Classic Victorian tiled floors in hallways are a big hit with buyers

WHEN decorating a home, the hallway is often neglected.

While not officially a room, there is likely more than one "hallway" in your home that is seen by every visitor who walks through your door.

For that reason, decorating such an area should take on the same importance as the rest of your home.

The hallway should welcome your guests rather than scare them off.

If you're thinking about selling your house, the first impression you give your prospective buyer will encourage them to want to see more.

A hallway too often becomes a dumping ground for the family's stray belongings. These spaces tend to be long and narrow or small and constricted, so there's usually not much space for the coats, shoes, umbrellas, post, bags and keys that get brought in and out.

Aim to keep floor space tidy
Keep coats, shoes, scarves and so on in an under-stairs cupboard filled with items you don't want to throw out, such as old magazines.

Get into the habit of hanging your keys to prevent them from getting lost, but make sure they can't be seen from the front door or a hallway window.

A mirror with hooks or a noticeboard beneath doubles up as a place for reminders.

Install narrow-fitting furniture in a small hallway to maximise space. There are many styles now available featuring fold-out drawers and tall shelving.

Put directories, address and notebooks in a unit near your phone. A chest can double up as a handy seat if you put a cushion on top.

Slide extra storage baskets underneath a console table, if there is room, for items such as shoe cleaners or dog leads.

Many halls lack a good source of natural light, and there's nothing more unwelcoming than a dark and dingy hallway. Try simple track lighting or, if you can, invest in low-voltage or mains voltage recessed lighting in the ceiling.

Avoid pendant light fittings with shades as these give the impression of bringing the ceiling down.

Borrow light and create space with mirrors. Decorative mirrors are a great choice. Also, the light issue can be helped by mirrors as they will reflect and disperse light throughout the space.

When choosing a mirror for your hallway, consider scale. A large mirror is usually a good choice, especially if it is the only decoration on a particular wall.

Keep your walls pale and fresh - use light and neutral shades of cream and ivory for a light but cosy feel. Soft tones of yellow create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

To add protection to a light wall, try using a matt varnish to help wipe off marks easily.

Choose the right flooring. Anyone entering your house will find his or her eye naturally drawn downwards and along towards the stairs.

Again, pale, neutral colours are a safe choice, with sanded and sealed floorboards, while stone is a favourite in period houses. Classic Victorian tiled floors are also a big hit with buyers.

Natural floor coverings, such as sisal or coir, are popular, but whether you opt for this or traditional carpet, make sure it's suitable for such a high-traffic area, and not too pale and easily stained.

Painted floorboards can look dramatic. In a dingy hallway, painting the floor and the skirting in a white silk can help make the most of any available light.

An inset coconut-mat well as you walk through the door will take the brunt of the hard wear that a hall demands.

Tiles, laminate and solid wood flooring are good choices as they are easy to clean and hard-wearing. Opt for a shiny, light-reflective surface to create a larger floor area.

If you need interior advice, you can contact me at Honeysuckle Interiors on 01256 780831 or log on to www.honeysuckleinteriors.co.uk

Print   Email this If you need interior advice, you can contact Honeysuckle Interiors on 01256 780831, or check out the website at www.honeysuckleinteriors.co.uk