FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Is your entry or hallway too small to work with? Think again – even the tiniest space can be opened up cleverly with some smart thinking.
Is your entry too small to work with? Think again. Here’s how to add space.
Often there is so much focus placed on the main rooms of a home that the entrance and hallways are overlooked. Yet they provide the first impression of your home as well as being functional spaces, and can also be used to enhance the room they introduce.
“Your entryway is an expression of you, much like your clothing,” says interior stylist Nat Bacic. “You should make it a space that sparks joy aplenty, that radiates your style and beckons one inside. I have always believed it should have that ‘wow’ factor. I love entryways that create conversation, that welcome your guests and make them want to stay.”
Even if room is limited, there’s plenty you can do to add interest to a space, from flooring to wall-covering options. If you don’t have a dedicated entrance, you can always create one.
“Working with a client who lived in a small unit, we created an entryway by adding a small semicircular console with a mirror on top fixed to the wall, just next to where the door opened,” says Bacic.
“This could also be a print or painting. We added a beautiful little cluster of potted plants on both sides which created a gorgeous little welcome when you arrived.” When working with a dark or small space, Bacic says creating the illusion of space and light is key. This can be done with lots of light objects, mirrors and lighting.
“See if you can add a skylight or at least some extra downlights or a pendant to give light and brighten up the area,” she says.
“There is little point styling a space that is hard to see or blends in with the wall. Mirrors add reflection, and the more, the better. Maybe it just needs some colour or white to pop and stand out. Whether that is done with decorative items or your actual furniture is up to you.
“Also, keeping the space clutterfree is essential.”
Another option is to make the darkness a feature suggests Lily Cumberland, senior interior designer at Coco Republic. “Depending on how much natural light your space gets, you can consider making the darkness the feature, and creating a moody intimate space,” she says. “Include soft ambient lighting and muted tones. If the darkness is feeling a little depressing, inject some light furniture pieces and bright fabrics. Consider styling with reflective metallic vases and crystal.” If you have an oversized hallway, Cumberland says to consider placing a round table in the centre. “Style with a large vase or sculpture in the centre, with a beautiful chandelier above. If there isn’t quite enough room for a table in the middle, consider a console table on one side, and an ottoman or bench on the other.”
Regardless of the size of the space, Cumberland says to always consider scale, proportion and circulation to ensure the furniture, floor coverings and lighting are the ideal size. “Always introduce some sort of feature light, whether it be a pendant, table lamp on a console or wall light. Having those lights on a dimmer can also help with creating beautiful ambience in the evenings. Ensure you also have a mirror ... to check your hair before you leave!”
If these areas are often used as a dumping ground, consider a cabinet with doors or storage baskets to hide everything away. “If you come in from the garage normally, then it could be a good idea to have some sort of storage there, so the mess doesn’t make its way into the house,” says Cumberland.
“INTRODUCE SOME SORT OF FEATURE LIGHT, WHETHER IT BE A PENDANT, TABLE LAMP ON A CONSOLE OR WALL LIGHT.”
LILY CUMBERLAND