
A welcoming foyer isn’t just about making a good impression on your guests — it has a big effect on your own mood too. Think about how you feel when you come home to mounting bills, crumpled receipts and a pile of shoes. So not relaxing, right? Here are some stylish must-haves for a warm and hospitable entryway that’ll make for a happy (and organized) homecoming.
1. Jonathan Adler Santorini Artemis Vase ($35): We fully agree with Jordan Ferney’s advice on using flowers and plants for a brighter entryway. A vibrant vase like the ones pictured are a great addition. And if you’re not always able to keep fresh blooms around, these gilded beauties are a work of art on their own.
2. Nook Console ($499): This is a legit piece of furniture to invest in, featuring stained walnut veneer, antique brass hardware, two drawers and several open shelves just waiting to be styled.
3. Wall Art: A room (and foyer) isn’t complete without some wall art. Lucky for you, there are lots of inviting prints to be found in the B+C Shop, like the very appropriate Mi Casa Es Su Casa ($15) and the sunny Breezy Rider ($45).
4. Tube Top Lamp ($125): Speaking of sunny colors, one store you can always count on for plenty of pigment is Poppin. They have these acrylic dimmer lamps in a range of colors that are sure to brighten up the room even when they’re not turned on.
5. Reclaimed Wood Hook Rack ($68): Some space-saving wall hooks are ideal if your home doesn’t have so much a foyer as a glorified hallway. (Yup, there’s still plenty you can do in those smaller spaces.)
6. Letter Holder ($10): There’s a time and a place to address the mail, but it doesn’t have to be right when you walk through the door. Sort the letters in this beautiful rose gold holder and then take a breather, keeping your responsibilities in sight but not in focus.
7. Entryway Bench ($202): For a more budget-friendly storage option, we heart this polka-dotted hardwood bench. It’s complete with sliding doors for stowing all your winter accessories.
8. Key Cabinet ($35): No more panicked “Honey, where are my keys?!” moments in the morning.
9. Shoe Bench ($160): We know the footwear situation in the foyer can get totally out of control when you’re busy. This stylish rack gives you a place to tie your laces and hide up to six pairs of shoes.
10. Hallway Organizer ($30): Here’s another, more minimal option for corralling keys, grocery lists and takeout menus.
11. Wall Frame Set ($40): Don’t forget the most important part of decorating the home: personalization. Throw some family (or doggy) photos into this frame for unique wall art.
12. Coat Tree ($199): If floor space isn’t an issue, a sturdy coat rack will do the trick. Emphasis on sturdy, by the way. The last thing you want is a pile of too-heavy coats on the ground!
13. Reclaimed Wood Catchall ($68-78): A place for everything and everything in its place… or at least that’s what you want your visitors to think when they step inside. If the price is a little too steep on these compartments, we’re sure you could DIY a similar catchall.
14. Handmade Hamper ($100): Everything at Lauren Conrad’s The Little Market is handmade by artisans from around the world, including this hamper. Created by women in nine Senegalese villages out of millet stalks and recycled plastic, it’s a colorful, textured storage option for a front room.
15. Bell Flush Mount Lamp ($60): Odds are, the ceiling hardware that came standard with your place is hideous. Replace it immediately with something more modern — nothing jazzes up a room like a little gold.
16. Essential Diffuser ($28): Just like with a perfume or cologne, choosing a scent for the home is a delicate balance. Some candles can overwhelm, but one whiff from the garbage disposal and your first impression is ruined. Opt for an essential oil diffuser instead for consistent aromatherapy.
17. Clock ($24): Foyer decorations can be useful and cheerful, as with this Alice in Wonderland-ish tick-tock clock that’ll get you out the door on time.
18. Pressed Glass Photo Frame ($18-32): Of course you can use these for even more photos, but another charming way to personalize the entryway is to use these glass frames to display pressed ferns, wild flowers or feathers.
19. Rectangle Lacquer Tray ($39): Mail, keys and loose change do not make for a very tidy entryway. You can significantly improve the appearance of the place by keeping all your bits and bobs contained in one of these decorative trays.
20. Cubby Organizer ($149): Feel like you’re running a hotel sometimes? The cubby system is pretty genius for the family that’s always on the go. A few compartments per person keeps everyone on top of their activities without making a mess, which is key to a good lobby — uhh, we mean foyer.
21. Mirror: What’s a looker like you going to do just before heading out the door? Check yourself out, obviously. We’re always in favor of big bold colors, especially in this room where you’ve gotta to start the day off right. The Hi-Gloss red mirror goes for $179, but you can score a similar Shadowbox style for only $13.
What are some must-haves for your foyer? Tell us your essentials in the comments.
Getting the word out about your brand takes time, drive, and ingenuity. And it doesn't come easy for many entrepreneurs. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're chatting with Selfmade alum Taylor Morgan McPherson, founder of Sustainable Sparkle Bar, about ways in which she scored press as a solo startup brand and what she learned from Selfmade to take her brand marketing up a notch.
B + C: How did you know Sustainable Sparkle Bar was your business to start?
Glitter has always been my thing, so when I started my event company I decided to make it my niche. I started telling people I threw glitter-themed parties where people would get sparkled with glitter body art and makeup. Six months after that I applied to my first festival and to work with SUR restaurant in West Hollywood.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
I honestly can't say that I've had a specific strategy that I've followed when it comes to getting my business off the ground. I have a PR background so I was just constantly pitching new business and posting on social media.
B + C: What's the biggest challenge you face as a small business owner?
I would say creating a stable income and revenue stream. With a seasonal, event-based business it can be very up and down.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
The relationships I made and the push to start an email database.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I love what I do and I believe in myself 100%. Staying motivated isn't the hard part. Pushing myself to do the work and staying accountable is the hard part.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip? Do you use any apps that help you manage your business?
I keep multiple to-do lists, hand-written and digital. I also tell clients and partners that I will have something to them by a certain time or day so I have to stick to it.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Just do it, take the leap. And don't worry about what anyone else says to thinks.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Issa Rae, I'm so inspired by everything that she's created being a creative and a black woman. It's my dream to have my own show one day based on my life and where I give advice and talk about the world. She's doing it and making people laugh and giving people joy. And it's based in LA. Watching Insecure only further cemented my dreams of wanting to live in LA.
B + C: How did you hear about the Office Depot scholarship?
One of my friends that I met through Camp No Counselors saw an IG ad for it and nominated me.
B + C: What has receiving the scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start/grow your business?
It's completely helped me level up and take my business to another level. Selfmade helped me host my first virtual event and taught me how to set up my website to sell tickets to events and get RSVPs.
B + C: How have Office Depot services or products helped you accomplish more in your business?
I got new cards to send in all of my orders with my discount code on them. I also bought a really cool 4K camera that I now use for my social media.
Thanks Taylor! You really know how to sparkle. We love her colorful, creative vibe. You can follow Sustainable Sparkle Bar on Instagram @sustainablesparklebar.
Let Office Depot OfficeMax help you stand out in the crowd. From signs, posters & banners to promote your business, to marketing materials to keep your customers informed, Office Depot OfficeMax offers a full suite of business services & solutions to help you & your business get noticed.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.