Category Archives: Hallways & stairs

January 6, 2012 · 7:31 pm

Old world charm

End of the week at last! I hope you’ve all had a good one. I find the first week back to work rather difficult: early rises and long work hours are a sudden change from the lazy mornings, fun and games, eating, drinking and merry-making of the holidays. Still, back to routine is necessary and one mustn’t grumble, yes?

After finishing work for the week, I was having a tidy on my macbook (it gets so cluttered) and happened upon photos of a wonderful gem of a hotel where Colin and I had spent a weekend last summer – Langar Hall. I’ll just drop in here that it is Paul Smith’s choice of accommodation when he is in this part of the island.

This was the homely, charming room we stayed in: all mix and match, lovingly decorated with an unmistakable love of antiques (no shabby chic or deliberate distressing). (Sorry about the photo quality, I didn’t have my good camera with me.)
While the room had an old world feel, there was nothing dated about it, but rather a nice feeling as if visiting dear old gran who has an excellent eye for timeless, cosy style and she has prepared her best guestroom for you!

I’ve stayed in hotels ranging from grubby to posh, rural farmhouse to city skyscraper. As I remembered my time at Langar Hall, I realised how much I loved staying there over the sleek and contemporary Columbus Hotel in Monte Carlo some years ago (poshest hotel I’ve had the fortune of enjoying – and not paying for!). Does that sound weird? Yes, I know it does. I’ve turned into a soppy old romantic. That’s not to say I’m going to fill my home with old furniture, but I do like working some antique pieces with newer items.

Anyway, here are some places (from books I treasure) that I would love to step into for a while, to soak in the charm and character, and to rejoice in seeing antiques thriving.

Farrow & Ball: Art of Colour, Brian D Coleman

William Yeoward at Home: Elegant Living and Entertaining in Town and Country

Perfect English, Ros Byam Shaw

Perfect English Cottage, Ros Byam Shaw

So… are you feeling the olde worlde charm or has this made you feel stuffy? Do you have an urge to get these books so you too can pretend to step into these places, or do you think I am beginning to sound old?? Do tell!

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Filed under Design, Hallways & stairs, Living rooms

Tagged as traditional, traditional English

October 9, 2011 · 6:15 pm

Love at first sight: Hallways {Guest Post}

Hello lovelies! I have my hands full with baking and other bits and bobs this weekend so Jenn from Arcadian Lighting has kindly written an informative and inspirational guest post on hallways/foyers for us. Enjoy!

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A hallway sets the tone for the entire house – it is the first and last area of the home that a visitor will see, and this is why designing a stunning entrance is so important. Beautiful patterns/colours, a unique design, and great lighting will make all the difference in creating a gorgeous entrance to fall in love with. Here is a selection of hallways in different styles to inspire.

Give the space a focal point

The wood floors, double doors and rounded white staircase are beautiful, but it is the glass-topped table with the pretty patterned tablecloth that steals the show.

Delicate details

The architectural detailing seen here is what really makes this hallway striking, particularly the texture on the walls and the juxtaposition of the rich wood against the crisp white accents.

A touch of nature

Sticking to a theme helps to create an elegant entryway, as evidenced here with an antler-inspired ceiling light, organic touches such as the framed branches and potted plants, as well as the neutral colour palette.

Top it off

Wallpaper is a sophisticated design option, and it looks even more dramatic when applied to the top of the wall and even the ceiling, like in this entranceway. The large ceiling light is a great touch.

For the busy household

This family-friendly foyer is gorgeous for a number of reasons, from the chalkboard wall to the slate-grey floors to the modern ruffled ceiling light.

Warmth of the east

An entrance with a vivid Asian-inspired pattern, such as the cherry blossom wallpaper here, envelopes the room in warm inviting tones.

Elegantly busy

A hallway for a family looks stylish outfitted in warm cream colours and is much more personalised with numbered baskets so that each person knows where to store their things.

Reflecting on design

Reflective materials come together beautifully in an entryway, like oversized mirrors and clear furniture – it also helps the space appear larger and flows seamlessly with the rest of the house.