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Photo credit: with permission from Fiona Cameron via Instagram (@around_houses)
How much attention do you pay to your hallway? Well, if you’re anything like me, it’s probably just a teeny tiny space in your home that you throw your shoes in, hang your coats in and pass through to get to the cosier rooms…
But, with autumn upon us (hooray!), wouldn’t it be a good idea to give your hallway a little more attention? Of course, no-one redesigns their hallway just for the sake of it being a new season…who has that kind of time or money, after all?! But with the leaves beginning to crisp and turn red, and the sky growing greyer by the day, now seems as good a time as any to give some thought to an area of our homes that’s going to take a bit of a hammering over the colder, wetter months.
Here are some ideas for what you can do with hallway if you fancy…
Photo credit: with permission from @end_of_the_row via Instagram
Introduce Elements of Your Favourite Style
Hallways set the scene for the rest of your house, and give a little nod to your interior design style and what your guests can expect to see. So think of it is a little starter, or a taster plate, if you will. For instance, if you love dark interiors, why not be brave and paint your hallway in a really bold hue? From luxurious black hallways, as well as inky blues, sumptuous reds and sophisticated greens, you can create a whole lot of drama with the right paint colour.
On the other hand, if you’re into mid-century decor (check out my post on the mid-century style if you’re wondering what that is…) consider adding a 1950s side table to store your shoes in, as well as a statement mirror or piece of art to reflect your taste.
Photo credit: with permission from @daniellellp via Instagram
Upgrade Your Hallway Storage
Beyond the decorative benefits of hallways, they also have a really practical function too. (Well really, the practical function comes first, actually, doesn't it?). They’re the perfect place to remove a soaking wet coat, hang an umbrella and towel-off a muddy dog.
So, make sure your hallway has suitable storage furniture. You might need to fix some stylish coat hooks to the wall, a shoe rack, or (if you have room) a floor to ceiling shelving unit to store all your bits and bobs.
Photo credit: with permission from @lotnumber30 via Instagram
Add Nice Lighting
Lighting is important in every room, and the hall is no exception. You’re going to need a light positioned near a mirror for last minute checks before you leave the house, as well as soft, warm lighting to welcome you home on a dark winter’s evening.
If you don’t mind a little extra effort (though it's still minimal, I promise) buy some timer sockets like these so that your lights automatically turn on once you've programmed it: you'll never come home from work to a cold, dark house again. There’s nothing nicer than walking in to be greeted by the warm glow of a light, is there?! Here's a guide to getting the lighting right in your home.
Photo credit: with permission from @_lisa_dawson_ via Instagram
Lay Good Flooring
Given that your halls get an awful lot of footfall and traffic, the floor surface is an important consideration. You don’t have to fork out for expensive solid wood floors, or beautiful tiles either, but it might be a good idea to rip up the carpet.
After all, muddy shoes, wet feet and dirt and debris blowing in from outdoors is a lot easier to clean if you have a wipeable surface. A welcome mat is a good idea, and so is a rug if it’s well secured, non-slip and suitable for the washing machine.
Think About Fragrance
Finally, a home isn’t just about what you see, but what you smell, isn’t it? Stepping into the hall invariably means you’re greeted with the scent of your home, and whether that’s the smell of a clean house, a bunch of flowers or a homemade sponge cake, fragrance is important.
Air the house regularly by opening the doors and windows, consider burning incense or candles, and don’t be afraid to open the kitchen door so that those lovely dinner smells waft out onto the street…your neighbours will wish they were stepping into your hallway with this final tip.
So tell me – what’s your hallway like, and is it a room you ever give much thought to? What would you like to do with your hallway if you had all the money in the world?!
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