How to overhaul your hallway - the Easter DIY project you can easily do this weekend

Hallways are often forgotten spaces, but they shouldn’t be overlooked and offer up plenty of potential for sprucing up and adding elements of design detail. The original ‘through space’ of a home, make sure your hallway ideas turn this into the destination space it should and can be - maximise its potential with a few easy-to-achieve design tips! We gleaned some interiors expertise for a hallway refresh from Interior Designer Petra Arko, founder of interior design practice Bergman and Mar.

Space saving shelving is a practical and pretty addition 

‘If your hallway is tight in space then we would suggest using a wall mounted shelf to save space, it’s a great way of introducing a focal point to a hallway. Not only does it allow you to display a nice brass or ceramic bowl (handy for house keys and accoutrement) but it can also be an area to place a vase and bring in a fresh bunch of flowers. Instant design points for making the space welcoming!' Petra says.

However, if using a shelf affixed to the wall, space is key in this high traffic area. 'My top tip would be to try and find a shelf that has rounded corners so that if anyone does happen to brush passed too closely, it’s not an issue. Also, just make sure it’s thoroughly secured to the wall. Some hallways can be busy spaces, particularly family homes, so making sure it’s petite but robust, is a must!’ says Petra.

Add glamour with an elegant credenza or sideboard 

Not everyone has the room, but if you do, add the ultimate wow-factor piece to a hallway in the form of a chic credenza or sideboard. It’s hassle free as it involves a single item of furniture. 

Petra explains, ‘an elegant sideboard or credenza can instantly transform a hallway into a stylish space. You can use the surface top to display an edited selection of design accessories; a large statement vase with fresh flowers, a table lamp or a for photo frames. Whether traditional or contemporary in style, using a well-designed piece of furniture like this in a hallway can create a great first impression of your home,’ says Petra.

Make a design feature out of useful wall hooks 

Looking for a quick-fix design solution for your hallway? An effective way to raise the aesthetic of a hallway is to combine the practicality of coat hooks into a proper wall display. 

A great weekend DIY task, Petra explains, ‘Create a design feature out of coat hooks, and make a hallway feel altogether more contemporary, with some modern designer wall hooks. These are so chic they could even be an artwork display! Hooks and hardware often get overlooked as a practical necessity for our homes. Whilst they can be the most useful of additions to a hallway, they can also be a design feature! Choose a hook design that’s interesting and unusual, and hang them at different levels - an especially handy design trick if you have children of different ages and heights.’ says Petra.