EAVENLY HALLWAYS & ENTRY SOLUTIONS
You know what they say about first impressions and second chances? In this month’s newsletter, I share how a well-considered entrance/hallway can provide a sense of warmth and welcome through styling and decorating… not just for your guests, but more importantly for YOU.
Entrances are a tricky balancing act; a functional and transitory space that becomes a dumping ground for bags, shoes, and random items, while also being the place your guests are welcomed into your world!
Two competing functions that need some careful thought.
And for those with hallways, this transitory space can either serve as a ‘runway’ or a gentle journey into your home.
The solutions very much depend on the space available, who lives at home, and if/how often you entertain. Once that’s established, you can work from there to create a welcoming entrance that sets the tone whilst being a practical, easy space for those bags, shoes, and keys.
MAREE’S TOP TIPS
Looking to improve the style and function of your entrance or hallway? Use some of these tried and tested tips to instantly maximise the impact of this space.
- Clear the clutter to create an easy, welcoming space that relaxes you and your guests.
- Decorative storage baskets are ideal for shoes, and a stylish way to tidy away bits ‘n pieces.
- A bowl, decorative box or hook is a nice way to store keys, and a reminder to keep them in the same place.
- A console, buffet or side table is perfect for an entranceway.
- No room for furniture? Consider hanging some hooks for coats, umbrellas, and bags.
- Plants, candles, and aromatic reeds are wonderful way to greet and invite people in, whilst offering a sense of well-being.
Have a little more in the budget? These are three ways to really up-level your entrance and hall.
- FLOORING
Rugs offer instant comfort, warmth, and texture to what is an otherwise blank canvas.
Generally round or rectangle, getting the size/scale of your rug is important. For example, a runner is ideal for a long hallway entrance.
Top tip: Be practical. Maybe don’t put a white lambskin at the entrance…
- ON REFLECTION
A mirror is key too. Always handy to check your lippy or comb the mo’ on the way out!
Mirrors reflect light and make a space feel larger, so are a great trick for a small area, narrow hallway, or dark entrance.
- HIDING A REMBRANDT?
Or even just a photo of Great-Uncle Cyril… Hallways are the perfect place to gather your artwork.
Generally, an entrance or hall has plenty of wall space, making it ideal for showcasing your favourite pieces.
- FULL OF LIFE AND CHARACTER
Personalise your space with pieces that really show who you are. This creates interest, and talking points, and serves as a simple reminder of a life well-lived.
Be brave too. Mix and match your framed or flat artworks (like canvases) but ones with texture or that are 3D in nature – e.g. tapestries, mounted trinkets, dried floral arrangements, woven hats, macrame hangings etc…
- LIGHT IT UP
Consider how to soften the space with lighting – even if you have ceiling lights or wall sconces, a lamp will cast a soft warm glow over your space.
Wanting more wow-factor? Use fairy lights in your plants or LED lighting to backlight mirrors or furniture and watch the jaws drop!
- PAPER THE WALL
Wallpaper has made a big comeback in recent years, and there are options for all budgets.
Introduce the following for different vibes:
- Bright wallpaper will lift a dark hallway.
- Warm yellows or golds are welcoming.
- Need more joy? Add florals.
- Need texture? Introduce a grass paper, patterns or stripes!
- Soft and serene neutrals offer a calming “pause”. Enhance with texture from decorative items, a dried arrangement, or a wreath.
- Brass details work well with neutrals.
- And you can’t go wrong with neutrals paired with green, dark or antique wood, and an abundance of plants.
Tip: Match paintwork to the colours in your wallpaper for a unified look.
- GREEN IS GOLD
Greenery at the door is an easy win, and keeps your home air healthy. If you struggle to keep real plants alive, there are some very convincing fakes out there!
No space on the floor or elsewhere? Try a hanging basket or wall-mounted planter with trailing plant.
Top tip: Greeting your guests with a poke in the eye is generally frowned upon. Reconsider that yukka or cactus!
And there you have it. I hope these ideas have inspired you, and if you’re stuck and need an expert eye on the case, I’d love to help.
Maree
Style & Soul.
Check below some decorative pieces to shop and help you style.
SHORT ON BENCH SPACE – hang it instead
FAIR TRADE MACRAME
Save on counter space and hang your plants
SPICE THINGS UP WITH A CUSHION on your entrance chair
JUTE RUNNERS
Our intricately handmade table runners can dress up any table top with style.
Perfect size for a hallway table, bench or side board.
Not only do these table runners look beautiful, they also provide stability for anything you place on top while protecting your table tops from marks and scratches.
Handmade
Eco-Friendly
Ethically produced
White & Black Cotton
30 x 90 cm
