Home Makeover Interior designing and decoration tips

The tile is a preview of things to come-I pick it up again on the living room fireplace-and the sunburst is a preview of, well, me. If you don’t already know me and you walked in and saw that sunburst, you might be able to perceive that: a) I like to make artwork out of old and found objects, b) I am “burst- ing” with energy, and c) I play the piano (actually, I don’t play the piano very well but music is central to my life). What you use to adorn your foyer doesn’t have to be a metaphor for your life, but do put some- thing meaningful there. It could be a family photo, or a painting of sunflowers, or a picture of Queen Elizabeth.
Anything, as long as you love it. For one family of seven kids who had recently lost their dad, I took pictures of everyone and created a photo family tree that hung in the foyer. Beneath it is a candelabra I call the Tree of Light, which has a candle for both parents at the top and one for each child below. When you walk in the door of this family’s home, you immediately get the importance of their family ties. If you don’t have a foyer and your front door opens up right into your living room, you probably won’t be able to create a telling little design “sampler,” but at the very least make sure that your entry is welcoming.
Single out the first thing someone sees as she walks through the door and make it attractive. If it’s the wall behind the couch, hangs a striking piece of art; if it’s a hall closet (unfortunately, some doors do open right in front of a hall closet), make sure the door to the closet is made of a beautiful type of wood or painted a striking color. If the front door opens right in front of the stairs, put a great runner on the steps or install an interesting banister. Most important of all, be certain that your guests don’t have to circumnavigate the back of a couch or chair to get into the room. Any obstacle to entering the house is unwelcoming.