Transform Your Hallway: Design Tips for A Welcoming Space..
The hallway is a statement space in your home – it’s the first room people experience when they step inside, and it sets the tone for everything that follows.
A well-designed hallway creates a welcoming atmosphere for guests and potential buyers, reflecting your personality and lifestyle.
Whether you’re preparing to sell, recently moved into your new home, or simply want to make the space work better for your family, here’s my insight into refreshing your hallway and making it work for you:
1. Declutter and Organise
Your hallway is a space that needs to balance beautiful design and functionality. When designing your hallway, start by thinking about how it will be used. This will inevitably involve tackling storage issues. Organising clutter and having multi-functional storage options are key, especially if you have a young family.
Look for easy storage solutions like baskets and hooks, or invest in bespoke under-stairs cabinetry to make the most of awkward spaces. Guests and buyers will appreciate a clean, organised entryway, while you’ll love the practicality and the sense of calm that comes with a clutter-free environment.
If you’ve just moved into your new home, the hallway is the perfect place to start organising and making your own. It’s your first opportunity to make a statement and put your stamp on your new home, especially when it’s welcoming new visitors for the first time.
2. Welcoming Colours
The colours you choose are crucial when designing your space. Darker colours will create a dramatic statement or cocooning feel, which can work really well.
Lighter, neutral colours are a great choice for narrow Victorian hallways as they make the space feel brighter, more open and welcoming.
It’s also worth noting that neutral tones are a safer choice if you plan to sell, as they allow buyers to imagine their own design ideas in the space.
For our hallway transformation, we chose Farrow & Ball’s ‘All White’ for the walls to brighten the space and create an open and welcoming atmosphere. The dark ‘Railings’ by Farrow & Ball on the staircase and woodwork provides a modern contrast, balancing the traditional features and creating warmth and interest in the space. Read about our hallway transformation here [https://www.spacesbykelly.com/our-hallway-design-part-1-the-staircase/].
3. Add A Boot Room
Boot rooms are a game-changer for organisation and smooth transitions – and they don’t have to be a luxury reserved for larger homes. Even in tight Victorian hallways, creating a bespoke and functional boot room is possible. A small corner or space under the stairs can easily transform into a family-friendly boot area.
In our hallway, I zoned the boot room area by adding dark panelling with brass coat hooks and built open cabinetry with rattan baskets to store seasonal items. I repurposed our unused kitchen bench, which is perfect for storing shoes and creating a welcoming place to sit, while warm ambient lighting added to the inviting atmosphere.
I also designed a mini boot room under the stairs for the kids’ coats, shoes, and bags. This space is easy to reach and encourages independence. Find out more about our boot room design here [https://www.spacesbykelly.com/hallway-design-family-friendly-boot-room/] for some inspiration!
4. Creative Lighting and Accessories
Lighting is an essential design detail to make your hallway feel welcoming. Brighten the space with a statement light fixture such as a large pendant, and use layered lighting to create warmth and set the mood.
Adding a mirror will help bounce light around the space and make a narrow hallway look larger. A round mirror works well to balance the straight lines of doors and the staircase.
Accessories like rugs, candles, and prints or family photos soften the space and add a personal touch that makes it feel like home. Layer different textures, and don’t forget to add lots of greenery for the perfect welcoming vibe.
5. Design for Well-being and Family Life
A well-designed hallway isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about creating a space that enhances your well-being and supports your family’s daily routines. Thoughtful design elements such as a place to store school bags, sports kits, and muddy boots help family life run more smoothly and ensure everyone is out of the door on time!
This mindful approach to interior design will not only benefit you and your family – it will also make your home more appealing. Buyers will be inspired by the positive energy of a well-designed, family-friendly space, and be confident that it will work for their busy lives too.
How I Can Help You Create a Welcoming Hallway
If you’re ready to refresh your hallway and make it a space that works for your family or appeals to potential buyers, I would love to help transform your hallway into a beautiful and functional space.
Contact me for a consultation and let’s create your perfect space.
Phone/Whatsapp: 07554 149880
Email: kelly@spacesbykelly.com
@spacesbykelly
Eddie – Friday 20th December 2024. (Image used from JP & Brimelow marketing team).
