Interior design tricks to make the most of your hallway
Hallways are often overlooked when it comes to interior design as they’re not easily recognisable as a room. However, they are just as important (in fact maybe even more important!) as any other room because they are usually the first space you and your guests will enter, so making it a welcoming and inviting space is key. The ideal hallway interiors invite you to take off your shoes, get comfy and relax, happy in the knowledge you are home. Moreover, your choice of hallway design sets the tone for the rest of the house, so here we’ll talk about some of the many ways you can make it your own…
Choose the right colours
First impressions really do count and one of the first things anyone will notice about your hallway interior is the colour. Whether you want to be classy, chic, and timeless or vibrant, bold, and modern, the colour scheme you chose can make all the difference. Consider if you want one continuous colour scheme to run through and sweep into adjoining rooms or whether you want your hallway to make a statement all its own.
If you want a hallway that’s simple, clean, and fresh then think about painting everything (including the woodwork) white. White is a classic for a reason. It is elegant and sophisticated, and it certainly doesn’t have to mean boring!
If you have a smaller space, you may instinctively be drawn to more neutral colours to create the illusion of more space. But you can always add shading to still give some style and personality. Different shades of the same colour can be very effective and really give some pzazz. Alternatively, you can be bold and go for darker colours such as a deep navy or be bright and vibrant with a rich red. Don’t be afraid to be bold and really give it the wow factor.
Get the flooring right
Traffic is an important consideration when it comes to hallway design. Hallways by their very nature are high traffic areas and therefore any flooring choice needs to be hard wearing, practical and durable. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be stylish!
If you’re opting for hard flooring, then wood or tiles are worth exploring. They have the added advantage of being long lasting, easy to clean and practical. Some hallway design tricks to consider… lay your tiles sideways to enlarge the space, use darker hues (or you might even prefer a pattern), so any dirt is less visible or choose wood which has lasting style and can be refinished if any damage does occur over time.
Carpet is a familiar and popular option when it comes to hallway interiors, particularly for families. They’re warmer and softer underfoot for a cosier feel yet withstand impact and are very durable. They work as noise dampeners too which is always a bonus in busy households.
A hallway interior design trick used by many are runners, a simple and effective way to protect your flooring but add an instant pop of colour, flair, and character. Adding runners has the advantage of giving the illusion of an elongated space. So, make a statement and draw the attention to it with an eye-catching design.
Enhance the lighting
Illuminating your entryway is another important factor to consider. Consider getting inventive with your lighting solutions to create the right ambience for your space. A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere or a bright and fresh vibe, the correct lighting can make all the difference to your hallway interior design.
First consider the ambient lighting, making use of the natural light already there. Do you have windows that allow natural light to shine through? Alternatively, think about any feature lighting. Do you have a specific piece of artwork or furniture that you wish to draw attention to or make a focal point? Lamps can be a particularly good idea here as they direct your focus towards a specific object or space. Add textured light shades for a more traditional feel, open bulbs for a more industrial look or use a combination of overhead lights and lamps if you’re wanting a more modern approach.
Add mirrors
Adding mirrors is one of the oldest and simplest hallway interior design tricks to help enhance any space. Mirrors will bounce the light around making the space look brighter and feel bigger. They’re versatile and come in all kinds of interesting designs, so don’t feel like you need to stick to the ordinary square or rectangular shape. You can choose one large mirror to draw the eye or group together a collection of smaller mirrors, there are options for any size of hallway. And of course, they’re perfect for those last-minute checks before you leave the house.
Embrace the stairs
Stairs can either blend in or stand out. One of our current favourite hallway design trends is to use paint to add colour. Ombre the stairs to make them a real focal point starting with a darker tone at the bottom and lighter shades towards the top to enhance the feeling of space, height, and light.
If you prefer a more traditional approach, utilise the same colour scheme throughout the hallway into the adjoining rooms for one continuous flow. Allow the hallway to guide you and your guests into the rest of the house. The under the stairs storage room makes for the perfect place to store away all those sizeable items.
Use smart storage ideas
Clutter is the enemy in most hallways, so finding the right storage solution will help to maintain tidiness. Tables are a common addition to most hallway designs as they’re perfect for popping your essentials onto as you walk in. A ladder shelf is a great alternative if you don’t want to take away your precious space with a bulky table.
Make the hallway a multi-use area if possible. Add a seating area or a simple chair for taking shoes off. Benches with storage underneath for shoes are a good example of being multifunctional. Add hooks for coats or a popular choice is a combination of coat rack, bench, and shoe storage.
Basket storage is also a great option to hideaway those bits and bobs. Organisation is a must for any hallway interior design and simple, yet stylish storage solutions are key.
Think about design flourishes
Whether you want to be daring or bring a little more serenity to this area, choosing a design or a theme can really help put your stamp on this space. Floral wallpaper, murals, moulding and mosaics can draw the eye and make for a striking impression. They can also provide a real talking point.
Gallery walls are a popular hallway trend that add character and really personalise the space. If you have lots of family photos that you don’t want to clutter up the sideboards, making a feature wall is a great way to display them. Opt for striking frames, all different sizes and tesselate them into a geometric pattern for extra impact.
So, whatever your space, whatever your design, whatever your ambition, don’t let your hallway be an afterthought. Invest in your hallway design. Take the time to really set the tone for your house and enjoy making it your own.