I’m an interiors expert and here are six hallway no-no’s that give us the absolute ‘ick’

HALLWAYS give guests the very first impression of your home when they step inside.

They are the transitional spaces in our homes, and while they may often be overlooked in design, they play a crucial role in setting the overall tone of your pad.

A poorly designed hallway can make even a well-decorated home feel incomplete.

Olivia Crosher, visual stylist at Naturewall, has revealed there are six hallway no-no’s that give interior designers the ‘ick’ – and explains why these common mistakes should be avoided.

Olivia says: “The hallway is the first impression people have of your home, so it’s important to get it right.

“Unfortunately, there are a few common pitfalls that can make this space feel chaotic or out of sync with the rest of the house.”

Too many hooks and coats

Olivia points out that overloading the hallway with coat hooks or allowing coats to pile up is a major no-no.

She says: “When you walk into a hallway and see a sea of coats hanging on every hook, it instantly feels cluttered and overwhelming.

“It gives the impression that the space is just a dumping ground for outerwear.”

She recommends creating a more organised storage solution instead.

“Try limiting the number of hooks on display and incorporating concealed storage options like a slim closet or a designated coat cupboard”, she continued.

“This way, the hallway can stay tidy and streamlined, offering a more curated look.”

Low-quality lighting

Good lighting is key to making a space feel inviting, and Olivia warns that cheap or overly harsh lighting is a design mistake.

She explains: “Dim or poor-quality lighting makes the hallway feel dingy and uninviting, while overly bright, cool-toned lighting can feel clinical.

“Both give interior designers the ‘ick’ because lighting should enhance the space, not detract from it.”

The interiors pro advises choosing warm, soft lighting to create a welcoming atmosphere, as she added: “A statement pendant light or elegant wall sconces can completely change the feel of the hallway, making it more inviting and luxurious.”

Misaligned wall art

One of Olivia’s other biggest pet peeves is when wall art is hung at the wrong height.

She sighed: “Artwork that’s too high or too low on the wall can completely throw off the balance of the hallway. It feels out of place and awkward.”

Her solution? “Artwork should always be hung at eye level to create a sense of cohesion and flow. This makes the hallway feel thoughtfully designed, rather than haphazardly put together.”

Overcrowded furniture

Olivia also stresses the importance of avoiding oversized or excessive furniture in the hallway.

She says: “If the hallway is crammed with too many pieces of furniture, it can feel claustrophobic and difficult to navigate.

“Designers often cringe at this because it disrupts the natural flow of the space.”

She suggests opting for minimal, slimline furniture that enhances the space without overwhelming it.

“A sleek console table or a small bench can add function without overcrowding the hallway”, she suggests.

Visible wires or clutter

Exposed wires from lamps, electronics, or even phone chargers are a major no-no, according to Olivia.

She tells Fabulous: “Visible wires instantly make the space look untidy and unfinished.

“It’s something that really gives designers the ‘ick’ because it’s an easy fix that can make a big difference in how polished the space feels.”

Olivia recommends hiding wires with cable management solutions or investing in wireless lighting options to keep the hallway looking clean and sleek.

Plastic flooring mats

Finally, Olivia advises against using plastic or low-quality flooring mats.

“Plastic mats are practical but they give off a cheap, utilitarian vibe. Hallways are high-traffic areas, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish”, she says.

She suggests using natural fibre or textured rugs that add warmth and personality to the space.

She adds: “Investing in a high-quality rug will not only protect your floors but also add a layer of sophistication to the hallway.”

By avoiding these common hallway mistakes, Olivia Crosher assures that you can create a space that’s not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, setting the perfect tone for the rest of your home.