Hallways and Landings: Secret decorating spots often overlooked

The average hallway is sort of like your last trip to the grocery store:  not very exciting but you need to go through it to get to the good stuff... a great meal or in this case the back of the house!

This long and bright hallway is the link between the front of the house and the children's wing in the back.

It's an interesting little connection, in that it has some fun details that make it work as a design element as well

The banquette is sunny and warm most days and loaded with pillows made from my favorite vintage fabrics.  The solid fabric is raw silk (peach, sage and straw) and my upholsterer did a beautiful job with the hand sewn "scrunched" edging on the seat cushion and the bolsters.  I am so in love with old rag rugs right now and find the colors really fun and different and they make GREAT pillows.

There is storage under the window seat for big bulky comforters and photo albums and nice little spots along each side for artwork.

The arched windows lining the hall on either side add to the bright and sunny space and the high arched ceiling is crisp and fun in the fat bead board. The height also helps to define this space as more than just a hallway.

At the end of the hallway is a nice bookshelf stocked with some beautiful vintage treasures...well maybe not....on closer inspection

lots of interesting books

Suprise!  This is actually a secret door that leads to the back wing but can closed off to keep the noise and privacy in check.  I can't tell you how people LOVE this idea, especially children.

It is thick and heavy ( about 4 inches in width) but closes gently with a spring action closure.  I must admit this was not my design but that of the prior owner. I wanted to share it because it is such a GREAT IDEA.

The hallway continues on to the back of the house and is pretty typical from this point on.  

Stair landings are another great "secret spot" for a design detail or two.  I enjoy the simplicity of this little bamboo shelf, almost Shaker inspired, placed at the middle landing of the staircase

Landings are usually small and really can't be used for much but what a great spot to showcase collections.  I recently repainted the hand rails white (they were dark brown) to allow the stairs to feel more open and I removed all of the artwork.

At the second floor landing I have a crusty painted cabinet with my collection of Roseville pottery.

The lighting is from Dana Creath

There is accent lighting on the ceiling and it helps to showcase the pottery.

The floors throughout this home are solid walnut and very rustic

This spot happens to be favorite of my pal Millie.  How can dogs sleep so much?  Oops, I think I woke her up for her close-up.

At the very top of the stairs just before you exit to the roof deck is a small niche for some art, in this case, seaweed pressings and a little bamboo table

I really do like the little nooks and crannies of a house that are often overlooked and can be a source for inspiration and even a nice surprise now and then.

Any thoughts?  Would love to see your ideas too.  Please share your favorite secret decorating  spot!

Gotta run;  xo
kelley