Firstly, consider the flooring. Hallways are one of the most high traffic areas so the more practical and durable the flooring the better. The flooring you choose is a major design statement within this space and affects every other element of your design. With the variety of materials, colours and textures available today, your choices are endless. Laminate wood is a popular choice for a hallway as it feels good underfoot and creates a warm look while being very much the practical choice. You could also choose limestone and marble floors which give a sophisticated finish to your hallway however, can make the room feel slightly cold. You may like to add a large runner or rug along your hall which will create a warm and comfortable feel to the area.

 

A lot of hallways don’t get much natural light so I would recommend choosing a soft colour of paint which will introduce an airy feel to this space. A little tip that can help lift the height of the room and brighten up the space is by painting your ceilings in Pure Brilliant White. Grey is a beautiful colour to paint the walls in your hallway. Shades such as Aspen Silver, Soft Steel and Silver Spoon are all fabulous shades from Crown Paints. If there is plenty of light then don’t be afraid to go with the darker tones and be a little more daring.

 

Another colour that works particularly well in a hallway is a duck egg blue such as Elegant Scent, Elegant Gown from the Classic Collection. Don’t forget you can also have accent walls in a hallway. The one thing to remember is that the colour should be behind you when you enter. This will prevent the colour from becoming too overpowering for the room and will allow you to use softer tones in this space.

 

In a hallway you can also add some accessories to finish off the overall look. You could place an elegant stair runner or stair treads on your staircase. Stair treads are modern alternatives to stair runners with each tread a complete rug for each step. This can be a great way to introduce colour in your hallway making your staircase a fabulous centerpiece in your home. You can follow the chosen carpet design onto your landing and hallway upstairs to give it a completed look.

 

Why not add a side table with a lamp or if there is room you should invest in a large free standing lamp. This will bring more light into the hallway and give the illusion of greater space. You might also like to consider hanging a full length mirror at the end of your hallway to maximise the light and of course check your image before going out! Artwork is a great way to create a real impact in this space. Bright vibrant colours will work wonderfully against a soft grey/blue background.

 

Remember, every part of your home is just as important as the next. Too often, we skip over the little areas, like the hallway and then we can never quite figure out what's off balance in the house. I hope this post helps you create the perfect entrance hall to your home.

 

Happy Decorating!