Laura Jackson on…
This month, our columnist explores the oft-overlooked parts of her London townhouse, discovering creative ways to make them more memorable
Using forgotten corners to showcase your creativity
I have literally spent the last year staring at the four walls of my house, umming and ahhing about what to decorate next. It’s easy for all of your attention to go to the main living areas; the kitchen, the living room... but what about those hidden corners of your home that are all too often overlooked?
It’s in these smaller areas that you can be really creative. For example, when renovating our house, we reinvented the old utility room (about the size of a downstairs toilet) into a pantry. It’s a simple space, with tongue-and-groove walls and shelving, and we searched high and low to find something special to complete it. Finally, we settled on a sliding vintage door with a window from interior design studio and salvage firm Retrouvius – it offers a sneak peek inside the pantry from the kitchen. We added a splash of colour with some vintage jelly moulds I found at a market. Hung up on the wall, they look fantastic (not that I’ve ever used them IRL!).
This small but successful transformation made me consider the other forgotten areas that, with just a little imagination, can complete a home. First, there’s the hallway, which greets you every time you step indoors. Often, there’s only room for a shoe rack and console table. But, if the width allows for it, why not build a bookshelf on one side? Functional yet decorative, it will greet guests with personality. Also, don’t be afraid to make a bold statement with your staircase. Paint the handrail a dark colour, such as a deep navy, racing green or inky grey. Offset it with light paint on the walls and a jute stair runner, and you have instant texture and warmth.
In the living room, the mantelpiece is often the centre of attention, but what about the fireplace itself? Old, non-working hearths are the perfect place to display new or reclaimed tiles. Or, inject some interest by curating bookshelves that make use of the empty space.
Finally, we all think washing up is boring, right? The area above and beneath the sink, however, can benefit from some consideration. Instead of having a cupboard on show, take things back to the crafty past and use a favourite fabric to create a ruffled curtain. Whether you go for a loud pattern or a natural linen, it will immediately add character. And, if your layout allows for it and your sink looks onto an internal wall, why not add a little indoor window? (Mine looks out into the hallway.) I’ve gone for a circular Crittall window – like a modern take on the serving hatch!
I don’t think I’ll ever get bored of finding new areas of my home to get my decorating teeth stuck into. The only question is… what to do next?
‘TRANSFORMING THESE FORGOTTEN AREAS, WITH JUST A LITTLE IMAGINATION, CAN COMPLETE A HOME’