Foyer Refresh: A Star Pendant, Art, and a Little Patience

We recently transformed our foyer and it instantly became my favorite space in the house. The centerpiece is a Moravian star pendant we found at The Decorating Outlet in Richmond for $135 — a returned item that was originally priced at $455 at Shades of Light. I had imagined something bold and architectural in that spot, probably in an oil-rubbed bronze finish to coordinate with the ORB doorknobs in the foyer, and this geometric light fit the vision perfectly. John was on board too — he has a soft spot for interesting shapes and fixtures.

The moment the light was in place, the foyer felt complete. It’s the kind of room that makes you want to linger — sit down, admire the details, and appreciate the small design wins. The star shape casts interesting shadows and gives the entry a sculptural focal point that complements the scale of the space.

Hanging the fixture turned out to be more of an adventure than either of us expected. What should have been a straightforward job stretched into a long afternoon of measuring, adjusting, and swapping ladders. We spent a lot of time figuring out the ideal height so John — who’s tall — would have plenty of clearance, while still leaving enough threads for the canopy to secure properly. If the pendant was too close to the ceiling the canopy wouldn’t catch; too low and he’d brush his head on it. We finally got it right and celebrated the small victory like champs.

Along with the light, I hung a mirror and several pieces of art. The mirror is heavy, so it’s anchored with 2″ anchors and screws for safety, while the lighter pieces got nails. This mirror previously hung in our guest room at the last house and now helps reflect light and make the foyer feel larger.

Little detail shots are always a reminder to tidy up — yes, that mirror could use a quick dusting — but they also show how the finish and textures come together. Nearby I installed an Ikea Ribba frame with a linen-like mat and a favorite Instagram photo next to the coat closet, adding a personal touch right where guests arrive.

Some of the pieces are sentimental: a print that used to hang over the sofa in our last house is now in the foyer, and John chose one of those photos for this space — of course he picked the bathing suit photo, which still makes us laugh. I also rehung a swimmer print that was in our previous kitchen; it sits near the entry so it’s one of the first images you see when you walk in.

We added two favorite paintings by our friend Lesli — one of Burger and one of John’s Granny’s house — near the bathroom door. Those pieces bring color and character and tie the room together with a handmade touch.

The updated foyer really elevates the adjacent rooms by comparison; pretty spaces have a way of making everything around them look less finished. Still, we can’t stay mad at the rest of the house — the new light, mirror, and art make the whole entry feel warm, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed. It’s one of those small investments that has a big visual impact.

For practical updates, we’ve also switched all the fixtures in our home to LED bulbs. They save energy, cut down on replacement frequency, and offer a warm, natural glow when you choose the right color temperature. If you’re updating fixtures and want consistent, flattering light across rooms, LED bulbs are a reliable choice.

Below is a final shot of the foyer after the changes — the pendant, layered artwork, and mirror all work together to create a welcoming first impression. I love how the space feels polished and lived-in at the same time. It’s proof that a few well-chosen elements and a little patience during installation can transform an ordinary entry into a memorable room.

Love you, foyer. You might be small, but you sure know how to make an entrance.

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