Make a statement in your entry foyer Photo by Farrah Maffai Q We have a small, carpeted entry foyer. We're planning to remove the carpeting because it's worn and dirty looking where everyone walks. We are thinking of replacing it with ceramic tile. What do you recommend we put down on the floor? Also, how important is the appearance of a small entry foyer like ours? - D & K A The entry foyer is a very important area of the house, yet so often it's completely overlooked from a decorating perspective. Whether your entry foyer is grand or small, it's the first thing in your home that people see when they come to visit, and for that matter, it's also the first thing you see when you come home. It's a statement of what's to come - the entry foyer is to a home what a prologue is to a book. And much like a business meeting or social event, you always want to start out on the right foot with a good impression. Therefore, your entry foyer should be a warm and welcoming reflection of your home. It should have a low-key personality of its own that works with the design concept of the rest of the house, and it has to be practical and functional as well. By all means, take up the worn carpeting and replace it with something like marble or wood. Because the first steps into a house are the ones that clean the shoes, put down a decorative area rug that can be easily replaced since over time it, too, will look worn from absorbing dirt and wetness. An area rug in the entry foyer will minimize the amount of dirt tracked through the rest of the home, and it can add some interest to the foyer. A mat outside the door can help to make those first indoor steps on a rainy or snowy day less slippery. I wouldn't recommend putting personal accessories like photographs in an entry foyer. In my opinion, personal things should go in personal places. Also, be careful of placing breakable items there, because the foyer may not be large enough to handle them safely. Consider using practical and attractive accessories like a coat rack or an umbrella stand. A mirror is another good addition to the entry foyer, affording guests the opportunity to check themselves on their way in and allowing you to give yourself a quick once-over on your way out. It also gives light and adds depth to small foyers. With the right dcor, your entry foyer can extend a warm greeting to all of your guests. Q I see so many ads promoting bright or dramatically colored walls in rooms. Is white outdated? I like white, but I don't want an outdated look in my home. I'd appreciate any advice. - Joan A Joan, you'll be glad to hear that white is never outdated; rather, it's a classic that's very versatile and never goes out of style. Not only is it a great backdrop for art and furniture, but it's also soothing and comfortable. White is sometimes associated with a contemporary look or thought to be cold, but it certainly doesn't have to be. You can use textured or tone-on-tone white fabrics on furniture or on wall treatments, which can have a classic look. And while your collections can benefit from a white background, they don't necessarily have to be colorful either. White works perfectly well with just about anything. From a different perspective, white is also a good color in terms of resale because it's neutral. White is an easy color that nobody can complain about, especially if you're renting your home or apartment. With all the choices available, white does not have to equal bland, so go with what you love - the possibilities are endless!