Lincolnshire-based interior designer, Fiona Bateman, shares her tips for creating a beautiful, welcoming yet practical space
The hallway is often the first space people will enter when they come into your home - it's an area that not only invites guests in but, as the home's gateway to the great outdoors, it also needs to work doubly as hard as a practical space that can withstand the needs of bustling family life, too.
Fiona Bateman, a residential interior designer based in Waddington, near Lincoln, says, “The hallway is your first impression and an opportunity to make both you and your guests feel ‘at home’. Avoid having clutter on display and keep coats and shoes behind closed doors wherever possible.
“If you are limited on space, make a feature of your coat and shoe storage so that your solution looks considered and stylish. I love a console table or sideboard in a hallway with either a mirror or piece of art above. It’s a great opportunity to show off your personal style.”
And while hallways work best when they're clutter-free, that doesn't mean you can't inject a bit of personality, as Fiona explains: “Hallways tend to be small and minimal spaces and there isn’t a great opportunity to make them feel homely.
“To add interest, use as many materials and textures as possible. This could include a beautiful fabric curtain over the front door, a unique glass or metal light fitting and a timber console table sat on top of large format stone floor tiles.”
Hallway storage is key
From storing coats and shoes to dog leads, wet umbrellas and muddy wellies, the key to great hallway design - no matter the size of your space - is accessible storage, and it should be arranged in a way that you can easily 'grab and go' before heading out for the day - and quickly pack everything away when you return home.
“If you have the depth, the best way to store coats is on hangers,” says Fiona. “On pegs they get lost and don’t dry as easily. Heating your storage cupboard will also help coats and shoes to dry on rainy days.
“Shelves are the best way to store shoes. Make sure the bottom shelf is tall enough for boots and use a practical material to clean off mud and dirt. It’s always best to dry umbrellas before storing them away; try a freestanding umbrella stand, store small umbrellas in a basket or drawer, or hang umbrellas with handles over hooks or on a rail.”
Top tips for boot room design
One step up from the hallway is, of course, a dedicated boot room, which can often be found at the back of a house. Walk around any country house and you'll inevitably find a sprawling boot room that's been traipsed by muddy boots and paws for hundreds of years, but even a smaller dedicated boot room space can be a game-changer for busy families, especially those with pets.
“Dedicated boot rooms are something most people look for in a home,” says Fiona. “Having a space away from the kitchen for laundry avoids cooking smells and, if you have space, a clothes rail to hang ironed clothes on is really handy.
“Tall double cupboards for storing items like a mop, ironing board and vacuum keeps everything tidy and hidden away. Add sockets into the back of the cupboard so you can charge your vacuum in situ.
“A sink is a must so you can soak clothes and clean dirty boots away from your food preparation sink in the kitchen. And most importantly, add coat and shoe storage to keep your hallway clutter free!"
And let's not forget our pets, says Fiona: “We love our four legged friends but they do create a mess! If you have space in your boot room, install a small, raised shower tray with a hand-held shower to wash off muddy dogs before letting them into the rest of the house. Include plenty of storage for towels, food and accessories and how about built-in beds; especially if you have underfloor heating!”
Opt for hardwearing materials
“Boot room and hallway floors will inevitably be subject to outdoor shoes and will get dirty easily,” says Fiona. “I would recommend a hardwearing and easy to clean floor such as tiles or vinyl. When choosing grout, try to match it to the colour of your tile or go a few shades darker - and set a doormat into your floor so you can wipe your feet straight away.
“Spray painted cabinets will be the easiest finish to maintain in a boot room but you could add timber elements in higher level areas such as shelves that won’t be exposed to water.”
Our top tips for hallway and boot room design
Allocate a dedicated cupboard or drawer for each member of the family - keeping each person's shoes, coats, gloves, scarves and hats together will help to avoid that last-minute rush before you leave the house
If you have the space, include a bench or seating area, with shoe storage underneath, so you can sit down to put your shoes on
Opting for bespoke cabinetry will ensure you make the most out of your existing space
Understairs' cabinetry can provide ample space for coats and shoes
Include a large coir door mat or washable runner, along with hard-wearing, washable cushions on benches
Beaded backboards or panelling on the lower half of the walls will protect from scuffs and scrapes
Include a dedicated space for pet paraphernalia - keeping all of your pet's bowls, leads, food and treats together
Stone floors with darker grout will stand up to muddy boots, while pattered tiles won't show the dirt as much and inject a bit of personality into a small space.
Comments