design obsession: foyers

ahhhhh the foyer.
[foi-er? foi-ey? fwa-yey? wuht-ev-er.]
it's so decadent, isn't it? the very concept that you'd dedicate an entire room to...entering.

our new home has the ittiest bittiest foyer (okay fine, it's an entryway), but i am trying my darndest to infuse it with some sophistication.

the way i see it, there are two ways to approach foyer decor:
1. the foyer sets the tone for the home. it creates a calming, welcoming space that is consistent with the rest of the home and gives you an idea of what to expect in the other rooms.
2. the foyer is the razzle dazzle. the dramatic "wow." a chance to be playful and zany. or, perhaps, a revved up, gilded version of the rest of the home.

in my mind, you can't go wrong either way, but whatever you do--be intentional. be thoughtful, tidy and strategic. it's such a fun space, because it is so practical, yet so superfluous at the same time. the same room that welcomes guests to fabulous, decadent dinner party is the room where you likely need to stash keys, mail, umbrellas and muddy shoes.

here are a PLETHORA of fab foyers. which is your favorite?
...happy sophisticating...

i love the light in this space, and the neutral color palate makes this homey and welcoming.
photo courtesy of house beautiful, december 2004.

love the sisal rug. love the convenient storage to the right of the door. LOVE the entry table with that custom skirt. fabulous!
photo courtesy of house beautiful, february 2007.

love the wall sconces. love the staircase (a risky choice with no railing), love the floors.
photo courtesy of design*sponge.

YAY FOR MODERN DESIGN!
photo courtesy of elle decor, february 2011.

it may look simple, but that is JUST the right shade of white.
photo courtesy of elle decor, april 2011.

perfect symmetry, with the exception of the stools. so cheeky.
photo courtesy of house beautiful, august 2008.

i am utterly obsessed with that door hardware. and the floors. and the crooked topiary trees.
photo courtesy of elle decor, november 2010.

i don't tend to love accent walls, but this just works. highlights that fabulous railing.
photo courtesy of house beautiful, december 2007.

this would be meg ryan's home on martha's vineyard. seriously? amazing. don't even get me started on the barn door---i have a whole 'nother "design obsession" coming for those...
photo courtesy of elle decor, june 2010.

beach house meets modern sophistication. love the white, clean lines and glass accessories!
photo courtesy of elle decor, june 2008.

so simple, but so fun!
photo courtesy of elle decor, october 2010.

so classic, but with a touch of the unexpected! who doesn't love hot pink?
photo courtesy of house beautiful, march 2009.

the wall molding literally takes my breath away.
photo courtesy of elle decor, july 2010.

can't you see yourself stealing away here during a party? gorgeous.

photo courtesy of design*sponge.

classic and lovely.
photo courtesy of elle decor, february 2011.

look closely--that is a custom table skirt. and the carved sheep? shut up.
photo courtesy of elle decor, may 2011.

not for everyone, but i think the leopard stair runner is sassy.
photo courtesy of metropolitan home, october 2009.

i think i might have chosen this one as much for the puppy as for the decor. :) he matches!
photo courtesy of elle decor, may 2011.