Remodeling the Lower Level of a Split Ranch Foyer

Start at the ceiling. Expand the look of a small entry in a split ranch foyer by drawing the eye upward. Purchase a new light fixture that will become the focal point of the foyer. Buy an Italian-look chandelier with beautiful scrollwork in bronze, for example. Add heavy crown molding and paint it a color that contrasts the walls. For example, paint the walls pale yellow and paint the crown molding dark brown.

Give the floor an upscale look. Use high-quality tile with grouting that provides visual appeal. Install gloss-black nine-inch square tiles with grouting tinted in gold, for example. Tile the foyer and add carpet to stairs leading to the second level in a complementary color, so they will look unified. Avoid making the floor area of the foyer look choppy, such as installing contrasting colors on the entrance flooring and stairs. Make the floor space look high-end, because this will give instant visual appeal the moment someone steps inside your home.

Add a very large wall mirror or two. Use over-size mirrors that are four feet by five feet, for example. Purchase appropriate hardware to anchor the mirrors into wall studs, because they will likely weigh 20 pounds or more each, especially if they have heavy frames. Place a hallway table with a large flower arrangement near the mirrors, if you have room. Leave out any furniture if the foyer is small, which is often the case in a split ranch foyer.

Use one or two well-placed plants for an inviting look. Add a hanging basket of ivy or use a topiary bush in a large container to accent the space. Position the plants away from foot traffic, however, so nobody trips over a floor container or runs into a hanging basket.

Decorate the space with key accessories. Add a lime green bowl on the hallway table, for example. Use the bowl to hold your car keys. Install a small shelf and display a photo of your pet on it. Buy a nice floor mat to catch dirt from shoes so family members and visitors won’t track dirt into main living areas. Use small splashes of bright colors in a small or limited space to define it. Create decor for the lower entry level to give the impression you gave every square inch focused attention when designing it.