Fake a Foyer

A foyer, or entry hall, is a great way to enter your home. But if your front door opens right into your living room, just fake it!

Have a small table for mail, keys and sunglasses. If there's room, add a small bench. Put up a peg rack on the wall for hats and coats, or maybe a decorative coat rack. Add an umbrella stand. You probably have room for at least some of these items.

You can also give the illusion of a foyer by painting the wall immediately inside the front door a different color from the rest of your living room. If your living room is large enough, you can even consider putting some sort of room divider, such as a screen or another piece of furniture.