#18 From "Hallway" to "Gallery"

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This project is a successful example of the interior designer's changing role today as a service based professional. Our firm provided conceptual and detailed design, which included space planning, material specification and lighting design. Unlike most residential projects no sale of product or merchandise was involved. The client's existing art, sculpture and furniture were relocated from other areas and were used to decorate the transformed environment.

The client's objective was to create drama and interest in the seventy five feet or so of a monotonous interior hallway with simple but elegant architectural detailing where art and sculpture could be displayed. The dark hallway, devoid of natural light, was oppressive and a solution was needed to create an illusion of light.

Repetitive use of architectural details such as shallow pilasters and rich moulding create distinct separate areas while simultaneously resulting in unifying the space. A sculpture niche was added at the end of the hall. The landscape mural with the sound of “real” trickling water from a wall-hung fountain and panels of painted "faux" sky overhead bring a feeling of outdoors in. The adjacent powder room with its existing plumbing facilitated the installation of the fountain in the hallway very economically.

To optimize the available budget, simple but aesthetic materials were selected, such as granite, used sparingly, and paint grade woodwork. Construction costs also dictated the use of ceramic tile, which simulated stone, rather than the use of real stone for the field tile. The neutral palette provides a natural backdrop for art.

Due to existing sprinkler heads in the ceiling and governing condo by-laws, lights were minimally relocated and selectively added. The "lit" sky provides an interesting solution for ambient lighting during the day.