Stairway to heaven

You might think that small rooms are easy to fill, however, this is not the case! Hallways, stairways and corridors are amongst the most difficult rooms in the house to furnish and decorate. It is very difficult to make space where there simply is none. In order to make the most of a small room or area you must look for creative storage and decorative solutions, suggests Sinéad Moore

Never underestimate the selling power of a welcoming hall. Here are some tips and tricks for a creative alternative to cramped dark hallways and stairways. 

Your hallway says a lot about your taste and lifestyle, so make sure it's laid out appropriately. If you're looking at extending or renovating, bear in mind that a set of open doors at the end of a long hall will enhance symmetry and flow in your home and will also create an inviting ambiance.

Likewise, a row of windows down one wall of a dark, narrow hallway or corridor will brighten up the space and make it appear wider.

If you're looking at less drastic solutions, transform a plain hallway with a salon style art display. Rather than randomly scattering family portraits along the wall, why not inject some modern style by framing black and white photos in bold red or vintage gold frames and hanging them, floor to ceiling? This will create a wallpaper-like effect and will make for a dramatic and interesting room. Proper lighting and striking artwork add style and elegance to a small space. 

If you have an awkward corridor leading down to one single bedroom then build in a row of closets down one wall and transform your corridor into a walk in wardrobe. 

Built-in storage will open space in any hallway or stairway. Clever built-in drawers are the perfect place to keep shoes and hide clutter in a narrow hallway and stairs. Tables with concealed storage also hide clutter away in high-traffic areas. Smartstorage.ie are becoming well known for their work in this area and come highly recommended by the judges on Dragons' Den. 

Maximise space in larger hallways or upstairs landings by adding a small sofa in order to create a reading nook. An upstairs landing is the perfect spot to pause and unwind without the distractions of the TV or the hustle and bustle of the kitchen. 

Don't be afraid to experiment with colour and pattern in hallways and stairways. This isn't a room you will spend a lot of time in so you can afford to use bold patterns and designs. Vibrant patterns will lead the eye down a long hall, enlivening what is normally merely a functional room. 

Use rugs and runners to inject colour and protect high traffic ares of your home. Colourful stair risers are also a creative and quirky way to brighten and enliven your dull and dusty stairway. Floating stars allow light to flow through your hallway creating a bright, open space.