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HOW TO DESIGN A HALLWAY

The entrance hall to a home creates the first impression for anyone arriving, be it the daily postie, delivery person invited or unexpected guest!  Additionally the hallway sets the style and tone for the rest of the home.

Here we share our knowledge, tips and inspiration for creating the perfect hallway. Our interior design courses have been teaching students for years, including many who have moved on to set up their own successful interior design businesses.

Entrance halls come in many shapes and sizes but the basic principles of interior design are the same whether you have a tiny square, open plan space, large entrance room, or long corridor.  

1. Start with a focal point

Think about how to lead the eye immediately upon entering the space.  There may only be a small area to work with but there is always a wall involved!  An item of practical furniture, such as a console table, sideboard or chest of drawers, with a mirror or art above it works well, or use the obvious wall available to just add art.  Be bold with its size and make it stand out.  Mirrors should not be placed opposite the front door as this is contradicted in feng shui and bounces the energy (chi) right out of the door before it has the opportunity to flow through the home.

2. Think about lighting and use it as a crucial layer to the hallway's interior design.  A stunning light fixture can be the main focal point if the wall arrangement isn't possible.  In any case, lighting is a vital component to create a welcoming atmosphere.

3. Add functional accessories like textured baskets for shoe or boot storage and attractive containers for keys or receipts.  Choose items which look beautiful as well as being practical. 

4. Ground the space with a rug or a runner which will define the space and create warmth as well as being practical.  A runner which ties in with the colour scheme, but adds pattern and texture would look great (see stripy runner in the image above), but if that doesn't fit then a correctly-sized rug can also do the trick.

5. Finally add art and accessories to finish off the look. This may be a stylish arrangement on a console unit, a plant, flowers, or a small keepsake on a radiator cover, but it will add interest and texture to your design.

For more interior design course tips see our choice of courses.