Is your hall and stairs looking tired? Anne Blake from La Maison Letterkenny has some top tips for a transformation:

As an Interior Designer, there is one question I frequently get asked…what can I do with my hall?

I want to share 6 simple steps that will totally transform your entrance space:

1. First impressions do matter

A console table (and mirror) is a must for inside any front door. They are available in all shapes and sizes to suit every space. Dress with one or two lamps.  As in many Irish homes there can be an absence of an electrical socket in the correct position, if this is the case, use a glass vase with battery operated lights.

2. Wall panelling

This is a relevantly cost effective way of bringing soul into your hall, all you need is a good carpenter and a professional painter! Panelling can be made to any height, most popular is around 1 metre high.

If you want my advice…..make panelling height to 140cm high. You’ll not regret it!

Panelling is also very effective when continued on stairs and landing. I would like to share a few pictures from our clients:

3. Paint your stairs

This will have the single most transformative impact to your hall. Whether you live in a dormer or 2 story house, the absence of light is always an issue. By painting stairs, it brings an infusion of light into your hall; it’s like turning on a light……go for it! Remember get a professional painter.

4. Wallpaper

Wallpaper can really funk up your hall. Recently some of our wallpapers have been shown on TV3’s ‘Showhouse Showdown’.

5. Curtains at the front door and landing window.

Adding curtains to your front door turns an unexciting hall into a warm welcoming room. It’s a great way to add pattern, texture and softness to this area.

La Maison have an extensive range of fabrics and wallpapers that guarantees to make your hall more interesting, call into us and we’ll show you various options.

6. Stair runner.

Not as expensive an option as you might think, and so worth it! For those of you who love the idea of a painted staircase but still want the warmth and traction of carpet, a stair runner is right for you.

If you have any interior design questions or interiors projects you need help with, call in for a chat with our experienced interior designers….we love sharing our ideas!

See you soon

Anne