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Have you ever realized how important an entrance, or a foyer, or a corridor, or a lobby is? The entrance should give out that `special warmth` and reveal about the people living there. They give you an idea of what is to come. Often entrances are not given much importance and it mainly serves as a link between the outer (public)world and the personal space of the home. If not planned properly, hallways become wasted spaces.

What is essential for these spaces?

First let us consider

The flooring: You could have a geometrical design on the floor, especially hallways which are irregularly shaped or have odd corners. Avoid rugs, carpets of any sort as it can be slippery.

Lighting: Good lighting plays an important part in this area. They should be bright, and clear for reasons of safety as well as aesthetics. Even in daytime if your hallway has less light, consider putting ceiling fixtures which give additional light. If the entire area is lit up with a low background light, then you can put spot lights to highlight essential features. Ideally stairways should also be lit.

Wall treatment: Due to the high traffic at hallways there is a constant risk of the walls getting scratched, marked or chipped, so wall finishes must be very durable. These days there are a variety of wall textures available in rich tones. Vinyl wall finish is always desirable as they withstand all sorts of rough treatment. The colours should be harmonious to the colours used in the rooms inside. As light tones make a space seem larger and dark ones make it look small you could paint the facing wall darker and the side walls lighter to make a long narrow corridor seem shorter and wider.

What are transitional spaces?

Transitional spaces as the name suggests are the traffic routes of an interior space. There are normally several doors leading to the other central areas. This is important to remember as when the doors are left open, the colour scheme of one room should compliment that of the other room. Transitional spaces can accommodate a number of pictures and general memorabilia. You could use a nice mirror to give a feeling of space. Of course when placed on a table or shelf they can also be used to check on appearances. If there is window at a wide landing on the turn of the stairs, consider giving it an interesting window treatment.

`First impression is the best impression`. It is important to remember that you should keep in mind the practicalities and not get carried away with only the aesthetic appeal while designing these spaces.