Design Considerations: Hallways
I have heard comments from friends that their houses are feeling “lightened up” this week as seasonal decorations are returned to storage. What a perfect opportunity to design with a clean slate - why not start in a small space that is often a dark second thought. There are many fun design tricks that you can easily put to use for a more lively hallway that welcomes visitors into the different rooms of the house.
Here are a few of my best tips:
1. Color - Take chances with paint that you would shy away from in a larger room where furniture and window treatments must all coordinate. Brighten the hall with uplifting color combinations - pale pink and silver grey, for example, is bright, sophisticated, and a little retro!
2. Lighting - Don’t save all the best fixtures for the dining room! Some fabulous lights or sconces along the walkway can brighten in a stylish way. Add a mirror and the reflected light will amplify the space! Or try this - the addition of skylights can be a big help in letting natural light in.
3. Art - A hallway is perfect for showcasing family pictures or favorite pieces of art. Install accent lighting to highlight each display. For a narrow hallway, hang art on one side only to keep it from feeling too narrow. Or try this - add shallow shelves to hold picture frames and tchotchkes. Voila - your private gallery!
4. Furniture - A shallow bookshelf, semi-circle table, or long bench can help fill a narrow space while providing some practical storage. Throw a few patterned pillows on the bench or a flower vase on the table and you’ve also infused color into the scheme.
5. Floor - Hallways are often high-traffic areas, and a runner or small area rug can protect floors while adding warmth to the space. If the paint is bright, the lights are dazzling, and the art spectacular, let a floor covering ground it all and create balance.
I hope these tips are helpful - I have many more that I would love to share. Whether you are prepping to sell or thinking of buying in 2020, you are always welcome to give me a call.
Nancy Palmer, CRS Broker Associate REALTOR® DRE #00525350 Compass | Woodside D 650.492.0200 | O 650.529.1111 www.NancyPalmer.com
Image courtesy of Karen Arnold / PublicDomainPictures.net