Home & Design

While designing the foyer of a Tudor-style home in Great Falls, Kirsten Kaplan of Haus Interior Design recreated brick groin vaults that her clients had seen in Scotland. “They wanted the entry to impart warmth as well as grandeur,” she relates. An Oriental rug, Bernhardt benches and a Hubbardton Forge chandelier complete the look. Photo: Stylish Productions.

First Impressions

Designers shed light on making the perfect entrance

“We love creating welcoming, personal entries. Art is always a main priority as it sets the tone. If space allows, we include a handmade area rug, wall sconces or a statement ceiling fixture. The finishing touches are decorative objects—including fresh flowers in a pretty vase.”

—Sarita Simpson, Interior Matter


“When I want to make a statement in a foyer, I let the clients be my guide. What is truly special to them? We let that piece be the star and work around it to ensure their foyer truly reflects them as they welcome guests.”

—Laura Hildebrandt, Interiors by LH, LLC 


 “A foyer is your home’s first and last impression. Since there might not be an opportunity for upholstery or window treatments, consider adding texture to the walls; paneling or wall covering is a great solution. In homes with more space, we will layer a rug with a center hall table or a console.”

—Rebecca Penno, Penno Interiors


“A foyer sets the tone. It’s the first thing you see and—like fine hors d’oeuvres—when done right will leave your guests craving more. Texture, pattern play and color can make a foyer cheerful and welcoming.”

—Laura Fox, Laura Fox Interior Design


“The foyer is like the overture to an opera or symphony: It hints at what is to be discovered. It should be inviting while respecting principles of shape and proportion. A wonderful painting or sculpture will make a foyer personal and meaningful.”

—Barbara Hawthorn, IFDA, Barbara Hawthorn Interiors, Ltd.


Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas

Interiors by Design, LLC

interiorsbydesignmd.com


Jamie Merida

Jamie Merida Interiors

jamiemerida.com

Photo: Robert Radifera Stylish Productions


Samantha Sopp-Wittwer

Interior Concepts, Inc.

interiorconceptsinc.com


Ann Gottlieb

Ann Gottlieb Design PLLC

anngottliebdesign.com


Bonnie Ammon

Bonnie Ammon Interiors

bonnieammoninteriors.com


Melanie Whittington

Whittington Design Studio

whittingtondesignstudio.com


Kirsten Kaplan

Haus Interior Design

hausinteriordesign.com


Cathy Purple Cherry

Purple Cherry Architects

purplecherry.com


You may also like:

In Living Color
Q+A with our design partners
First Impression
Designers reveal how to make a strong—and welcoming —statement in a foyer or entryway
Perfect Backdrop
Designers share the beauty and benefits of wall covering
HOME&DESIGN, published bi-monthly by Homestyles Media Inc., is the premier magazine of architecture and fine interiors for the Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia region.

The company also publishes an annual H&D Sourcebook of ideas and resources for homeowners and professionals alike. H&D Chesapeake Views is published bi-annually and showcases fine home design and luxury living in and around the Chesapeake Bay.

The H&D Portfolio of 100 Top Designers spotlights the superior work of selected architects, interior designers and landscape architects in major regions of the US.

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