Mar 11, 2015

Design solutions for your foyers, stairs and hallways

Problem: My front door opens right into the living space – I would love a foyer or defined space

Many older homes lack a distinct foyer space, meaning there’s no defined space to take off your shoes or hang your coat. Install tiles to create an entrance and buy a screen to separate the doorway from the living room.

Problem: Our front foyer is just a mess of shoes and knapsacks

Make things easy for your family by creating a stop-and-drop storage solution at the front door. Place a bench along the wall front wall with baskets underneath or pre-existing cubbies for kids to drop shoes and bags into.

Problem: Our staircase has a fairly big landing and it’s currently just unused space

Make the most of your home by creating functional spaces in every nook and cranny. A large stairway landing is the perfect spot for a reading bench with storage beneath or a floating desk with stools tucked under for a handy workspace.

Problem: Our staircase has beautiful hardwood steps, but they’re slippery underfoot

Prevent accidents on the steps by covering the stairs in a carpeted runner up the middle. Opt for a rougher pile, like jute – it’s hardwearing in high-traffic areas and will help to prevent slips.

Problem: We have long vertical windows next to the front door that are too narrow for window coverings

To keep the mailman from peeping in through the front door, try frosting the vertical side windows or installing thin Californian shutters.

Problem: Our foyer is quite compact – how do I make it appear larger?

Besides adding a large mirror to reflect the space, paint horizontal stripes along the walls to make the eye stretch past the foyer and down the hallway.

Problem: Our new home is cookie cutter and I prefer a more traditional look with architectural character

To get that turn-of-the-century look in your newer home, change up the newel posts on the stairs for vintage reclaimed ones. You can also achieve the look with ornamental trim around the doors and thick trim along the baseboards in the hallway.

Problem: We need a console in the foyer, but it visually blocks the hallway

If your home’s foyer is lacking a spot to house your daily essentials, opt for a glass or acrylic table. Your eyes will visually pass through instead of blocking sightline of the space around.

Problem: We have a long hallway that doesn’t get much traffic but I still want to utilize it

Low-traffic areas are great because you can get creative with how you decorate them and what you use them for. Hang folded chairs along the wall or screw in some hooks to hangs coats, umbrellas or any other odd items.

Up next: 99 problems for walls and windows

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Weekly inspiration

Problem: My front door opens right into the living space – I would love a foyer or defined space

Problem: Our front foyer is just a mess of shoes and knapsacks

Problem: Our staircase has a fairly big landing and it’s currently just unused space

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Problem: Our staircase has beautiful hardwood steps, but they’re slippery underfoot

Problem: We have long vertical windows next to the front door that are too narrow for window coverings

Problem: Our foyer is quite compact – how do I make it appear larger?

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Problem: Our new home is cookie cutter and I prefer a more traditional look with architectural character

Problem: We need a console in the foyer, but it visually blocks the hallway

Problem: We have a long hallway that doesn’t get much traffic but I still want to utilize it

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Design solutions for your foyers, stairs and hallways