E-Design Case Study: Awkward Hallway Transformation
THE PROJECT:
This client came to me with two awkward spaces leading off her family kitchen that with a huge renovation pending, she wanted to know how to use better going forward. Both spaces acted like wide hallways- thoroughfares through to the lounge, garage and the outdoors. Looking for inspiration on how to best utilise these two areas and give them better purpose, they were open to moving walls and completely switching things up to make things work better! Dream job.
The house is a secondary dwelling on a large lifestyle section. This cottage will one day be made available for rent, best-suiting a family of four. The property lacks valuable storage, with the kitchen in particular in need of additional pantry space- the lack of which means food storage currently leaks over into the adjoining garage.
THE DESIGN BRIEF:
Design-wise, they would like a nod to the country lifestyle with light, Hamptons-esque elements, lots of storage space, bright whites & clean vibrant colours, while still remaining practical for rural life with farm animals and pets. (We love a challenge!) The spaces should be able to accommodate entertaining additional guests. A favourite painting was provided as the inspiration for any accent colours used.
This e-design produced using the combination of an Interior Design Consult plus Self-Buy / DIY services with the addition of requested custom items.
BEFORE:
The artwork provided for colour inspiration
The current layout causes the spaces to become two wide empty hallways.
The dining table has been pushed back into the lounge which in turn condenses that space.
The kitchen lacks storage so additional pantry items are kept in the garage which is accessed regularly.
The space opposite the kitchen serves no purpose at all- we can definitely do better here!
AFTER:
Keeping the ease of flow through the spaces, the dining moves into the middle hallway for practicality of being closer to the kitchen. A bench on one side allows for the setting to condense back against the wall if and when required.
The wall opposite the kitchen is pushed back into the garage to incorporate built-in floor-to-ceiling pantry storage flanking a storage bench seating area- perfect for entertaining guests while cooking or for soaking in the afternoon sun with a coffee. Bringing the storage inside eliminates the need to go in and out of the garage.
White vertical cladding adds some texture and an additional sense of height to the hallway. It also introduces the ‘Hamptons’ / cosy country vibe. A mirror on this wall above the buffet helps to bounce around some light!
Continuity of colour scheme and materials across the two spaces help to make the the open-plan rooms feel more cohesive, warm and welcoming.
THE RESULT:
This was a tricky brief, with the colour inspiration source not exactly matching the request for a Hamptons look and feel! We think the overall result nailed it though, with durable, practical materials used throughout, heaps of storage introduced and one very happy client at the end!