Nick Acaster is managing director of Stair Rods Direct, so he knows how important detail is when it comes to interior design. Below, he offers his advice for boosting the impact your hallway has on your houseguests.
Interior design is all about detail, so it’s important that you give all the rooms in your home your attention — including your hallway. This space is often overlooked in favour of feature rooms like the living room and kitchen, but it’s the first part of your property that guests are introduced to. So, it needs to make a good impression.
Below, I’ll be sharing four simple ways to turn your hallway into a grand entrance, which includes upping the luxe factor and wowing your guests.
Work from the outside in
Your curb appeal – how attractive your home looks from the outside – can make a big difference to how people feel about your entryway and it can tell them what to expect when they’re welcomed into your home. So, getting it right is just as much a part of creating a grand entrance as decorating your hall is.
From fresh greenery and flowers to symmetrical light fittings, there are plenty of ways to spruce up your exterior without major renovations. Take a few minutes to stand outside your home and try to identify that areas need improving. Sometimes, a pressure wash is all the front of your home needs to get you excited to walk up the front path and put your key in the lock.
Upgrade your front door
Your front door makes an immediate statement, so try to choose a style that complements your interior design. Beyond colour, there are pane and glass options to think about that all contribute to your perfect entryway. Do you want something that is friendly, stylish, or unique? Do you want to let in lots of natural light? Or, is privacy your main priority? If you already own your dream door, a fresh coat of paint can give it the polish it needs to welcome you home properly at the end of a long day.
Elevate your staircase
Your staircase is the main focal point of your hallway, and it’s what you and your guests will notice first when you open the door. So, it’s important that you keep the steps free from clutter and choose your decorative features carefully.
Whether your stairs are carpeted or not, an attractive stair runner can draw the eye upwards and add depth to your hallway, all while providing a more luxe effect. Which patterns and colours you can choose will depend on your personal taste. Bright colours or busy prints on your stairs and banisters can turn your hallways into a cheerful place, whereas neutral colours can be more calming. So, base your overall palette on how you want you and your guests to feel.
Make smart décor decisions
Instead of taking up space with ornaments and other decorative features, let your architecture do the talking and choose stylish statement lighting and furniture to add personality to the room. Not only will sculptural fittings perform two roles in one, but they also look more expensive and make the whole room seem more sophisticated.
Similarly, save space by finding furniture that doubles as clever storage solutions. You’ll be able to tuck away all the shoes, coats and bags that litter hallways and have the potential to ruin your luxurious look. Then, you’ll have enough room left over to add a lamps, plants, or other small decorations instead.
These are just four of the simplest ways to turn your hallway into a grand entrance. Whatever your style, focus on creating a statement staircase with complementary furniture – but don’t forget about curb appeal.
