Sam Adams
Finding a scheme that ticks the boxes for hall, stairs and landing ideas can be a tough nut to crack. These spaces, while connected, actually have different requirements so finding a universal style to unify them takes time and patience.
Hallway ideas must be welcoming to guests and provide storage, staircases need to be suited for high-traffic, and the perfect landing ideally needs to feel light and spacious.
We've collected our favourite ideas for entry halls big and small, practical stairways and interesting landings so you can design your ideal scheme. Original features have been retained during this renovation, while new glazed door let natural light penetrate the once dark hallway. For staircases, flooring is also pretty essential, but also consider how the bannister will play a part in the overall design — can materials like wood and glass emphasise the scheme you're planning?
Landings are often a neglected areas, but this circulation space can play an important role in how we feel in our homes. Remember, landings can be dark as most windows have been divided up for bedrooms so consider installing a source of natural light to bring the space to life. A monochrome scheme such as this one can provide the best of both worlds — the light ceilings make the room feel spacious while the dark treatment gives a contemporary edge to the renovation. "Alternatively, go all out and paint the walls and ceiling a darker colour, you can then lighten this by doing the opposite of the above and having lighter accessories and hardware." To apply modern staircase ideas to an existing design consider also painting the steps and bannister in a contemporary colour, as shown here. If you have a larger space, consider making it an open room – a home for instance – like the one pictured with bags of personality and a connection with the staircase and hallway below.
A clever interior trick for hallways, staircases and landing is to use the same colour scheme with different textures and treatments. Finally in the landing space swaps to a light grey carpet with characterful reclaimed timber storage doors.
"The staircase lighting ideas and scheme will be key in getting the space to feel how you want it to," says Dowsing & Reynolds' Connor Prestwood. A patterned laminate floor choice blends beautifully with the navy tiled half wall and matching door. "If you have extra budget, underfloor heating in the hallway is an effective way to combat heat loss keeping the main entrance of the house warm," advises Kamla Swaitecka, head of marketing and brand at Tile Giant (opens in new tab). There are a good amount of alternative options to carpet when choosing flooring for halls, stairs and landings.
Available in a wide range of timber-effects, laminate gives a fresh, neutral look, plus it’s easy to lay and cost-effective too. Something as simple as a picture or painting and a chair can make a landing feel like it had more purpose than simply being circulation space.
Landings and staircases, far more than hallways, can be dark and unwelcoming so if you're undertaking a renovation or extension project, consider where you can add in some access to natural light — think picture windows and rooflights.
In the project pictured, a long line of bifolding windows were installed that can open out to deep planters with fresh-smelling flowers — an ingenious top-of-staircase design idea that give the space so much to look at and admire. Plus, the full-height cupboards to the left of shot have enabled every bedroom to outsource winter coats and other bulky items so there is more space in the house all-round.
