Friday 6 October 2017

The Forgotten Space

When renovating the home we often concentrate on decorating each room to our personal taste whilst neglecting transitional spaces such as the entryway and hallways. Entryways are often dumping grounds for keys, coats and shoes, whilst hallways gather toys and laundry. These spaces can be difficult to decorate and style because of their size and shape.

The entryway is the first thing people see when they enter, so this space should really set the tone for the rest of your home. It might be small and an unusual shape but there are plenty of ways to make this space beautiful and functional. The upstairs hallway may seldom be seen but a little design can transform this space from transitional to a place where people will want to linger.

I have put together a few styling ideas for making the most of these forgotten spaces, if you have any ideas of your own please share them in the comments below.

Make a Statement

Since first impressions do count, it is important to make sure your entryway has the wow factor. Start with the flooring and work your way up. Many entryways are long and narrow, leading the way into the rest of the home. Lay down a magnificent carpet or rug and don’t be afraid of colour and warmth.
The benefit of a transitional space is that you can break away from the rest of the home’s design and be bold. The same goes for your walls. Try accent wallpaper or a bright colour you love. Just be sure you really do love it, because you have to live with it.

Grando Rug by The Woven Edge


The upstairs hallway begins where the stairs end and there are a few fantastic techniques to utilise the wall at the top of your stairs. Something that is becoming more popular is an art technique called trompe l’oeil. This trick of the eye uses very realistic images to make the objects appear 3D and you can buy wallpaper that utilises this affect. Just imagine the appearance of a bookshelf at the top of your stairs or an archway leading to a field of flowers. If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea you can create a wall of clocks or even a wall of framed photographs or artwork, turning the space into a gallery.

Functionality Doesn’t Have to be Frumpy

The benefit of transitional spaces is that they can provide excellent storage solutions, particularly for those items you need when you leave the house. Keeping things tidy and organised, particularly with a large family, can be a chore and can mean design gets left behind but that needn’t be the case. Wall mounted hooks at adult and child levels are a great way to stylishly and tidily hang coats and bags. While shelving and ledges can provide ample space for those smaller items like keys and lipstick. Use pretty bowls or jars to store smaller items and prevent the area from becoming untidy.

If you have the space, a storage unit can provide you with a cubby hole for each family member to store their belongings. You can even use the top of it for plants and fun trinkets.

Finally, make the space feel welcoming. Walking through the door should put a smile on your face and your guests should feel welcome too. Soft lighting is a great way to create a cosy and warm feel and you can achieve this with a stand-up lamp by the door instead of harsh overhead lighting. Mirrors create the illusion of openness and space while art work and family photographs are a great way to show your personality and warmth.

Rustic White Coat Racks and Mirrors from hampshirefurnituresolutions.co.uk

With my styling tips - and your creativity - hallways and entryways need never be neglected again!

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