Making an Entrance

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Making an Entrance

Your hallway needs to be a good-looking, welcoming space for visitors and a practical area for storage. Get the basics right, says Katherine Sorrell, and the rest will follow.

Colour and pattern for the walls Choosing the right flooring

Choose a paint colour or wallpaper that you love, It makes sense for the flooring to be durable, nonand that coordinates with the colours that can be slip, dirt-resistant and easy to keep clean – pale seen in adjoining rooms. While pale colours reflect carpet is probably not a good idea. So, what to light and emphasise a sense of space, dark schemes choose? Tiles are very easy to care for, and there can be both cosy and interesting. are various options, including stone, ceramic or In busy households with young children and pets, quarry, or colourful Victorian encaustic (perfect it’s a good idea to protect at least the lower halves for period properties). Floorboards or parquet will of the walls from wear and tear. Extra-tough paint need regular polishing or waxing, but be careful is a good choice, or consider adding a dado rail with wood laminates – they are cheaper, but may and cladding the walls below it with tongue- not last long. Good quality vinyl flooring, in sheet and-groove panelling, tiles or hard-wearing vinyl or tile form is sturdy, cleanable and comfortable wallpaper. Period-style patterned tiles or embossed underfoot. If you prefer a more luxurious feel, a wallpapers are particularly appropriate for older dark wool carpet in an 80:20 mix of wool and nylon properties with period features; you might want to with a twist pile should withstand heavy usage or, choose patterns that echo other elements of the for a more rustic look, how about tough natural house, such as cornices or fireplace surrounds. matting such as coir, sisal or rush? 24 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Lighting makes all the difference

Halls are often windowless and dark and, while they do not need to be very bright, should be welcoming and lead the eye into your home, as well as safely illuminating any steps or thresholds. One small change that may help is to use a specialist light-reflecting paint, or wallpaper with a metallic sheen. Add a large mirror, too – also helpful for checking your reflection just before you leave the house. In terms of light fittings, wall lights are not ideal in a narrow hall, as they may just act as obstacles; a series of recessed ceiling downlights is better or, if your ceilings are high enough, a pendant (or a row of them) that suits the style of other furnishings works well.

Storage is essential

Most people store a variety of things in their halls and the type of storage you choose is best moulded around what you need to store, how much space it will take up and how frequently you need to access it. Built-in storage makes the most of every inch of space. Shallow, floor-to-ceiling

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cupboards with doors painted the same colour as the walls, or mirrored to maximise light, will hold masses yet be barely noticeable. Alternatively, make a statement with a choice of free-standing, perhaps vintage or upcycled, cupboards, sideboards or benches. Umbrella stands, dog beds and boot racks are ideal for spacious, country-style halls, while narrow, urban halls might benefit from a high-up hook for a bike and a slim shelf above a radiator on which to keep post and keys.

Add a finishing touch

In a hall that has windows, think about how your blinds or curtains will complement the rest of the space. The colours and patterns of fabric can coordinate with cushions or upholstery on seating, for example. A long, thin floor runner adds a nice touch of softness, pattern and texture on hard floors but always use a non-slip underlay beneath. Hang paintings or photographs on the walls, in rows or informal groupings, taking care that their frames coordinate with each other and with the décor overall. Finally, why not add some plants, books or a pretty lamp on a console table? You can create a beautiful display that shows off your personality and creates a lovely welcome to your home.

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3 In a spacious hallway, more than one item of storage furniture will work a treat. They don’t have to match exactly – this pairing helps create a welcoming, eclectic look that has heaps of character. Wiltshire console table in natural solid oak, £299.99, St Ives tallboy in natural and painted oak, £299.99; both Oak Furnitureland: 0800 440 2254; oakfurnitureland.co.uk. A spacious sideboard is an excellent addition to any hall, combining hidden storage and surface display space. This one blends pale timber with classic black for a smart and minimal look. Greenwich large sideboard, £229, Nala mango wood table lamp, £25; Butterscotch rush basket, £22; all Dunelm: 0345 165 6565; dunelm.com. A pale wood floor is practical and beautiful, and tongue-and-groove walls are easy to maintain in case of muddy splashes. Tegola Westminster traditional oak wood flooring, £49.99 per square metre; natural coir Bee doormat, £15; both Carpetright: 0330 333 3444; carpetright.co.uk.

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