The Look
Whether your style is formal, casual, contemporary or traditional, the scene is set as soon as the front (or side) door swings open. In this front hall, a sophisticated, elegant vibe achieved through art, a substantial piece of furniture and various forms of lighting is instantly established.
Walls: Para’s SR5 Bubbles (P5116-34), accent walls: Para’s SR58 Elephant (P5221-41), ceiling: Para’s SR15 Cotton (P5226-14), trim: Para’s SR29 Snowfall (P5223-14D) through www.sarahpaint.com. Marble and slate tile, Ciot (www.ciot.com).
Mix And Match Lighting
Instead of a gauntlet of basic pot lights, install a combination of pendants and sconces. Cut-glass lanterns cast a decorative pattern on the ceiling, while candle-arm sconces help break up large wall planes.
Light fixtures, Artcraft Lighting (www.artcraftlighting.com). Plaster crown mouldings, F.B. Mouldings (416-505-3532).
Fabrics
For more interest, use fabrics to reinforce your design scheme, a contemporary/traditional mélange in the case of this hall. Witness, for instance, how the delicate crewel-embroidered linen on the chairs flanking the credenza gets an edgy, zingy update from a zigzag pillow in similar hues.
Chair and bench fabrics, Designer Fabrics (www.designerfabrics.ca). Zigzag pillow fabric, inVU Drapery Co. (www.invudraperyco.com). Area rug, IKEA (www.ikea.com). Brass umbrella stand, Of Things Past (www.ofthingspast.com).
Install A Solid Anchor
It can be a storage-providing credenza or sideboard that will control front hall mess. Here, sleek wood doors and drawers hide the ephemera of daily life, while a long tabletop allows room for elegant vignettes. An engaging piece of art adds more interest to the space.
Margot chair, Jordan bench, custom-made credenza, Sarah Richardson Design (www.sarahrichardsondesign.com). Black ceramic horse, Boo Boo & Lefty (www.boobooandlefty.com). Resin artwork, Love the Design (www.lovethedesign.com). Black and gold bowl, Crate and Barrel (www.crateandbarrel.com).
Bring It Down A Notch
If you’ve got little ones underfoot, a lineup of sturdy hooks within their reach leaves no excuse for an after-school pileup. Installing tongue-in-groove panelling (painted a vibrant red here) also creates a durable line of defence against book bags, rucksacks and coats.
Paint colours: Walls: Para’s SR38 Barn (P5081-85), trim and lower paneling, Para’s SR29 Snowfall (P5223-14D), ceiling: Para’s Cotton SR15 (P5226-14) through www.sarahpaint.com. Tongue-and-groove paneling, Brenlo (www.brenlo.ca).
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