As the days get shorter, it is easy for our homes to feel dark and unwelcoming, particularly if we are also trying to save on electricity. Redecorating can be a relatively low cost and very effective way of brightening up your home and making it feel warm and welcoming, even on the coldest, wettest days.
The hallway is often overlooked when it comes to styling, as it is just a place for you to walk through and, possibly, dump shoes, bags and coats on your way. However, with a little bit of thought, some careful styling and a lick of paint you can transform the household dumping area into a beautiful, bright, welcoming space to brighten up your day when you come home. Here are just a few favourite colours from our skilled painters and decorators.
Leafy greens – a splash of nature
Green is a colour of hope, growth and nature, and can add a fresh, optimistic air to your hallway. If you are blessed with a light, airy hallway, dark green can add a classic touch to your entrance. Don’t feel as though you have to fully commit; an accent wall can be enough to add a splash of style without adding too much darkness. For darker spaces, one mid-depth accent wall can be tempered by brighter, neutral tones. Alternatively, splitting the wall horizontally with a dado rail or panel effect can help to add length and style without making it overbearingly dark.
Blue sky thinking – a breath of fresh air
Add a touch of tranquillity as you enter your home with bright and airy blues and complementing pastel hues. Touch of white and pastel or yellow accents will make even the darkest space feel light-hearted and fun. If that is a bit too saccharine sweet for you, opt for a darker, richer blue; cobalt and cerulean can evoke a Mediterranean feel that will carry a range of bright colours, or classic cream or white.
A ray of sunshine – cheery yellow
Offering a warm welcome and a happy smile, if a colour could smile, yellow is a bold and cheerful choice for hallway décor. It promises further joy within the home, and helps to sooth away the stresses of the day. Be careful to choose a warm yellow and not an eye-watering lurid colour (unless you are a fan of neon). If you get the right tone, you could experience a little serotonin boost every time you open your front door.
If you are unsure what colours to choose for your hallway, invest in some samples and dab them on different walls so you can see how they work in various lights. The key to creating a cool and calming environment is to do a great job of decorating. If you don’t have the time, patience or know-how to prep your surfaces, cut in like a pro, or get a great finish, it may be worth getting someone to do the job for you. Check out the rated and reviewed painters and decorators on Trust a Trader. Follow us on Facebook or X as we explore more great home decorating options.