From the initial point of entry to passageways between rooms, hallways serve as visual connectors in the home.
Often ignored, hallways can serve as a key design opportunity to unify or extend a color palette and overall aesthetic.
To begin your hallway design story, start with the point of entry, then build upon your design vision.
A point or entry can be a foyer, initial entry nook or a focus wall. First impressions are made within the first 10 seconds of entering a space. It is critical that this first impression is strong and memorable. It sets the tone for the remainder of the residence.
Some hallway decor options often include:
- Mirrors
- Artwork
- Shelves
- Consoles
- Benches
Some do’s and don’ts:
Do’s
Do select a bold or inspirational piece that makes a strong first impression.
Do use elements such as mirrors to open up the space.
![Mirrors along a hallway elongate the space. (Scott Gabriel Morris/TNS)](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F08%2F20%2Fid5477203-ATHOME-INTERIORS-HALLWAYS-5-MCT.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Do use smaller-scale furniture such as consoles and benches.
![A mirror at the beginning of a hallway highlights a home's architecture upon entry. (Handout/TNS)](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F08%2F20%2Fid5477199-ATHOME-INTERIORS-HALLWAYS-1-MCT.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Don’ts
Don’t overcrowd an entry with too many items or oversized furniture.
![Mirrors and artwork are paired to create a sense of color and balance. (Scott Gabriel Morris/TNS)](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F08%2F20%2Fid5477200-ATHOME-INTERIORS-HALLWAYS-2-MCT.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Don’t introduce colors in hallways that aren’t cohesive with your overall color scheme. Use hallway decor as a connector.
Don’t make hallways overly personalized. Use them as ways to extend your design style.
Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design home staging expert and short-term rental/vacation home designer with offices in New York City and The Hudson Valley. Contact her at [email protected] or visit her website at cathyhobbs.com. Copyright 2023 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.