Morning all, I’m shaking things up a bit this week with what I hope might be a regular series on Fairly Light. Recently I was contacted by Katie, a Twitter follower, to see if I would be happy to offer a few recommendations on a decor dilemma. Though Katie isn’t a stranger (we met virtually through Rock My Wedding), I was very flattered to be asked by someone other than my Mum or best friend for a spot of interiors advice.
Over to Katie…..
“Basically, I’m having a bit of an issue with my hallway as it’s quite an awkward space.
We’re about to have the awful magnolia walls decorated (pale gray walls with a feature wall of Cole & Son’s Cow Parsley wallpaper in yellow). You’ll see on the pictures the space under the stairs where the side table is. That’s where the paper will be going – you may spot the wallpaper sample on the wall too!
My issue is with the space opposite the side table. We have a couple of sockets there which are an eye sore and it just looks bare. I’m really unsure what type of thing would work in that space, furniture-wise. I’d like to put a bit of a gallery wall with pictures on some of the space – we have some lovely photography of places we’ve been on our travels.
If you can offer me any top line thoughts or advice for what you think may work I’d be so grateful, as everything I’m looking at really isn’t right.
Thanks so much! xx”
I’m in love with Katie’s wallpaper and paint choices and am a sucker for a wooden floor. Also how much space is in this hall?!
From a furniture perspective I quickly disregarded a tall bookcase or perhaps a tall skinny chest of drawers as I thought that it would be too domineering in what is a really lovely open, sweeping space. I did think about a nice upholstered chair but again thought this might be awkward in the space as it’s a shame to disrupt the wide expanse.
My next thought was to include a side table, however rather than a low one I would suggest a tall table, perhaps with thin legs such as this one in Danielle Moss’ apartment to make the most of the space. I suggest topping this off with a lamp and a mirror hung portrait ways so that you get maximum use of the wall and a soft glow on what will be gray walls.
Another thought was to make the most of the L shape by adding a mini storage space (rather like a mud room, but without the mud) potentially adding an upholstered bench, adding hooks (for glam accessories rather than the wet suits that adorn this sweet Meg Braff designed space) and a picture ledge to rest the traveling photos against. Obviously the New England style shown here wouldn’t suit the style of Katie’s home, but you get the idea!
However, I think my most favorite suggestion would be a corner floor to ceiling gallery wall. Perhaps not quite so cluttered as this one (found via Danish site Bolig), but with a decent, even spacing between all the frames. Wrapping around the two walls would create a real focal point and a place for guests to gather to have a good look through all the pictures. I know Katie is conscious that the entryway sets the whole tone of the house and so I think this would make a really welcoming addition. Adding a nice leafy bit of foliage in the form of a tall, lean plant might also break up the space and add an extra dimension to a wall of pictures.
Now, I open up the floor to you lovely lot. Please drop me (and Katie) a comment if you have any thoughts on how to add some va-va-voom to a hallway.
Lastly, thanks to Katie for sharing her hall. I can’t wait to see how you finally decorate the space!
Lauren x