Foyer Decorating Colors in a Ranch

Earthy Colors

• Colors made popular by California builder Joseph Eichler are associated with ranch-style homes and the decade of the height of their popularity. Gray, putty, brown, copper, harvest gold and avocado speak to the desire for the natural look in the1960s. In the foyer, select one color in a deep shade for the inside of the entry door, or stain it a rich brown. Use a lighter tint in the foyer for the walls to keep the foyer bright and inviting. Some possible combinations are light gold walls with a brown door, light gray or putty walls with a coppery-colored door, or light avocado with a deep avocado door. If desired, pick up hints of other colors from the palette for a rug, wall art and accessories.

Traditional Colors

• A traditional color palette complements traditional furnishings as well as modern or edgy decor in your ranch foyer. Off-white, brick red and deep green create a striking combination to showcase furniture from mahogany to chrome. A brick-red or deep green door pops against off-white walls, which make the space seem larger. Although using traditional colors, don't paint trim work in contrast colors as in most traditional homes. Any existing molding should blend with wall color, such as a glossier white on off-white. Bring more color and flair into the foyer with abstract art in sleek black or brown frames. Choose colorful ceramic lamps to suit your console table style.

Vibrant Colors

• Along the southern beaches of California, the Gulf Coast, Florida and the Carolinas, ranch-style homes often adopt the vibrant seaside colors of turquoise, yellow, pink or peach with one of those colors or white for trim work. The foyer walls should carry that exterior wall color inside, in a lighter tint that continues into the adjoining space. Paint the inside of the entry door in a deeper shade chosen from your palette. Include small amounts of the other vibrant colors in a rug, lamp or accessories, but use plenty of white to give the eye a rest.

Trend Colors

• Vintage ranch homes as well as new construction look appropriate in trend colors established by homeowners and paint manufacturers alike. An all-neutral palette including cream and tan with touches of gray or putty is serene and classic. Use a stained wood console holding lamps in black or metal tones on a natural fiber rug. Tints and shades of violet, plum or purple provide continuity throughout the home with a surprisingly versatile backdrop for all-white or very colorful decor. Paint a light tint of the chosen hue in the foyer. Go for a bright pop of color with a chartreuse or orange foyer console. Use a black-and-white rug and some black in art and accessories to anchor the colorful areas.