Hallway decorating

[JoceAndChris]

Also a feeling that perhaps chandeliers are a bit boring.

:? Do you prefer more contemporary lighting?

Crystal chandeliers work magic,, the one in our bedroom http://www.thelightingsuperstore.co.uk/range.asp?rangeid=903
sends shards of rainbow coloured light all over the place. (This range has wall lights too, I saw it throughout a very beautiful interiors shop in Oakham where it looked absolutely stunning)

If you dislike glass drops, the wreath wall light by Jim Lawrence http://www.jim-lawrence.co.uk/lighting/wall-lights/wreath-wall-light/206/detail/sku=321AB

with the knotted pendant would give a formal look, yet be in keeping with delicacy of the paper:

http://www.jim-lawrence.co.uk/lighting/pendant-lights/three-arm-knotted-pendant/5676/detail

(those ones available in lots of different finishes - I've just bought the Versailles wall light in antique brass, which has a lot of black in the grain of the metal)

 

[LadyArowana]

... and then, Joce, there's the Strawberry Hill exhibition at the V&A to see, which will add the possibility of Gothic to your mix of ambitions.

Mmm, I can't wait to see that, I'm going on Friday 26th March, if anyone cares to join.

I did think very long and hard about a Gothick Beacon Cottage, but there's really nothing Gothick in the architecture here, so I think the classical route's better - plus a good deal easier to achieve.

I might be able to come out for some R and R. I was supposed to be on the big bird to the other side of the globe, however it looks like I will have to reschedule. I only just green lighted the builder for the things that have to be done at the house before I head back. Seems unlikely he will be done in time for that flight. It isn't a big project as planned, unless some horrors emerge. Some window repairs, heating, gas and electrical maintainance, ( including installation of smoke alarms/ heat detectors :lol but herding all the tradespeople into the timeframe would be a challenge. I think I deserve some London playtime anyway, and the V and A isn't far from Christies South Ken.............

 

[JoceAndChris]

That's just perfect LadyA, I feared you'd be gone by then. Christies as well? Never been - wow.

 

[LadyArowana]

That's just perfect LadyA, I feared you'd be gone by then. Christies as well? Never been - wow.

I think they may have the preview of things to be auctioned on the 30th, including this, which I wonder if Nigel has seen

 

[JoceAndChris]

That's nice. I wonder how the red would blend with his scheme - Nigel really needs to get his rug from a place where he can try out a few in situ I think. Perhaps he'll be able to join us on that day?

A few photos of the hall, still work in progress I'm afraid. There are a few more design problems I'd appreciate any opinions on.

I was unable to use the sockets I liked in Jim Lawrence as we'd already put the paper up, and they'd have needed some gouging out of plaster and making good. So Wickes ones have had to do. We're still waiting for the proper lights, and I haven't started on the print room effect yet.

I'm wondering what to do with the semi-circular bit of wall above the door, within the arch - there are 4 of those.

Should I leave it bare, make it part of the print room treatment with one of those decoupage motifs, http://printrooms.estoreadvanced.biz/index.php?p=product&id=53&parent=8, or put up a plaster moulding? Like maybe the 4 different classical figures on plaques here: http://www.butcherplasterworks.com/products/historical/index.shtml

I'm sick to death of doors but am wondering also if I need one here, on the right, to conceal the stairs. There used to be one, long ago, you can see the marks in the stone floor. I can understand why they removed it, the dining room leads off the hallway, it's hard enough carrying trays of food up those stairs without having to manage a door as well. But I understand that at this period of architecture stairs were frequently concealed behind doors (correct me if I'm wrong), and I think this view of the stairs is spoiling the integrity of the hallway. So should I reinstate a door here?

Then there's the floor- original Ancaster stone and one of my favourite things in the house.

It's completely intact and in great condition, the only issue being whether or not to get the decorative lines re-cut. Most of the slabs were cut as diamond shapes measuring 13" by 13", but there are 3 larger ones, measuring 26" by 26", which had purely decorative lines cut to make them appear as if they were 4 smaller flagstones, and then there are quite a few measuring 26 " by 13" that have been cut to give the illusion of two flagstones. These lines have now become so worn the effect is almost lost.

Why they didn't just chop them into 4 smaller, or 2 smaller flagstones I can't imagine. Anyway, do you think I should have the lines re-cut to get back this illusion? Or do you think it's nice that it shows the passage of time?

 

[Moo]

Oh, definitely leave them as they are, Joce; it's all part of their charm. In my book, the only reason for turning back the clock is if something has become a real hazard (stone steps that have worn so much that they are now dangerously polished slopes, for instance).

 

[LadyArowana]

The hallway is looking lovely, you must be so pleased . What a nuisance about the broken light fitting, I had the same with my bathroom ones, then the replacements were broken as well, although they found out before they sent them to me as they did an extra check. We decided that someone must have dropped a pallet and not mentioned it! I agree with Moo that they should be left with their worn parts, it would be like erasing all those footsteps to recut the lines. Interesting that the carpet seems red for you, on my screen it looks very subtle colours, Nigel will have to inspect in in person against photos of his room.

 

[Nigel Watts]

Mmm, I can't wait to see that, I'm going on Friday 26th March, if anyone cares to join.

Solid meetings at work that afternoon I fear, otherwise I would have loved to join in.

I think they may have the preview of things to be auctioned on the 30th, including this, which I wonder if Nigel has seen

I do keep my eye on the carpets coming up at Christies South Ken, but hadnt spotted this one. Will think about it!

Nigel really needs to get his rug from a place where he can try out a few in situ I think.

The attraction of buying at auction is avoiding the dealer margin. The risk is that it wont work or that one will over pay.

 

[Nigel Watts]

Joce your hall is looking really smart now - well done! Cant wait to see it with the prints.

 

[JoceAndChris]

Thanks so much to all of you- I do like advice along the lines of "do nothing".

 

[Pford75]

The hallway looks wonderful. Feels really light and spacious.

I agree with the other thoughts on the floor...I would leave as is. I would certainly reinstate the door at the top of the stairs.

Personal taste really, but I would be inclined to leave the space above the doors as is.

 

[Schoolmarm]

Door yes.

Re-cut flags no.

No idea plaster thingies.


8)

 

[JoceAndChris]

8)

 

[Flyfisher]

I do like advice along the lines of "do nothing"

In that case you'll like my advice; I'd also leave that floor just as it is, it looks wonderful to me and doing anything to it might make it look "new old" rather than the genuine article.

I'm not so sure about a stairway door and can see pros and cons. If there was one already there I certainly wouldn't remove it but I suspect that installing one would remain on my "to do" list for quite a long time. As for the other decorative decisions, just go with your own feelings - you seem to be making a much better job of things than I would. Indeed, it's something I find increasingly worrying as you post more and more photos! Fortunately, I'm still busy with repairs so decorating decisions can be postponed for the time being - but, alas, not forever.

Regarding the carpet colours, computer screen colour balance can vary quite a bit. Serious digital photographers use special gizmos to calibrate their screens so that they accurately show the same colours as a printed photo, thus avoiding the frustration of spending lots of time tweaking an important photo on the PC only to find it looks different when printed.

It's not a problem worth worrying about for general use but might be worth consideration if buying decisions are being based on a screen image.

 

[JoceAndChris]

Thanks Flyfisher, I love your advice too.

you seem to be making a much better job of things than I would.

Nonsense, your beautiful house is going to be even more mind-blowing by the time you've done.

If this house had a few more decorative features - ie some nice fancy ceilings wouldn't go amiss - or some pillars - I'd be less fussed about creating a bold decorative scheme. It's so plain, and shabby, I feel the need to do a lot.

 

[MdB]

Thanks so much to all of you- I do like advice along the lines of "do nothing".

Another vote for "do nothing" from me ;-)

 

[Feltwell]

Thanks so much to all of you- I do like advice along the lines of "do nothing".

Another vote for "do nothing" from me ;-)

And me! If you do anything to them it risks looking wrong - leave them as they are and it's just another charming quirk for people to wonder (and wander!) over - why didn't they just cut the slabs........

 

[JoceAndChris]

Well you are all so sweet. (or possibly just lazy. :wink: )

 

[JoceAndChris]

The hallway looks wonderful. Feels really light and spacious.

Hmm, well, I deliberately took the pics when the morning sun hit, but thanks so much Pford. It's a naturally dark space, which made for an awkward decision - do you try to create light or go for something moody and atmospheric? Generally, I don't go along with the whole paint it white/use light colours to create light and spaciousness philosophy. But I find it hard to resist yellow, my favourite colour.

This is interesting, well I think so anyway - Mrs FnB talking about why you should paint your hall the colour of mud to create a dark and dramatic entrance:

http://www.housetohome.co.uk/articles/advice/style_ideas/VIDEO_Take_a_virtual_tour_around_a_colour_expert_s_home_395266.html?subslug=

 

[Penners]

Well, if you like "do nothing" suggestions, then you'll (mostly) like mine, too.

I think it all looks wonderful - floor, door head, the lot - except for the partially sunk vaulted undercroft with breakfast parlour, wine cellar, kitchen and scullery steps. I agree with your instinct that there should be a door there, and that in its present form it doesn't enhance the hall.

If you're worried about managing the door when coming up the steps carrying things, then perhaps think carefully about how you arrange the latching of the door.

For safety, the door should, of course, open into the hall, not into the stairwell.