Welcome to my exciting journey transforming my Victorian home’s entrance hall into an award-winning masterpiece. This space beautifully combines historical elegance with modern sophistication. I have created a unique reflection of my personal style, blending classic and contemporary elements seamlessly in my own home.
The Vision Behind the Hallway Redesign
Every great design begins with a vision. In my case, I wanted a gothic inspired atmosphere that instantly captivates guests as they walk through the door. The original hallway featured lovely Victorian details but felt dull, depressing and beige. My goal was to create a sumptuous, interesting, open area that made a strong first impression and has something intricate at every turn.
To bring my vision to life, I hand-painted the floor in a classic black and white checkerboard pattern, topped with a hand painted trompe l'oeil marble effect, transforming the floor into a functional yet captivating centerpiece. The addition of gilded gold leaf borders running along all room edges and up the stairs, beautifully frames the design, inviting everyone to step inside and appreciate the elegance and interest beyond.
Heres a link to the classic floor colours I used from Rustoleum, Tanglewood and Natural Charcoal And here's my viral video of me decorating the room .
Creating an Illusion of Space and Light
Creating a sense of space is crucial in any interior design, particularly in a hallway. To achieve this effect, I strategically placed large mirrors under the staircase and on cupboard doors. Mirrors do more than reflect light; they also create the illusion of a larger area, particularly beneficial in a hallway that can feel narrow. Most independant glazing companies will be able to supply bespoke cut mirror, I used varnish stripper to remove the backing and then a bleach spray to age the mirror finish to give it that vintage "foxed" effect.
In addition to the mirrors, I turned the area beneath the stairs into a chic built-in bar. This corner features a sleek wine fridge and stylish under-stair lighting, shelving and storage. This addition not only provides a practical element for entertaining but also converts an overlooked nook into an unexpected delight.
Showcasing Art and Curios Along the Gallery Wall
As you ascend the staircase, you are welcomed by a stunning gallery wall running across my landing. This space displays my cherished collection of art and curios I have collected through the years, featuring some of my own prints and those of friends and fellow artists I admire such as Joanna Charlotte, Selina Grazia and Kintsugilt. My gallery wall also features my curated collection with Artfully Walls. The arrangement flows seamlessly from the walls to the ceiling. I have hand crafted frames that bend wall to ceiling, offering a dynamic perspective that reflects my artistic personality and brings some fun. Check out my prints and avaliable artwork here https://www.bland-design.co.uk/shop.
To maintain a cohesive look, I painted the panels of each doorway in the same hues as the inner rooms. As a result, guests are encouraged to explore the intriguing spaces that lie beyond each door.
Bold Color Choices to Enhance Character
Colour has a powerful impact on design. For my hallway, I selected a rich, deep green from Rustoleum for the lower walls. This choice pays homage to the Victorian era, adding a classic ambiance that complements the home’s overall aesthetic and makers the gold highlights pop.
The green shade serves as the ideal backdrop for the gold accents throughout the hallway. The 24-carat-gold gilded detail on the bannister draws the eye without overwhelming the space. Additionally, I restored the old wall corbels that provide an artistic touch again with 24 carat details, enhancing the design even further. Click here to watch me restoring and gilding the corbels.
The Balance of Elegance and Practicality
While visual appeal is essential, functionality matters too. The hallway serves as a transitional space, and I ensured it remains practical. Using built-in storage solutions keeps my entryway tidy, a clever diy using Ikea 'billy; bookcases . This consideration not only enhances the visual charm but also makes organization a breeze.
Lighting also plays a key role in the redesign. I carefully selected light fixtures that enhance the atmosphere, showcasing the richness of colors and textures. This thoughtful approach makes the space inviting, whether it’s day or night.
Reflection on My Design Journey
Transforming my hallway has been an incredible adventure filled with creativity, experimentation, and a touch of bravery. Every element, from the hand-painted floor to the curated gallery wall, was chosen with care. The result is an entrance that feels both welcoming and upscale.
This space has not only won Ufurnish 'Best Hallway' award, November 2024. You can read more about more projects I've done with Ufurnish here . My hallway serves as a reminder that with a bit of imagination and bold decisions, you can breathe new life into any corner of your home. Dont forget to check out my d.i.y and process videos on all aspects of this project on my Instagram, Youtube , Tiktock and Facebook pages!
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