How To Make An Entrance In The New Year

The New Year is a great excuse to break out the paintbrushes and get started on those jobs you've been putting off. Sadly, one room that often gets neglected is the entrance hall, as we don't really spend much time in it - we're usually passing through it on the way to another room. But don't forget that to guests, the entrance hall is their first impression of your home, so it's worth making the effort to make it as warm and welcoming as possible.

In fact, it's because hallways are usually only used as a walkthrough that you can afford to try something a bit more different and daring than you usually would. If you want to experiment with a feature wall, lay some unusual tiles or just hang up an eye-catching piece of art that would be too distracting anywhere else, this is the place to do it. However, there's nothing wrong with keeping things plain and simple if you prefer.

The first rule when designing a hallway is to keep the thoroughfare as clear as possible - there's nothing more annoying than having to step around a bulky table every time you step through the door!

A hallway normally features a few bits of functional furniture: a console table pushed against one wall for storing letters, a coat stand and boot rack, and perhaps a single chair to sit in while you're waiting for someone to get ready. Only put what you can fit into the space though, and if a piece of furniture obstructs the main walkway, find somewhere else for it.

The flooring you choose is also an important part of the entrance hall, and many people choose laminates, hardwood flooring or tiles because they're easy to clean.

You don't have to do anything fancy with the floor - a classic Victorian floor mosaic like this one looks fantastic and is flexible enough to go with any other furnishings you choose. Place a welcome mat down - this not only adds to the "entrance hall" aesthetic, but helps to keep your floor clean too!

Next, think about the lighting. As hallways are often narrow and windowless, consider placing a long mirror along one wall to widen the space and reflect the natural light it does get. Uplighters and wall lights are a great choice for this kind of hallway, creating a much more interesting effect than a simple pendant light. Alternatively, a skylight provides a sunny and welcoming source of natural light.

Finally, consider the little touches that make a hallway welcoming. Flowers in a vase on the console table are a classic way to liven up the space and provide a visual "welcome" from the moment guests step through the door.

If you've got a long hallway, it's a great excuse to show off any artwork you've collected over the years (think of it as your own private gallery!) and choose ones that work well in a sequence. These touches may seem like afterthoughts, but they can have a bigger effect than the wallpaper or flooring - experiment with a few different ones until you find what works best.