The Tokonoma
November 10, 2009 – 9:58 amYou’ve heard the term: “You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.” When guests come to your home this holiday season, chances are you will dress up the front door, perhaps add a new doormat and a wreath, maybe even a bow on the mailbox. But often people are so busy rushing in with packages and dishes, that they rarely notice the outside. What they do notice, however, is the foyer. Think about it. That’s probably where they will stop for a hug, take off their coats and hand off their casseroles.
This is the spot to capture their attention with something beautiful. The key to a captivating foyer is simple elegance. Just like any other area, keep it free of clutter. Hall trees should be empty and ready for guests. Hall closets by the front door should also be empty enough to hold everyone’s coats.
In Japanese homes, just inside the front door is an area called a tokonoma. The tokonoma is a recessed space (like an alcove) where homeowners display something special, usually a calligraphic artwork and a floral design. Both greet guests with simple, elegant beauty. Both achieve two goals: warm, welcoming feelings and subconscious thoughts of roominess.
Guests will pause to enjoy the artful display and as you take their coats, will feel special and welcome. It will give them the impression that there is always room for them in your home. Believe it or not, this simple arrangement on your part will stay with them long after the holiday leftovers.
This holiday season, rather than cluttering your dining room table with flowers that will get in the way of the food, why not dress up your foyer with a pleasing floral design.
Here are two simple ideas that I added to my own foyer.
Bamboo stalks and 1 simple orchid spray make it feel very elegant
This dried arrangement is great for Autumn
6 Responses to “The Tokonoma”
If only I had an alcove, and my hall tree is stuffed with jackets, hat, gloves and anything else the children set down coming in the door. I dont have a hall closet cuz there is no entry hall. Any tips on rearranging the furniture to create a stopping space would be appreciated! You photos make me want to hang in your foyer for a bit of quiet time. Awesome arrangements. Thanks for sharing.
By casey on Nov 10, 2009
Love it!!! Always full of creative ideas. Can we slide the dried arrangement about 3 inches to the left? (Sorry, I couldn’t control myself)
By Joyce on Nov 10, 2009
I always tell my clients that one’s entry sets the tone for the rest of the home. Wherever we’ve lived, I always stencil a tiny Bless This House up in a corner somewhere in the foyer. My favorite people are the ones who “discover” it and laugh in delight for the surprise.
By Hartley on Nov 10, 2009
Like Casey, no foyer or entry closet. Those were ‘de rigueur’ in the northern climes where winter demanded heavy coats, gloves, scarves,snow boots, etc. Wish we had such but guess a watercolor of a sailboat heeled over at full clip painted by my aunt 60 years ago or a crewel of a frog on a lilypad stitched by my Mom 40 years ago will have to do! Welcome, wilkommen, ya’ll come on in for a visit! Jerry
By Jerry Weise on Nov 10, 2009
We moved to this modular home about 6 years ago and the only thing it didn’t have was a foyer. We have created a little space about 4 x 6 just inside the front door by way of a small square of tiles and the back of the loveseat. Would love a table there but alas, no room. Hopefully we have made a homey and inviting living space to welcome our guests. Our foyer is our front porch and some lovely landscaping. Thanks for your thoughts and come visit. Joan
By Joan Foxworth on Nov 10, 2009
Trish what beautiful designs. I nominate you to go to National. I try to keep flowers on my foyer table, but am no good at designs. Come on up and do one for me for the Christmas Concert Reception I will be having on Dec. 6.
By Betty Gourdin on Nov 11, 2009