9 Ways to Make the Most of your Entrance Hall
The entrance hall is often the main gateway to your home so you want to give it the care it deserves to make a good first impression. Here’s how to create a stunning space that will entice people to step further in.
Add a Bench and Console Table
Many hallways lack space. A bench can provide seating without completely taking over the area and making it feel cramped. Consider selecting a bench with a lid for storing things you may be lacking space for in other parts of your home. Throw on some pillows and throws to add style and personality.
If you have enough space, a console table can provide a place for keys, mail and decorative items. A table will serve as a stunning multipurpose piece for both decoration and storage, making it a must-have in terms of aesthetics and functionality.
Hanging a large mirror above the table will create the illusion of more space by reflecting light around the area. However, if the table is directly opposite the front door, you may want to forego a mirror. In feng shui, a mirror facing the front door can push the entering ‘qi,’ pronounced chee, back out of your house or cause it to be trapped and not able to circulate the house to transmit positive energy. (‘Qi’ is the life force that brings abundance and tranquility.)
Enhance with Art
Art is a great way to immediately heighten the aesthetic appeal of any space and is easy to swap out if your style changes over time. The type of art you select will depend on the vibe you are going for. In a traditional space, you may want to hang classic paintings of flowers and landscapes. For a more modern or contemporary feel, opt for prints. Mixing bold colours through block prints works well in contrast to sophisticated decor like wall panelling.
Go for Gold
Adding gold elements to your hallway design is great for achieving a luxurious, contemporary aesthetic. Mix statement metals into the interior or simply accessorize with eye-catching gold pieces for a low-budget option that will have a big impact.
Illuminate the Space
Lighting is key in setting the tone and mood of any room. For a hallway, a mix of ambient and accent lighting works best. By layering these lighting types, the hallway will become both functional and aesthetically pleasing if distributed evenly to avoid creating dark, shadowed areas. Combining dimmable pendants or a stunning statement chandelier with wall lights and table lamps will establish an ambient space that is adaptable for all purposes and times of day.
Focus on Flooring
Flooring forms the foundation of your home. Not only is it important to select the right style, you want to choose a good, strong material like hardwood or tile that will withstand high traffic and be easy to clean from any outdoor dirt brought in.
The direction the flooring is laid also has a huge impact on the flow of the room. For hardwood, a chevron pattern can help to make a hallway feel more spacious if you place the planks parallel to the widest wall. This creates an elongated look by drawing attention to the longest section of the space.
Choose Colour Wisely
White is always a good choice of paint colour to make a room feel airier, brighter, cleaner and simpler. Add splashes of colour through statement walls, furniture or decorative pieces.
Alternatively, if you have wall paneling, consider adding a bold patterned wallpaper above. Wallpaper can be used to create lines and trick your brain into feeling certain effects, like making it feel cozier, more prominent or distracted from less visually appealing areas. The pattern of wallpaper can also reflect your personality, giving guests an insight into you and your home as soon as they step through the door.
Make the Front Door a Focal Point
According to the principles of feng shui, a strong and inviting front door holds the key to ushering in positive energy and promoting the harmonious flow of ‘qi.’ Carefully consider the colour of the inside of your door and try introducing an accent colour that you can pick up through the rest of your decor. If using a bold colour, choose a neutral floor to avoid introducing too many hues.
Zoe Warren has worked as an interior design expert for more than 10 years. She also provides expert interior design tips and advice for PriceYourJob, and her tips have been published in a range of leading press publications.
Clare Tattersall and www.realtorontowest.com disclaim any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or currency of the contents of this article and disclaims all liability in respect to the results of any action taken or not taken in reliance upon information in this article. The opinions of the writer are their own and are in no way influenced by or representative of the opinions of Clare Tattersall or www.realtorontowest.com.
