Top interior designer Jacinta Preston offers some handy tips for decorating your hallway
.
The decorating dilemma
We have bought a house that has a huge entry “room”. How do you decorate a room that is not really a room? I can’t seem to find any decorating ideas for an entranceway. The heater under the window is not used, so that isn’t an issue. Please help! – Kerryn Meredith, Cheltenham, VIC.
Kerryn’s awkward entry space.
The solution
Breathing space in a home is a luxury – it creates effortless, open flow, separating and connecting the different areas of the house beautifully.
A foyer or hallway is a transition space, which means you can be more adventurous with your decorating. It’s the perfect area to play with scale, drama, colour and texture. And don’t forget that it can be a functional “room”, too.
Here are a few options to consider.
Option one: Gallery
You could turn your entry into a gallery space full of artworks, mirrors or family photos. Add a table in the centre of the room with a vase of large flowers for a lovely welcome.
And if the heater isn’t used, remove it, as it’s a wasted design opportunity. If it can’t be removed, place a basket, ottoman or bench in front to conceal it – attractive and practical.
Try putting your favourite items on display for a more personal welcome! Photo: Ben Hansen / bauersyndication.com.au.
Option two: storage/library
Storage is a huge element in most design projects and it can be as stylish as it is functional.
You could line all the walls with joinery/shelves and transform the space into a wonderful library. The spines of books and magazines add both texture and colour.
For a more eclectic look, use the shelves to display a favourite collection of objects, such as globes, apothecary jars, etc.
Line the walls with shelves for some extra storage space. Photo: Scott Hawkins / bauersyndication.com.au.
Option three: wallpaper
If storage is already adequate, and the budget a little constrained, patterned wallpaper can make a big and bold statement that manipulates scale and space.
And why not go one step further and consider papering the ceiling, too? It’s unexpected and a little quirky.
Remember, pattern on pattern is gorgeous and dramatic, so an artwork layered on top of wallpaper is a great design option.
Not so brave? A large gilt mirror would also work.
Have fun decorating and love your lobby!
