It’s easy to disregard it as just the walkway into your home, but the entrance hall is actually a room in itself, and can set the tone for the rest of the house.
Unfortunately it can become just an unloved dumping ground for shoes, coats and bags – or bits of furniture or art that don’t quite fit anywhere else.
Feng Shui experts set great store by having a clean, tidy and welcoming area just behind the front door – and whether you go along with that philosophy or not, there’s a lot to be said for a re-vamp of this heavily-used but often neglected area of the home.
As this is usually a narrow space to work with, it’s good to opt for a bright, warm paint colour, some elegant wallpanelling or a patterned wallpaper to add some character and make it look less clinical and ‘corridor’ like.
Adding wall lights will introduce a gentler glow than an overhead light, and when it comes to art, it’s a good idea to choose a statement piece that takes up an entire wall, or a gallery of images, perhaps a collection of photographs or some botanical prints.
The regular heavy traffic through the hallway calls for a heavy-duty floor covering, perhaps sisal or jute, or traditional flagstone or tiles.
If there’s enough space, consider a hall table, which will provide a practical but stylish space for keys and post, along with more decorative elements such as flowers, plants, or a lamp. A bench or chairs can also be a good, practical addition, along with some form of hallway storage cupboard or unit to maintain tidiness. A bench with storage underneath can be a great option, or if you have a bit more room, a coat rack or built-in cupboard.