THE hallway is often the first space guests see when they enter your home, so it’s important to create a welcoming and stylish first impression.
Certain items, however, can unintentionally make this space feel cluttered or cheap.
Interiors expert Lynette Pym, co-founder of Black by Design, says there are five things you should always avoid in your hallway if you want a polished, high-end look.
She told Fabulous: “Your hallway sets the tone for the rest of your home.
“A cluttered or poorly designed hallway can give the impression of a space that hasn’t been thought through, making it feel cheap rather than curated.”
Here, Lynn reveals her top tips to avoid the falling into the “cheap” trap.
Lynette emphasises the importance of avoiding mass-produced artwork in your hallway.
She said: “It’s tempting to pick up inexpensive art pieces from big retailers, but they can quickly make a space feel impersonal and unoriginal.
“We’ve all seen it – in the 70s, it was the famous picture of the crying boy, in the 80s, it was the kitschy dogs playing pool, and from the 90s onwards, it’s been Ikea lighthouses or the overused ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ signs.”
She suggests: “Instead of opting for something everyone has seen before, choose unique, locally sourced artwork or even personal pieces that tell a story about you.
“It adds character and ensures your hallway feels like an extension of your personality, not just a cookie-cutter display.”
Shoe storage is often necessary in hallways, but Lynette warns against overstuffed, visible shoe racks.
“Shoes piled up in plain sight can make your hallway look chaotic and messy”, she said.
“It gives the impression that the space is more of a storage area than a designed part of the home.”
Her recommendation? “Opt for concealed shoe storage solutions that help the space stay tidy and stylish.
“A well-organised hallway feels more intentional and upscale.”
Rugs are a great way to add texture to a hallway, but Lynette advises against using low-quality or mismatched ones.
She explained: “Cheap rugs tend to wear out quickly, showing stains and signs of wear that detract from the look of your hallway.
“If they’re mismatched in size or style, it can create a disjointed, unfinished feel.
“Investing in a durable, well-made rug that complements the rest of your décor will elevate the space and ensure it feels cohesive and inviting.”
Plastic coat hangers in your hallway can quickly downgrade the space’s appearance, according to Lynette.
The interiors pro revealed: “It’s a small detail, but plastic can make the space feel temporary and less refined. Hallways should feel welcoming, not like an extension of a utility room.”
She suggests upgrading to wooden or metal hangers for a more sophisticated and cohesive look.
“It’s a simple change, but it can make a big difference in the overall feel of your hallway”, she insists.
Cluttered surfaces
Finally, Lynette advises against filling every surface in your hallway with knick-knacks and decor items.
“Clutter on consoles or shelves instantly makes the space feel cheap”. she insisted.
“The hallway should be functional, yes, but it also needs to feel open and airy.”
Her tip is to keep it minimal: “Stick to a few carefully chosen decorative pieces or functional items like a sleek bowl for keys. The less cluttered the space, the more luxurious and intentional it will feel.”
By avoiding these common hallway missteps, Lynette assures that your home will make the right first impression, creating a space that feels both welcoming and sophisticated.
