Formally defined as, “an entrance hall or other open area in a building used by the public, especially a hotel or theatre,” the definition of the foyer has evolved. Now, we see ‘foyers’ in apartments, too. The resultant of the modern desire to have spatially rich spaces has made foyers a recurrent space in interior design. 

A pause space before entering the primary rooms serves a cinematic feel. With minimalism and focus on spatial experience, foyers are a crucial element. The foyer helps set a narrative for the rest of the design. For instance, a quaint doused in shades of beige provides a peek into a classic and serene aesthetic. On the other hand, a foyer with bold colours and an avant-garde console table shall create a drastically varied impression.

Although small in area, foyers have leverage in the overall value of design. To commemorate their importance, we bring you a list of foyer designs to derive inspiration from….

RESIDENCE IN CHENNAI | MAHITARA ARCHITECTS

Photography By : Sanjeeth Seetharam

Serving a peek to the double-height living room, this foyer sports a mural wall in grey stone. The mural blending with the black Marquena and beige Sofita marble is the exemplar of the residents’ beliefs in culture and tradition. The glass bulb chandeliers add brightness to the tall volume

ROSE RESIDENCE IN BANGALORE | U AND I DESIGNS

Photography: Orka Photography

The foyer of this home allows for a literal peek into the apartment if you can take your eyes off the gorgeous brown tone footwear storage unit against a partly fluted white wall. The unit uses rattan, which will keep the inside of the cabinet airy while being aesthetically appealing. Sprinkling a little sparkle to the design is a brass-lined mirror coupled with wooden frames holding quaint leaf artwork. Subtle accents like a delicate plant in a white vase complete the look

RESIDENCE IN VADODARA | DESIGN STUDIO ASSOCIATES

Photography: Tejas Shah Photography

A cosy, bold foyer marks the transition into the tranquil pooja room in this Vadodara home. A blue cushioned bench accents a mirror framed Shri Krishna artwork. A wooden panelled wall matches the recessed ceiling that holds drop-shaped glass lights.

SWASTIK, VADODARA | JIHAN ASSOCIATES

Photography : Tejas Shah Photography

Stepping into this house is like stepping into a very nuanced garden. The leaf motif is omnipresent throughout the house, and the foyer is no exception. On one side is a brick wall sporting an all-black Buddha idol punctuated with round plants and leaf-themed hanging lights. On the other side, a simplistic bench doused in upholstery matching the tone of the brick wall adds cosiness. The flooring flaunts oval-shaped black granite blocks, with the leaves pattern sandblasted, against a monochromatic grey base, adding character

PRARTHANA RESIDENCE, NEW DELHI | 42MM ARCHITECTURE

Photography : Atul Pratap Chauhan

If royalty and luxury were a house, it would undoubtedly be this one! A grand double-height foyer welcomes in the most awe-inspiring way. The uninterrupted view of the classic half-turning staircase makes the setting look like it’s right out of a period film. The considerable scale of the staircase is lined with gold plated wrought iron railing, which in turn frame the Zenith chandelier from St Louis. The stone medallions on the floor remind one of the opulent palatial settings

LINEAR HOME, MUMBAI | FSND

Photography : Studio SP Photography

The profound yet careful textural play exudes an irrefutable modern aura in this foyer. A seating setting consisting of two wooden chairs with neutral upholstery and tables atop a harmonizing rug at one side of the space. The other side has a three-part console-cum-unit that strongly dictates the characteristics of the aesthetic-wooden tactility, grey tones and angular lines

THE LATTICE HOUSE, AURANGABAD | THE DESIGN ALLEY

Photography : PHX India

In providing actual glimpses of the primary spaces, this foyer takes a unique approach. Marking the beginning of the residential part of the building, on the third floor, the foyer leads to the formal living room while slyly offering a peek into the informal living room through a semi-permeable partition. The pivoted shutters of the partition complement the patterned floor bringing visual depth. In contrast to the grey flooring and white partition, the bounty of the wood panelling catches the eye. 

THE VAIKUNTH RESIDENCE, VADODARA | DESIGN STUDIO ASSOCIATES

Photography : Yogi Trivedi

The double-height foyer of this home shifts the dynamic of space from its preceding porch area. Although cosy, the dangling lights and slatted wooden screening system commendably introduce grandeur. A bespoke painting of the deity bespoke makes an appearance on the wooden screen. A bright, red upholstered bench and gold accent end table stand vehemently against the grey flooring. The main staircase veiled behind the partition system is a focal element of its own.

EMRALD ELITE, SEVASI | ALTER ARCHITECTS

Photography : Tejas Shah Photography

Wooden finishes and textures in different tones line up in this foyer. A singular black cabinet commands attention amidst the woody soiree. Flecks of gold in the form of accessories glam up the space. The laser-cut leaf backdrop makes for the most attractive feature

HEMAL SHAH’S RESIDENCE, VADODARA | KN ASSOCIATES

Photography : Tejas Shah Photography

Through the intricate and traditional door lies a foyer that is its ideal yet contemporary match. Featured, against a brick wall with patterns made out of voids, is a golden Buddha bust that enamours at first sight. Hovering above are dynamic lights that are suspended from a wooden ceiling. Adding scores to the material palette is the simplistic granite flooring. The foyer makes for a picturesque scene for a new-age yet rooted in traditions theme

OFFICE 135, JAMNAGAR | DHYEY CHAG ARCHITECTS

The entrance foyer of this office is a contemporary treat. A wall with Kadappa stone is planned adjacent to the window so that the light highlights the inherent texture of the stone. On the wall, gold alphabets proclaim the name of the office. Plants add a little spur to the narrative, and a wooden door on the side leads to the reception. In all this, the stone grey flooring weaves all elements together effortlessly

RESIDENCE IN CHENNAI | FOAID DESIGNS

Photography : PHX India

Marked by a double-height foyer and doused in the most expensive set of stone cladding on the walls and floor, luxury and art go hand-in-hand in this entrance foyer. The inverted L-shaped counter hovering above the matching teak wood seating is an innovative spin to the space. Additionally, most of the marble and teak wood was reused by creating new combinations to reduce the carbon footprint.

THE CANVAS HOME, HYDERABAD | SPACES DESIGN STUDIO

Photography : Monika Sathe Photography

The spacious apartment opens into a foyer that sets the tonality in the very first peep. Red and green traditional-motif cement tiles render the space earthy. The cement oxide finished wall hosts a colossal brass installation, introducing a neoteric character into the foyer. The foyer abashedly hints at the design language of the residence – a concoction of modern design and traditional undertones creating hybrid and unseen spaces. The main door leading into the foyer is a deep forest green that complements the rest of the palette.

THE PRIVIE RESIDENCE, PUNE | THE CODE STUDIO

Photography : Pixago

There are two layers of entrance foyers leading to the living room in the Privie residence. The first one is a monochromatic, industrial yet traditional aesthetic. The second one blends with the look of the rest of the home. The architects have created elements along the passage, like consoles and racks, where the users can display their artefact collection.

VILLA AT NORTHPARK, AHMEDABAD | DESIGN LOGIC

Photography : Pixago India

Inspired by Rajput Havelis, the double-height foyer hosts a solid wood console paired with a carved wood frame bevelled mirror. The animal trophies mounted on the wall are part of the family collection. Facing the entrance, a jaali carved in wood is highlighted by a marble wall cladding behind it. The flooring and the majestic chairs with vibrant upholstery panache to the mood.

MARWAHA’S RESIDENCE | AJDA

Photography : Anmol Wahi

The design philosophy in this duplex residence embodies a refined use of materials, sophisticated colours, handcrafted furniture, and strong silhouettes. The entrance foyer is flanked with flamboyant details & ornate furniture.

RESIDENTIAL BUNGALOW, RAIGARH | CREATIONS

Photography :Prashant Bhat

As one enters the house, there is a clear distinction made between the foyer and the living space. Emblems symbolizing Morrocan royalty have been used as a subtle demarcator to differentiate the hallway and living area. Such minute yet ingenious separations are made throughout the bungalow which divides it into public, semi-public, and private spaces. The entrance leads directly to the living room which has ornamental wall panels coated with silver leafing that are carved to perfection.

RESIDENCE AT PUNE | MUSELAB

The layout of this apartment is interesting. A large lift lobby welcomes you and leads you to the main foyer which essentially divides the home into a private area on one side and a public area on the other side. The primary goal of the interiors was to ensure that the transition spaces are incubators of vibrant colours and patterns. So the lobbies, foyers, and corridors have a larger role to play than them just being a thoroughfare or a means of access.

VALLI VILLA | PROJECT INC

Photography : Ricken Desai

Foyer! Well, that’s a sight to behold! A double-height landscape zone as a backdrop glows with natural light play at work. A stone carved apsara statue warmly welcomes you into the house and leads you to the drawing-room.  

BHANDARI FLAT | USINE STUDIO

Photography : Mr. Tejas Shah

The foyer creates a sense of arrival this is only heightened by a beautifully cladded wooden panel & artistic mirror with Chester unit underneath. A blown glass hanging lamp creates sciography on a wooden panel. The compact foyer opens into a well-proportioned living & dining that is elegantly furnished with understated furniture.

SAMPRAT | DESIGN STUDIO-RUCHIR SHETH

Photography : Tejas Shah

The ground floor traces the proven and clean layout of Vastu. The wooden false ceiling makes an impact as soon as you enter the space. The central family sitting with a double-height establishes a visual connection and results in delusions of grandeur simultaneously. The metal screens mounted on both sides of the wall are the in-house products.

AAKRUTI | STUDIO 17

Photography : PHX India

You begin to witness the inspiration of the design right from the front door, the geometric pattern derived from the base of Bandhani work serves as an abstracted design after putting Bandhani work under the creative process. After entering the house, you witness a Foyer niche that has an art installation depicting the five elements on earth in a traditional art medium. A corner curated to become a mental curtain to ease you into the semblance of the house.

MAHIDA HOUSE | ICHHA KRITI

All the public spaces in the house have been enveloped in rich tapestries and some antique furniture pieces while still being airy and well ventilated. The living area with a vast spread of couches and comfortable loungers serves as a cosy cocoon for the people of the house. While more intricate details can be found in the semi-formal spaces like the dining and foyer area.

RATNAASTHA, VESU | AN DESIGNS

Photography : 32′ Farvari Production

“Old is gold” we have actually designed the foyer area considering this, the door of pooja room is again from her refurbish old doors, as to make it more creative we have used all old things, even in the window we have bamboo curtains for a natural look, flooring is Italian marble and even bench is again from the old wood customized according to our need.

BLACK ELEGANCE | KOMAL SACHDEV DESIGNER + PLANNER

A single 4-ft wide door with a part-chevron and part-line pattern opens up into the foyer. An antique wooden console in azure blue with intricate carving sits in front of an exposed concrete wall with a smooth finish. This piece of furniture works its magic in lifting the spirits. It’s a beautiful contrast to the brick wall on one side. The exposed concrete wall with line grooves continues into the living room.

RESIDENCE IN SURAT | INK INC CORP 

Photography : Ink INC.

Access to the house is embraced with nameplate foliaged and intricate lit panels on either side. The colour scheme to the outdoor is coded with that in the foyer which syncs the space and offers a sense of homogeneity. The entryway is enticing with an accent chair backed by a stone cladding wall and a dim-lit ambience that furthermore brightens up while following us to formal living space. Foyer ushers to living area and dining on its either sides delivering outspread expanse.

MADHUVAN BUNGLOWS | 3 SQUARE DESIGN

Photography : Inclined Studio

The main door opens to deliver an experience of a towering vestibule- to confront a see-through wall designed with horizontal and vertical grey planks centred by a yellow boxed frame. Stone clads the transverse wall detailed with wooden battens to add to its verticality. To further ornament the space, an embellishing mirror complementing the boxy storage unit is added. One cannot fail to notice the miniatured human installations that give a different perception to the wall design.

RESIDENCE AT JAIPUR | KAMAL KAVITA INTERIORS

Photography Credits : Aniruddh Sharma

The apartment opens up with a foyer area that has elements linking Venetian mirror (with intricate flower details), Rich warm wall lamps with a soothing luxury appeal to the entryway. Also, the main door has hand-carved motifs in floral patterns which brings ancient art into a modern setting.

THE AMBEDKAR RESIDENCE | SPACEKRAFT INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE

Photography : Neha Mithbavkar

The “Blue Door” at the entrance is infused with metal Jali work and it gives you a peek of the natural veneered wooden door inside. Once inside, Lord Ganesha greets you, with a beautiful feature wall as the backdrop. A slab of Quartz Marble supports the 21 kg idol, which was acquired from Mangalore and embellished with “Meenakari work”. An indigo chest of drawers sits at the base of the wall cladding with hand-made tiles complementing the tangerine orange raw silk panel and suspended brass bells, which gives the space a period look. The Lord Ganesha handles are custom cast in brass. 

The shoe rack is another key element of the entrance foyer. Fabricated from square metal pipe frames, it is lifted off the ground, with a grilled bottom providing much-needed ventilation. It has 4 feet tall custom-designed brass handles, which are a design element by themselves.

RESIDENCE IN SURAT | MITESH ANTALA AND JANAKI HAKANI 

The vestibule welcomes one to a tranquil ambience. Minimalism fused with traditional elements gives the space a timeless, classic feel. The foyer has a seating inspired by jhulla, tastefully redefined. All artwork in the house is customized keeping a unique quality intact.

 THE ETERNAL HOUSE |  SPACE RACE ARCHITECTS

An entryway that deliberately draws attention to the magnificent classical lighting and furniture range customized for this house.

“SANDHAM – THE COURTYARD HOME” | JGP CONSULTANTS

Photography : Nikhil Patel

The architecture mainly transforms the house into three different zones, 3 specific entries and Split levelling. The approach towards bungalow is through a driveway where one can occasionally catch glimpse of the bungalow. The Entry itself is struck by the vastness of the foyer such that it informally connects to the living.

FARMHOUSE | ADDA ARCHITECTS

A Solid wooden door with a bit of brass inlay greets us at the entrance, inviting us into this beautiful house. The central pathway in the foyer opens up to courtyards on either side of it, where both the courtyards are given a distinctive feel than the other and also leads up to an interesting stairway heading straight up the first floor.