Transforming a corner might mean the simple addition of a chair: in today's busy world, it's appealing to create a dedicated perch for contemplation. A solitary stool becomes the beatific (and grown-up) antithesis of a child's 'naughty' chair, a place to silently chant a mantra or somewhere to collect your thoughts. You might even dedicate one chair, in assorted spots, to each member of the family. Pick furniture that offers good sitting support, but that is slim enough not to impede passers-by on a narrow walkway. Seating in a corridor is quite plainly not for lounging on, so a high-backed chair, stool with footrests or salon-style armchair is ideal - but consciously avoid dumping bags here.
It's important to decorate the area so that the corner looks enticing the area so that the corner looks enticing on approach, provides an uplifting view once you're seated and adds a decorative focus to a larger space. Visually, a chair is always a clever way to add interest in a corridor. Colour, texture and pattern are all useful tools. Consider painting the section of wall behind a chair in a saturated shade - from cherry red to leafy green - wallpaper a small landing in a large-scale design or treat an alcove to a textural finish. Against white walls, vibrant upholstery stands out well. It's ideal if the chair is close to the window so that you can enjoy a good view. But if not, hang a large mirror on an adjacent wall to capture of photographs opposite. If you want a spot where you can just sit and think, avoid adding bookshelves or a telephone.
Decorative Glass Shelves
Halls, landings and corridors are rich in space potential and useful to exploit because, though busy at key times, they fall silent and empty for much of the day. Most of us struggle with tiny entrances, but don't give up. Measure the floor area, draw a to-scale plan and think laterally. One wall of a through corridor may be lined with bookshelves and, with a chair added, becomes a library. A compact entrance hall may be turned into a study, with a built-in worktop and recessed shelves to one side, or a generously sized landing enclosed with floor-to-ceiling glass doors to create a semi-private reading room. Such additions give the illusion of more, not less, space.
If setting up a quiet corner in a 'public' hall or corridor, remember that some activities are better suited than others. A desk area, a corner for telephoning or an armchair for doing the crossword are of ideal, whereas messy pursuits that involve kit, such as sewing or art, should be relegated to a workroom. Do make comfort a priority because halls can be draughty and chilly. Consider underfloor heating or an extra radiator to boost heat or add a freestanding screen around the quiet zone. In a modern property, a glass 'box' for telephoning can be amusing, dramatic option.