Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Connecting Spaces


"Halls, corridors, and stairs are a bit like what underwear is to an outfit - the structural core that sets the "shape" and tone for the rest of the house." ~ Kelly Hoppen

That quote got me thinking about those rooms or spaces that serve to connect our living areas.
Obviously, the entry is very important in setting the tone for our homes. That is if it has an entry.

We lived in a home once where you walked directly into the living room.
It really bugged me. There was no transition area.

This entry is more than a transition area. It is a room/hallway/entry, connecting the living room on one end and the stairs to the second level.

Houzz
But less obvious, are the hallways that connect our living areas.
We put so much emphasis on decorating the rooms we live, eat and sleep it, that we take for granted the hallways that connect the spaces where we live. They are also opportunities for expression; displayed family photos or collected art.

This hard working hallway has it all. Beautiful runner, window seats, storage and bookshelves.
This is, in my opinion, the ultimate transition space!

The upstairs hallway in our home works hard as a transition area to connect the old house, ca. 1906 to the new addition, ca. 1993.

From here, you can see the landing that leads to the master bedroom, which was added on.
I chose to make a statement with apple green walls, leopard carpet and vintage oil paintings.

This part of the upstairs landing is in the old part of the house, opposite, connecting bedrooms, bathroom and reading room.

Another view.
The piece of furniture I put here holds the kid's photos, soccer trophies and other souvenirs on display in this common area.

Looking down the stairs.
I can see that the stairway, entry and hallway are truly the "structural core" to our home.
I have never thought about this being the "underwear" to our house, but when you break it down, it makes sense.

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24 comments:

The Glass Tulip said...

Love the green color in your house ! May I ask what actual color and brand it is ?

vignette design said...

It's a Benjamin Moore custom mixed color. I matched it to a wool throw that I used to have!

Luciane at HomeBunch.com said...

I really like this post, but the best of all is your home! I never saw that transition of spaces an I love the separation of the master. Really well done!

Have a wonderful day!

xo

Luciane at HomeBunch.com


PS: If you a minute, please drop by to enter my Giveaway! :-)

Cass @ That Old House said...

What wonderful images, and I love the thought of the connecting spaces in our homes being their "underwear" -- taken for granted, but MUCH MISSED if they are not present!

After all, everyone can be improved by a good foundation garment. :-)
Best wishes, Cass

Kathysue said...

Great post Delores, I never thought of it as underwear either but it makes sense. Loved seeing your beautiful stairwell and that great apple green wall color, love that,
Happy Wednesday,
Kathysue

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Never thought about it being the underwear of the house. Still loving your runner on the stairs.

gme said...

Love the green walls!

Sonny G said...

I love them all but my favorite is photo no. 2 - cause I have a table just like it in cherry- but not for long now that I've seen its twin in white.. thank you sooooooooooo much for posting that.

Pura Vida said...

How very true! I am so glad I have a grand entry at 822..never realized how important. Your posts are always amazing!

Karen said...

Delores,
Great post. Hallways are important and can be so pretty. I love your stair railing and the design of the connection between the old and new in your home.
Karen

kim @ whitebarnbasics said...

Wow, your right! I am giving my upstairs landing a fresh look...it's blah! I need to spice it up a little;-) I love your home and since our home was built in 1906 as well, it helps me visualize all the possibilities! You always have such beautiful photos to share, thanks!
kim

AT HOME BLOG said...

Wow... beautiful images!! The first one is stunning!
Happy Easter my dear Dolores...
xoxo
Etta

Nothing But Blue Skies... said...

Gorgeous images, and lovely to see your transition spaces! I love that leopard runner!!
Thanks for sharing!
xo-Lisa

Mr Paul said...

Delores, Delores you have a beautiful home.

I love the tone of green you've gone for in the hall and that your staircase runner is very quietly exotic, well executed.

Paul

Privet and Holly said...

I love that perspective,
Dolores! My favorite house
that we have lived in, so
far, had an actual vestibule,
with a door to the house.
Loved that transition. Our
current home has a teeny
entry and is one thing I
dream of changing....Thanks
for sharing your photos as
well as food for thought!

Happy Wednesday,
xx Suzanne

Stitchfork said...

Your hallways and stairs are wearing great undies! Love the apple green and the stair carpeting.
xo Cathy

Unknown said...

Your home is beautiful and I love that apple green color. And boy - I could just live in that hallway that has the bookshelves - pure luxury!

Heather said...

I agree with you about homes where you walk right into the living room. I like to transition into my spaces.

Jan said...

The staircase and landing are beautiful. While lots of people like wood varnished, I much prefer white paint. And you're so right - walking directly into the living room feels awkward. A foyer sets the tone of a house.

Evelyn said...

Your upstairs woodwork is gorgeous. I would feel instantly comfortable in your home. So beautiful.

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

I think I would like to consider your "structural core" more like lingerie rather than underwear...as it is truly beautiful underwear with pretty lace...

Love the architectural elements in those areas!

The French Hutch said...

This makes perfect sense to me. I like to have each room with an opening to the hallway, a central core if you will. I love how you connected the new addition wing to your home. You would never know it's not part of the original house. A great display of your quilts on your bookcase. Thanks for the photo examples and the tour of your lovely home.

~Emily
The French Hutch

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

In our first house you walked right into the living room too. It was a tiny brick ranch house but I loved that house (cause it was our first!!!). This house has a TEENY foyer, in fact I cried when we laid the house out on the lot with string.....that was over 28 years ago. We are building a new home soon and it will have a nice foyer area. I loved seeing your stairway and halls. LOVE your runner. XO, Pinky

peykar rugs said...

very very so very wonderful carpets...

Stair runners

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