Your hallway is the first place your guests see when they enter your home.
It doesn’t have to look like a showhome. And you don’t have to decorate it in one particular style. You might choose a rustic, Scandi, industrial or a Mediterranean look. But as you might have guessed, there are many ways to mess up.
Here are five of the most common decorating mistakes people make with their hallway design. But more importantly, some tips on how to avoid making them yourself.
1) Neglecting the front door
Your front door and entrance sets the tone for the rest of your home. A bland or shabby entrance can be a real turn-off. Whereas a beautiful front door and well considered design will create a welcoming and inviting entrance. A few simple updates can make all the difference, such as repainting the door a fresh new colour or adding a striking plant pot or two.
2) Too much clutter
The hallway can all too easily become as dumping ground for everything: bags, coats and piles of shoes. Until it reaches the point where it’s almost like negotiating an obstacle course. Clear everything out of the hall that doesn’t need to be there. And enforce a zero tolerance policy on shoe dumping.
3) Lack of proper storage
There will be some items you’ll want to have in your entrance hall. But without adequate storage there is the risk of the area looking like a mess (even once you have de-cluttered the non essentials).
Think about the space you have available. If there is room, you could add some built-in storage. Otherwise, consider slimline coat racks, wall mounted coat hooks and compact storage solutions. You can even make a decorative feature of some some unusual coat hooks.
4) Combining too many decorating styles
You may have an eclectic taste in decorating styles and love vintage, the industrial look, as well as florals, pattern and colour. But if you clash too many different styles in one small space, you run the risk of creating a entrance that feels too busy and stressful.
Instead choose a few key features to enhance your hallway. And don’t be afraid to add some colour. If you think that coloured walls might be too overpowering, how about adding a bright piece of artwork or some colourful home accessories?
5) Poor lighting
A poorly lit hallway will feel dark and dingy, and create a tunnel like feeling. Alternatively, too much bright overhead lighting can be harsh. Use lighting to create a warm, inviting entrance. You can also use small directional lighting to bounce of the walls and make the space feel larger. Or use lighting to add interest by highlighting a focal point or architectural feature.
Above all, when decorating your hallway, you want to create a space that looks welcoming, and makes you feel happy to be home. What do you think?
