Here we spend some time appreciating an area often forgotten in our homes, one integral to how we feel about being home and central to how guests are welcomed - the hallway.
The hallway is the first thing you see on entering an abode and the last on leaving, it guides you from room to room and acts as a buffer between shelter and the outside world. Here at Cox & Cox, we believe the hallway deserves to be celebrated, so this week’s Style Note will furnish you with five simple and easy-to-execute tips on how to create an interesting, modern hallway that will leave all who pass through it feeling welcomed and at ease.
Experiment with colour blocking
Colour blocking is a popular interior design technique – two or more bold colours are used side-by-side to striking effect, immediately creating an eye-catching statement that will promote positive energy and creativity. This can be achieved with paint (let your imagination loose and design a feature wall), furniture (choose a sideboard or console table that contrasts pleasingly with your wall colour) or wall art (hang two or more abstract pieces and don’t be afraid to opt for clashing tones). Whichever method you choose, don’t hold back – trust your instincts and you’ll soon have a truly joyful space
photo @paullmcraig, styling @wellsandmaguire
Create a gallery on your hallway wall
If the space is bright and has a lot of character, simple décor can be very impactful. Take interior design studio, Wells and Maguire’s hallway - the careful placement of our Hanging Birds alongside just one oversized canvas is enough. For narrow hallways that don’t have room for sideboards or lamps, creating a few more well-placed pieces of art is how you will add your style and character. Begin by hanging your largest piece, and then work out from there to create a collection.
“we knew the hallway didn’t need much, we just needed to focus on the already beautiful features. The client’s artwork adds an eclectic feel to this grade II listed building...”
WELLS AND MAGUIRE
Make a feature of your lighting
If your hallway has high ceilings, you have been gifted with the perfect opportunity to hang a statement chandelier or pendant. A design technique such as this will work best if the décor is relatively muted, simple décor will highlight the light feature more. If you have a small hallway with low ceilings, try strategically placing a decorative lamp or two. The temperature of your lighting also needs to be taken into account, and since the hallway is a place for a welcoming, we would suggest soft, warm illumination.
Open up a narrow hallway with a mirror
Bringing light into a narrow hallway can be tricky, especially if you’ve opted for a deep wall colour. An easy fix for this is to place a mirror, ideally large with a slender frame, perpendicular to your front door. Wall mirrors with plenty of surface area are a great idea here - they’ll reflect plenty of light whilst providing a convenient way to check your appearance before venturing outside. Positive energy flow can be encouraged if your mirror reflects something you love, such as a family photo, plant or piece of art.
Get creative with storage
In eagerness to transform our hallways into paragons of geniality and warmth try not to forget functionality. Hallways are also places for muddy boots, wet raincoats, kicked-off high heels and newly polished brogues – it’s important to have storage that meets your every need. A characterful doormat made from coconut fibres and a no-nonsense boot rack are musts for the outdoorsy household, and a handsome wooden storage bench will keep dog leads and spare jumpers neat and tidy. For the large families and coat hoarders, ingenious hanging solutions are essential, while a little wall-mounted shelf will serve as a reliable “key spot”.