"Q&A with SMW - The Entry . . . "

Photo: Victoria Pearson, Design by Windsor Smith; Courtesy of Scot Meacham Wood (headshot)

Q: "What are your best decorating tips for entryways and foyers?" —Joan A.

Ashley Whittaker for House Beautiful
(photography by Thomas Loof)

A: Joan, because first are impressions always so important, I've always believed that the foyer is one of the most vital design elements in one's home. It acts (and not just metaphorically) as the portal between you and the world outside your door. Thus, I find it incredibly important to create something very specific when I'm designing one for myself or for any of my clients. Here are a few things on my mental checklist as we begin work on a new entryway:

Miles Redd for House Beautiful
(photography by Thomas Loof)

1. The Lighting

I like using either a pendant fixture or a table lamp — but always on a dimmer. In my own home — because of the layout of the space — I use an antique carriage lantern set on a simple, quiet glow as a nightlight for the whole house. It also means that I never walk into a completely darkened house.

Scot Meacham Wood for House Beautiful
(photography by Thayer Allison Gowdy)

2. The Surface

I think every entryway needs a flat surface as part of its design. It's just the simple mechanics of needing a place to drop the incoming mail, your sunglasses, etc. Personally, I always keep my keys and wallet on a small chinoiserie chest in my foyer so that I always know where they are. Being able to shed some of the trappings of the outside world immediately upon entering your home is important.

For the rest of my advice . . . click here. 

Cheers,
Scot