Hallways are transitional spaces, a place we rarely linger for more than a few moments but simply pass through on our way to other areas of the house. Frequently, hallways are compact in size and can feel awkward and cluttered, often the dumping ground for outdoor essentials such as coats, shoes and bags.
Because of this, when it comes to planning the décor of our homes we often overlook the hallway as a room in its own right. But actually how we decorate our hallway is key to giving the whole house a calm, cohesive look that feels spacious and welcoming.
Floor pictured: Corinthian Marble and Doric Marble from our Art Select collection.
With plenty of architectural details and awkward angles to accommodate, the right flooring is your friend. Using a few clever tricks with pattern, colour and finishing details, your choice of flooring can give your hallway a sense of style and an illusion of more space. From traditional parquet and modern interpretations in herringbone to timeless geometric styles, a patterned floor is a great choice for introducing personality and a sense of movement.
The eye-catching sophistication of parquet flooring is a perennial favourite and guaranteed to add elegance. Choose a classic oak design in a traditional 9” x 3” size or select one of our many contemporary herringbone alternatives in a longer 18” x 3” size, including a wide range options in oak as well as ash and marble.
Floor pictured: Storm Oak from our Art Select collection.
Alternatively, why not scale up and lay full-sized planks on a 45 degree diagonal angle for a more unexpected approach that will draw the eye and introduce a more subtle sense of width and flow. To complete your floor and add definition, use a matching border with a single or double row of contrasting design strips.
When it comes to selecting a colour for your floor, don’t be afraid to go dark! Inspired by antique timbers matured over many years and stones with characterful veining in dark grey to black tones, a dark floor will add impact, depth and contrast to your hallway. Opt for one of our rich toned oak herringbone styles like our Nutmeg Limed Oak or choose a charcoal grey slate design, a black marble or even captivating Black Onyx, with its amorphous water-like effect.
Floor pictured: Black Onyx from our Art Select collection.
Choosing a statement geometric pattern a surefire way to set your hallway apart from the crowd. From a timeless monochrome style, a bold mix of classic shades or an unexpected blend of modern colours, a geometric floor will draw the eye and so help your hallway appear larger.
Our versatile Heritage Collection has been designed to offer intriguing patterns inspired by grand Victorian interiors in a choice of traditional or contemporary colours, each guaranteed to elevate your hallway and introduce much needed symmetry. Select your favourite from a mix and match range of patterns and colours from classic black and white and bold traditional colour combos to contemporary colourways. To finish off your design perfectly, the addition of a complementary decorative border will disguise any awkward dimensions.
Floor pictured: Mayfair from our Heritage Collection.
Whichever style floor you choose for your hallway, you can be reassured that every Karndean floor is tough enough to cope with all the demands of busy modern life. Hard wearing, waterproof and easy to keep clean with a soft broom and a damp mop, it’ll take no effort at all to keep your hallway looking beautiful and welcoming.
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