I’m an interior design expert and here are six things we shouldn’t do in the hallway that we hate doing

HALLWAYS give guests their first impression of your home when they walk in.

They are the transitional spaces in our homes. They are often overlooked in design, but they play a crucial role in determining the overall feel of your home.

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

Olivia Crosher, Visual Stylist at Natural wallhas revealed the six absolute hallway don’ts that interior designers hate, and explains why you should avoid these common mistakes.

Olivia says: “The hallway is the first impression people get 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 harmony with the rest of the home.”

Too many hooks and coats

Olivia indicates that it is absolutely forbidden to hang the hallway full of coat racks and that coats should not be allowed to pile up.

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

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

She recommends creating a more organized storage solution instead.

“Try to limit the number of visible hooks and provide hidden storage options, such as a narrow cabinet or a separate wardrobe,” she continued.

“This way the hallway remains neat and streamlined, which gives a more neat appearance.”

Low quality lighting

Good lighting is essential to making a space feel inviting. Olivia warns that cheap or overly bright lighting is a design flaw.

She explains: ‘Too little or poor lighting will make the hallway feel gloomy and uninviting, while too bright, cool lighting can feel clinical.’

“Both leave interior designers feeling uneasy, as lighting should enhance the space, not distract.”

The interior design professional advises opting for warm, soft lighting to create a welcoming atmosphere, as she added: “A statement pendant light or elegant wall lights can completely change the mood of the hallway, making it more inviting and luxurious.”

Misaligned wall art

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

She sighed: “Artwork hung 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 thrown together.”

Overcrowded furniture

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

She says: “If the hallway is cluttered with too much furniture, it can feel cramped and difficult to find your way around.

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

She advises opting for minimalist, sleek furniture that will expand the space without overwhelming it.

“A sleek console table or small bench can be functional without cluttering the hallway,” she suggests.

Visible wires or clutter

According to Olivia, exposed wires from lights, electronics and even phone chargers are an absolute no-no.

She tells Fabulous: “Visible wires immediately make the space look cluttered and unfinished.

“It’s something that designers really hate because it’s a simple fix that can make a big difference in how polished a space feels.”

Olivia recommends hiding cables with cable management solutions or investing in wireless lighting options to keep the hallway looking neat and tidy.

Plastic floor mats

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

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

She recommends using rugs with natural fibers or a texture that will add warmth and personality to the space.

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

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