1. ONLY USING PALE COLORS
When it comes to decorating a small, dark hallway, many people make the mistake of thinking lots of light colors will help to lift the space, says Nicole Salvesen. ‘The truth is that some battles are just not worth fighting. If you paint the hallway entirely white, it has the effect of highlighting the lack of natural light rather than disguising it.’ Instead, the best option is to distract the eye.
2. NOT PAUSING TO THINK ABOUT A COLD OR HARSH FLOOR
Tiled floors in small entryways are an extremely practical solution for the part of the house that everyone will walk through, but they can be harsh and rather cold. Warm things up by taking a different route, suggests Irene Gunter
3. THINKING ABOUT LIGHTING TOO LATE INTO A REMODEL
There are various lighting tricks available these days to make an entryway appear more exciting and feel more spacious, says Sally Storey, creative director of John Cullen Lighting. ‘It’s best to aim for drama, not symmetry, by layering the lighting effects in an entrance,’ she explains. ‘Add impact by hanging an oversized pendant and dimming it for mood, but use this in conjunction with downlights that can spotlight a picture on the wall or highlight flowers on a console table.’
4. NOT INCLUDING ENOUGH STORAGE
Good entryway storage is essential in a small entryway, and not considering this when designing an entrance would be an oversight. This area tends to be a casting-off spot for everyone’s coats, bags, shoes, and keys, so be sure to find the best solution that makes the most of every available inch, be that built-in or standalone furniture. Another way to create the feeling of space in cramped entryways is to raise ceilings, says interior decorator Charlotte Hughes of Sutton House Interiors.
5. NOT CREATING POINTS OF INTEREST
‘One-off unique pieces create interest in awkward or small spaces,’ notes interior designer Natalia Miyar, who designed this scheme. ‘I have a few favorite locations for sourcing objects but I also design bespoke pieces that make a statement using interesting colors and textures. A strong piece of art is also a great way to draw focus to a space – often you need little else to bring life to the walls and it can create a talking point in a spot like a hallway where you pause to greet someone.’ If the space is large enough, do make sure to include a surface for the practicalities of everyday life, such as a pretty catch-all for your car keys or a decorative coaster if you always have a coffee cup in your hand.
6. UNDER UTILIZING NOOKS AND CORNERS
The corners, nooks, and snugs in our homes are some of the most riveting and underused spaces. They may seem redundant or pointless but redone in a creative way, these once unloved spots can be turned into a wonderful design feature.
7. NOT MAKING THE MOST OF WALL SPACE
The walls in an entryway are often left bare, but in fact, doing so could give a small or narrow entrance a gloomy, tunnel-effect. With plenty of wall space on offer, entryways are an ideal place to layer up your favorite artwork.