Regardless of size, the entrance to your home should be warm and welcoming, giving visitors a good first impression. If your space is feeling a little bland and lacking in personality, here are some ideas to add character to your hallway:
Choose interesting flooring
A lot of dirt and debris from outdoors gets trodden into the hall, so it’s best to avoid carpet. Instead, look for hard flooring options that are not only robust but will add style to your hall. Parquet flooring is a popular option currently, or what about a timeless tiled floor which will really enhance your space and create a stunning feature. If you live in a period home that needs restoration, you could add some authentic looking ceramic Victorian floor tiles from Tiles and Bathrooms to make a statement underfoot. Or even to give a modern home a period twist. If you are unable to change the existing flooring, say if you’re renting a property, you could add a boho-inspired persion rug or neutral seagrass runner to give your floor a lift.
Wow with wall decor
Standard framed pictures are a bit boring these days, when there are so many more wall decor alternatives around. You could opt for something much quirkier, like a neon sign or a vintage bus route poster to give a more unique and individual look. Or why not create a gorgeous gallery wall, using a mix of prints and postcards? An alternative idea is adding a statement wallpaper along one wall to add colour and pattern.
Storage with style
Even practical items like storage can add personality to your hallway, if you choose the right ones. Look out for characterful old school style coat hooks, or a vintage coat rack and umbrella stand. If you need hidden storage in your hall, how about a retro metal locker? Shoes can be stowed beneath a stylish bench and a console table is another good option if you need a surface to place a lamp or any other accessories.
Paint to the rescue
Getting the right paint colours in a hallway can make or break it. An older property will instantly look more characterful if you use traditional paint colours, typical of the era of the property. But you may prefer to switch things up and go against tradition with a bold and vibrant pop of colour, or moody dark walls that beckon you in. Opting for a change from white for the skirting board and doors can be refreshing and make your home seem more individual. And don’t forget the front door – the inside is just as important as the outside and why not be adventurous with the colour – you can choose anything you want from a peachy millennial pink to a zingy yellow!
Statement features
Every hall deserves a statement feature to focus on, whether it’s a piece of stained glass, an imposing mirror or an eye-catching light fitting. Beaded chandeliers are popular right now, as are huge round mirrors. If your budget is small, search local junk shops for treasures such as a vintage light fitting you can have adapted to modern standards, or a retro mirror or mirrors to display together in a characterful collection.
It’s all in the details
Don’t forget character can be created through the smaller details in a hallway, too; for example, why have white plastic light switch plates and plug sockets when you can have copper, burnished brass or chrome ones? Reinstating period details such as picture and dado rails, or adding authentic skirting and a traditional radiator, can look amazing and instantly add to the overall character of your hallway. As always, it’s the details that count!
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© Copyright 2019 Antonia, All rights Reserved. Written For: Tidylife
