First impressions matter: getting the hallway right

The Importance of the Hallway

The hallway should be the last room you decorate. When we renovate and decorate, everything passes through the hallway here; if we decorate it too early, it will just end up messy. You should make your hall welcoming. Consider hanging higher hooks for jackets in your hallway. Don't forget a dumping drawer if you have the space.

Colour

Brighter and lighter colours are great for hallways with lots of natural light, as they are very welcoming.

Darker halls can be dramatic when there is no natural light. You can be quite dramatic in the hallway since it's not a place where you linger. It's fun to liven up a space with a wallpapered or brightly coloured ceiling.

You should paint your doors the same colour as your walls. The result is a space that feels less busy and calmer. Painting the inside of the front door in a joyful colour is a fun way to make a statement.

Working with Your Architecture

If you live in a period property with a dado rail, you can paint a dark colour below the rail and a lighter colour above.

For the bottom half of the wall, Kate recommends gloss paint since it is hardwearing and withstands scuffs. A matte version of the same colour can be applied to the upper portion of the wall, playing with the texture and surface.

When it comes to doors, you can take the gloss as high as you like with paint the bottom half gloss and the top half matte. To make a perfect line, you will need a laser pointer or masking tape. You could tile the bottom half of the wall. It is durable and easy to maintain. Wall lights are always great in a hallway.

Flooring

If you want flooring that will last, you should choose durable flooring.

When paired with underfloor heating, tiles in a hallway are a great way to free up space. Patterned tiles are great don't show dirt as much.

A patterned runner will hide dirt in a hall. To keep the carpet in place, you can purchase carpet underlay or upholstery studs.

Your Assignment

Consider what it is you need from your hallway. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Whose got coats?
• Whose got shoes?
• What does everyone need?

Hallway Checklist

• Adequate storage
• Lighting
• Somewhere to hang coats
• A mirror - helping to bounce light

Design Notes

• Door - Painted in Rothschild Street by Mylands London
• Walls - Painted in Wimborne White by Farrow & Ball
• Radiator - Bisque Radiators
• Stair runner - Alternative flooring
• White Ceramic Umbrella Stand - Rockett St George