Hallways and staircases are one of the most utilized and yet most underappreciated areas of a home. Too often, homeowners leave their halls and stairs barren of any interior design. Don’t be one of those homeowners! Learn to celebrate the space that is your hallway and discover ways to liven it up.

• Color. A hallway or staircase is the pathway to several rooms in your home. For this reason, the professionals at CertaPro Painters of Asheville, NC recommend that you paint with a neutral color. Hallways also often lack a source of natural light, so utilizing neutral colored paints will help brighten the space.
• Flooring. Hallways and staircases are high traffic areas, making hardwood flooring a viable option for homeowners. Hardwood floors can withstand much more wear and tear than traditional carpeting and are an easy clean. Spruce up the look of your hardwood flooring with a decorative area rug.
• Interest. If you’re looking for a way to add some structure to your hallway without the bulk of a table or shelving, try wainscoting. Traditionally, wainscoting is comprised of pieces of interlocking wood that can be easily painted or stained any color. This covering is placed over the lower portion of a wall and creates an elegant look. To add interest to a staircase, try painting the banisters with a bright color. The subtle pop will give your staircase a sophisticated, modern look.
• Personality. Use your hallways to showcase your personality. Hang family photos, wall decals, or even decorative mirrors on your hallway walls. Arrange them in a gallery style for an added sense of elegance. The same can be done along the walls of a staircase.
• Functionality. Your home may have a hallway located right at the entrance of your home. If this is the case, you’ll need to include functional design elements that will make the space easier to utilize. Hang a coat rack for the family to place hats, jackets, purses, and bags on when they come home. Line rubber mats against the wall for muddy shoes to go. For added organization, line a shelf with bins for family members to store miscellaneous items in, including keys and mail.  You can also utilize small bin storage on the lower steps of your staircase.
• Lighting. Whether you opt for a modern style cage light or a simple vintage lamp, the lighting in your hallway should be decorative and functional. When the light is on, the entire length of the hallway should be visible. If you find that your hallway or staircase is extra long, install as much light as necessary.
• Furniture. While the hallway is a method of travel in a home, that doesn’t mean that it cannot house furniture. Use a narrow table to house a decorative lamp, photos, or a landline telephone. If you have room, incorporate a bench with cushions into your hallway design for a contemporary chic look.

Don’t let your hallway fall by the wayside. After all, it’s one of the most utilized spaces in your home! Spruce up your hallways appearance with these interior design tips.