We all know how important it is that when we’re selling our homes, they’re appealing to buyers. We spend hours prepping their exterior to ensure that it has a good curb appeal, but one area we often fail to think about is the hallway. If you’re lucky enough to have a hallway by your front door, it’s important to make the most of it.
Have you ever considered that a stylish entrance that is welcoming and feels like an extension of the rest of the house could add value? As any estate agent will tell you, the key to selling your home for a good price is good presentation.
Decorate in light neutrals
The last thing you want is a hallway that’s dark and dreary, especially if you’re trying to sell your home. That’s why decorating in light neutrals is a must – white, cream and gentle grey are all ideal for hallways. Use these colours and you can give the space a light and airy look and feel, and can make it appear larger.
As well as decorating the walls in neutrals, the floor should also be light in colour. As it’s a space that people come into from outside, carpet is not a good idea. To ensure that the area stays looking good no matter how many people traipse in with muddy boots, opt for hard flooring. Tile or wooden flooring is ideal for a hallway, just make sure to pick a light coloured design.
from https://www.flickr.com/photos/rogueinteriordesigns/4843222591/
Add trim
For a hallway that looks and feels elegant, consider adding trim to the walls. This can be along the skirting boards, or as high as halfway up the walls, depending on the look you want to create. Pick trim that’s two shades darker than your walls, so that it stands out, but isn’t too dark.
It might only be a small thing, but you’ll be amazed at how much of a difference some well-chosen trim can make to the feel of the space. You won’t be able to add it yourself, unless of course, you’re trained in plastering. However, this minor update shouldn’t be too expensive to have done.
Invest in accessories
Just like when decorating any other space, when it comes to designing a beautiful hallway, accessories are crucial. If you want to give the room a sense of style and cosiness, picking out the perfect accessories is essential.
First things first, think about functionality. A hallway is the place where coats and shoes should be left, so it needs to accommodate that. To keep shoes neat and tidy, invest in a stylish shoe shelf that matches the design of the space and holds a good amount of shoes. For coats, invest in a coat rack that fits the colour and style of the room, and offers a good amount of coat storage. For a beautiful range of coat racks, check out the website for lovethesign. A door mat is also a must for wiping muddy feet on – there are plenty of fantastic designs to choose from.
Once you’ve got your functional accessories sorted, the next step is to pick a few pieces that add style. An easy way to give the space a boost of style is with carefully selected wall art – it’s amazing how the right picture can lift a space. Or, to lighten the space, adding a mirror can work wonders.
Add comfort
If your hallway is wide enough, think about adding a stylish sofa. The idea of having a sofa in your hallway might sound a little strange, but it adds a sense of comfort and luxury to the space. If you’re going to add a sofa, make sure to pick a design that’s on legs, and not too low to the ground. Aim to select a design that matches the theme of the space, as well as the colour scheme.
Another way that you can add comfort is by adding a runner rug. Carpet may not be a good idea for a hallway, but a rug is ideal. Choose the right design and it will add not only add comfort but also style. Just make sure to select a rug that can be easily washed, as the chances are it will get mucky.
So there you have it, all our top tips for creating a more stylish and inviting hallway
(Original Post: http://www.propertyowl.co.uk/design-secrets-for-an-inviting-hallway/)