams. This color is actually a very dark charcoal gray that looks black, but it has a warm tone to it that I really love. We will probably paint this in a flat finish because I don’t want it to be shiny at all.
Next is the light fixture. I like to mix things up and I wanted to bring in a little bit of “glam”. So, I am using this mini orb chandelier from the Arabella collection by Livex Lighting in an antique gold leaf finish. This fixture is convertible, which means it can be used with or without the short chain that is included. Our ceiling in this room is only 8′ high, so even though I would prefer to use the chain, we may not be able to. We don’t want our visitors bumping their heads on the chandelier!
There is only one wall in this room that does not contain a door or cased opening. I wanted to use wallpaper to create a unique accent on that wall, so I selected the Etched Arcadia Mural from Anthropologie. This mural features a subtle graphite-hued forest scene. It makes a statement, but since it is monochromatic, it is a quiet statement. To balance out all of the other “statements” in the room, the other three walls will be painted a soft, creamy white. For this, I selected Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams. All of the crown molding, base, and door trims will also be painted Alabaster, but in a semi-gloss finish as opposed to a flat finish on the walls. I have yet to decide the color for the interior side of our new front door, but it is pictured above in black. If I decide to go with black, it will also be painted with Iron Ore by Sherwin-Williams.
Next, let’s talk about the flooring. We have struggled with this decision for a long time because there is some antique wood on the vent hood in the nearby kitchen that we need to coordinate with because the same flooring will also be used in the kitchen. I wanted something that would blend with that wood, but be lighter. My husband prefers more of a medium toned wood. So, we searched long and hard for a compromise. I’m pretty sure we have finally decided to go with vinyl planks in the style called Newport, from the Castle Collection by Lock and Go Flooring. This is a premium rigid SPC (stone-plastic composite) vinyl plank, so it is 100% waterproof and it is very durable and scratch resistant. This particular style has a good bit of color variation in it, so it contains both some lighter tones and some medium tones. I think it will be perfect. I can’t wait to have the floors installed in this house. After tearing out the old flooring, we have lived with concrete floors way longer than we ever expected to!
Finally, let’s discuss the furniture and accessories I have included in my mood board. The rug is one I already purchased right after we moved in this house. It is the Oriental Bohemian Medallion rug from the Monaco Collection by Safavieh in distressed blue and black. The size is 4′ x 5’7″. I love this rug because it features most of the colors that will be used in all of the main areas of the house. The teal cabinet I have pictured is one that I love, but if the budget doesn’t allow for this, I may use a console table I already have and just paint it this color. The large gold mirror is one I have had for 20 years, but this one would also be a great option. Finally, I plan to accessorize with items like this lamp, lantern, and faux fern I found on the Kirkland’s website. They always have great sales and coupon codes. Plus, you can order online for curbside pickup!
Well, I hope you have enjoyed this description of the plans I have for our foyer and that it will inspire you as you make selections for any home updates or decorating you plan to do! Please continue to follow along and see the final reveal, which will hopefully be sooner rather than later!
