Words Orna O’Reilly Weber
Think about the moment you arrive at someone’s residence for the first time, press the doorbell and await that initial glance inside. You’re open-minded, possibly even a little curious. Then, the front door opens and as you enter, an impression is formed – one that often lasts. You not only get a sense of the home but of the people who live there. It’s an impact you want to get just right, and a dull, cluttered hallway can easily become the thing that overshadows the beautifully decorated sitting room beyond.
Setting the tone
The front door is a key feature of any house, yet its importance is often overlooked. It not only connects to the exterior but should also reflect the overall style of the home, whether traditional or ultra-modern.
Unless the front door opens directly into the living area, the entrance hall is the first room visitors see upon arrival, making it a crucial space to consider. Many people invest significant time and money decorating their main living areas while neglecting the hallway. This oversight could unintentionally create a cold and unwelcoming atmosphere. Instead, the foyer should serve as the foundation for the design style carried throughout the home, whether light and airy, dark and mysterious, luxurious and sophisticated or cool and casual. It’s where everything begins and a lasting impression is made. The hallway sets the tone and shapes the home’s image, and since less time is spent there, it’s the perfect place to incorporate bold, dramatic elements.
Connecting spaces
Today, hallways, stairs and landings are often designed to maximise space. Clever features like built-in cupboards, bookshelves or even a small wine cellar under the stairs can transform even the smallest area into an interesting feature.
When discussing interior design, the focus is typically on the main rooms of the house and their desired functions. Their decoration is always considered to be of greater importance than the areas that link these rooms together. Yet, these spaces are key to the overall aesthetic and should act as a cohesive thread, seamlessly knitting the look of the home together.
Colour and light
The colour scheme in a corridor should create subtle contrasts of light and shade, with accent tones offering a trail of visual clues as you move through the house. For example, if the hall is painted a warm yellow, the sitting room could be done in cream with yellow accents. Alternatively, a pale yellow hallway could feature blue accents that lead into a room where blue is the dominant shade and yellow plays a secondary role.
Proper lighting here is essential for creating a bright, welcoming entrance. There are many attractive options among the latest flush and semi-flush fittings. Be mindful of natural light and ensure that both the top and bottom of the stairs are well-lit, as clear visibility is vital in these areas.
A warm welcome
Once the theme and colour scheme are chosen, focus on making the space as inviting as possible. Consider a checklist of essentials: good lighting, warmth, a wall mirror for last-minute appearance checks and a convenient table, radiator cover or console to hold keys, a scented candle or a small lamp. Ensure there’s space for coats and umbrellas, and if possible, a toilet and washbasin situated off the hallway. A colourful rug not only adds a vibrant touch but can also improve acoustics. And hallways, stairs, landings and corridors are perfect spots for hanging pictures or installing bookshelves to enhance the overall appearance.
Arranging furniture
Avoid cluttering a hallway with bric-a-brac and ensure there’s plenty of space for visitors to walk through. If the hall is large and square, it might be possible to place a round table in the centre with an eye-catching vase of flowers or even a piano against one wall. If a piece of furniture is placed in the hall, look at it from the stairs and from all angles to check the proportions work and it’s not too large or too small.
Focus on flooring
Flooring here needs to be hard-wearing and practical. It should be moisture-resistant, as wet shoes and umbrellas will inevitably make their way in on rainy days. Tiles are the most durable option, but wood flooring also works well. If opting for carpet, ensure it’s of commercial grade – an 80% wool and 20% synthetic blend is ideal.
Don’t forget to create focal points in the entrance, landing and corridor. Bold window treatments, vibrant rugs, mirrors or well-lit artwork can all add character.
Once everything’s in place, your home willbe ready to charm your guests on arrival.
- ‘First impressions: Creating an inviting hallway’ is published in Anthology Volume 22. Read more features from this volume or buy it now.
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