The foyer should be one of the most inviting spaces in the home. It is the first area people see when they enter your front door and it should be a space that makes your guests feel welcome. It should also draw people further into the home.
One of the best ways to make the foyer warm and inviting is to add life by filling in empty spaces with plants and lush greenery. A gorgeous ficus tree softening the hard lines of a corner, or a soft, feathery fern cascading down from a niche will instantly liven up the entryway and make it feel homier.
Adding color to the walls and perhaps even the ceiling will also warm up this area. Placing a small bench in the foyer will not only give guests a place to sit or somewhere to set down their belongings while removing their coats; it will also provide another opportunity to add color and softness with cushions and throw pillows. A coat rack just inside the door says, "Take off your coat and stay awhile."
The addition of a thick luxurious accent rug in deep rich colors will lend a lot of warmth to the entryway, especially if your foyer has hardwood or tile flooring. A rug can be used to anchor the space, setting the foyer apart from the rest of the home. Making the foyer into its own separate space makes your home appear grander. An area rug can also act as an "arrow" pointing to the next room, or leading your guests into the living areas of the home.
Do not forget artwork. Just because the foyer is not a living space, does not mean it shouldn't reflect the beauty of the rest of your home and reflect your personality. The foyer is a great place to display a few of your favorite pieces to give your guests a sense of your style from the moment they enter your home. A large mirror can also act as a piece of artwork, and the reflection will make the space appear larger. It is a nice touch for welcoming your guests, so they can check their appearance before making an entrance.
If your foyer currently feels cold and sterile, or is just a bland space with stark white walls, warming up this area will improve not only the appearance but also the feel of the space.