A space to shed the chaos of the outside world at the door. A welcoming area, ready to invite guests in. So much more than a place to put your keys and shoes…

When we think of home, we often conjure images of cosy living rooms, gatherings at the dining table and comfortable bedrooms. Rarely does our mind wander to the hallway. But it is far more than just a passageway; it’s the first glimpse into the soul of the place. It’s a transitional space, where the commotion of the outside world meets the tranquil promise of our inner sanctum. Where along with coats, shoes, dog leads and keys, you can shed the stresses of the day, pass the threshold into a space of comfort and familiarity. The way a hallway feels can have a similar impact on guests, so that even in the whirl of people arriving over the festive season, flushed cheeks and arms full of presents or bags or bottles of wine, they immediately know they’re at home, too.

Greet loved ones at the door with warm hugs and warmer scents by way of festive candles and diffusers, and keep little bowls topped up with chocolates to offer visitors – an easy way to spread a little bit of joy.

A bench to perch on as you take off your shoes, storage baskets and boxes beneath for stashing muddy boots, dog leads and mittens, coat hooks to keep wintery layers to hand. Treating the space as a small-scale boot room will help keep it free from wayward clutter.

A sparkling wreath hung on the front door, strings of fairy lights and miniature Christmas trees clustered on windowsills, an illuminated garland tied with ribbons tumbling down the banister for a dash of Christmassy excitement each time you come home.