INSIDER INSIGHT
TIPS FOR PERFECTING YOUR DECORATIVE HALLWAY
AS HALLWAYS TEND TO BE LACKING in natural light, considering your artificial lighting is key. ‘Rather than using strong overhead lights which have a pool effect, we suggest opting for wall and table lamp combinations to layer light levels,’ advises Rohan Blacker, founder of Pooky. Materials used in your lighting choices require consideration, too. ‘Narrow hallways can feel cramped so it is a good idea to use glass shades to make the most of any natural light and create a sense of space,’ suggests Sheena Lawrence, co-director of Jim Lawrence. ‘The reflective quality of hand-blown glass is second to none, adding delicate and inviting layers of light whether switched on or off. Clear glass shades bypass the visual imposition that can happen with weightier lighting, allowing light to pass through.’
WITH PLENTY OF WALL SPACE ON OFFER, hallways are an ideal place to layer up favourite artwork. ‘There are two really effective ways to make a statement with art in a hallway,’ notes Camilla Clarke, creative director at Albion Nord.
‘The first is to play with scale. Make the most of the wall space and choose a large-scale artwork that spans the full height of the wall. It will feel bold and impactful. Another interesting way to make a statement is to create an art wall. Play with a mixture of work in different sizes, colours and genres.’ Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin advises to ‘hang art at eye level or just above and never underestimate the importance of framing – this is a cost you should never hold back on. The right frame can transform a picture and is critical to the overall feel of the artwork.’
IN DARK, NARROW HALLWAYS, decorating choices make a big difference. ‘There are two approaches to small or narrow hallways,’ says Ruth Mottershead, creative director, Little Greene. ‘Embrace the size and go for deep dark colours and patterned wallpapers, or opt for a trick of the eye and elongate a long narrow space by using a lighter, warmer colour at the end of the space, with a slightly darker shade of a similar tone on the walls to create depth.’ Ann Grafton, creative director of Mulberry Home also notes that, ‘using a large-scale design on all walls in a hallway can blur the illusion of where one wall stops and another one begins, making the space feel wider.’
ONE TREND which is currently being adopted in hallways is colour drenching. ‘This contemporary, cohesive approach delivers high impact by painting woodwork, radiators, the ceiling and doors the same colour as the walls,’ says Ruth Mottershead, creative director, Little Greene. ‘This will create a complete scheme, treating each element similarly, and will deliver a design statement when entering or viewing the hallway from other rooms within your home.’
“MANY ROOMS LEAD OFF THE HALLWAY, SO THE DESIGN NOT ONLY SETS YOUR HOME’S TONE BUT ALSO CREATES AN INVITING PLACE FOR GUESTS”
TOM COX, co-founder, Hám Interiors