A MOMENT in TIME

The functionality and beauty of your home's transitional spaces stay with you long after you've left the room

- BRITTANY SMITH

People aren't always comfortable with blurred lines, but there's no denying our homes are filled with them. There are the spaces we move through in a moment, such as hallways and staircases, and the rooms we only use for specific, fleeting tasks, like pantries and walk-in robes. These spaces serve important purposes yet are often overlooked as we rarely linger in them. But no more! These are the liminal spaces in our homes and they deserve our care and attention.

"Liminal spaces are no longer an afterthought in home design," shares Jaya Duggal, brand manager of Choices Flooring. "They help create visual and spatial flow." After all, the way you move through your home should feel effortless, and a cramped hallway or poorly executed mudroom will only hinder that. Read on for expert advice on how to blend form and functionality for a home that goes with the flow.

Enter with ease

Making an entrance

Walking through your front door involves a series of subconscious actions completed in the span of seconds, such as putting your keys away. Danielle Bonello-Dunsford, founder and principal designer of Danielle Victoria Design Studio, says your main entrance should have "clear sightlines, space to transition indoors, and practical elements like a console".

Start with flooring that gently guides you into your home. Lay floorboards vertically or use a hallway runner to subtly direct the eye inside. For decor, a sleek console table with storage will fulfil functional needs, while lamps, artwork and fresh flowers add a warm and welcoming ambience. A statement mirror will tie your scheme together while allowing for last-minute touchups before you head out the door.