Decorating Guides
Big Makeover, Little Expense for a Design Studio's Foyer
Redecorating and rearranging a room can create a huge impact even without major new purchases. See how one design studio did it
A foyer is one of the most important rooms in a home — it gives guests their first and last impression of the space. In offices, this is even more important. Elizabeth Reich and Elizabeth Cb Marsh (yes, that's how she spells it), associate interior designers at Jenkins Baer Associates, wanted to make sure their office foyer allowed visiting clients to visualize the same type of creativity in their own homes. Using pieces taken out of the office archives, they combined their two styles into a playful but sophisticated space that helps clients feel at home.
Get some tips from these designers to make your home or office foyer a polished and comfortable space.
Get some tips from these designers to make your home or office foyer a polished and comfortable space.
Comfortable armchairs in one of the foyer corners create a cozy seating space for waiting clients.
The pair had the challenge of pulling from inventory at Jenkins Baer, which Reich admits stifled creativity a bit. But by focusing on comfort and combining their styles, the twosome pulled off a chic and appealing space that still has a homey feel.
Tip: Books add personality to a room. While these books provide reading material for waiting clients, you can also set books underneath lamps to create a light source that's just the right height for the table.
The pair had the challenge of pulling from inventory at Jenkins Baer, which Reich admits stifled creativity a bit. But by focusing on comfort and combining their styles, the twosome pulled off a chic and appealing space that still has a homey feel.
Tip: Books add personality to a room. While these books provide reading material for waiting clients, you can also set books underneath lamps to create a light source that's just the right height for the table.
One of the main objectives for this space was to allow clients to envision the work of the designers in their own homes, so it was important to make it feel like a residential setting.
Using a higher table like this might be unexpected in between a pair of low chairs, but the layout works well in a foyer. The height of the table allows it to be eye catching to visitors on foot, but it still feels comfortable for guests sitting in the chairs.
Tip: Neutral ottomans are versatile but can sometimes seem bland. Using a tray breaks up the block of color and creates a useful place for storing essentials, such as the TV remote, and placing drinks.
Using a higher table like this might be unexpected in between a pair of low chairs, but the layout works well in a foyer. The height of the table allows it to be eye catching to visitors on foot, but it still feels comfortable for guests sitting in the chairs.
Tip: Neutral ottomans are versatile but can sometimes seem bland. Using a tray breaks up the block of color and creates a useful place for storing essentials, such as the TV remote, and placing drinks.
Although all of these pieces came from the design firm's archives, Reich and Marsh arranged them in a fresh and unexpected way — proof that you don't always have to get rid of your furniture to find a new look.
"It's amazing how even designers think something we have is 'new' when they see it displayed in a new and fresh way," says Reich.
Tip: Adding extra seating to a room can be tricky. Small ottomans in an exciting shape or pattern, like these wooden pieces, can add interest. Use their versatility to fill dead space under tables and keep them near a chair for extra seating or propping up feet.
"It's amazing how even designers think something we have is 'new' when they see it displayed in a new and fresh way," says Reich.
Tip: Adding extra seating to a room can be tricky. Small ottomans in an exciting shape or pattern, like these wooden pieces, can add interest. Use their versatility to fill dead space under tables and keep them near a chair for extra seating or propping up feet.
Tip: A gallery wall can help add life to a boring hallway, and the design possibilities are endless. If you like the look of mismatched pieces but want a touch of uniformity, try framing all your unrelated pieces in matching frames.