The hallway is the first area you see when you enter a home, thus its design should set the tone for the whole house. You can think of it as an opportunity to show your sense of style and create a great first impression for your guests. Apart from setting the tone for the look of your home, it is also a practical space which, if used properly, can store a lot of things you need when you are on your way out. If you don’t know how to start designing this space, here are some ideas to awaken your creativity.
The Layout
The first step to designing a space is deciding on the furniture layout beforehand. Since the primary function of the hallway is passing through it, you shouldn’t put a lot of stuff in it so that you don’t overcrowd it. You should place only one or two items tops, so choose the ones that show your style and are practical at the same time. You can put a modern hallway console table which will add practicality and up the aesthetics of the area. If you need it for storage purposes, go for a nice solid pine timber table with drawers. If you need it just to store the few items that you always need when heading out, choose a simple modern hallway console table that will easily fit into the interior.
The Flooring
When it comes to the basics of designing the hallway, you should always go for functionality first and looks second. However, try to find a balance in between if possible. The flooring should be durable, moisture-resistant, and easy to clean and maintain. So, you can go for patterned floor tiles and have them laid diagonally to create the illusion of a greater length and width. A wood flooring is a great choice to add warmth. The lighter the floor colours are, the bigger the effect of spaciousness will be. Also, large-scale chequered floors will make the hallway look wider, and on the plus side – they are always trendy.
The Lighting
Proper lighting makes everything look much better. If there’s enough natural light, make sure to use it in all the best ways possible as it can make your space look more bright and airy. Hard flooring will expand light and a stylish mirror placed opposite of a window or a glass door will reflect light as well. Additionally, you can add wall sconces, pot lights or a chandelier to bring in extra light. Furthermore, you can put lamps on the console table and combine it with a big mirror which will create a more dramatic look.
You can get creative even with the hanging space. For example, a vintage coat stand in the corner is a great way to add character to your hallway and create a clean and sleek passage. Another option regarding furniture pieces is adding a seat. For example, a fabulous chaise longue or a bulky accent chair will perfectly fill up the space. On the other hand, an acrylic chair or a narrow bench with cubbies for storing shoes is the ideal choice for a smaller hallway. Or, you can go with a small ottoman or a sleek pouf that can be put under the console table – there really is a great variety of choices.
The Colours
The hallway is a great place to experiment with the colour palette and add drama with richer paint tones or wallpapers, especially if it is separated from the rooms. Opt for a hue that complements the already existing colour scheme but choose bolder hues and undertones. You can even paint out a portion of the ceiling with a bright colour so that it attracts the eye upward.