A one story ranch style house is desirable real estate. But these usually come with the long ominous hallway. The question I hear is, “What to do?” Here are a few ways to spruce things up, and help that hallway connect with the rest of the home.
Paint
Choose your favorite color. It can be a great hue like blue, purple or green, or opt for a neutral white or beige. Just make sure you really like it in the lighting of the hallway. Apply it to the walls in a high gloss finish. This will instantly add interest to the space by providing shadow and light. You’ll be amazed.
Play with Molding
Next consider adding low profile molding that will decorate the space, without impeding the space needed to walk through. Molding attaches to the walls, and won’t get knocked down like pictures can. You could accentuate the length by adding a horizontal chair rail, or play with shapes and create rectangles periodically. Just don’t over do it, and paint it a contrasting color that works with the wall color.
Stick To It
Decals are another great way to add personality without creating hazards. These install easily, and are removable. Look for large repeated motifs or mural-like effects available online or in stores. Frames can also be mounted to the wall, just be creative. Use some picture putty if using frames with glass. They’ll be more secure on the wall if they get bumped.
Remember All Planes
Just like any other room in your house, consider the walls, ceiling and the floor. Paint the ceiling the same high gloss color as the ceiling, or choose a lighter color. Molding can also be added here to break up the length and add interest around light fixtures or in between. The floor is another place to consider. You can add borders to the flooring or use area rugs.
Light the Way 
Most hallways in this category have overhead lighting. Used alone or with these other elements, especially the high gloss paint, lighting is crucial. Consider changing the existing fixture to something that spreads the light differently than a typical round flush or semi-flush mount fixture. Opt for something elongated to spread the light throughout the space. If you have recessed cans, check out eyeballs or wall washers that shine the light toward those glossy walls. Finally if you can, add some wall sconces. This will add interesting light and shadow as well as add visual interest.
Use the Rule of Thirds
This design secret works in any situation. Measure the length of the hallway and divide by three. Then use any of the above techniques in those thirds. For example, center your molding shapes in each of the thirds. Use alternating shades of paint in each third to create zones. Divide along the horizontal or vertical direction.
Focal Points
Before you begin, look at your hallway from one end, and see what you want jumps out at you. This could be something you don’t like or something you do like. Pay attention, and use this as your guide to make decisions. Accentuate what you like, and detract from what you don’t.
Adding a focal point at the end, such as large, bright artwork will draw the eye down. Mirrors can bounce the light and add visual interest, too.
Have fun!
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Upstage, LLC helps people sell their homes quickly and profitably. Our staging and marketing techniques help attract buyers and increase the perceived value of a home.
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