Although the houseproud among us lavish huge amounts of love and care on sitting rooms, kitchens and bathrooms, the hallway is all too often seen as a dumping ground.
However, in an ideal world, a hall will make an aesthetic statement. ‘It should be filled with things you enjoy,’ says the designer Sophie Conran.
There are a few essentials (a table for letters and parcels, dog leads, keys and umbrellas), but it’s the less prosaic elements that tend to be the most fun – pictures, collections and wall hangings that create a distinctive mood.
Sophie is a fan of mirrors in a hallway, not just because they maximise the amount of natural light in a space, but for a quick check of your appearance (‘no scrambled egg on your chin before you go out’).
Given that the hall is likely to see plenty of coming and going, hardwearing flooring is the best choice. Make the most of original flagstones or encaustic floor tiles if you’re lucky enough to have them, otherwise there are plenty of highly durable natural stone and porcelain floor tiles available.
Wood and rugs or runners is a combination that offers warmth, texture and comfort – just be sure to avoid pale colours if you have mud-loving children and dogs.
Much depends on personal choice and your furniture and paintings. For example, a restrained colour scheme may create a neutral backdrop to striking antique pieces or a sculptural staircase, although punchier or dark wall colours may work well in creating an individual identity.
She recommends using just a thread of the colour to run through a stair runner or in sitting-room curtains, for example, to create a cohesive feel to the whole house.
‘It’s important to have a variety of levels of light to help create several atmospheres at different times,’ advises Emma, who recommends a combination of a ceiling light, such as a chandelier or lantern, mid-height light from table lamps or wall lights and low-level light, such as step lights.
Our interiors expert Giles Kime guides you towards the most beautiful lighting on the market today.