exterior hall

Exterior Hall Ideas: Transform Your Outdoor Living Space

By Nicole Thompson
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Imagine walking into a grand building, your first impression shaped by the imposing and elegant exterior. This facade, the exterior hall, sets the tone for what lies within, embodying the character and style of the architecture and reflecting the history and culture of its time. Understanding the exterior hall involves exploring not just its aesthetic appeal, but also its functional design and the architectural elements that define it.

The exterior hall, also known as the vestibule or foyer, is the transition space between the outside world and the interior of a building.historic, or modern, the exterior hall plays a crucial role in welcoming visitors, providing a sense of anticipation for what's to come.

Architectural Styles and Exterior Halls

The design of an exterior hall is heavily influenced by the architectural style of the building. From classical columns to Art Deco decoy, each style has its unique way of incorporating and interpreting this space.

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a long hallway with water and plants in it
a long hallway with water and plants in it
the hallway is lined with wooden slats and has potted plants on either side
the hallway is lined with wooden slats and has potted plants on either side
an orange tree is in the middle of a hallway
an orange tree is in the middle of a hallway

In Classical Architecture, for instance, the exterior hall might feature a pair of Ionic columns framing the entrance, with a pediment above, echoing the grand temples of ancient Greece. In stark contrast, Art Deco buildings might use bold geometric patterns, smooth surfaces, and opulent materials to create a modern, streamlined foyer.

Neoclassical Exterior Halls

Neoclassical architecture draws inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman design principles. In this style, exterior halls typically feature simple, symmetrical designs with clean lines and a focus on Classical orders, like Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian columns.

a long hallway with glass walls leading to the outside
a long hallway with glass walls leading to the outside
Cozy House Entrance Inspiration
Cozy House Entrance Inspiration
Elegant Walk-Up Front Porch Design Idea
Elegant Walk-Up Front Porch Design Idea

For example, the exterior hall of the White House in Washington D.C. is a prime example of Neoclassical design, featuring aemisemicolonlfloor,matchupIWFloor Palais Royal in Paris showcases this style's elegance with its grand courtyard and symmetrical columns.

Art Deco Exterior Halls

Emerging in the 1920s and 1930s, Art Deco is known for its bold, geometric shapes and rich materials. In this style, exterior halls might feature intricate patterns in terrazzo or tile, sleek metal accents, and expansive walls of glass ormirrors.

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A great example of Art Deco's influence on exterior halls can be seen at the Chrysler Building in New York City, where the lobby features stunning metallic wall coverings and a magnificent mural reaching towards a towering stainless steel arch.

Martin Mackowitz - Birne house, Nüziders 2017....
Martin Mackowitz - Birne house, Nüziders 2017....
Galeria de Casa KM / Grupo Lateral Arquitectura y Construcción, Ruíz Galindo - 1
Galeria de Casa KM / Grupo Lateral Arquitectura y Construcción, Ruíz Galindo - 1
the hallway is lined with potted plants and glass doors that lead to another room
the hallway is lined with potted plants and glass doors that lead to another room
Säynätsalo Town Hall
Säynätsalo Town Hall
a long hallway with benches and windows on both sides, leading to an outside sitting area
a long hallway with benches and windows on both sides, leading to an outside sitting area
a modern house with large glass doors and trees in the backround, on a sunny day
a modern house with large glass doors and trees in the backround, on a sunny day

Exterior Hall Materials and Finishes

The materials and finishes used in an exterior hall can greatly enhance the space's aesthetic appeal and functionality. From sturdy natural stones to sleek man-made materials, each offers a unique character and durability.

Marble, granite, and terrazzo are popular choices for exterior hall flooring, providing durability and a touch of elegance. For walls, materials like plaster,Paneling, or even wallpaper can be used to create a specific ambiance. Lighting fixtures, both decorative and functional, also play a significant role in setting the mood and enhancing safety.

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Natural Stones in Exterior Halls

Natural stones like marble, limestone, and granite are often used in exterior halls due to their durability, low maintenance, and timeless appeal. Each stone type offers a unique blend of colors, textures, and patterns, allowing for customization to fit various architectural styles.

an entry way with stone walkway and lights
an entry way with stone walkway and lights
the entrance to a modern house with wood slats
the entrance to a modern house with wood slats
an empty walkway between two buildings with lights shining on the wall and grass in the foreground
an empty walkway between two buildings with lights shining on the wall and grass in the foreground
the hallway is lined with stone and wood
the hallway is lined with stone and wood
Casa Patio in Puerto Rico
Casa Patio in Puerto Rico
an entrance to a house with wood and glass
an entrance to a house with wood and glass
an entrance to a house with stone walkway
an entrance to a house with stone walkway
The Laurel Hills Residence In Los Angeles, California
The Laurel Hills Residence In Los Angeles, California
bikes are lined up against the wall in an indoor bike storage area with large windows
bikes are lined up against the wall in an indoor bike storage area with large windows
Allée d'Entrée Symétrique avec Oliviers – Architecture Moderne Méditerranéenne Minimaliste
Allée d'Entrée Symétrique avec Oliviers – Architecture Moderne Méditerranéenne Minimaliste
Luxury Japandi Home Entrance
Luxury Japandi Home Entrance
a long hallway with a wooden bench next to it
a long hallway with a wooden bench next to it
Remodelación Chilevisión / elton_léniz + Ramírez y Rodríguez
Remodelación Chilevisión / elton_léniz + Ramírez y Rodríguez
Luxury Entryway Ideas | Modern Foyer Design Inspiration
Luxury Entryway Ideas | Modern Foyer Design Inspiration

A marble exterior hall, for instance, can evoke a sense of opulence and grandeur, while limestone might exude a more rustic or classic appeal. Granite, known for its durability, can be used to create robust, elegant spaces that stand the test of time.

Man-made Materials in Exterior Halls

Man-made materials, such as porcelain tiles, travertine, and concrete, also play significant roles in exterior hall design. These materials can mimic the look of natural stones while offering more flexibility in design and often lower cost.

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Porcelain tiles, for example, can be produced to look like wood, natural stone, or even fabric, providing designers with a wide range of creative possibilities. Travertine, with its honeycomb-structured surface, can add a unique tactile and visual interest. Concrete, especially in polished or sealed finishes, can create sleek, contemporary spaces.

In conclusion, the exterior hall is not just an entryway but a vital component of a building's architectural language, expressing its style, history, and intent. From Neoclassical columns to Art Deco geometry, and from marble flooring to concrete surfaces, the possibilities for exterior hall design are vast and varied. Whether grand or intimate, opulent or understated, carefully curated exterior halls welcome us in, setting the stage for the spaces that follow.

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