In People’s Homes

Glassware Essentials For The Ultimate Home Bar

We can’t deny that the dark nights and cold winter months are approaching. Outdoor drinks and cocktails might soon be on temporary hiatus, but that doesn’t mean you and your fellow cohabitants can’t enjoy a tipple together inside. You’d be wise to upgrade your at-home bar game. An easy way to improve your drinking experience is to make sure you’re using the best cocktail glass for your beverage of choice, the same way your favourite bar does. Technically any glass will do, but there are specific shapes designed for specific drinks, intended to take your drinking experience to the next-level. Emily Dunstan, Home Accessories Buyer at Heal’s in collaboration with Holly Tudor, Cocktail Development at The Alchemist brings you the ultimate list of beautiful glassware to pair your tipple of choice with. The simple yet elegant pairing The long stem on this glass will help keep your drink as cold as possible. Better still, this style glass is a lot less likely to lose its contents over the rim and onto the floor if you’ve had a particularly good evening. And unlike some other martini glass styles, these are dishwasher safe, so there’s no need for hand-washing. Emily says: This pair of stunning champagne saucers adds a touch of delicate, Art Deco style to your evening drink. Holly says: These glasses are the perfect vessel for something simple yet elegant like Carrie Bradshaw’s favourite, the Cosmopolitan. How to make at home: Pour 35ml of citrus vodka, 20ml of lime juice, 20ml of triple sec and 40ml of cranberry juice into a shaker with cubed ice. Shake for 15 seconds or until condensation forms on the outside of the shaker. Fine strain into your saucer and garnish with a flamed orange zest. Get this glassware Best cocktail glass for fizzes and gins The aptly named highball is a classic standby that’s used for all sorts of cocktails, and fizzes particularly tall, cold drinks (often filled with ice) that are popular in the summer months when wanting to stay cool. Emily says: We suggest keeping the style simple with a highball, and these fit the bill beautifully. Highball glasses will enhance the aroma of gin's botanicals due to their subtly flared shape, perfect for any gin lover. Holly says: This sophisticated calls for a sophisticated gin classic – the Tom Collins. How to make at home: Pour 60ml of gin, (we like to use an Old Tom style gin for a sweeter and more citrusy drink) over cubed ice, add 25ml of lemon juice, 10ml of sugar syrup and top with soda. Adjust the amount of syrup in the drink to your tastes. To finish, garnish with a squeeze of lemon. Get this glassware Best Cocktail Glass for Wine Spritzers Choosing a wine glass for spritzers doesn’t need to take a lot of thought, you can use the same wine glass you usually use for wine. However, you’ll want to make sure there’s enough room in there for ample wine and soda. Emily says: These glasses will bring an added level of refinement to special occasions. Each glass is expertly mouth-blown and presented in a beautiful box, making them perfect for gift giving. Holly says: These wine glasses give a classy edge to everyone’s favourite summer beverage – the Aperol spritz. How to make at home: Pour 50ml Aperol, 125ml Prosecco over ice and top with a dash of soda water to lengthen. Give it a quick stir and finish with a squeeze of orange. Get this glassware Best Cocktail Glass for Spirits on the Rocks An old fashioned or double old fashioned glass is usually your best bet when it comes to sipping whiskey, vodka or any other spirits on the rocks. Emily says: Designed for the connoisseur, tumblers will bring a suave and debonair feel to your home bar. Ideal for a single malt whiskey or a short cocktail. The mouth blown glass is worked into a curvy silhouette that fits perfectly within the individual walnut base. Holly says: This glassware is perfect for impressing your friends with one of the oldest cocktails going, the Old Fashioned. How to make at home: Add 2 tsp of demerara sugar and 1 dash of bitters to the bottom of your glass and stir to combine. Add an orange zest, 15ml of Woodford and 2 cubes of ice. Stir to dilute and add another 15ml of Woodford and 2 more ice cubes. Repeat this another 2 times until your Old fashioned is diluted to your taste. Top with more cubed ice and garnish with an orange zest. Get this glassware The After Dinner Cocktail Glass This glass is perfect for margaritas and after dinner classics with its wide top and tapered bottom. Each glass is blown using fine crystal glass and boasts an elegant curved silhouette with a slim stem and flat base. Emily says: This glass is ultra modern and will add a touch of elegance to your home bar. Holly says: These cocktail saucers would pair amazingly with an after dinner classic like the espresso martini. How to make at home: Add 30ml of vodka (or dark rum if you fancy a twist) 15ml of coffee liqueur, 10ml of sugar syrup and 1 shot of fresh espresso to a cocktail shaker and shake hard for 15 seconds or until condensations forms on the outside of the shaker. Fine strain into your cocktail saucer and garnish with espresso beans. Get this glassware A Reminiscent Art Deco Evening Glasses which have a wide, shallow saucer allow just enough space for your favourite Champagne cocktail or negroni. This simple set adds a little sparkle with a metallic rim and they come in gold or silver to match the rest of your barware. Emily says: Champagne glasses add a touch of style to your evening drink and home bar setting and these smoked grey additions provide an Art Deco aesthetic. The tinted glass is a unique twist on typical champagne saucers, creating an energetic expression that will stand out in any drinking set. Holly says: The colour of these smoky champagne saucers work amazingly well with the deep red hue of one of my favourite cocktails - the Boulevardier. A whisky twist on the negroni. How to make at home: Add 30ml of bourbon, 30ml of Campari and 30ml of sweet vermouth to a mixing glass with cubed ice and stir for 30 seconds. Strain into your saucer and garnish with a pink grapefruit zest. Get this glassware A Spin on a Classic This pair of stunning yet unique wine glasses adds a touch of flair to your dining experience. Make your home bar the most on trend with a unique twist on the classic wine glass. Emily says: These glasses are a unique twist on typical wine glasses, creating a dynamic expression that will stand out in any drinking set. Holly says: I really love the look of these wine glasses, I think the size and shape lend themselves really well for putting a slightly different spin on a refreshing long drink such as the Paloma. How to make at home: Add 45ml of Tequila, 15ml of lime juice, 40ml of grapefruit juice and 2 tsp of agave to a cocktail shaker and fill with cubed ice. Shake for 15 seconds or until condensation forms on the outside of the shaker. Strain into your wine glass over cubed ice and top with soda. To finish, garnish with a squeeze of pink grapefruit. Get this glassware The Perfect Mixer Glass This contemporary long glass design is perfect for a relaxing drink in the evening. The unique art deco-inspired design will comfortably hold your favourite cocktails, but will also bring the flavours and aromatics of your drink to the forefront. Emily says: The vertically-ridged surface and narrow base provide a contemporary aesthetic, making this set stand out from the rest. The thick glass and heavy base make them a robust addition to any dining and social scenario. Holly says: I can see these being the perfect glass for something ice cold and refreshing like a Mojito. How to make at home: To make simply add 25ml of lime juice, 15ml of sugar syrup, 45ml of white rum and a handful of mint straight into the glass and top with a scoop of crushed ice. Use a bar spoon to churn the drink and release the oils from the mint. Once mint is well dispersed throughout the drink, top with soda and fill with crushed ice to the top. Garnish with a sprig of mint or a lime wedge. Get this glassware

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Fiona Coleman: My Career As A Trend Forecaster

As we continue our series focusing on careers in design, we chatted with trend forecaster Fiona Coleman. Now a freelance fashion and textiles consultant, Fiona began her career as a designer for the likes of Paul Smith, Uniqlo, M&S, Next and Benetton. She then went on to spend ten years working for leading trends platform WGSN. Her work has taken her across the globe and seen her speak regularly at events and as a lecturer at British universities. She is also a member of the British Textile Colour Group. This involves playing a key role in creating biannual colour palettes for Intercolour. Most recently, she has been working as a specialist consultant for ITC SheTrades. As part of this role, Fiona works on projects advising women entrepreneurs on how to develop their businesses for international trade. Read on to discover more about Fiona’s path to becoming a trend forecaster and her key advice to help you. What is trend forecasting? Most trend forecasters, especially for the fashion and interiors sectors, use a combination of intuition and analysis of consumer insights to spot new micro and macro trends. Social, political and cultural information all impact on what trends emerge, how they evolve and how long they will last. Trend forecasters work in every industry. Depending on product lead times and type of industry either long-term (2-5 years) or short-term (6 months – 2 years) forecasting is used. Long-term forecasting has to do with macro trends—major shifts in fashion that will be relevant for over two years. These are the big-picture trends that define the fashion business. For example, changes in demographics, lifestyle and the way clothes are made and sold. Short-term forecasting for the fashion, footwear, interiors and textiles industry involves predicting upcoming trends. This includes colour, materials, textiles and print that will spark consumer demand. https://www.instagram.com/p/CFPKQ02gelb/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CD_9DBMgdpQ/ How did you get your first job as a trend forecaster? I was lucky that my first role as a designer was with a supplier to M&S. Working for a large company I was offered training and responsibility. My first job was great. However, it also made me realise that I wanted to do something more creative and lead rather than follow trends. So, my second job was actually my first as a trend forecaster. This was in a multi-client design and trend agency in London. It worked on bespoke information for clients who ranged from big retail groups to international brands. This was pre-internet, so all the work was presented on boards and we worked face to face with clients. Nowadays, most presentations are delivered digitally, sometimes in person and sometimes remotely. How has trend forecasting changed throughout your career? WGSN was a game changer when it came to forecasting. They were one of the first, if not the first, online forecasters who offered a subscription model. Before that, companies bought seasonal trend forecasting books, many by companies like Promostyl, Carlin and Peclers. Many of them were French and set up in the 1960’s. Whilst these seasonal books still exist, those companies also have online offerings. https://www.instagram.com/p/CDtTh7TgILc/ https://www.instagram.com/p/B6nYdiKgGTu/ What is one major lesson you learnt from your first job? How to be adaptable and how to work for multiple clients at the same time, on different products. I also travelled a lot to wherever our clients were. The job opened my eyes to the world of multiple clients and tight deadlines. Do you need to have fashion experience to work as a trend forecaster? Everyone has different routes into trend forecasting and it depends what area you end up specialising in. If it’s more on the consumer behaviour side, then sociology and journalism as backgrounds can be useful. If you want to work on the colour, materials and macro trends side, then many people have backgrounds in textiles. Part of forecasters’ role is to challenge brands and retailers to think differently. How did you find the transition from in house to freelance? I’ve always interspersed working full-time for companies with periods of freelancing. I realised early on that I thrive on variety so I’m lucky to have worked in different environments and countries. You do have to be good at time management and have a good network though. https://www.instagram.com/p/ByiVnpHA9YK/ https://www.instagram.com/p/B7-cdsBgrSZ/ Tip to making a splash in your first job? Be enthusiastic and a team member. Your older colleagues have all been in your position and have had to work hard. Plus, they probably know things that you don’t even know you don’t know yet. First of all, make sure it’s something you really love doing. Although many people think first jobs are just stepping stones, they really can shape the direction of your career. Do respect and learn from those more experienced and learn the dynamics of your workplace. We only absorb so much while at university, it’s when you’re in the working world that you really start learning. Find yourself a mentor. Any key advice you’d give to someone looking to get into trend forecasting? First of all, you must be someone who loves researching and is constantly curious. I never completely switch off-even when I’m on holiday; I’m looking around at different cultures and patterns of life. There are now courses specifically for trend forecasting. However, whilst these give you a great insight into the business, nothing replaces practical experience. I would recommend spending as much time as possible looking, researching, documenting, evaluating and compiling as possible. Plus, try and gain some experience presenting your work to others. It’s all part of the job. We hope Fiona’s advice inspires and helps guide you on a future career as a trend forecaster. Good luck!

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Grey Sofa Living Room Ideas

Grey is an incredibly versatile colour so it’s no wonder many choose a grey sofa for their homes. There are plenty of options when it comes to grey sofa living room ideas, from gunmetal grey to paler hues. Each one is perfect for creating a layered, textural interior scheme. To help you choose, we’ve selected some of our favourite grey sofa living room ideas. Play with hue and texture We love how the Cane Sofa Bed is positioned in this shot alongside shades of grey and off-white. The addition of a concrete floor and fireplace lend texture and depth to the space. Whilst concrete floors can look particularly industrial, the sofa’s cane accents lend it a more natural touch. The same can be said for the modern wooden coffee table and nonchalantly draped throw. The way it is cleverly positioned alongside a coordinating rug makes this image one of our top grey sofa living room ideas. Versatile grey sofa The beauty of a grey Richmond Sofa is that it’s incredibly versatile. By simply replacing the cushions in winter or summer, you can create a seasonal scheme. We love how the geometric blue cushion in this grey sofa living room idea draws on the upholstery’s blue-grey hue. Plus, the addition of a faux fur throw and cushion make it perfect for colder months, evoking imagery of snow. Grey and Pinks When you choose a grey sofa for your living room, that doesn’t mean the whole room needs to be monochrome. In fact, a grey sofa provides the perfect base for a splash of colour. This grey sofa living room idea incorporates pastel pinks and off-white to create a welcoming space. Warm lighting and natural wood accents keep it feeling fresh, modern and cosy. Plus, since the Torino Sofa finds the perfect balance between tradition and modernity, it’s ideal for all living spaces. Grey leather sofa living room idea Not only does a grey leather sofa look great, it’s practical too. Easy to clean and incredibly durable, choosing grey leather upholstery is a great choice for those with kids or pets. Plus, grey leather is a rarity in peoples’ homes, so it’ll stand out as a considered design choice. Pair it with pared-back walls and modern accessories for a contemporary look. Corner sofa seating When it comes to grey sofa living room ideas, nothing gets better than a spacious corner sofa with space for all the family. The grey upholstery on the Eton Corner Sofa in this shot is as luxurious and premium as it looks. Pairing it with chrome legs and positioning it alongside dark woods like walnut really adds to the overall aesthetic. Plus, the pared-back colour scheme really allows the floor-to-ceiling windows to take centre stage. Coastal Scandi The Mistral Sofa in this shot boasts recycled fabric upholstery made from fashion industry off-cuts. Pairing it with light wood legs and surrounding it with plants and large windows means it feels aligned with nature. Again, the addition of soft pinks really makes the room feel on-trend and welcoming. Plus, the grey upholstery is versatile enough that it would also work well in plenty of other spaces. Like what you see? Shop grey sofas at Heal’s.

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The 16 Most Instagrammable Rug Styles

A rug is the perfect accompaniment to any room, they can add character to an otherwise lack-lustre layout. The choice of rug can completely change the tone of a room. There are so many rug options to choose from, It is hard to know which rug type to choose. To make that difficult choice easier, our researchers have compiled a list of the most Instagrammable rugs based on popularity. Plus, our home accessories buyer, Emily Dunstan, offers her top tips. Persian Rug - 203,344 posts Persian rugs are one of the most popular and unique rugs on the market. Plus, they are incredibly versatile in both look and price. Produced by rug artists in Iran, the beautifully intricate designs are great as statement pieces. However, they can also be toned down for a subtle but equally elegant look. Emily’s Top Tip: Patterned rugs like Persians are great in high-traffic areas like living rooms as they wear in a beautifully subtle way. Get the look Moroccan Rug - 76,841 posts Traditionally hand-woven in Morocco, this type of rug was originally made for functional purposes. However, western culture has begun to notice and admire the wonderful colours and patterns. With bold patterns and adventurous colours, this rug choice will add that extra kick to your room. Emily’s Top Tip: Moroccan rugs can also double as wall hangings where they can be admired in full. Get the look Kilim Rug - 69,254 posts Full of unique patterns and textures, a Kilim rug is the perfect statement piece. Kilim rugs are great for high-traffic areas as they are very easy to clean. Plus, most Kilim rugs are reversible which is ideal for busy homes. Emily’s Top Tip: Colour matching the rug to surrounding furniture is key to making busy rugs like Kilims fit in perfectly. Get the look Oriental Rug - 60,844 posts Despite often being thought of in the same category as Persian rugs, not all 'Oriental' rugs are Persian rugs. An authentic 'Oriental' rug will only be made of wool and occasionally with silk too. Beautifully intricate designs fill these rugs, a perfect expression of skilled craftsmanship. Emily’s Top Tip: Try pairing detailed rugs with neutral colours or with other accent colours within the room to create a seamless décor. Get the look Berber Rug - 42,330 posts With North African roots, this traditional rug is full of character and earthy tones. A dense pile provides the ultimate softness and a thick feel, modernised Berber rugs commonly utilise geometric patterns and styles. Emily’s Top Tip: Pairing Berber rugs with earth tones like terracotta can create a rustic and earthy feel. Get the look Runner - 18,091 posts This long thin rug type can be used for both practical and visual reasons. It’s the perfect addition to hallways, walkways or in front of the sink to catch spillages. Emily’s Top Tip: This type of rug is best used in hallways as a runway rug to create the illusion of direction and to open up the space. Get the look Fur - 17,946 posts Real fur rugs are dying out due to their non-vegan credentials, nowadays faux fur rugs are much more popular. Faux fur rugs add extra luxury to a room during the winter months. Emily’s Top Tip: Fur rugs look best when they’re the centrepiece of the room, and are not overshadowed by other furniture. Try placing this rug in areas with little traffic to keep it looking full and fresh. Get the look Shag - 16,010 posts Shag rugs have a deep pile which gives it its textural appearance and high comfort levels. These rugs became very popular during the 60s and 70s and remain a highly sought-after rug even now. The only downside to the shag rug is the difficulty in cleaning it. Emily’s Top Tip: When placing furniture on this rug, remember to use furniture coasters to stop the pile from becoming flattened. Get the look Overdyed - 10,892 posts Overdyed rugs are made by bleaching and dyeing rugs to create vibrant colours. It’s often a great way to revitalise old rugs and brighten up a room. Emily’s Top Tip: Overdyed rugs are a great way to modernize old Oriental rugs and to change up colour schemes. Get the look Woven - 4,415 posts Woven rugs are a great accessory to any room, they can instantly change the décor. The woven rug is a very popular component of the farmhouse style interior due to its rugged and informal look. Emily’s Top Tip: Woven rugs look amazing when they are layered on top of each other for an effortless look. Get the look Abstract - 4,270 posts The perfect expression piece, abstract rugs are popular in modern homes, they can give the room an instant chic feel. Whatever the pattern, these rugs fit very easily into any room. Emily’s Top Tip: This rug deserves admiration in full, avoid placing busy coffee tables or furniture on top or nearby. Get the look Geometric - 1,846 posts Another modern rug, these geometric rugs are often very bright and have crisp lines throughout. This rug looks best in maximalist settings where patterns allow for self-expression. Emily’s Top Tip: Colour matching is key for this rug, choose key colours and feature the same coloured accent pieces to make the carpet pop. Get the look Recycled Rug - 1,470 posts These rugs are perfect for eco-friendly homes and are available crafted in all manner of recycled materials. Recycled pieces have a bad reputation as being boring, these rugs, however, have just as much character as other styles. Emily’s Top Tip: Recycled rugs come in a variety of different patterns and designs. They often look great in gardens. Get the look Ikat - 586 posts Ikat is a dyeing technique which produces bright and beautiful patterns throughout the rug. In recent years, Ikat rugs have become increasingly popular. Emily’s Top Tip: Ikat rugs have complicated colours and patterns. So, stick to using complimenting neutral colours for other furniture in order to keep the rug as the stand out piece. Get the look Trellis - 561 posts These contemporary rugs are commonplace in modern and minimalist homes. Moroccan building domes inspired this pattern. Due to the patterned nature, any surrounding furniture should complement the rug and shapes must not conflict. Emily’s Top Tip: Trellis rugs look great with white and grey rooms, this design screams elegance and sophistication. Get the look Plain - 378 posts Plain and simple, these rugs come in a variety of colours and are the perfect bold addition to a room. Whether you choose a neutral or bright colour, this style is a classic. Emily’s Top Tip: Plainly designed rugs offer pops of colour or neutralise an otherwise colourful room. Get the look

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Parisian Style Interior Design Ideas

The French capital is the centre of effortless, luxurious style, from fashion to furniture. So, it’s no wonder you might want to bring elements of Parisian style into your own home. Over time, French style has shifted from gilded furniture, chandeliers and rich tapestries, becoming somewhat more pared back. Today, the look can be achieved by combining traditional styles with modern touches. Think decorative ceiling moulding contrasted with a bold rug for a uniquely Parisian flair. Even if you don’t have a high-ceilinged apartment and a Juliet balcony, there are still ways to channel Parisian style. The equivalent of a statement lip Parisian style is all about making statements, whether it’s understated or out there. Like a bold lip, there’s always room for a stand-out sofa. Like in this photo, opt for a sofa that complements your space. Here, the canary yellow colour pairs perfectly with the herringbone floor and is accented by accessories throughout the room. With such a bold sofa, keep the walls and fixtures light. Out-there shapes Parisian style is all about being yourself. So, when it comes to your furniture choices, don’t shy away from bold shapes and colours. In this shot, Ligne Roset’s Togo Sofa fulfils both criteria. Again, when opting for a bold colour, use neutral hues around the rest of the room. However, even in cream upholstery, the Togo Sofa still packs a punch. Modern elegance Despite being separated by just a slim stretch of water, Parisian and British architectural styles vary widely. However, if you’re lucky enough to have original features like stone floors and huge windows, then definitely make the most of them. Choose pared-back, modern furniture that enhances a room rather than overwhelming it. These Ligne Roset armchairs and the statement black bookshelf sit independently in the room, letting its features shine through. It’s all about timelessness Parisian style isn’t about what’s on trend. It’s about what’s going to be on trend for the next fifty years. To get the Parisian look, invest in refined furniture that’s well made and sure to last a lifetime. Think premium woods, natural materials and neutral colours. To express a certain je ne sais quoi, scour markets and antique shops for vintage furniture. Well-thought-out vintage additions will lend a sense of history to a space without making it look tired. Creatures of comfort The reason Parisian fashion is so popular is, in part, thanks to the emphasis on comfort. Whilst the stiletto-equivalents of the interior’s world still exist, by combining them with comfortable aspects, you create an inviting space. This spacious Mariposa Sofas from Vitra even have adjustable arms so you can customise them for your comfort. We love how they’re a similar tone to the walls to keep the room calm and fresh. Note the hard-to-care-for bonsai tree, aka the stiletto of the interior’s world. Don’t be flashy When it comes to fashion, Parisians are rarely flashy. Logos are kept to a minimum and wardrobes consist of timeless staples. We suggest doing the same with your interiors. Opt for a few key materials and colours to use throughout your home and stick to them. For example, in this image white marble, natural wood and brass reign supreme. Infuse these throughout the rest of the home for a cohesive, Parisian style décor. Space to socialise Britain’s reputation for cold weather and rain means Paris’ bistro culture is practically non-existent on our side of the channel. Instead, we tend to prefer entertaining in our homes. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t add some Parisian style to your dinnertime. Opt for classic Picardie Glasses from Duralex and crisp white crockery to enjoy your hors d'oeuvres from. Try to keep table décor simple. However, if you do want to create a centrepiece, channel Parisian opulence with a floral bouquet. Keep it simple We love how this image channels Parisian style by combining two similar wood types. Rather than having everything matching perfectly, using similar hues lends a certain nonchalance to the décor. So, although it’s clearly been carefully thought out and designed, the space doesn’t feel ostentatious. Note the lack of clutter on the shelves and the tonal accessories that have been chosen? These add to the sense of simplicity as they don’t stand out in a brash way but still boast design kudos. Like what you see? Shop modern furniture now.

In People’s Homes

Top 11 Modern Hallway Ideas

As the entrance to your home, having the right modern hallway ideas to hand when redesigning your home is essential. We have compiled some of our favourite inspiration to help you design the right hallway for you. Think space-enhancing mirrors, statement coat racks and storage that thinks outside of the box. The ultimate modern hallway Truly cutting-edge hallways need a centrepiece and a mirror could be just the ticket. We’re so inspired by this modern hallway idea. The clever positioning of the mirror means the concrete steps are showcased from multiple angles. The Hook Hanging Mirror from Porada is a great choice because its clean aesthetic fits seamlessly with the contemporary interior. If you’d like to make a similar statement, look for mirrors with clean lines, architectural detailing and size. Contemporary coat stands A coat stand may not be the first thing on your mind when looking for modern hallway ideas. But, in recent years coat stands have stepped away from traditional design and now have a place in contemporary hallways. We love this Passe-Passe Coat Stand from Ligne Roset. Made up of two wooden laddered racks attached together, the stand has a natural, relaxed aesthetic. The horizontal rungs also provide space to display scarves and bags. You could also recreate this designer look in your own home by leaning a modern ladder against the wall. Colourful coat hooks One way to bring personality to your modern hallway is to bring in playful elements. Charles and Ray Eames’ Hang-It-All Coat Rack for Vitra is our go to for this. It’s available in various colourful finishes as well as in black and walnut. Aside from being a design classic that will never go out of style, it’s also incredibly functional with lots of hooks. If you aren’t won over by the Hang-It-All, there are plenty of other coat racks or hooks you can use to personalise your hallway. Statement hallway runners Upon removing your shoes at the door, stepping directly onto a cold floor isn’t pleasant – especially during winter. To solve this, we recommend adding a hallway runner. Not only does a runner pull together all aspects of a hallway, it also provides welcoming comfort underfoot. Don’t forget to use it alongside an anti-slip mat so it doesn’t slide all over the place. If you have statement tiles that you’d like to take centre stage, then consider a more muted rug. Natural materials like jute could be a good choice in this case. Statement mirror Whether you’re rushing out the house or taking a final glance at your evening outfit, a hallway mirror never goes amiss. If you have the space, we suggest going bold. We love this walnut Giolo Mirror from Porada. With its oversized design and organic shape, it lends something extra to traditional mirror designs. Even in smaller spaces, a large mirror will make the room feel bigger. Plus, when it comes to modern hallway ideas, adding a statement mirror is an easily achievable change. Get organised Storage affixed to the wall is great for saving space without sacrificing the perfect place to leave your keys. This Uten.Silo from Vitra has space for all your odds and ends, loose change and spare keys. Requiring just four screws to affix it to the wall, this slimline wall storage is one of our favourite modern hallway ideas. The beauty of this hallway wall storage is that it can be easily moved to different rooms if you fancy a change. It works equally well in bathrooms, kitchens and office spaces. Modern hallway mirrors A trick that works especially well in small spaces is adding a mirror or two. This is because they reflect light to make the space seem even wider and brighter. Our clean-lined Fine Edge Mirrors are perfect for thin corridors. Their slim frames don’t extrude too far out of the wall, so your modern hallway design flows uninterrupted. Mirrors also have a place in larger hallways where you may have space to go a little bigger and bolder. Modern hallway lighting When it comes to creating the perfect space, modern hallway lighting is essential. Luckily, you have lots of options. You could suspend pendant lights along the length of a corridor or opt for one large chandelier in the centre of the hallway. Whilst ceiling lights might be the popular choice, wall lights create an atmospheric and warm entrance. Greta M. Grossman’s Cobra Wall Light for Gubi will bring refined design to any hallway without overwhelming its aesthetic. We love how they’ve been positioned over a hallway table here. Traditional with a twist Modern hallway furniture takes all shapes and sizes, but we particularly love it when it’s functional. This blanket box offers the perfect place to put your shoes on as well as extra storage. Plus, it’s ideal in a medium-sized hallway as it doesn’t take up too much space. A blanket box is sometimes seen as a traditional design. But, with the addition of tapered legs and modern upholstery, it is perfectly at home in contemporary spaces. Space for seating If you’re lucky enough to have a large hallway, one problem that may arise is filling under-stair space. Many people choose to add additional storage or bookshelves, but we love the idea of creating a small seating area. Depending on your home, it could be the perfect spot to escape with a cup of tea and a book. Similarly, hallway seating is the perfect spot to wait for loved ones who are still putting their shoes on. Or, position the landline next to it and use it as a phone call spot. Modern hallway benches If you haven’t got space for an accent chair or armchair in your hallway, a bench is a great alternative. It creates the perfect space to put your shoes on or to organise school bags and coats. For extra storage, opt for a modern hallway bench with seating underneath. You can keep your shoes, winter knits or slippers there without the space feeling cluttered.