Virtual Show House-Day 1- Entryhall

Hello my friends. We are kicking off the Virtual Show House with entry hall of our house designed by the King of understated elegance, Loi Thai of Tone on Tone. Let me tell you, this does not disappoint!

I hope you find these rooms as inspiring as I do.

 Hi everyone! This is Loi from Tone on Tone. I’m excited and honored to be participating in Kerry’s virtual show house.

When Kerry asked if I had a room preference, I said yes: foyer, please! Why? It may not be the largest or showiest room of the house, but it's the room that sets the tone and makes that first impression. A thoughtfully designed foyer can be stylish and timeless, gracious while functional and, warm yet uncluttered.

For this house, I designed a layout and chose pieces that would not overwhelm the narrow center hall. I wanted the foyer to make a statement but not compete with the adjoining living and dining rooms. The foyer is, after all, a transitional space physically and visually.

My inspiration was this abstract oil on canvas painting from Wolf Kahn. Kerry did say no limit on budget :)

Next is this antique English Gothic style narrow console table from Tone on Tone, perfect for a long and narrow entry hall. The Lucille table lamp from Circa Lighting has enough texture to stand up to the painting but does not compete. A white lacquer tray from West Elm is great for keys and daily mail.

A gracious foyer should offer a mirror and some form of seating. I chose the shapely Stella mirror from Hickory Chair---a nice contrast from all the rectangles. Two Courbe stools, upholstered in lavender linen with nailheads, from Ballard offer flexible seating. Plus, the stools can slide under the console table during high traffic events.

 And here is my rendering of the foyer. A classic center hall with a staircase and coat closet located in the back

A neutral and lavender palette. The walls could be painted in either a warm or cool gray. Perhaps Benjamin Moore's Horizon OC-53 or Classic Gray OC-23. The trim would be the same color, except a bit lighter (25%) and in a satin impervo finish.

 A long sisal runner in tones of grays and browns (as opposed to golds) would complement this palette.

Above: I love the design of this contemporary Lucille lamp from Circa...so much movement.

 A handsome Winslow square lantern from Vaughan finishes the space.

I hope you've enjoyed my design for this foyer. Many thanks to Kerry for having me here. I look forward to seeing all the other designs of this virtual show house.

Cheers,

Loi

Join us for the rest of the tour!

Beth of Chinoiserie Chic

Lindsay of Sadie and Stella

Stefan of Architect Design

 Nancy and Bethany of Powell-Brower Home

Foyer is a dirty word

I have opinions. They may be unnecessarily arbitrary but I have them.

 

I hate the word "foyer". Whether you say foyer or foyay, it annoys me.

Entry hall works for me. So that is what I say.



It sounds rather grand  to refer to it as a "hall" but even functional, mudroom type rooms can be described this way.







Some people say entryway. Which is OK I guess.

A favorite of mine

I think all entry halls should have something functional and attractive even if it is not the everyday way in and out of the house.



In my own house we come in and out through the garage mostly. The front door is used less often because it doesn't make sense to use it when you park a car in the garage.



In our entry hall we have many decorative items but some serve a purpose. A table with a drawer and  a lamp and "key bowl" on top.



An oriental carpet protects the hardwood floor.



A chair is always handy as a place to put on shoes or temporarily dump a coat.



So, kind readers, I ask that you change your vocabulary. Nix that silly word and call it what it is,
An entry.