“We use hallways more than we think. So why not make the most of every square meter to make this space unique and interesting?” Allison Lind, an interior designer in Seattle (USA), shared on The New York Times.
Echoing this view, David Frazier, an interior designer in New York (USA), said: “Decorating hallways not only attracts visitors but also enhances the aesthetics of your entire home.”
Below, experts suggest some ideas for you to design and beautify the hallway in your home.
Patterned wallpaper
Patterned wallpaper is often used in bedrooms or dressing rooms to create focal points and a cozy atmosphere. In the hallway of your home, you can also use this type of wallpaper.
When designing an apartment in Manhattan (USA), Allison Lind used black arrow-patterned wallpaper for the hallway.
“This apartment hallway is right by the front door, and it used to be painted in boring white. Therefore, I wanted to change it to create attraction and turn it into a great space,” she shared.
Meanwhile, interior designer Phillip Thomas (USA) chose wallpaper with plant, flower, and bird motifs for a client’s apartment. He advises that if you like patterned wallpaper, use large-scale patterns.
“Large-scale patterns can help expand the space and create a sense of depth in the hallway,” he said.
Creative paint colors
According to experts, you should not paint the entire hallway in white. Instead, diversify the paint colors with vibrant or dark tones to create a strong impression every time you enter.
If you love white, you can paint the entrance door or the ceiling with a more striking color like glossy black or matte black.
Phillip Thomas once painted a hallway ceiling with sky blue and gold. “Black, royal blue, or gold paint often have prices equivalent to white paint, which allows you to expand your choices to make the design more impressive. Take into account the similarity to neighboring spaces and then change the color without spending extra budget,” he said.
Hanging paintings and photos
If you’re having trouble choosing between wallpaper and paint, try hanging a painting.
Mariel Capanna, a teacher at Williams College and the Skowhegan School of Painting & Sculpture, shared that she recently completed a mural for a family in California (USA), depicting elements of their daily life. Notably, this special painting is hung in the hallway, creating a focal point for visitors.
“Instead of leaving a plain painted wall, add some colorful paintings, photos, materials to your hallway,” she suggests.
According to David Frazier, you can also hang some family photos in the hallway, arranged in a logical layout to create an impressive gallery wall.
In a house in Denver, he used black frames for all the family photos and displayed them on a wall along the hallway.
“When you step into the hallway, you’ll admire the different pieces. And when you step out, you’ll have a different view of these photos, which makes it interesting,” he said.
Final accent wall
A long and narrow hallway will focus people’s attention on the empty wall at the end, so try to make this wall more attractive.
You can hang a painting, place a favorite piece of furniture, or a mirror at that spot.
In an apartment with arrow-patterned wallpaper in Manhattan, Allison Lind placed an antique chair at the end of the hallway. The chair is painted in eye-catching red and upholstered in black and white fabric, serving as an impressive artwork for anyone stepping in.
Furniture arrangement
Narrow hallways usually don’t have much space for furniture, but wider corridors or hallways with alcoves can accommodate a few items.
In such spaces, designers will add a small cabinet to display sculptures, books, flowers, and lamps, along with a large mirror or art painting hung above.
Phillip Thomas suggests: “When you have guests, the cabinet will be a great focal point to welcome them with beautiful vases of flowers and sparkling candles.”
According to Kate Marker, an interior designer in Barrington, “Why not turn the hallway into a room rather than just a passage?”
Marker loves classic rugs, so in the apartments she designs, she never misses this standout piece. According to her, this is a way for us to add color and texture, as well as bring warmth to the home.
Lighting
According to Marker, beautiful lighting not only makes the space attractive but also helps highlight the surrounding objects.
In long hallways, she often uses wall sconces to provide even lighting and emphasize the directional nature of the space. Sometimes, she also uses pendant lights to create a traditional feel, or uses ceiling lights with a minimalist design for a modern look.
Source: Zing
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