I’m an interiors expert – the mistakes in your hallway that are giving a bad first impression
WITH the new year well underway, you might be thinking of sprucing up your home for a fresh start.
But when it comes to redecorating there is one room which is often forgotten.
According to Pinterest searches for hallway glow-ups go off the chart in January.
The hallway is the first impression of your home but often needs to be a functional hub with storage and spots for essentials when leaving the house.
Here Faye Leeming, design coordinator for Where Saints Go, gives four common mistakes you should avoid when sprucing up your space.
Mistake No. 1 – Dim and dreary lighting
Hallways are notoriously low on natural lighting and adding a harsh overhead light.
Faye says this is a major mistake.
Instead, she suggested going for layered lighting like lamps.
She says: “Consider sconces for a soft glow, pendant lamps for a touch of fun, and strategically placed floor lamps for reading nooks or to highlight artwork.
“Remember, good lighting can transform a cramped space into one that feels expansive and inviting.”
Mistake No. 2 – Not looking up
Hallways can be tall meaning there can be lots of wall space.
Faye says you shouldn’t be afraid to think vertically and utilise all available space.
She says: “Don’t let all that wall space go to waste.
“Don’t be afraid to think vertically with shelving, storage units, or even hanging plants.
“This not only uses precious space but also adds visual interest.”
Mistake No. 3 – Forgetting the floor
Practicality is key when it comes to the flooring in the hall.
But Faye warns just because it needs to be practical doesn’t mean it needs to be boring.
She says choosing durable materials like tile or hardwood are the best options but to opt for low-pile options that won’t snag on shoes or become tripping hazards.
And she says you can add a touch of your personality with patterned rugs or runners.
Mistake No. 4 – Clutter chaos
Faye says hallways are magnets for clutter from coats, shoes, bags and even your mail.
She recommends fighting back with smart storage solutions like hooks, baskets, cabinets and even hidden nooks to give your hallway a sense of order.
And Faye reveals four of her top hacks for storage to help keep your hallway stylish and clutter free.
Hooks on the wall
Simple hooks can be very powerful.
Faye says you can install them at different heights for coats, scarves, bags, or even dog leads.
And she advised opting for decorative designed or colourful hooks to add some of your personality.
Bench with storage
Faye says these are a two-in-one wonder.
She says: “This provides a comfy spot to put on shoes while hiding clutter beneath the seat.
“Choose one with compartments, drawers, to even open shelves for easy access to everyday items like gloves, hats, or umbrellas.”
Understair storage
If you have stairs, the space underneath them can be a goldmine.
Faye says built-in drawers, cabinets or open shelves can hold shoes, books, seasonal items, or even Henry the Hoover.
And she advises using custom-made storage because it will always make the most out of the often-awkward space.
Corner solutions
Faye says: “Don’t let those corners gather dust!”
She recommends using corner shelves, cabinets, or even hanging baskets to may the most of the unused space.
And you can use it wisely to store books, magazines and decorative items.