The Entry Hall in the Foster-Thomason-Miller House is approximately 12’ wide and 42’ in length.  The Entry Hall in the Aesthetic Movement was crucial for determining one’s place in society, as that is where one’s first impressions are made; therefore it was essential to compose the hallway in a stylishly grand and impressive manner. The first thing one sees upon entering the Foster-Thomason-Miller House is the exquisitely unique front door which is made of walnut and a brilliant cut and etched crystal light with a Waterford pattern.  Black walnut was the choice of wealthy patrons of the Aesthetic Movement, and L.H. Foster spared no expense as he used it for the entire hallway floor. He also used solid walnut for the stairway, the wainscotting, doors and facings (with ash), and the massive 10’ pocket doors to the parlor and the library.

    At the foot of the 30’ stairwell still stands the  original hammered brass and copper newel lamp with a sunflower overlay--the sunflower being the preeminent icon of both Oscar Wilde and the Aesthetic Movement. To conclude Wildes’ 1882 Atlanta lecture,  Wilde held up a disc of beaten copper and proclaimed, “This is the easiest of the decorative arts, a child can do this.”