The Feng Shui Anatomy of a Foyer
Size doesn’t matter, it’s what you do with it that counts. I’ve been in hundreds of homes where the “foyer” has been anywhere from grand to teeny tiny. What I’ve noticed in my assessment of these homes is that the most immaculately put-together foyers are those that are spacious. Now you may not think this is such a surprise but the truth of the matter is that the size of the space could also invite an excess of stuff to accumulate. Yes, most homes with grand entrances have attached garages, which could explain why the main foyer stays immaculate, but to be honest so do many of the modest homes I’ve consulted where the foyer is less than 6′ x 6′ in dimensions.
Most folks living in homes with attached garages, especially here in North America often enter the home through the garage door, not the foyer. So in truth, there truly isn’t any excuse for the “foyer” of the home to be in less-than-excellent condition and congested with “stuff”.
I understand that there are homes that do not have attached garages, ours being one of them. With more homes being built as modified bungalows with attached garages there are fewer houses built where the architectural front entrance is used as the main door to the home.
Regardless of which door one enters their home, whether through, the garage door or what is architecturally considered the “main foyer” the door at the front of the home is considered the “Mouth of Chi“. It is here that the universal energy enters your home and nourishes all aspects of your life. That being so, it is best Feng Shui practice to use the “front door” to your home on a regular basis.
Before there were attached garages, the “foyer” set the mood for the home. It was here that you were greeted upon your arrival and where guests were welcomed.
First impressions are everything
The first impression of your “foyer” speaks of your personal design style and state of mind. You don’t need to have a big savings account and a wallet full of brown backs to create a space that feels inviting and opulent. Your design style should express your respect for your living conditions, which mirrors your personal state of mind and how you value yourself, your family, friends, and your home.
Yes, I said it. The condition of your “foyer” is how you posture yourself to the world. It is a direct mirror of how you represent yourself to others and in turn it is how others will receive you. When we love and honor ourselves we take pride in our personal appearance and conduct. We carrier ourselves with a sense of confidence and dress in a way that is comfortable in the representation of our personality and style. Again you don’t have to be financially well-off to express your unique style and taste. You just have to care enough to put the effort into personalizing your space.
Whether your style is Boohoo or Shabby Chic, Mid-Century Modern, Eclectic or Contemporary, express your design style in a way that reflects your soul essence.
Our personal style changes about every two years, but this doesn’t mean we do a major overhaul of our house, it simply means that we change things up. Store or give treasures away that we no-longer love as they no longer express our deepest desires. Perhaps we’ll give a favorite item a new coat of paint to match our current mood. Give items a new home by moving them to a new room.
I recommend clients align their space to their heartfelt desires, in order to create a lifestyle to support how they most desire to feel. Our lives are transitional, from a Hybrid Feng Shui® perspective it is best practice to design our homes to reflect that which we desire to manifest.
A home that is void of spirit, ignored, un-kept or taken for granted will show its influence on the residents of the home by way of lack of focus, depression, anxiety, lethargy resulting in physical ailments and dis-ease (di-ease of energy) meaning an obstruction in energy flow.
People residing in a home that is well-cared for are often happy, healthy, productive and content individuals who have a zest for life.
Whether you have a grand foyer or a tiny entrance, do your best to create an opulent space that lights you up and speaks to your soul.
Small “Foyer” Assessment
To gain insights into how Feng Shui savvy your small foyer is ask, yourself the following questions;
- What is your design style?
- How do you desire to feel when entering your foyer?
- Does your current foyer express your unique design style?
- Does your current foyer currently represent how you desire to feel?
- Does your current foyer offer your family and guests the first impressions you wish to impart upon them?
- How does the current status of your foyer make you feel?
- What is required of you to create a foyer that represents how you most desire to feel?
The Living Essence Small Foyer Enhancements
- Edit the space of all non-essentials such as book bags, totes, extra shoes, boots, automobile gadgets and tools.
- Remove all out-of-season clothing, boots, shoes and accessories and store in the basement, extra closet or in the bedroom closet of who owns the items.
I’ve had some clients protest about the “perceived” effort it will take to maintain my “foyer” recommendations, saying their kids won’t comply with the rules. My response is this. Change the language. Rather than making it a rule and telling them what to do, have a conversation explaining the guidelines. Since guidelines can easily be assessed and altered to suit specific needs you will find greater success and participation.
Teach by example and create a lifestyle that is attainable, practical and promotes self-empowerment for everyone. Attitude is everything. Everyone wants to feel acknowledged and valued. Express your gratitude and praise each milestone of success.
When our three children were in high school, two of their friends lived with our family. For those four years we had 5 teenagers, and believe it or not, our home including the foyer was always clean and welcoming.
Friends of all ages, ours included, love sharing space with us. Our “foyer” guidelines were: One jacket and one pair of shoes per person were appropriate to be in the space. All other jacket and shoes were to be kept in the closet in their rooms, as was their book-bags, pack-sacks and purses. Everyone complied. Never did I have to remind them. They learned by example and respected the space in which they lived.
We all learn by example, so set good examples.
3. Walls painted light colors give the illusion of space and are generally more inviting. While dark colored walls can feel heavy and oppressive, making the walls feel as though they are closing in on you.
4. Mill-work and doors are best painted white to create a smooth energetic transition that is more pleasing to the eye and calming to the nervous system.
5. Keep floors clear of all obstacles and all welcome mats in good repair. I personally only use and recommend indoor mats during the spring and winter months as a means to keep the floors clean and dry.
6. A beautiful light fixture is one of the most simplest ways to dress up a “foyer” and create a mood and design statement.
7. A lovely framed mirror strategically placed can increase light of the “foyer” and therefore give the illusion of space and depth. The mirror placement is determined by the most beneficial and appropriator Feng Shui intentions.
8. The steal insulated front door is one of the most common styles of doors that I see used in North America. The challenge with these types of doors although excellent for keeping the cold out during the winter they do not provide any natural light into the space or fresh air during the warmer months.
Many have beveled, glass window inserts that allow filtered natural light into the space; however, they do not open providing fresh air to circulate.
Although steal insulated doors are practical I feel they are best installed when paired with a full window, screen door that during spring, summer and fall can be opened to infuse the space with fresh air and an abundance of natural light.
All important factors to raising the chi of any room.
This can be done with a minimal cost. For clients who are concerned with privacy and safety issues, these doors can be locked and a glazing can be applied to the window to reduce the likely-hood of others seeing into the home. A glazed window will still provide filtered natural light to raise the vibration of the space while creating a more inviting feeling.
9. Wall space permitting hang a piece of inspirational artwork that is associated to the specific Gua your front door and foyer aligns with.
Grand “Foyer” Assessments
- What is your design style?
- How do you desire to feel when entering your foyer?
- Does your current foyer express your unique design style?
- Does your current foyer currently represent how you desire to feel?
- How does the current status of your “foyer” make you feel?
- Does your current foyer offer your family and guests the first impressions you wish to impart upon them?
- What is required of you to create a foyer that looks like how you desire to feel?
The Living Essence Grand Foyer Enhancements
In addition to the 9 Feng Shui tips mentioned above you may wish to consider the following recommendations to enhance your “Grand Foyer”
10. If space permits the addition of bench seating or a comfortable and sturdy chair is an excellent design feature to a “foyer”, as it offers guests somewhere to sit while taking their shoes on and off.
11. A sideboard, sofa-table or small hutch can be a stunning design element when added to any “foyer”. I believe every surface provides an opportunity to infuse your home with your soul essence. It is these mindful design details that transform a house into a home. Design elements such as these are excellent for setting vignettes that represent your desires and fuel your manifestos.
We’ll discuss how to create vignettes at another time. Subscribe to this blog to receive updates and related posts.
These design details transform a neglected “foyer” into a statement that sets the mood and feel for the rest of your home.
Does your “foyer” represent you? Is it warm and inviting? Does it have personality plus?
If not you may wish to infuse the space with your soul essence giving your home spirit.
