Ask the designer

Q MY hallway is a cluttered mess and a nightmare to organise and keep clean — help!

A. An organised hallway will help you feel calmer as you dash out the door in the morning and return home at night — so get decluttering. Hanging space for coats, hats, dogs leads and so on is a must — (you might like the chic ‘Mahogany Hall Stand R’, reduced to €599, from Casey’s furniture in Cork and Limerick, www.caseys.ie). If there’s room, stagger hooks at different heights to add visual interest and allow the little ones to reach their own coats. Install narrow open shelves that are easy to access when you’re in a rush and keep them looking tidy by using pretty lined wicker baskets for smaller items such as keys and gloves. Make better use of the area under the stairs with customised storage — I’d recommend Derwin Tanner Carpentry Services in Cork (087 6569768). Lastly, splash out on a stylish doormat to keep your newly streamlined hallway clean.

Q. Unlike the other homely rooms in my house which are decorated with photos and keepsakes, my hallway has no personality — how can I make it a bit more ‘me’?