Before you enter the house that welcomes you and makes you want to be inside more than any other place on earth, the driveway, path, door, lighting indoors and outdoors, hallway and rooms all seem to have some kind of natural relationship with one another. Nothing stands out. Nothing feels like it was put there by mistake.
This is actually the secret to making a home feel cohesive. This doesn’t mean every single thing in the home must match. It means that there will be some small connections made as you move from the outside to the inside of the home.
Begin At The Entrance
Start by going to the driveway or sidewalk, and view your home again. What is the very first thing you notice about your home? Is it the colour of the siding, the plants out front, the shape of the windows, the colour of the front door, the type of lighting on the outside? These details will create a tone before anyone sets foot in your home. If these details don’t seem connected in any way, then your entire home can feel slightly off-balance. One easy solution to connect these is to include one or two similar elements. For example, if you have a new black door handle on your exterior entry door, you could match it with black outdoor lighting. If you have a soft green planter near your exterior entry, you could tie it to the colour of your hallway or living room. A few subtle ties throughout the Home can make a huge impact.
Select An Entry Door That Fits Your Interior Style
While an exterior door may seem like just something that swings open and close, it truly serves as a frame for how people perceive their home. If your exterior door looks worn or outdated, no matter how great your interior decorating is, your entry will never feel inviting. Think about how you would describe your interior design. Do you prefer a cosy and traditional interior? Look for a door that fits a classic and timeless look. Does your interior space feature clean lines and modern simplicity? A sleeker door design may be best suited for your needs. You can check with companies such as steeldoorcompany.co.uk to see examples of stylish, yet calming doors that will provide a thoughtful entrance to your home.
Take Materials And Finish Through The House Gradually
To achieve cohesion, you want to build upon existing elements gradually. You do not need to use the exact same colours throughout the house. Instead, consider carrying over smaller material elements or finish elements (wood, metal) throughout the house.
For example, if you use wood in your interior spaces (as flooring or trim), consider adding a small wooden element (such as a planter box, bench or small porch decoration) to reinforce this element outside. Similarly, if you appreciate brushed metal, take this opportunity to include brushed metal (or other metal) elements in hardware (knobs, hinges), lighting or even your hallway mirror. Finally, if your home features soft muted neutrals (beige, cream, etc.), consider bringing these hues into play through pavers, planters and additional painted areas. You’re trying to establish a sense of continuity and flow between spaces rather than striving for “perfection”.
Use Your Hallway As A Transitional Space
Your hallway should appear as a seamless extension of both indoor and outdoor spaces. While functional considerations are important in designing hallways (i.e., providing adequate storage for coats, shoes, etc.), strive for an atmosphere of calmness. Consider incorporating items such as area rugs, wall sconces or lamp fixtures, mirrors and furniture pieces which promote orderliness without appearing too decorative.
In general terms, when both indoor and outdoor elements communicate through the same unassuming manner, your home appears more stable and more attractive.
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