STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN
FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT, AND AS THE ENTRANCE TO YOUR HOME THERE’S NO BETTER PLACE TO SET THE RIGHT TONE THAN WITH CLEVER INTERIOR DESIGN TRICKS IN YOUR HALLWAY.
The right touches can turn your hallway from somewhere you sling bags and shoes when you walk in the door, into a welcoming area that makes you feel immediately at home. Here Emily Dunstan, Home Accessories Buyer for Heal’s (www.heals.com), reveals her top ten tips for creating a truly grand entrance.
1. CREATE THE ILLUSION OF SPACE WITH MIRRORS
If your hallway is on the small side, it can quickly feel cramped and cluttered. Instead, create the illusion of space by adding mirrors. They reflect light, making the space seem wider and brighter, as well as giving you the chance to double-check your appearance before you walk out the door. In bigger hallways use larger, bolder mirrors to make more of a statement. Positioning your mirror in the right place could also help you showcase particular elements of your hallway.
2. GET CONTEMPORARY WITH COAT STANDS
Unless you have a separate porch it’s likely you will still need somewhere to hang your jackets and other accessories. Modern coat stands can bring a funky element to contemporary hallways and may better resemble a modern sculpture piece than a traditional coat stand giving you an interesting new talking point for visitors. If you’re looking for a high-end storage solution, try leaning a modern ladder against the wall. It’s not only somewhere to hang your coat, but also hats, scarves and dog leads.
3. GET PLAYFUL WITH HOOKS
No room for a coat stand but still need somewhere to hang your outdoor gear? Colourful coat hooks can offer a playful alternative that will be less obtrusive than a coat stand but still offer the same functionality. Plus, they make a great wall feature too. Look for colours that contrast to truly stand out, or go for a more muted option if you want something less bold.
4. BLEND FORM AND FUNCTION WITH FURNITURE THAT FITS
Think of possible dual-use furniture pieces that you could integrate into your hallway design, such as a mirror with hanging hooks that can provide additional storage.
5. LIGHT UP YOUR WORLD
It can be easy to forget the importance of lighting but, whether welcoming visitors or just you after a hard day at work, the right lighting can have a big impact.You might choose to suspend pendant lights along the length of your hallway or opt for a statement chandelier instead. For an atmospheric warm
entrance, wall lights could be a good alternative to ceiling lights and can also be positioned over statement pieces in your hallway.
6. MAKE A STATEMENT WITH HALLWAY RUNNERS
The days of a carpeted hallway are largely gone, with tiles or wooden flooring the easy-to-clean option in such a high-traffic area. But slipping your shoes off onto a cold floor isn’t very welcoming for you or your guests. A hallway runner can offer comfort as well as being the final touch that brings the design elements of your hallway together.
Think about whether you want to make a statement with your runner or whether your flooring is the centrepiece. If it’s the latter then a more muted rug, such as natural jute, might work better. Don’t forget to add an anti-slip mat underneath.
7. FIND A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING WITH HANDY WALL STORAGE
Always looking for your keys on the way out or wanting to grab some change for car guards? Wall storage can offer the perfect home for your knick-knacks in the hallway without compromising on space, meaning that it’s easier to find those last-minute items as you rush out the door. Many wall storage options are interchangeable so if you get bored and fancy a change of use they’re easy enough to move and create a useful look in another room.