When we first purchased our Highover house I believed that with a little tweaking the two story foyer had potential to be a stunning entrance.
I loved how the stairs flared at the bottom and gracefully turned to the second floor. The original white spindles were replaced with elaborate iron scrolls. I then staggered three tall panels with iron detailing to play off the newly added spindles.
When you step into the foyer there is a generous size abstract rug to collect all of the guests shoes. Afterall, we were in Minnesota and I soon embraced the custom of removing shoes when entering homes. I realized it became imperative to fashion accessorize my socks with what I was wearing that day.
The chandelier was appropriately sized, but understated until I had it painted an iron bronze, creating a beautiful feature.
At the landing is a 4’ tall niche that cried out to be the focal point. On either side of the niche I mounted custom tapestries featuring an abstract bird and curved vine which draws your eye up to the two story ceiling. To mimic the vine I placed large birch branches in a tall hurricane vase. The fabric and decorative bottom trim was from Hobby Lobby and since I sewed the tapestries I could make them the exact size of the niche. The vase was from HomeGoods and the birch branches were from a foraging trip in the woods. The niche light was always on and controlled with a dimmer switch. It was both beautiful and functional as it served as a stair light at night.
A few steps into the foyer is another wall niche. I do love designing niches, especially when I can control the mood with a dimmer switch. In this niche is Secretariat. (I get attached to my treasures and often times give them a name). He was a surprise find at a lighting store. This stately steed made a striking statement with the family photos, where we’re dressed in black and white. He is particularly festive at Christmas when he jauntily sports a red and white Santa cap over one ear.
This foyer was not only beautiful when you entered the home, but had an unexpected twist when leaving. Above the front door was a mac daddy niche. Oddly enough the 3 small windows were not symmetrical to the space, thus I too, could not be symmetrical in my design. I chose to anchor my arrangement with two large antique trunks, not an easy task lifting them 10 feet high. I then bookend the other side with a wicker wine rack topped with a large rectangular lantern filled with candles. To add dimension I staggered two pictures on the back wall. To add texture I placed faux greenery everywhere. The intriguing arrangement could not only be viewed from the foyer, but also from the top of the stairs.
The foyer of a home sets the stage for what is to come. Once I made my tweaks I truly loved walking through the front door. Look for future posts of the Living Room and Office while viewed when standing in the center of this beautiful space.