Hallways are an often overlooked part of the home. If you’re building a custom home, you have the freedom to make your hallways as amazing as the rest of your home. Consider lighting, paint color, and how to make sure the hallway helps each room flow into the next.
Lighting
There are many different options for hallway lighting. Sconces and track lighting work well in hallways. If you have art or photos hanging in your hallway, accent lights can highlight your favorites. For low ceilings, flush mounts or recessed light fixtures can provide bright illumination, whereas a chandelier could be stunning on a very high or vaulted ceiling.
To find the right lighting options for your hallway, first consider whether you want lighting on the wall (sconces or accent lights), overhead (hanging, flush mount, or recessed fixtures), or even step lights on the baseboards. Also, consider the level of light you want, any natural light the hallway receives, and the paint color, then find the right bulbs for your fixtures and desired level of lighting.
Paint color
Paint color can make or break your hallway, especially since hallways often lack natural light from windows and function as the connecting point of several rooms, they need to complement the styles of each. Consider the adjacent rooms, the level of light, and the size of the hallway when selecting a paint color.
Light or neutral paints are good for narrow or dark hallways, as they make the space seem bigger. Painting trim two shades lighter than the wall or using white paint on the ceiling can also make the space seem bigger and the ceilings seem taller. The opposite is true for large or high-ceilinged hallways: you can use a dark or bright paint color, crown molding or wainscoting to break up and visually shrink down the space.
Flow
Visual flow is an important but often overlooked component of home design. Your rooms need to look good when seen together, not just when the doors are closed. This is particularly crucial when it comes to hallways, since they connect many rooms, as mentioned in the previous section. The paint color of your hallway doesn’t have to perfectly match any of the adjoining rooms, but it should be complementary, which is why a neutral often works well. But aside from paint color, consistency in other design elements can enhance flow as well. The accessories, light fixtures, furniture, and any fabrics in the hallway should mesh with the design schemes of the adjoining rooms—if those styles vary greatly, incorporating elements of each that work well together can create a natural flow.
At Konkol Custom Homes & Remodeling, we take great pride in paying attention to every single detail of the home, including hallways. For a custom home that reflects your taste and lifestyle through every corner, give our office a call at (407) 539-2938 or leave us a message online today.
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