redecorating a large wide 1950's bungalow hallway

HOLLYROSE

Can anyone give me some ideas on how to redecorate my large hallway..As it is a bungalow that we live in the hallway is large and wide and leads to all the bedrooms/lounge etc. the front door is unused that leads into the hallway as my backdoor is the closest to my parking area so we all use that door instead. Consequently the front door is never used. The hallway has very little natural light other than borrowed light from all the other rooms..I have an idea for wallpaper but it's the general layout of the room that bothers me, there is no scope for curtains other than a door curtain in the little hallway leading to the front door...The hallway is such a large area of the house so it is more than a passageway, however you wouldn't sit in it..I don't know what to do..any ideas???

churchlady

I wasn't going to post a reply until i noticed no one else has been brave enought to weigh in! Its hard to really give a half decent opinion without the visual aid of a photo (or 2) but i'll try...

Anyway, I read a really great book on Feng Shui a few years back ("Move your stuff & change your life") Don't laugh! Its an excellent resource for practical interior decorating advise, especially for rooms that one feels compelled to stay out of because they just are just not inviting/ homey/ comfortable etc.

Any room which is too dark would benefit with a few (relatively) inexpensive & quick fixes
1) paint! cream, or warm white, soft yellow, pale taupe...any colour which ties in with your colour scheme and has no blue or green undertones (think hospitals - cold!)
2) any wall space you have add a mirror!! The bigger ,the better & pick one with a frame that is appealing to you (ie antique gold or something equally striking)
3) Make sure the front door/entrance had easy access (no clutter at the entrance is important) & try using a hall or area rug, if possible, to warm up the space
4) If /when you have the cash: invest in a new front door!! Go with a generous 3/4 door glass not just a wimpy 1/2 door glass (= more light!!) There are some amazing decorative options out there that can tie in with the age of your home & have different options in privacy levels. (I just put in a new double front with 3/4 glass in a wrought iron style and the change is amazing! the hallway was a gloomy, cold entry and now it is so inviting and bright: the best money I ever spent! (PS Feng shui book suggests the use of white or black at the front entry - my exterior is white so I went with a black front door - very tudor-ish looking)

If you can send along a photo & good luck!