As we find ourselves in the depth of the winter months, our thoughts are occupied with keeping warm and toasty. We look forward to getting home, to putting our slippers on and sitting beside the fire as the rain, sleet and snow slowly fall outside. Our homes become a haven during these dark months. We tend to spend more time in them, looking for ways of making them cosy and welcoming.
While we may venture out less during this season, it’s a comfort to invite people round. To put the kettle on, get the biscuit tin out or prepare a nourishing casserole that can be shared around the kitchen table. We take advice from our Danish neighbours – the much-loved hygge movement – which encourages contentment, conviviality and comfort. Leave the wind and the rain to whirl and howl outside, while you wrap up warm and indulge in home-cooked food and conversation.
Before the putting on of slippers though, before the kettle can be boiled, before the fire can be lit or the invites sent for dinner, comes the coming home. Putting the key in the lock, turning the handle and stepping inside. That ‘You’re Home’ feeling is unbeatable, isn’t it? Here at The Cotswold Company, we understand the importance of this moment. It happens every day, and yet we never tire of it. We look forward to it, anticipate it throughout the day, and it rarely disappoints.
How do we make it that bit better though? How do ensure we come home to an entrance way that is warm, tidy and welcoming? Our hallways create that initial impression. The first we see of our homes as we step through the door. They offer an insight into what we can expect and set the tone for the rest of our homes.
As self-confessed aficionados when it comes to hallway furniture then, we’ve put together a range of inspiring decor schemes focusing around three of our most popular – and much-loved – collections: Oakland, Farmhouse Painted and Chester Grey.
Oakland
L-R Sausage Dog Boot Scraper | F&B Oval Room Blue | F&B Lamp Room Gray | Oakland Small Cupboard | Philip Pheasant Doormat | Seger Ceramic Lamp | Odella Iron Log Holder | Henderson Oak Wellie Stand | Oakland Storage Shelf
A long-standing and perennial favourite, our Oakland range is trustworthy and timeless. A rich and warm grain with traditional details to suit all decor schemes, it’s the perfect addition for your hallway. Wide or narrow, tall or small, our Oakland Hallway collection includes shoe benches, convenient cupboards and coat racks – ideal if you’re limited on floor space but want somewhere to hang coats and scarves. The beauty of Oakland is that it will complement almost any colour too. We often pair it with rich blues or smoky greens, but it works wonderfully against soft greys and cool neutrals too – both popular hallway shades for their ability to brighten dark or narrow spaces. A sturdy and safe option for some, our Oakland hallway range will stand the test of time and set a country-inspired precedent for your home.
Chester Grey
Chester Grey Console Table | F&B Mole’s Breath | F&B Brinjal | F&B Purbeck Stone | Banan Round Woven Rug | Astrid Lambswool Throw | Rope Handled Basket | Chester Grey Coat Rack | Aurene Lamp | Edna Small Mirror
Another much-loved range, Chester Grey is a similarly popular choice for the hallway. Its subtle grey and light wood finish both help to reflect light and so create a bright and welcoming entrance to come home to – again, perfect for narrow or particularly dark hallways. Available in a wide range of storage solutions to suit your space, Chester Grey complements an array of different colour shades too – from equally soft greys and light neutrals to the darker, more dramatic hues, like Farrow & Ball’s Brinjal.
Farmhouse Painted
Farmhouse Painted Monks Bench | Kimba Pendant | Dusk Velvet Cushion | F&B Elephant’s Breath | F&B Light Blue | Crispin Boot Rack | Grocery Box | Minimalist Navy Rug | Farmhouse Painted Corner Bench
Blending country charm with a touch of contemporary for an elegant and refined feel, our Farmhouse Painted range encompasses the epitome of a contented and lived-in home. It is rustic and homely yet wholly practical. Available in a variety of hallway sets that ensure you have somewhere to hang your coat and tuck away your shoes, this popular range will suit an array of light and typically country-inspired colour schemes, including pastel blues and soft greens.
If you’re tempted to give your hallway a refresh – to make coming home all the more special – we’ve got bundles of inspiration over on our Pinterest page.
