Updating the Foyer: A Warm Welcome to Home

The foyer is the first impression of a home—a space that sets the tone for the experience within. Along with the changes to my living room, I wanted to give the foyer a little zhoosh.

The board and batten wall treatment still feels right. It divides the wall in a way that allows for another material,color, and texture above. So, the first change was adding grass cloth wallpaper in a shimmery burgundy hue. This material brings depth and warmth to the space while adding a touch of understated beauty. The burgundy color feels both bold and cozy, creating a welcoming ambiance that hopefully draws you in from the moment you step through the door.

At the base of it all, I added a plaid rug with fringe. The pattern brings a touch of classic charm, while the fringe detail adds a layer of texture and interest. This rug ties the entire space together, grounding it in comfort and style.

I included a new chair with a curved back and upholstered seat. It’s both functional and sculptural, offering a cozy spot to sit while putting on shoes or waiting for a ride. The color of the chair repeats the tile floor, light fixture, and dresser offering cohesion within the space.

To complement the new wall treatment, I hung artwork that speaks to our love of nature’s beauty. They create interest that feels both personal and timeless.

A new dresser anchors the mirror and lamp, providing both storage and style. Its turned legs and subtle detailing make it a versatile piece that works perfectly in the foyer. On top, I styled an arrangement that adds height and softness, along with a few curated accessories to complete the look. These small details make the space feel lived-in and polished.

When designing my home, I envisioned the foyer as more than just a formal entryway for guests. Situated adjacent to the mudroom, this space serves as a pass-through that everyone in the household uses daily. By creating a foyer that feels functional and inviting, I ensured it became an integral part of our everyday routines—a place where family members can pause, drop their bags, or simply transition from the outdoors to the heart of the home.

This updated foyer now feels like a space that welcomes and inspires. Every element was chosen with care, from the shimmering wallpaper to the curated accessories, creating a harmonious blend of style, function, and personality. Walking into our home now feels like stepping into a story—one that reflects who we are and what we love.

If you’re considering updates to your own foyer, think about how you want the space to feel. Is it inviting? Does it reflect your style? Small changes can make a big impact, and your foyer deserves to make a lasting impression.

Inviting Change

Our homes are reflections of our lives, and just as we grow and evolve, so too should our spaces. Living in a static environment can sometimes feel uninspiring. By introducing updates, no matter how small, we invite new energy and inspiration into our lives. For me, this journey was about creating a space that aligns with who we are today.

Updated Living Room Layout

Being an interior designer means constantly observing the environment and understanding how people live and use their spaces. It’s about noticing the flow of a room, the emotions it evokes, and the functionality it provides. This awareness allows me to craft designs that not only look beautiful but also enhance the everyday lives of those who inhabit them.

Over the past 6 years, I observed the way my family of three uses this living room space. What I noticed the most is that everyone preferred to sit in a chair. With that, I set out to include more chairs. The layout includes a long sofa centered on the window with an additional pair of chairs.

A great layout for both conversation and TV watching

I introduced a full, textured rug that adds depth and warmth underfoot, paired with a leather tufted sofa for a timeless and sophisticated touch. Swivel chairs bring both versatility and comfort, perfect for engaging conversations or enjoying a quiet moment. A sleek black coffee table anchors the room, offering a bold contrast and tying the design together. The result is a space that feels both inviting and chic, ideal for entertaining or unwinding after a long day.

Touches of greenery breathe life into a room and create a calming vibe

Trying new things doesn’t mean abandoning what you love; it’s about experimenting and seeing what resonates. If something doesn’t work, that’s okay! Design is fluid, and our homes should be too.

Keep what works

Living in a home that brings joy isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an environment that supports and inspires you every day.

So, whether you’re considering a complete redesign or just looking to make a few changes, I encourage you to take the leap. Your home is your canvas, and you deserve to live in a space that makes you happy. What’s the first update you’ll make to invite new energy and inspiration into your home?

Master Bathroom - Where we Shop

Thank you to all of our readers that have sent in questions wondering…WHERE DO YOU SHOP? This is a series of posts listing many of the purchases broken up by room. We started with the master bedroom and now we’re moving next door to the master bathroom.

At the bottom of the post are images of some of the items you see in the pictures. Just click on the image to learn more about each product. We hope our design ideas inspire your purchases. Happy Shopping!

Similar products are listed if products are no longer available. See disclaimer for information about affiliate links.

The most frequent question I get is, where did you buy your mirrors from? Here’s the link. The round shape softens things up and the black metal frame adds a nice modern touch. The vanity was custom made out of hickory wood and was stained to match the wood floor in our master bedroom. The engineered quartz countertop is a pattern called Torquay by Cambria. The floor tile is porcelain and the wall tile is marble in a hexagon shape. Both tiles were provided by H&R Carpets & Flooring. The light fixtures are another one of my favorites and can be found here. The faucet is beautiful, but it was chosen MOSTLY for functional reasons. We like that is is a single handle and we LOVE that it has touch technology. This makes our routine more efficient and keeps water drips to a minimum on the countertop.

This built-in cabinet has loads of storage for linens, lotions, and potions. The cup pulls on the drawers are a reference to the farmhouse style we enjoy, but have low contrast with the stain on the cabinet for a subtle effect. We ordered the upper cabinet doors without the glass. The cabinet maker prepped them and the glass was antiqued and installed by a local glass company. The knobs on our interior doors can be found here. Also, not pictured is our custom tile shower by H&R Carpets & Flooring. Instead of adding a built-in bench, we chose to include a piece of furniture so that we had flexibility in how it gets used. For now, it’s used as a towel holder on the far end of the shower. The color is almost a perfect match to the tile in the floor.