How to make a hallway that’s more than just a dumping ground

The best hallways create a bold statement. Amelia Thorpe explains.

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Although the houseproud among us lavish huge amounts of love and care on sitting rooms, kitchens and bathrooms, the hallway is all too often seen as a dumping ground.

However, in an ideal world, a hall will make an aesthetic statement. ‘It should be filled with things you enjoy,’ says the designer Sophie Conran.

‘The hall not only makes the first impression on your guests, it’s also the room that welcomes you back.’

There are a few essentials (a table for letters and parcels, dog leads, keys and umbrellas), but it’s the less prosaic elements that tend to be the most fun – pictures, collections and wall hangings that create a distinctive mood.

Sophie is a fan of mirrors in a hallway, not just because they maximise the amount of natural light in a space, but for a quick check of your appearance (‘no scrambled egg on your chin before you go out’).

 

Floors

Given that the hall is likely to see plenty of coming and going, hardwearing flooring is the best choice. Make the most of original flagstones or encaustic floor tiles if you’re lucky enough to have them, otherwise there are plenty of highly durable natural stone and porcelain floor tiles available.

Wood and rugs or runners is a combination that offers warmth, texture and comfort – just be sure to avoid pale colours if you have mud-loving children and dogs.

staircase designs

The vaulted lobby at the Provost’s House, Trinity College

Colour

‘Elegant and restful colours help the space to interact with the adjacent rooms, but there is a good case to be made for throwing caution to the wind and creating a bold, dramatic opening statement,’ suggests interior designer Janine Stone. ‘This can add to the “wow factor” and punctuate the energy of the home with real verve.’

Much depends on personal choice and your furniture and paintings. For example, a restrained colour scheme may create a neutral backdrop to striking antique pieces or a sculptural staircase, although punchier or dark wall colours may work well in creating an individual identity.

Pannemaeker Tropical Trees prints in handmade frames, £395 each, Quintessa (020–8795 3620; www.quintessa-art.com)

‘Why not be brave in ways that you would never dream of in a sitting room or kitchen, which you use all day’ suggests interior designer Emma Sims Hilditch. ‘You could paint the walls charcoal or a beautiful bright blue to create real impact.’

She recommends using just a thread of the colour to run through a stair runner or in sitting-room curtains, for example, to create a cohesive feel to the whole house.

Lighting

Acerra ceramic lamp, £288, and shade, from £120, Vaughan (020–7349 4600; www.vaughandesigns.com)

‘It’s important to have a variety of levels of light to help create several atmospheres at different times,’ advises Emma, who recommends a combination of a ceiling light, such as a chandelier or lantern, mid-height light from table lamps or wall lights and low-level light, such as step lights.

‘And think about scale – a tall candlestick lamp or an extra-large lantern will have amazing impact.’