Shouldn’t every house tour begin at the front door?
My granddaughters, Miss M and Miss K, always call out, “Hey! So glad you’re here! Come on in!”—and the foyer really is the welcoming point of our home.
I love the sense of space and light in this entryway. The high ceiling and the layout create an immediate impression of openness, which makes arriving home feel calm and inviting.
The wooden chest placed against the wall is the perfect surface for seasonal vignettes and small displays. Rotating accessories and flowers depending on the time of year keeps the entry feeling fresh and thoughtfully decorated.
I appreciate that there’s some wall space to add a little personality. A single painting or a well-placed mirror can make the foyer feel intentional without crowding the area.
The oil painting hanging here was painted by my Auntie Syl from a photograph she took of a Tuscan villa during a trip to Italy. It brings a touch of travel and history into the entry, and its warm tones complement the natural light that fills the space.
She was an incredibly talented painter, and her work is treasured by our family. Rather than squabbling over pieces, we affectionately embrace them and often pass them along to the next generation—keepsakes we hope our children will appreciate as much as we do.
In the mornings the sun streams through the transom window above the front door, casting a warm glow across the floor and chest. That morning light highlights textures and colors, making the foyer feel alive.
Sometimes the light is almost blinding, but it’s also one of my favorite things about this entry. On the downside, bright sunlight shows dust and imperfections—those tiny details remind me to keep up with quick cleanups.
I’m not fond of how the sunlight can accentuate dust left behind after a busy day—or the flaws in the builder-grade hardwood floors. It’s a gentle nudge to sweep, dust, and periodically treat the floors so the space always looks its best.
Note to self: have a friendly chat with the household staff—or maybe just schedule a regular cleaning—so the entry always looks welcoming and well cared for.
And last, but certainly not least, no home tour would be complete without our resident guardian, Opie. He may look small, but he takes his job of greeting guests very seriously. His friendly, watchful presence always adds warmth and a touch of humor to arrivals and departures.
Welcome to our foyer: a bright, lived-in entryway filled with family, art, light, and the small imperfections that come with a home well used. It sets the tone for the rest of the house—gracious, personal, and ready for visitors.