Make sure that a visitor's first impression of your home is a good one. The entrances and common areas of a house are difficult to decorate, in part because they are not self-contained and because they lead into other rooms which have their own decorative schemes. While many people opt for safe, bland designs, these areas offer tremendous potential for exciting decor. Begin by choosing the appropriate style for your home, whether it's warm and cozy or cool and light, sophisticated and modern or reminiscent of a quaint country cottage. Guidance is given in choosing colors, patterns, and furniture so that you can turn your design vision into reality. Learn a variety of decorative techniques that will enable you to transform your walls and floors, including sponge painting, color washing, stenciling, stamping, wallpapering, bleaching wood, antiquing, distressing, adding borders and friezes, and much more. See how to use the right finishing touches, such as pictures, mirrors, and window treatmentsto create an attractive and welcoming atmosphere. With this richly illustrated selection of ideas, solutions, and practical instructions, you can turn the hardest-working parts of your home into eye-catching and stylish spaces.