Transformed hallways that entice and enchant, compelling you to linger and, conversely, making returning home an irresistible prospect
The hallway, often overlooked, serves as the first and last point of entrance and exit in a home. It's time to rethink this significant space and turn it into an inviting and practical area.
Emma Deterding, a leading interior designer, emphasizes the importance of making the hallway beautiful, stylish, and full of personality to set the tone for the rest of the home. Using bold colors and patterns in an entryway can create an immediate impression on guests and allow personal style to shine through.
Pairing painted storage units with a simple wooden bench and a softly textured rug can make a hallway more inviting. Choosing bespoke, built-in storage for a hallway can make the best use of an often underutilized space and make a statement. Removing the door of a cupboard and adding a light, mirror, drawers, and boot pegs can create more usable floor space and ensure natural light is never blocked.
When working from home, glass walls instead of stud walls can be used to create a home office, making the most out of the unused space under the stairs. Adding glass walls to an understairs home office can allow light into the office, provide soundproofing, and create a more open feel.
Incorporating mirrors in a hallway can enhance natural light and create an illusion of more space. A cantilevered staircase design can open up a hallway and provide a stunning focal point while also allowing light to travel through the balustrades and creating a ready-made seating space below.
Using darker paint colors can create the illusion of a larger space in a hallway. Darker shades can work well in functional hallways and give the illusion of a larger space, according to Bailey Oates, colour expert at Earthborn.
Layering textures with a sisal runner or decorative wall treatments can add further depth and interest to a large hallway. Incorporating a statement piece, such as an oversized mirror or a stylish light fixture, can draw attention and serve as a focal point in a large hallway.
Introducing pops of color and pattern with smaller accessories can liven up a neutral hallway. Changing the flooring pattern in a large open hallway can make it more interesting without compromising on practicality. Light-colored wood flooring can make a space appear brighter and more open, according to Ian Tomlinson, MD of Chaunceys Timber Flooring.
Hallways can be used as an opportunity to be bold with the design. Incorporating a mix of high-quality materials such as wood, marble, or brass can elevate a large hallway and create a sense of luxury. Adding a curtain to the front door can help reduce heat loss in a house and add a more relaxed look to the hallway.
Andrew Scott, global product & innovation director at Havwoods, suggests incorporating an engaging flooring pattern to make a difference to the space. Choosing aluminum front doors for a contemporary home style, while composite doors can provide a more traditional look.
Interior design experts emphasize the importance of making the hallway beautiful, stylish, and full of personality. By following these guidelines, you can transform your hallway into a practical and inviting space that sets the tone for the rest of your home.
