Making an Entrance!

It's easy to overlook your hallway - most likely one of the smallest areas of your home and one in which you may feel you spend little time. In actual fact, your hallway creates an immediate first impression, setting the tone and atmosphere for your home. If your hallway is feeling a little unloved, click here to see our 6 top tips to help you create a more inviting entry.

One of our recent projects involved updating the hallway of an elegant Edwardian property. With generous proportions, an impressive staircase and dark panelled walls, the hallway had bags of potential.

The first area to be addressed was the glass panelled porch which we believed was not an original feature of the property. Removing this opened up the space, establishing a much grander entrance with the stunning front door taking centre stage. It also allowed for an attractive vignette with a console table and a mirror which bounces more light into the area.

Before: After:

The existing dark stained panelled walls felt dated, heavy and a bit oppressive however we liked the texture and warmth they brought to the space. The preparation and painting was carried out by Phil and Sue at Home Decor Services and they did a fabulous job. Repairing the woodwork where necessary and simply painting the panelling white (Valspar: Shetland Sweater) made the hallway look and feel much brighter and more contemporary. Retaining the dark oak staircase was a deliberate move to tie in with the wooden floor and doors in the home and it now stands out and looks more impressive against the white panelling. The walls were painted in a strong grey (Valspar: Elephant in the Room) which feels classic and timeless and creates further contrast with the white panelling. A smart striped grey carpet (Sand dune Stripe from the Camber Sands wool range at Carpetright) adds pattern and the stripes are echoed in the contemporary ceiling pendant which ensures the hallway feels fresh and current.

Take a look below for further before and after photos of this project. We are delighted with the understated elegance of the finished result and believe it really sets the mood for this fabulous family home! If you'd like some assistance with your hallway (or indeed any room in your home!), we'd love to hear from you. Click here to get in touch!

Before: After: