Entrance
Give formality a (little) twist In a formal hallway – think console, think symmetry – a clustered-style hang of chromatically similar artworks creates a contrastingly dynamic wall space, while still feeling suitably restrained for an elegant result. The effect is heightened when the colour scheme of the artwork speaks to the additional design elements in the space: in this hallway, the striking black bureau and lamps against crisp white walls are elegantly mirrored in the white mounts framing black and white photographs. Tip To most effectively visualise and strategise a clustered hang, lay out the works on the floor beforehand to find the proper spacing and placement before you start hammering nails into your walls. Read expert tips for creating your own gallery wall
Smarten up If the relaxed, lived-in style isn’t for you, coastal can always take a more sophisticated air. This crisp and super-smart hallway offers a neatly panelled space enhanced by the wraparound ‘whiteness’ and tall mirrors. A pencil-stripe rug and white chest hint that this is coastal, but it’s conveyed in the cleanest, coolest sense of the word.
Revive stair rods In this traditional, panelled hallway, grey tones add gravitas and interest to the period details. Old-school stair rods are also a nice touch: in steely grey, they link with the larger monochrome scheme, but also offset the grey tone of the runner nicely, too. TELL US… Would you use black and white on your stairs? Please share your ideas and photos in the Comments below.
Run with a runner A monochrome striped runner cleverly integrates this top floor with the rest of the house. Glass balustrades keep the area light and airy, while the carpet is a stylish linking device. Stripes also, it has to be noted, are better at hiding the odd scuff or spill than a plain or pale runner.
Tone it down Not feeling quite brave enough to fully commit to a dark colour? Try a slightly brighter shade. This hallway has the essence of a rich, sumptuous look thanks to the petrol-blue walls. Teaming this blue with dark-grey woodwork and a grey and blue stair runner gives a confident, grown-up welcome. Being able to see through to the paler adjoining rooms keeps the scheme light.
Tone it down Not feeling quite brave enough to fully commit to a dark colour? Try a slightly brighter shade. This hallway has the essence of a rich, sumptuous look thanks to the petrol-blue walls. Teaming this blue with dark-grey woodwork and a grey and blue stair runner gives a confident, grown-up welcome. Being able to see through to the paler adjoining rooms keeps the scheme light.
Be pale and interesting Less standard than white and more interesting than magnolia, very pale grey is a sophisticated choice in a hallway. It may lack the drama of its darker incarnations, but it more than makes up for it on the practicality front. Pale grey looks good in both contemporary and traditional homes, and it works particularly well with a wooden floor. And when used as a backdrop for a gallery of pictures, this subtle shade allows the artwork to really stand out.
Plump for picturesque panelling If you feel your hallway or landing lacks character, painted wall panelling could be the answer. Regency-inspired designs like this are fairly simple to make using MDF and stick-on moulding, or it’s possible to buy ready-made panels in different styles online and in DIY stores.
Plump for picturesque panelling If you feel your hallway or landing lacks character, painted wall panelling could be the answer. Regency-inspired designs like this are fairly simple to make using MDF and stick-on moulding, or it’s possible to buy ready-made panels in different styles online and in DIY stores.
Ditch the default door colour It’s not just the exterior of your front door that makes an important style statement – the inside colour can have an impact on the overall look of your hallway, too. In this scheme, the stunning cement tiles and stained glass elements take centre stage, while matching the door paint to the wall panelling ensures cohesion. If your hall lacks a focal point, consider opting for a bold front door colour both inside and out, or match the door to the stair runner for a colour prompt that works both when you’re leaving and returning to the house.
Add a natural touch Fresh or potted flowers, or even a vase of simple green foliage from the garden, will work wonders to inject a bit of life into your hallway. Consider placing a scent diffuser or candle in your hall, too, to ensure your guests are welcomed with a sweet-smelling entryway, rather than a pile of smelly shoes!
Try a colourful runner Striped runners are a tried-and-tested way of instantly adding much-needed zing to a bland hallway. Set strong colours against a white staircase for maximum effect. In this hall, inset lights highlight the stairs even further. And don’t you love the postcards propped on shallow shelves? This is a great way to add interesting artworks without taking up too much of a narrow space.
Build into the wall What’s a surefire way of making a compact hall feel even smaller? Clutter. Storage is key when it comes to creating a neat entrance hall that feels spacious, but incorporating it into a narrow space can be tricky. This hall has had a sizeable cupboard, complete with discreet sliding doors, built into the wall. Perfect for storing coats, shoes, bags and all sorts of other paraphernalia, it ensures that the hall remains tidy at all times. If you’re thinking about a project like this, make sure your builder puts in sufficient supports if it’s a supporting wall.
Be a beacon of light Team several points of light for the illusion of a brighter-than-average space. Here, a glass table with shiny metal edges, a large mirror and a variety of lighting, including wall candles, a ceiling lantern and spots, have a glowing effect. Also take note of the pale floor tiles. TELL US… Have you managed to brighten up a dark hallway? Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
Lighten up A hardwood timber door will absorb light and add to the general sense of gloom. Paint the internal face of the door white to reflect light and transform the ambience of any hall. This works well even where the door has no glass. Choose a colour you cherish for the outside of the door to add to that important sense of welcome. What brightening touches would you add to a dark hallway? Share your ideas or photos in the Comments below.
Stay in your comfort zone For those wanting to try colour on their doors for the first time, navy is a safe alternative to black. This navy blue door is in keeping with a stately exterior and, paired with white pillars and window frames, achieves a crisp, classic facade.
Invite serenity Love the idea of blue but feel a bit colour-shy? This muted, grey-blue hue just might hit the right note. A pale, pebble-toned colour like this lifts the front of the house – inside and out – while imbuing the entryway with a soothing and tranquil quality – just what I’d want to come home to.
Play to the classics An understated heritage shade (in this case, Farrow & Ball’s Card Room Green) is always going to set a tone of quiet sophistication. If you’re after a grown-up feel for your frontage, this is the failsafe way to do it.
Embrace tradition with a brass knocker A brass door knocker is a quick and easy way to add interest to the front of you home. Keep it simple for an elegant, more traditional look or choose a fancy version with artistic detailing if you want to transform it into a feature. Be warned, though: brass will tarnish, so polish it regularly to keep it gleaming.
Storage bench
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