Putting your best metaphorical foot forward means that making a good first impression is imperative, and nowhere is that more true than in your home's hallway.
This space sets the tone for the rest of your home, so it's important that it not only feels good but looks good too. Striking that balance takes a bit of finesse; there are plenty of ways to elevate your space, but it's often the little details that make the biggest impact. Below, we share four small designer-loved details that instantly elevate your entryway.
A skirted table
Sink skirts have long been a designer favourite, but that doesn’t mean your affinity for frills has to stop there. Whether it’s a console table tucked against a wall or a round table anchoring a grand entry, a skirted table adds elegance with ease. You can elevate the look even more with a patterned fabric, or bring understated elegance with finishing details such as character-lending bullion fringe.
Thoughtful panelling
Adding panelling or moulding is an easy and affordable way to give your entryway a more high-end look. Architectural details are great at adding character, but be sure to work with the style of your home for the most natural look.
For example, you probably would not want to mix ornate, rococo-inspired French motifs with a modest country cottage or farmhouse. Instead, consider making a statement with colour, as designer Fran Keenan did in this cottage hallway.
Oversized art
Small hallways are primed for statement-making, so choose wall decor that does just that. Oversized art can really be anything – vintage signs, framed textiles, antique paintings – the list of wall decor goes on.
Whatever you choose, give it a place of prominence. If you go with a large piece, as decorator Heather Chadduck Hillegas did here in her country home, feel free to keep the rest of your choices minimal, leaning into quieter paint colours and slim furniture silhouettes.
Personality flooring
And I don't mean flooring with just any personality – I mean flooring that tells visitors exactly who you are and what you like. Into all things folklectic? Go for a fun stencilled design as designer Lilse McKenna did in this characterful cottage.
Prefer a more traditional aesthetic? Try brick in a herringbone pattern or textured stone to mimic an old-fashioned boot room.
6 essentials for a country-inspired hallway
Anna Logan is the Deputy Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she has been covering all things home design, including sharing exclusive looks at beautifully designed country kitchens, producing home features, writing everything from timely trend reports on the latest viral aesthetic to expert-driven explainers on must-read topics, and rounding up pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted to know about paint, since 2021. Anna has spent the last seven years covering every aspect of the design industry, previously having written for Traditional Home, One Kings Lane, House Beautiful, and Frederic. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. When she’s not working, Anna can either be found digging around her flower garden or through the dusty shelves of an antique shop. Follow her adventures, or, more importantly, those of her three-year-old Maltese and official Country Living Pet Lab tester, Teddy, on Instagram.
