The arteries of your home, the spaces they connect, should be given all the respect normally given to individual rooms. Not only do they greet you, but they also serve to lure you into the rooms beyond. The hallway, stairs, landings and hallways of a house have a critical role to play and it is through the framework they form that you will see all the other rooms. Often characterized by their medium proportions, irregular shape, and lack of light, these areas require very careful attention to become the cozy and convenient spaces that they should be.

The designer’s first consideration should be the actual structure that encloses the space. By highlighting features that are perfectly proportioned or well balanced, you can bring a sense of symmetry to what is otherwise often a fairly disorganized area.

Perhaps the floor has a regular outline – this could be emphasized by giving the chosen floor treatment an edge in a contrasting color. Alternatively, if the ceiling height is comfortable, an attractive ledge or trim could be introduced to enhance the line where the ceiling meets the wall.

A bold treatment on an attractive window has a similar effect. You can disguise features that are less pleasant by reducing their details or painting them (that is, in the same color as your background). If the area is totally lacking in redeeming features, you may consider creating a ‘blank canvas’ of the same color on all surfaces and then applying points of interest superficially on the walls (with pictures) or on the floor (with rugs) or by introducing interesting loose furniture.

It is important to establish a focal point in each area, something pleasant for the eyes to rest. It can be a beautifully surrounded fireplace, a striking image, a well-proportioned window, or a stunning rug. Whatever it is, make sure it’s well positioned and given a true star treatment with the help of carefully designed lighting.

When it comes to selecting color schemes for these transitional spaces, people tend to veer toward soft mid-range colors, and due to the sometimes restricted space, strong patterns are avoided. But the opposite approach often produces the most successful results. A boldly patterned rug, for example, can add a tremendous amount of drama and excitement to what might otherwise be a characterless area, and because people generally just pass through the room, there’s little danger of getting tired of such a strong statement.

Because these spaces collide with each other (the hallway that leads to the stairs and the stairs that then lead to a landing, etc.) it is important to establish strong links between each other’s schematics. Laying the same rug in all of these connected areas is a great way to give your home a sense of unity.

The only limitations to consider are the effect of heavy traffic on the chosen colors and the possibility of conflicts with individual room schemes.

Where light is restricted, you have two options: fight for the light (using reflective surfaces, light colors, and mirrors) or, less conventionally, accept the dark and play with it. By painting such an area a wonderful dark color and incorporating some clever lighting effects, it can sometimes produce a magical effect.

Because there may be less to distract the eye in these connected spaces, attention to detail becomes paramount. Door handles and panels, architraves and cornices, light switches and socket plates – all deserve your special attention.