It's not that hallways are getting smaller. It's just that we like less in them, in line with our eco-friendly clutter-free ethos. So, no more with those huge wooden Victorian-style hatstands - we'd rather have something this natural-looking...or a classy, unobtrusive row of hooks on the wall.

But please, not boring. Even something as modest as a coat-hook is a creative opportunity. How about sending birds flying up your wall? These Jiv Jiv hooks from Salendro design are made of aluminum and have sculpted notches down the middle of each "wing" to hold your keys. They're practical to use, and also to make, with a shape that reduces manufacturing waste.

But that's letting someone else have all the creative fun. Instead, you could recycle old silver cutlery into hooks - as suggested here at Real Simple - and polish them until they glow. (And if they're a bit tarnished, they look antique).

Image: Salendro design

Real Simple article found via Planet Green.