Hallway Upgrade by Knot & Grain

Here, Natalie Mudd, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Knot & Grain, shares her top tips on creating a beautifully designed hallway from the floor up. 

The hallway is much more than just a functional space; it sets the tone for your entire home. Often used as a passage between rooms or a spot to hang coats and remove shoes, it’s also the very first area guests see when they walk through the door.

1. Choose quality flooring that lasts

Bespoke Heritage Plank in Old Farmhouse from £68 per m2

“Flooring plays a key role in the overall look and feel of your hallway and helps set the tone for the rest of the design scheme. Engineered wood flooring is an ideal choice, due to its timeless look and hardwearing properties. The natural grain and warm tones of wood provide an authentic look and help to create an inviting feel. Hallways come in a range of shapes and sizes, so it’s always advisable to order plank samples to gauge the best size and colour, plus, you can look at how the wood appears under different lighting conditions.
 
If your hallway is particularly narrow or small, consider opting for a regular size plank (rather than a large one); this will ensure the grain and colour are varied across the entire floor. Larger planks can sometimes look a little lost in small spaces. Finally, look at different flooring layouts, laying planks across the hallway can help enhance the width, whereas lengthways can highlight the depth.”

2. Let light in

“A light and bright hallway can completely transform the feel of a home. However, not all homes benefit from natural light and may require thoughtful design tricks to emulate daylight.

Starting with the floor, consider light-toned engineered wood flooring, which pairs beautifully with a soft colour palette of neutrals such as soft pinks, off-whites, and sage greens. Incorporate mirrors to reflect light throughout the space, maximising brightness even in the narrowest hallways. Finally, place lighting thoughtfully, wall sconces and pendants offer layered ambient light that is both practical and stylish.”

3. Showcase your personal style

“The hallway is the perfect place to showcase your personal style. Create a welcoming interior by incorporating your favourite pieces of art, family photos, or decorative rugs. If space allows, introduce a sideboard, the ideal spot for a vase of flowers and a trinket tray to drop your keys in at the end of the day.

Add baskets for easy access to umbrellas and include hooks for coats and scarves, ideally tucked away behind storage cupboards for a clutter-free look. Don’t forget to play with contrast and introduce different textures through lighting, accessories, and soft furnishings to bring the space to life.”