Homestyle: Winning first impressions

When Dan and I were house-hunting, all it took was one look at the entryway of our historic fixer-upper, and we were transfixed. Even though nearly every room in the house needed to be renovated, we were so captivated by this space that we decided to buy the house.

That pivotal moment taught me a mighty lesson about the power of first impressions. And since then, I have worked hard to make the entry one of the most beautiful spots in our home.

Are you ready to make a winning first impression on everyone who knocks on your door? Here are a few tips to help you turn your entry into one of the most attractive rooms in your home.

STAIRWELLS: If you live in a two-story home, your stairway is likely the focal point of your foyer. One way to add drama to this all-important — but often-overlooked — space is to turn it into an art gallery by creating a mosaic of artwork. Start small, placing just one nice piece in the center of the open wall space. Then, as you add to your art collection, grow the arrangement upward and outward so it eventually fills the entire wall. Or start with one small cluster of paintings at the bottom of the stairwell and one at the top, then gradually add paintings to each grouping until they meet in the middle.

If you have a sizable landing in your stairwell, you can jazz it up with a piece of small furniture like a table or chair. I have a beautiful antique screen on my landing, which not only adds texture and intrigue to the spot, but it complements the sea of artwork on the wall behind it, giving an almost 3-D effect to the art gallery.

FOYER: If your foyer is large enough for furniture, add a few pieces that are both beautiful and functional. For instance, I have a long, narrow console table against the wall by my staircase, which gives me a spot to showcase a few carefully chosen accessories. I like to change out the display between the tall, thin lamps I always keep on each end of the table. Right now, the spot sports a few antique boxes stacked on top of each other. When I entertain, I add a small vase holding a single fresh flower.

I recently added a large blue velvet ottoman, trimmed in cream, to my foyer, positioning it right in front of the console table so it can catch guests' coats, keys and purses. Not only is the ottoman hardworking, but it fills in the empty space under the console table and rounds out the grouping.

FLOORING: If your entry flooring is hardwood, marble or tile, consider adding an area rug to define the space and give it a softer look. I keep a round Persian rug in the middle of my foyer to add a bit of color and warmth to the scene.