Get the Look for Less: House Beautiful Foyer

Foyers are important to setting the emotional path to how you feel about coming home. It is, after all, the first visual welcome. Foyers are the place you shed everything from the heavy shoulder bag to the guy who cut you off on the freeway. Luckily, this welcome room can come in all shapes and sizes, from hallways to corner nooks. None of these need a lot of pieces to evoke a certain sense of zen.

This foyer, designed by Albert Hadley, from House Beautiful's July 09 issue, would make me sigh with happiness if I came home to it every evening. Its simplicity and serenity is key. Here, a few strong pieces make an impact with unique shapes that supply plenty of visual interest. A variety of woods create a calming feel while a pop of color on the front door breaks the monotony.