A foyer isn’t the most prominent part of the home, but it definitely sets the tone to the rest of the space because it’s the first area you step into. Plus, where else will you put on your shoes to get ready to head out or set your keys down when you come home? But what happens when you don’t have a dedicated foyer? You fake one of course. Here are some ways to do so:
1. Enclose the space with a glass divider
Part of the area near the front door is enclosed with gorgeous smoky grey glass panels to form the foyer for this BTO flat. Instead of doing a predictable box shape, the unconventional structure lends extra visual interest. A shoe bench and a full-height, shoe cabinet lie within—nondescript so as to not steal attention away from the glass divider.
Design: Jialux Interior
2. Use two types of flooring material
For something less structural, change up the flooring material to differentiate where the foyer ends and where the main living spaces begin. This foyer features hexagon tiles, contrasting with the cement flooring seen in the rest of the home.
Design: The Interior Lab
3. Transitioning tiles make a fun option
Transitioning tiles—where one type of tile “fades” into the other tile type—offer a foyer option that’s visually more fun. It’s a great way to break up the lines in the vignette because the transitioning tiles give off an organic look, but we also like that it eats up less square footage. Small spaces FTW!
Design: Lemonfridge Studio
Design: Fineline Design
4. Incorporate a large area rug
A simpler option would be to throw in a large area rug in the foyer. Choose one that contrasts with your main flooring so there’s a visual difference. You want to select a low pile rug, one made of a material that’s durable and easy to clean. Polypropylene is a good stain-resistant option. If you prefer natural materials, opt for sisal or cotton.
Design: DistinctIdentity
5. Double up the divider as a shoe bench
You always associate the entryway as having a bench for putting on shoes, so why not build one and have it double up as a divider to segregate the space? You use up less space that way, especially if the bench also triples as a dining bench like the one done up by StyleMySpace. Going custom also means you get to incorporate additional storage underneath the bench.
Design: StyleMySpace
Design: The Local Inn.terior
6. Go with a perforated divider
Don’t want to block the ventilation and sunlight coming in from your main entrance? Install a perforated divider that still allows air and light to pass through to the rest of your interiors. The design by Open Studio uses a metal one featuring Peranakan-patterned motifs. Alternatively, go with one made from concrete ventilation blocks for an old-school feel.
Design: Team Interior Design
Design: Authors • Interior & Styling
7. Build a shoe cabinet that comes with a bench
If you have the space for it, a shoe cabinet with a bench immediately says ‘foyer’. Indirect LED lighting offers a sense of warmth and is another way to visually represent where your foyer area is. Bonus: It’s a lot easier to find your shoes when it’s dark!
Design: Happe Design Atelier
8. Set your foyer outside instead
Who says your foyer needs to stay within the apartment? Eke out a space just outside your main door if you can’t afford space inside. We love the idea of laying it with faux carpet grass (easy maintenance!) for that feel of nature. Makes for a warm welcome, don’t you think?
Design: Voila
This article was originally posted on Renonation.sg, Singapore’s leading renovation and interior design site.
