As a new owner, I guess I should just defer to what has been working for the previous owners and their renters. I think this was an extra hang out space because it is on the middle level where there is nothing but bedrooms. The main in/out level is the ground level, which is one floor below. That is where I predict all the sand/wet towels/flip-flops will land. It just seems so weird to me that if a renter goes through the front door on their first day, they are greeted by the back of an entertainment center. So, I think I am going to forgo making it a fancy foyer, and keep it a hang out space - just move the EC to somewhere that makes more sense. Can't wait to get there tomorrow!!

I think there area a lot of things you could do but it depends on the "feeling" you want to give the space. Modern? Traditional? Wild? Also, I would want to try and find a color upstairs that I could pull into the stairwell or landing so that it transitions well. You said the walls upstairs are Vanilla ice cream (yummy) - but what are the accent colors in the upstairs rooms. Any bright warm blues? Reds? Oranges? Light greens? Warm colors are great for small dark areas. Esp trimmed with pure white. I would avoid pastel or greyish tones. So little light will only make those colors more dull. IMO I'm personally partial to yellow. My northern facing small den and kitchen area are much warmer and feel brighter painted yellow; more than when they were beigey-white. And yes, it took a LOT of samples to find one that worked in every light and corner of the room. But it works (all the trim is bright white.) The yellow follows one wall up into the landing space of the stairs, but then the wall of my VERY dark stairwell is bright white with a sheen to make it reflective. I did hang artwork on the landing to pull the colors together. One painting on the yellow wall and one on the white wall - both the same artist, feel, and related colors. I like it. Another thought, is to incorporate stripes (I'm getting into stripes lately. You could do the foyer in a warm color, but on the wall that extends upstairs (and maybe one other) paint bright white horizontal stripes. That gives you color but lightens it up. And the horizontal shape will help make the space look bigger. On another thread, as an example, someone posted this link of aqua and white stripes. http://www.thehandmadehome.net/2010/06/the-veranda/ Another idea is to keep it all the same color as upstairs, but add marvelous art and lighting fixtures, and maybe jazz up the risers of the stairs. Here's another post I found in FW that has some GREAT ideas you might be able to use: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/decor/msg071758089676.html Here is a link that might be useful: aqua stripes

Hello! I just wrote a blog post about designing a great entryway and some suggestions for items, maybe there will be some helpful information on there for you! Click here to read about it: Create the Perfect Entryway Good luck!

Brianne; You have a fabulous entry to light & transform your home. I see many great options here for the hanging fixture. I also see the sconces as equally important. I would not match the chandelier exactly & would treat them separately. I also notice that on the second floor landing that you would need a fixture to finish off the transformation. The side table when finished would offer you another warm & decorative option. I see that you are getting many ideas here. It is always a function of what your taste & my expertise is to offer & guide you. I do not want to compete on a open forum. I work extremely we well remotely & have 40 years of lighting design experience. My website is www.lightvisionconceots.com & email is craig@lightvisionconcepts.com. I would would need a commitment from you to provide my services. Thank you!! Craig Barre