The stylist’s guide to making an entrance
SET THE TONE FOR YOUR HOME WITH A WELCOMING ENTRYWAY THAT’S AS PRACTICAL AS IT IS BEAUTIFUL
The humble hallway often gets overlooked in the decorating process, but consider this: it provides the very first impression of your home. “There is nothing better than opening the door to a beautifully styled entryway,” says interior designer Kelly Donougher of 13 Interiors. “It creates a beautiful feeling as you open the door to your guests.” As your everyday point of entry and exit, it’s also a space you want to function well. So much more than simply a way to get from one door to another, good hallway and entryway design hinges on clever details and design elements that guide the eye into the heart of your home. Read on for expert tips on how to make a memorable first impression.
FURNISH WITH FLAIR
Look to slimline, multi-purpose pieces such as a striking cabinet or console table with drawers to keep your hallway from looking cramped. “A shallow table of 30-40cm is generally best so it doesn’t become an obstruction,” notes Simone Rose, manager of Xavier Furniture. A cabinet such as the one below (try the Maxim Parquetry Herringbone Sideboard Console from Living By Design) will neatly house everyday items including shoes, shopping bags, umbrellas or dog leads, but baskets beneath a table are an attractive, more relaxed, alternative. If you have ample space, a chair in tones that complement your palette (as seen opposite) will have aesthetic impact and tick the box for function, too.
“This is a high-traffic area so you need to consider durability,” says interior designer Tess Mathews of TM Design Studio. “If you opt for a tiled floor, a matt finish or patterned tile will conceal dirt and general wear and tear well.” Flooring doesn’t have to be purely practical; a feature tile, could take the place of a statement runner, or timber laid in a herringbone pattern can provide an elegant point of difference. “Just changing the direction can create a huge wow factor,” says Kelly Donougher of 13 Interiors.
SHOW STOPPERS
Sometimes less is more in a hallway; select one or two scenestealing features or pieces to give a glimpse of what’s to come and create an entrance to stop guests in their tracks. “Use this space to reflect who you are and your design aesthetic,” advises Joumana. If budget and room allows, factor in a built-in feature that’s a pure design moment. In this cathedral-like entryway (right), an arched recess in the wall showcases an elegant seat with curved lines that highlight the shapes in the room. Candle sconces on either side enhance the sense of the sacred, while a burst of greenery enlivens the area.
DESIGNER NOTES
Wall sconces mounted at eye level deliver drama. “You can have a lot of fun with unusual and whimsical sconces made from different materials such as alabaster or chain, or even multidirectional lighting that plays with shadows against the wall,” Joumana says. Check out the range of wall sconces at Beacon Lighting, for similar. >
LIGHT SHOW
For an entry that elicits gasps from visitors, you can’t go past eye-catching light fixtures. This is an area where it pays to go big. Small spaces benefit from a single pendant, while longer halls can take a duo (left, get the look with the Talia Pendant 35 in Antique Brass from Da Voluce Lighting Studio) or even a trio. “The general rule of thumb is that the pendant light should be a minimum of 210cm off the floor and 120cm from the widest part of the pendant to any surrounding walls,” says designer Joumana.
“THERE IS ALMOST ALWAYS decorative ROOM FOR LIGHTING IN AN ENTRYWAY, BE IT QUITE elaborate OR MORE PARED-BACK” ~ TESS MATHEWS, TM DESIGN STUDIO
SERENE SYMMETRY
Not a feature is out of place or proportion in this elegant entryway from Armadillo (right), centred by a classic console with crafted legs. “A hall table with curved edges is ideal as there are no square corners to catch your clothing,” notes Simone Rose, manager of Xavier Furniture. Flanking the console, stand a duo of cane occasional chairs that, in harmony with the Armadillo Nook River Ticking Stripe rug and golden tones in the parquetry floor, paint a picture of cool sophistication. Twin windows, with striped curtains reflect the rug, let light flood in and make this a scene worth framing.
DESIGNER NOTES
If a sleek console doesn’t offer enough storage for your family’s needs, consider options such as built-in recessed cabinetry. “Consider how you want to use the space and consider options such as discreet storage behind full-height closed doors, or a built-in seating area for the kids to get prepped for school,” suggests interior designer Tess Mathews of TM Design Studio. “Too much clutter can be distracting to the eye so keep it to the everyday essentials.”
COLOUR CUES
The entryway or hallway can be the ideal part of your home to showcase colour (left), but first factor in the size of the space you’re working with. “I would suggest avoiding dark colours
[in a hallway] as they can make narrow spaces feel narrower,” cautions interior designer Tess Mathews. “If you want [to use] a contrasting colour on walls, break it up with white skirtings and cornices and opt for lighter-coloured flooring.” Another option is to try a two-tone palette split by a dado (or chair) rail. “This will add colour, depth and contrast without looking too heavy,” Tess guides. Panelling below the dado rail also makes for an interesting feature, and can be painted to suit your palette.
DESIGNER NOTES
Wallpaper is another winning way to make a statement, creating a jewel of an entrance. “Using graphic wallpaper adds an element of surprise,” says Joumana. “If you prefer a neutral palette, a textural wallpaper or Venetian plaster application adds interest while remaining classic.”
furniture, “WHEN SELECTING THINK ABOUT HOW YOU WILL USE THE PIECE. DO YOU need A DRAWER FOR KEYS OR A CUPBOARD TO KEEP YOUR HANDBAG OUT OF SIGHT?”
~ SIMONE ROSE, XAVIER FURNITURE
DESIGN
If you’re planning a new build, consider the jaw-dropping effect of a double-height entry, such as the spectacular entryway seen here. “There is nothing more beautiful than soaring ceilings when you first walk into a space,” says interior designer Joumana of Sukari Interior Design. Topped off with a striking pendant or a skylight to boost natural light, it’s a surefire way to create instant wow factor. When planning your layout, factor in your home’s flow. “An open-plan style with rooms that flow off either side and an open-plan space at the end is my ideal,” says Kelly. “Each space left and right can tell a story of the home.”
DESIGNER NOTES
A grand entry foyer offers scope to really take the lead and make an unforgettable design statement. In this serene and soaring space in Melbourne, designed by Alexander Pollock design practice, a central circular table, topped off with an abundant flourish of orchids, works as a welcoming focal point. A fluid artwork by Michael Whitehead suits the proportions and completes the opulent vignette.