Just Passing Through: Making the Most of Hallways, Mudrooms, & More
Transitional spaces of the home –– whether they're areas between interiors and exteriors, upstairs and downstairs, or room to room –– are often cramped, cluttered, overlooked or simply uninteresting. But when form and function work in harmony, these "in-between" spaces can have a dramatic impact.
Oprah Winfrey has said that "a home should rise up to greet you." Does yours? A thoughtfully organized and decorated foyer or entryway sets the tone for a home. It might be mostly decorative –– an elegant vignette at the base of a grand staircase, a stately rug –– or it could be a highly functional "launch pad" for a busy family.
For those of us with limited space, these areas simply cannot be incidental; in fact, they demand a multi-functional approach. A hallway can hold bookshelves; a staircase might highlight an art collection in a home where wall space is at a premium; and, in the absence of a garage, a mudroom can feature storage for sports equipment and gardening supplies.
Whether your own transitional spaces are meant for maximal or minimal function, they are a great place to experiment with grand design gestures: deep-hued paint, oversized patterns, or dramatic lighting. If you're so inclined, areas like these can be the perfect place to take a risk, since the space is often tiny, narrow, or otherwise limited to big ideas in small doses.
Oprah Winfrey has said that "a home should rise up to greet you." Does yours? A thoughtfully organized and decorated foyer or entryway sets the tone for a home. It might be mostly decorative –– an elegant vignette at the base of a grand staircase, a stately rug –– or it could be a highly functional "launch pad" for a busy family.
For those of us with limited space, these areas simply cannot be incidental; in fact, they demand a multi-functional approach. A hallway can hold bookshelves; a staircase might highlight an art collection in a home where wall space is at a premium; and, in the absence of a garage, a mudroom can feature storage for sports equipment and gardening supplies.
Whether your own transitional spaces are meant for maximal or minimal function, they are a great place to experiment with grand design gestures: deep-hued paint, oversized patterns, or dramatic lighting. If you're so inclined, areas like these can be the perfect place to take a risk, since the space is often tiny, narrow, or otherwise limited to big ideas in small doses.
This charming Hamptons mudroom brings beachside chic and pin-neat order to a high-traffic space. The built-in cubbies and storage drawers are a great way to keep each family member's belongings organized, while the fresh, minimal white-and-green color scheme cuts down on visual chaos as well. The bold rug is both a soft touch for bare feet and a pop of graphic interest.
Busy multi-story homeowners have long known that a basket on the stairs can keep clutter at bay. But this ingenious solution by Donald K. Olsen Architects takes the concept even further, making clever use of "dead" space with handsome built-in drawers and bins.
Art dealers know that the eye-popping visual impact of artwork is maximized by clean white walls and hardwood floors. Create your own chic gallery look with a minimalist approach in a hallway: install track lighting for flexibility if your art collection changes or grows, and keep things cohesive with matching black or other neutral frames.
I love this idea: a home bar tucked into a recess in the wall, outfitted with deep drawers, a wine rack, and plenty of room for a growing collection of potent potables. In your own home, why not outfit a too-tiny closet, built-in bookcase, or other unused alcove as a bar? Shelves and lighting can adjusted to your needs and even painted to match your decor. It's a smart use of space with a touch of retro swank.
In this grand country house, a staircase offers a cozy nook for curling up: kids (and cats) will love a pillow-strewn spot like this to call their own.
Designed for an active Chicago family, this kitchen opens up to a snug home office and a mudroom area with built-in storage for outerwear and plenty of room to sit down and pull off snowy winter boots.
This space combines the laundry and the mudroom –– and why not? Gardeners, athletes and families with children will love peeling off the dust of the day right where the washing is done. It's as efficient as it is lovely: handsome built-in shelving hold library books to be returned, and a sleek countertop over the washer and dryer makes room for folding and sorting.
This image is hugely popular on Houzz for a reason: nothing creates instant drama like lighting. These unusual fixtures cast a nest-like shadow on the walls around them, adding texture to an otherwise minimal space.
There are in-between spaces outdoors as well, of course. No space goes to waste on these graphic tile stairs –– it's also a delightful impromptu garden for urban dwellers.