Redesigning Hallways: Crafting an Impressive Initial Impression
Transforming Hallways: A Guide to Stylish and Practical Design
The hallway is more than just a transitional space in a home; it serves as a buffer between outdoor elements and indoor comforts. In this article, we explore various ways to design a hallway that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical and functional.
Creating a Cohesive Look
Choosing a consistent color scheme throughout the hallway helps create a cohesive and harmonious look. Soft, muted colors like light greys, soft blues, and creamy whites are ideal for small hallways as they reflect light and make the space appear brighter and more open. For a modern twist, consider engineered wood flooring with wide planks, which can create a seamless and expansive look.
Practical Considerations
When designing a hallway, it is important to consider practicalities such as space and storage. Claire Garner, director of Claire Garner Interiors, suggests starting by measuring the space to ensure everything fits without obstructing the walkway. In a long narrow hallway, consider dividing the space into two with an open archway so as to create a clear break between the hallway and the home.
Staircase Design
The staircase design should be cohesive on both levels, so consider it as a main feature of your hallway design, as well as an item with an important functional form. When designing a modern staircase, consider updating the spindles and handrail, or restoring it to its original finish.
Lighting
Arguably one of the most important areas of hallway design is the lighting. It needs to create a warm and welcoming entrance while providing enough light for tasks such as putting on shoes and coats. When it comes to artificial lighting, there are no rules other than to consider the proportions and to make sure the light has presence.
Heating
Heating the hallway is important to prevent it from being cold and draughty, but there's a fine balance between heating the space without it becoming a zone for heat-loss in a house. Nick Duggan, managing director at The Radiator Centre, suggests minimizing gaps under doors and draft-proofing windows to avoid excessive heat loss in hallways. Vertical radiators are a good choice for hallways as they provide ample heat while not taking up much wall space.
Designing a Dining Hall
If creating a dining hall, some form of division is necessary to maintain a sense of privacy and to prevent the entrance of outside air. Another option for the hallway is to eliminate the separate entrance hall altogether, combining the entrance with another room of the home, commonly the dining room, hence the term 'dining hall'.
Special Features
Opening up hallways to the first floor and roof can add drama to the hallway design. Porcelain tiles that replicate the look of Victorian Mosaic tiling can be a cost-effective and hard-wearing option for a hallway. Mirrored radiator designs can make a hallway feel lighter and brighter.
Renovation and Self-Build
When renovating an existing hallway, options include stealing space from elsewhere, creating a side extension, or building a lobby to provide a space between the front door and the reception room. In a self-build, a centrally located hallway is ideal, with all rooms leading off this area.
Claire Garner Interiors is known for creating beautiful designs through layered simplicity, evoking a true sense of depth and calm in spaces. However, there are no relevant search results detailing which countries Claire Garner has experienced in the interior design industry or her specific experiences in an interior architecture office.
In conclusion, a well-designed hallway not only sets the tone for the rest of the home but also provides practical solutions for storage, heating, and lighting. With careful planning and consideration, you can transform your hallway into a welcoming and functional space.
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