The entrance to your home speaks volumes—so take time to give your hall a makeover
Feel a bit embarrassed when you open the door? Only open it a fraction so you’re sure to hide what lies beyond? It’s a common condition. The poor old hallway is always one of the areas of the home low among the must-do-something-about priorities.
As a passing-through rather than a sticking-around space, it bumps about friendless at the bottom of the to-do list. It can also pose something of a conundrum when it comes to furnishing and decorating. We’re always a bit unsure quite what to do with it. Seating? Storage? Flooring?
But think about it: your hallway is the first thing you see after a long day’s work, and the first thing guests see when they walk into your home.
Here are some tips to gives off a calming and relaxing vibe, while telling guests something about you.
Use light colors
To make your hallway as bright and inviting as possible, you should start by painting your walls in light colours. White is a favourite, but you can spice things up with off-whites, blues and greys. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try a wallpaper with a geometric pattern and metallic panels that will help your hallway look huge.
Add some culture
A light-colored wall is the perfect backdrop for a statement piece of art, something that never fails to start a conversation. Finding a beautiful painting with personal meaning will give you endless joy and an excuse to walk around little galleries. Choose something calming, bright, or edgy.
Hallway runners can do the trick
For an easy and cheap way to change the colour of your floor you should add a hallway runner. A runner will add depth to the room, while being inviting and providing something for you to sink your feet into after a long day at work. The best thing about hallway runners is that they can be easily changed should you want to redecorate.
Strategically place a mirror, or two
Mirrors are great for adding light and space into your hallway. Statement mirrors add a focal point of interest to your hallway while opening it up.
Keep it organized
Nothing is less aesthetically pleasing than a messy room. A table with a bowl to keep your keys will not only add a decorative touch and sense of order to your hallway, but will also save you running around looking for the house keys in the morning. A glass table with metallic detailing reflects light and adds a sophisticated edge and could be complimented with a metal plate.
Wallpaper your ceiling
Why not set your hallway apart from everyone else’s and try out wallpapered ceilings? A wallpapered ceiling can either give your house the appearance of having period features or be a statement in and of itself.
Put in a conversation starter
If you follow the tips above, your hallway should be interesting, but it doesn’t hurt to throw in a piece that will never fail to start a conversation. Have you picked up a beautiful souvenir in your travels or taken a hilarious photo with your family? Put it in your hall and it will be the first thing you and your guests see when you walk into the house, giving you something to talk about.