The grand arrival, the first impression, the key to the kingdom! No pressure then… the entrance to your home offers a space to set the tone, send you off every day in a good mood and welcome you home in the evening. Narrow or wide, long or short here are some top tips to help you maximise this key space.

Flooring

In this area hardwearing flooring is best – tiles, hardwearing timber, or stone. These can always be softened with runner rugs. But as a base rule keep the main flooring hardy and easy to clean. You can also use something a little unusual if you want to create an interior with a slightly different feel, terrazzo or mosaic for example or even poured and polished concrete if you want a more urban industrial feel.

Walls

Once again with the finishes here the more durable the better. If you can do a mid level timber panel (also known as wainscoting) I would. Alternative treatments include vinyl wallpaper and robust wipeable paint. A new one I am using at the moment on one of my hotel projects is the eco friendly Paintfinity http://www.paintfinity.co.uk. For a contemporary feel paint the walls and ceiling the same colour, for a more classic touch, keep the ceiling and woodwork white and contrast with your wall colour. Mirror is also very useful if you have a narrow hall. Whether you go for a full-mirrored wall (as I did in my basement flat in Notting Hill) or decorative mirrors – it will add extra dimension to the space.

Lighting

As always lighting is key- a good overhead feature pendant (see above) if you have good ceiling heights or a good selection of down lights if you have a lower ceiling. It’s a classic but I love a pair of matching lamps either side of a good mirror! Picture lights and wall lights are another way to bring a nice lighting level.

Art & Styling

What better way to set the tone for your home then some wow art or photography in your hallway. A mixed selection of treasured family photos in range of frames, or a large canvas which includes you signature colours add a welcoming wow factor. Decorative mirrors always add a real sense of style and glamour. If you have a long hallway – art pieces in the same size at regular intervals can breakup the space and draw you along.

Storage

I believe you can never have enough storage and your hallway can be another area to maximise it! Any open under stair space can be closed off – with rails or drawers added to store coats and shoes, even suitcases. For slightly larger spaces you could also add a desk/home office area. If you don’t have a stairs (see right)– having a chest of drawers or a long bench with storage underneath instead of a console is a great way of using this area.

I hope todays blog gives you a few ideas! Next week I will be moving to Bathrooms – with some top tips how to make yours a real sanctuary in your home…