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Often symbolizing strength and transition, arches are a beautiful way to add a sculptural element to a room. Though they come in many shapes and sizes, they are always a subtle nod to classical architecture, harkening back to the grand rows of archways that lined the Roman colosseum. With their sweeping shape these dramatic passageways help to visually separate spaces whilst allowing light to flow freely, making them a popular feature often sought out on shoot.
In Croydon lies The South Wing, a gorgeously refurbished double fronted Victorian home that pops with personality. Each room is a treasure trove of quirky accessories and mid-century furnishings, with bold colour-drenched walls at every turn. In the elegantly decorated hallway area, an ornate archway hangs high above the pretty staircase and is echoed by another curved doorway to the right. It’s wonderfullyexecuted, with a sumptuous velvet curtain allowing just the right slice of light to cut through.
Upstairs the curves continue with a wide double arch into the main bedroom and the dressing room. Each has a set of custom sliding doors that create the utmost openness when hidden away but bring a little privacy should the need arise. With joyous colour these bold shapes are used playfully here, their outlines referenced again and again in arched mirrors, wave-edge curtains and rounded statement lighting.
Once a Victorian couch house and stables, Hampshire House is now a stunning family home complete with swimming pool, yoga studio and 3.5 acres of lovely gardens. Its beautiful new kitchen certainly makes the most impact, swathed in neutral shades and accented with glorious texture, such as the herringbone stone floor below. In this light-filled, open space are two archways positioned side by side that peek through into the dining area. Their softened curve adds to the serene ambience, with hanging orb lights and a rounded table adding even more organic shapes to match.
A firm favourite of the Light Locations roster, The Gatehouse is a spacious converted home with concrete floors, lime plaster walls and original beams high up above. Its arches are many and come in a variety of forms, from windows with scooped tops to the huge sweeping archway that creates a grand entrance into the dining space. This area is so versatile on a shoot day, with gorgeous light pouring in through the crittall windows and softly textured walls acting as the perfect blank canvas.
In the living area, the smaller arched window mirrors the main hall while white exposed brick adds another layer to the space. The arches continue throughout the property, shaping double doors from each room out to the courtyard where the clocktower watches from above.
Located in Leytonstone is a brand new location, the wonderful Aylmer Hall. Sensitively restored with calm neutrals and tactile wooden features, this gorgeous hall holds its own special kind of magic. In the main area, the tall ceilings stretch up above whilst beautiful original windows fill the space with light. Vivid, draping ferns bring a welcome splash of colour to this oasis of calm, while fabric artwork adds a hint of softness.
The corridor is the most stunning feature by far, a peaked archway that holds its shape along the length of the property with glassy lights running along it like a spine. Other rooms hold arch-shaped windows aplenty, casting their curved highlights across the concrete floors.
Farnham House is located in Surrey, and is a light and bright Georgian home filled with period features. Huge windows bring light into every corner of this house’s crisp white walls while contemporary furnishings add lines of striking contrast.
In the living room, a lovely arched doorway is framed in inky black with glass panes giving a glimpse into the room beyond. This shape is mirrored by the gentle curved alcove on the opposite side of the grand fireplace, creating a sweet moment of symmetry through architectural detail. At the front of the property, another archway stands proud before the grounds. The latticed double doors create a bold impact with their curved top, ready to welcome new visitors over the threshold.
Whether indoors or out, archways bring a sense of grandeur to a space that’s reminiscent of classical design. Their sweeping shape is welcoming yet strong, seemingly holding the world above them to let us wander in the spaces below.
For more dreamy interior features, take a look at our post on Doors for All Seasons: Extraordinary Entrances for your Next Shoot Day or join us in Falling in Love with Freestanding Baths.
Find out what it takes to become a location favourite with our in depth look at Church Road A Photoshoot Location Star.
Feeling festive already? Indulge in some winter magic with A Feature Fireplace for your Christmas Photoshoot.
As always, you can search for locations by features, styles or area on our Find a Photoshoot Location page.
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