10 Ways to Update Your Hallway

Our uninspired entrance hallway has been itching for a makeover for a while now. It’s been on the never ending house-to-do-list for yonks but I keep on ignoring it, a bit like our stairs that I finally painted the other week.

There are shoes everywhere (erm, that would be my fault), holes in the walls that need filling followed swiftly by walls splattered in mud, courtesy of the dog. Oh and there is no home for Polly’s lead, collar and harness; the quintessential dumping ground.

It’s a tiny room which would ordinarily make me want to keep to a simple decor but after a little research on Pinterest I’ve found better ways to make the most of the space – and some great products along the way to give it a new lease of life. If you’re looking to create a practical and stylish hallway too I’ve listed 10 tips to give you and your guests the welcome they deserve (instead of tripping over the dog lead), as well as a hallway furniture and accessories wish list for small and larger spaces. Time to get on with it chums!

Industrial Luggage Rack from Cox and Cox | Slippers from Mahabis | Black Hub Umberella Stand from Trouva | Reina Sena Radiator from Designer Radiator Showroom | Storage Table from Ikea | Coat Stand from Cuckooland |Console Table from Quercus | Plant hanger from JYSK | Large Leather Tray from Oliver Bonas |White Letter Board from Rose & Grey | Beach bag from Boden | Patterned Rug from H&M | Cinders Table Lamp from Habitat

1| Work out what you use your hallway for. Do you store shoes there? Bags? Kids or pet stuff? Or is it simply a thoroughfare? For us, we need a space for coats, shoes, the odd bag, Polly’s accessories, a place for post and somewhere for accessories including umbrellas and sunglasses; not forgetting the house keys of course. We already have a coat rack including a luggage rack on one side of the wall which would benefit from a couple of baskets to store Polly’s accessories, plus a handy towel for when she comes through the door. I’d love to have stylish storage for shoes, and then utilise the walls for the rest; a wall basket for post, a small shelf to keep sunglasses and keys on and a couple of hooks to hang bags as we walk through the door. If you have a little more floor space I love the umbrella stand from and storage table above.

2| Add functional and decorative furniture to the space that won’t impede traffic. I adore this warm and elegant Sheesham Wood Console Table (see above) from Quercus Living which is the ideal size for a hallway. It includes drawers and a lower shelf for added storage. The surface area of the table will offer the opportunity to create seasonal displays throughout the year – ideal for welcoming guests into your home.

3| Brighten the space by updating your front door to a glazed door to attract natural light into the space or add a statement lamp if you have a surface area to add warmth, light and interest to the room.

4| Look at the bare bones of the space. Is your flooring functional? Do the walls need repainting? If you’re a pet owner like me, perhaps it’s worth investing in paint that is easily cleaned. Or perhaps the space is prone to damp or condensation – you can get paint for that too. Next, look at other fixtures and fittings including radiators. Adding a contemporary radiator to the space like the Reina Sena in black from Designer Radiator Showroon would definitely add a luxury finish to a space and give it a more modern feel. Keep it minimal or add a shelf above the radiator for extra storage and decorative items.

5| Add personality to the space using photographs or art work. I especially love the stylish and fun White Letter Board (pictured bottom left) to add personalised messages to your family and to welcome guests.

6| Decorate with plants. I know I say this time and time again, but I do believe the quickest and most affordable way to update a room, and improve its air quality, is to add plants. They make everything better! If you are lacking on space, look to the walls and use hanging planters like the one above. P.S There’s a giveaway coming soon on the blog feature plant-friendly wares from JYSK!

7| Add colour and interest using your accessories. Rather than decorating the walls with colour  and getting bored with it a year down the line, simply adorn the space with your favourite vibrant bags and outdoor clothing instead.

8| Customise the space for each family member. Have accessible storage for the little ones so they’re encouraged to tidy away when they walk in the door.

9| Reflect your style and maximise a small hallway by adding a mirror(s). You can buy hallway mirrors with shelves if you’re looking to cleverly combine your decor ideas.

10|Now your hallway is complete look outside your front door and give that space a little attention too. Minimise dirt coming into the hallway with a functional doormat and decorate with low maintenance perennial plants for added curb appeal.

Disclosure: Collaborative Post