Need some hallway inspiration

[sel2223]

This is the current hallway / stairs in the house we are buying.

We are on a very (VERY) tight budget so don't really want to remove the picture rail, change the banister or add panelling (maybe later!).....and will ideally keep the existing flooring and carpet down too until we can build up some more funds.

What can we do just for a very quick fix to lighten it all up - any paint colour suggestions? Would you do 2-tone or one single colour top and bottom? Leave the picture rail white or match to the paint?

TIA

I think it’s the bilious green above the dado rail which is the problem, the dark green is quite smart. A cream or pale yellow would be less like being inside someone’s gall bladder.

Johnstones do a one coat paint which is a good cover and wouldn’t be too much effort .

I'd go dark tbh @sel2223, but if you'd prefer to go light then, I'd still have all the walls the same colour top to bottom (will give illusion of height) but keep the dado, ceiling and doors white.

The flat banister I would also match to the same wall colour but keep the round banister white.

I'd love to see a pic when you've done 😊

How exciting about the house purchase, congratulations!

I’m laughing at how @Allthegoodnamesarechosen has described the vibe of the hall. Surely that pale green shade looked totally different on a paint chart for whoever chose it to have made that decision – or maybe they only tested it in that patch above the radiator which gets natural light??

Only saying that because it makes me think it’s a bit of a tricky space in terms of light and you might need to try out quite a few different samples.

I’d also leave the white woodwork and ceiling, and for now I would probably pick the very palest shade of whatever colour you like and use it everywhere else (although agree with @sel2223 about going dark).

The measly, super narrow runner in the photo doesn’t help matters does it. Could it be worth looking at runners you like in case that gives you a steer on colours? (Not suggesting you buy without measuring though.)

Don’t know how much interior paint you’ve bought in the past but in case it’s useful, I regret wasting money on a 2-for-1 Dulux Wall & Ceiling emulsion 5l deal earlier this year as the paint was not good quality and I ended up buying the same colour in the Dulux Trade matte emulsion. I actually had a painter in for those bits and he commented about the poor coverage of the offer paint.

Have fun choosing, I will also be interested to see after photos when you’re finished.

A few nice combinations here. I'm not a fan of the sludge green at all. The grey runner is practical but hideous. It's like an offcut from a school carpet. The floor tiles and the carpet is fine though. I'd just brighten it all up, get some art on the walls and a washable rug or two down.

www.farrow-ball.com/room-inspiration/hallway-ideas

I disagree about keeping the ceiling and woodwork white. I'd colour drench the space in one colour, wfatever you fancy. And yes, the runner is the most offensive thing in the space.

I personally love it!! I’d be adding some rattan accessories and keep black framed family pictures/art, keep adding in the texture. The greens are lovely!

I'd colour drench the lot to make it more streamlined as its all so bitty - cant see any point highlighting the measly skirting boards, bulky hand rail and RSJ breaking up the ceiling.