No doubt about it: first impressions count. And when it comes to your home, the foyer is the area that first strikes the eye.

"The foyer should be a beautiful hors d'oeuvre," said Francoise Chanteau, owner of Montreal's Lakeshore Decor. "Very appetizing, and make you and your guests want to feast the eyes on the rest of the house."

It's also important to reflect the tastes of the people who live there.

There is no one-size-fits-all design solution for this area, unfortunately. First, vestibules come in all sizes and shapes, from closed cubbyhole to grand sweeping space, opening onto a large hall and perhaps a dramatic staircase.

But there is one rule: Open foyers must harmonize with the rest of the house while closed-in vestibules may contrast.

"The most important thing is to think 'warm and inviting', " said Chanteau, who has 26 years of experience decorating homes of all sizes and periods.

You can begin by examining such practicalities as where to put the boots and shoes. If you don't have an entranceway closet, then provide alternate solutions for you and your guests. Coat hooks and shoe racks are available at home supply stores. With a little effort, you can find stylish options that fit your decor.

Or, select furniture and accessories that can do double duty. For instance, a chest or small commode might provide space to stash footwear out of sight and also serve as a place for mail and keys. And do consider providing at least one small seat to ease boot removal.

Once you've decluttered the area, it's time to use your imagination. Hang a striking painting or mirror. Put a sculpture on a pedestal with a pendant light over it. Or perhaps some wall sconces would add a decorative touch and some uplighting.

A big trend is to inject some design interest into the area where your guests first set foot -- the foyer floor.

If you have wood floors, consider placing a large, easy-to-clean area rug near the door. Or spread it over existing carpeting. You might also install stone or marble flooring near the door, where people can leave their shoes, to contrast with the wood or carpeting elsewhere.

Another way to make a big splash there: "Cover the entire area with beautiful motif or mosaic floor tiles," Chanteau said.

Taking a more dramatic approach to the overall decor is also a growing trend, said Sophie Bergeron, a colour and design manager for Benjamin Moore.

"From wall colours to fabrics to lighting, a daring glamour is definitely in," she said.

Being a relatively small space, the vestibule is a good area in which to experiment. And a quick, low-cost way to add both drama and warmth is to put a strong colour on the walls.

Steer away from cold colours such as icy blue or frosty white, though. Think more on the red and yellow side, hues reminiscent of a crackling fire.

"But do keep in mind that a strong red that looked so appealing on the sample may be overwhelming over a large area," Bergeron said.

When painting the entire area, she advises avoiding shades of red or yellow that are too bright or intense. The effect might end up being aggressive rather than cheerful and welcoming. However, the same strong colours as an accent on the trim or accessories might be just the thing to add a lively touch. If you have children, think about going with an unexpected dark shade for door frames to mask hand prints.

And don't be afraid to think outside the colour wheel in general.

"Paint colours have evolved, and so has our perception of colour," Bergeron said.

For instance, although a global cooling is thought to happen anywhere you find shades of blue, sometimes the opposite occurs. That's because a very complex colour can fool the eye. So certain types of blue with grey or green undertones may be perceived as warm.

A decorator or in-store colour consultant can help you figure out which colour will have this effect.

In the end, however, the latest trends matter less than what makes you feel at home, Bergeron said. After all, what is chic to one person can appear cold and uninviting to another.

"Look at your colours and decor through the eyes of your friends and family," she said. "And aim to feel happy every time you walk through the door."

Source Montreal Gazette