15 Hallways That Win at Summer
Deck your hallway with summery vibes by drawing inspiration from these fresh and functional entryways and corridors
Natasha Saroca
12 January 2016
Houzz Australia Contributor. Natasha is a freelance journalist who began her career working across a number of home design and lifestyle magazines, including BuildHOME and Kitchens & Bathrooms Quarterly. She enjoys writing about design and colour trends, decorating ideas (particularly how to transform rooms with colour and patterns), organisation tips, entertaining ideas and easy updates for the home.
When she’s not creating Ideabooks for Houzz, Natasha can be found writing about all things fashion for Missy Confidential, working on her soon-to-be-launched website – www.asmartsequin.com – or shopping online for new quilt covers, cushions and fashion illustrations (her three current obsessions).
Houzz Australia Contributor. Natasha is a freelance journalist who began her career... More
While bedrooms and living rooms are two areas in the home that are often treated to a seasonal spruce-up, it’s a good idea not to overlook your hallway when adding a splash of summer your interior. After all, the high-traffic thoroughfare is the main artery of the house, and usually the first area that guests see, so it’s definitely worthy of an update too. If you’ve yet to jazz up your hallway this season, take cues from the 15 summer-ready spaces below.
1. Summery stripes
From the fresh white and teal wide-striped walls to the beachy print and patterned floor runner, everything about this chic set-up says summer. If you desire a brighter, more daring scheme, try stripes in cheery yellow, tangerine or aqua. Or at the other end of the colour spectrum, nautical navy will still lend a summery look, but with a more sophisticated feel.
From the fresh white and teal wide-striped walls to the beachy print and patterned floor runner, everything about this chic set-up says summer. If you desire a brighter, more daring scheme, try stripes in cheery yellow, tangerine or aqua. Or at the other end of the colour spectrum, nautical navy will still lend a summery look, but with a more sophisticated feel.
2. Shady style
A hat stand makes a practical and stylish summery addition to any hallway, plus it can lend loads of character to a room. Especially if it’s as fun and funky as the sculptural design that takes pride of place in this space!
When choosing a stand, look for one that has rungs that sit at a child-friendly height, so your little one can grab their hat quickly as they race out the door in search of sunshine.
Paradise Tree coat stand: Magis
See more photos of this house
A hat stand makes a practical and stylish summery addition to any hallway, plus it can lend loads of character to a room. Especially if it’s as fun and funky as the sculptural design that takes pride of place in this space!
When choosing a stand, look for one that has rungs that sit at a child-friendly height, so your little one can grab their hat quickly as they race out the door in search of sunshine.
Paradise Tree coat stand: Magis
See more photos of this house
3. Coastal chic
For a timeless look that’s perfect for summer, you can’t go past a classic beach theme. This fresh, calming and welcoming hallway is a great example of the decorating style in action, as it boasts many of the elements that have become synonymous with the casual, breezy look. These include a calming palette, natural materials and nautical stripes. The framed beach prints and round porthole-like mirrors add another layer of visual interest and coastal flair to the scheme.
For a timeless look that’s perfect for summer, you can’t go past a classic beach theme. This fresh, calming and welcoming hallway is a great example of the decorating style in action, as it boasts many of the elements that have become synonymous with the casual, breezy look. These include a calming palette, natural materials and nautical stripes. The framed beach prints and round porthole-like mirrors add another layer of visual interest and coastal flair to the scheme.
4. Summer shades
Inject your hallway with boisterous colours that are fun, fresh and create an undeniable summertime vibe. Bright, mood-boosting hues, such as the zesty lime walls seen in this cool corridor, will also help keep the winter blues at bay once the temperature goes south.
If this scheme is a little too loud for your tastes, opt for a neutral base and add splashes of cheery colours around the space. A brightly coloured console table, photo frames or artwork would do the job nicely.
Try sorbet-inspired interiors for summer
Inject your hallway with boisterous colours that are fun, fresh and create an undeniable summertime vibe. Bright, mood-boosting hues, such as the zesty lime walls seen in this cool corridor, will also help keep the winter blues at bay once the temperature goes south.
If this scheme is a little too loud for your tastes, opt for a neutral base and add splashes of cheery colours around the space. A brightly coloured console table, photo frames or artwork would do the job nicely.
Try sorbet-inspired interiors for summer
5. Pattern play
If you’re not a fan of bold block brights, consider dressing up your hallway with a punchy pattern in cool or sun-kissed hues. These will brighten up and add sunny style to any space. Or if you dare, take cues from this striking summer scheme and layer multiple prints together.
I love the combination of stripes, chevrons and the quirky aquatic-inspired motif used here. If these prints don’t tickle your fancy, try punchy florals, nautical motifs (like anchors or sailboats) or exotic ikat instead.
Clash prints and patterns like a pro
If you’re not a fan of bold block brights, consider dressing up your hallway with a punchy pattern in cool or sun-kissed hues. These will brighten up and add sunny style to any space. Or if you dare, take cues from this striking summer scheme and layer multiple prints together.
I love the combination of stripes, chevrons and the quirky aquatic-inspired motif used here. If these prints don’t tickle your fancy, try punchy florals, nautical motifs (like anchors or sailboats) or exotic ikat instead.
Clash prints and patterns like a pro
6. Wipe out
A textured wave-inspired wall covering echoes the rolling motion of the waves captured in the photographs in this cool, contemporary hallway alcove. The space proves that a scheme doesn’t have to feature loud hues or peppy patterns to exude a fresh summer vibe.
A textured wave-inspired wall covering echoes the rolling motion of the waves captured in the photographs in this cool, contemporary hallway alcove. The space proves that a scheme doesn’t have to feature loud hues or peppy patterns to exude a fresh summer vibe.
7. Sun-kissed seating
Bathed in natural light, courtesy of the large window that lines the back of the alcove, this hallway nook is the perfect spot to read the newspaper, get lost in a gripping novel or flick through a glossy mag while enjoying the summer sun.
Here, timber louvres serve many purposes – they provide privacy, prevent glare and help shade the nook, creating a comfortable reading environment for sun-seeking bookworms. The peaceful pocket is also kitted out with a plush base cushion, throw pillow and lumbar roll for added comfort and lounge appeal.
12 nifty nooks
Bathed in natural light, courtesy of the large window that lines the back of the alcove, this hallway nook is the perfect spot to read the newspaper, get lost in a gripping novel or flick through a glossy mag while enjoying the summer sun.
Here, timber louvres serve many purposes – they provide privacy, prevent glare and help shade the nook, creating a comfortable reading environment for sun-seeking bookworms. The peaceful pocket is also kitted out with a plush base cushion, throw pillow and lumbar roll for added comfort and lounge appeal.
12 nifty nooks
8. Fresh, fun and functional
If you live at the beach or by the pool during summer, a carpet runner may be a wise investment. This will protect your hallway floor and catch water and sand before they mark or seep into flooring in other areas of your home.
Since hallways are high-traffic areas, select a rug that’s made from a durable, easy-to-clean material, such as jute, polypropylene (which is used to make indoor-outdoor rugs) or synthetic fibres such as nylon and polyester. Hallway runners can also quickly and easily ramp up the style of plain or tired thoroughfares.
If you live at the beach or by the pool during summer, a carpet runner may be a wise investment. This will protect your hallway floor and catch water and sand before they mark or seep into flooring in other areas of your home.
Since hallways are high-traffic areas, select a rug that’s made from a durable, easy-to-clean material, such as jute, polypropylene (which is used to make indoor-outdoor rugs) or synthetic fibres such as nylon and polyester. Hallway runners can also quickly and easily ramp up the style of plain or tired thoroughfares.
9. Summery scents
While a charming arrangement of shells, photos and treasures infuse this hallway with visual appeal, it’s the trio of scented candles that sit on the shelves that really bring a summery vibe to the space. If you’re keen to try this sneaky revamp trick, choose floral (think frangipani or gardenia) or citrusy candles, or fresh fragrance blends like linen or ocean that will fill your home with the scent of summer all year round.
While a charming arrangement of shells, photos and treasures infuse this hallway with visual appeal, it’s the trio of scented candles that sit on the shelves that really bring a summery vibe to the space. If you’re keen to try this sneaky revamp trick, choose floral (think frangipani or gardenia) or citrusy candles, or fresh fragrance blends like linen or ocean that will fill your home with the scent of summer all year round.
10. Gold-star storage
With ample storage for hats, beach towels, picnic baskets and more, this space-savvy hallway nook is a dream set-up for people who love spending time outdoors. Unfortunately we can’t see what’s below the built-in seat, but my bet’s on cubbies and tubs, which will help wrangle flip-flops, beach toys and other summertime essentials. Such sensible storage ensures the hallway remains clutter-free all summer long.
Get your family ready for a summer outing
With ample storage for hats, beach towels, picnic baskets and more, this space-savvy hallway nook is a dream set-up for people who love spending time outdoors. Unfortunately we can’t see what’s below the built-in seat, but my bet’s on cubbies and tubs, which will help wrangle flip-flops, beach toys and other summertime essentials. Such sensible storage ensures the hallway remains clutter-free all summer long.
Get your family ready for a summer outing
11. Activity centre
Is your summer social diary full? Then you may be keen to try this fun and functional decorating trick at home. Paint one or both hallway walls (or sliding cupboard doors in this case) with chalkboard paint and write up an activity schedule, so the whole family can easily keep track of when and where events and gatherings are happening.
Chalkboard walls will also entertain little ones if they’re stuck indoors when it’s sizzling outside – give them a stick of chalk and let them have at it!
Chalkboard painted sliding doors: Cider Press Woodworks
Is your summer social diary full? Then you may be keen to try this fun and functional decorating trick at home. Paint one or both hallway walls (or sliding cupboard doors in this case) with chalkboard paint and write up an activity schedule, so the whole family can easily keep track of when and where events and gatherings are happening.
Chalkboard walls will also entertain little ones if they’re stuck indoors when it’s sizzling outside – give them a stick of chalk and let them have at it!
Chalkboard painted sliding doors: Cider Press Woodworks
12. Cool corridor
Cooling costs can be exorbitant during summer. However, by adopting passive cooling strategies when designing or renovating your home, it is possible to create a comfortable temperature indoors naturally. In this way, you can reduce the need to crank up the air conditioning when it’s hot outside.
Cross-flow ventilation is one passive cooling method that has been used in the design of this striking and eco-savvy hallway. Its walls are made up entirely of glass louvre windows that, when open, improve air circulation, which helps regulate the temperature of the corridor and surrounding areas. The glass windows serve an aesthetic purpose too, as they provide a pleasing view of the outdoors and make the thoroughfare feel light, bright and airy.
10 ways passive solar design can cut costs
Cooling costs can be exorbitant during summer. However, by adopting passive cooling strategies when designing or renovating your home, it is possible to create a comfortable temperature indoors naturally. In this way, you can reduce the need to crank up the air conditioning when it’s hot outside.
Cross-flow ventilation is one passive cooling method that has been used in the design of this striking and eco-savvy hallway. Its walls are made up entirely of glass louvre windows that, when open, improve air circulation, which helps regulate the temperature of the corridor and surrounding areas. The glass windows serve an aesthetic purpose too, as they provide a pleasing view of the outdoors and make the thoroughfare feel light, bright and airy.
10 ways passive solar design can cut costs
13. Surf’s up
Transform your hallway into a gallery that celebrates your love of surf by displaying your treasured vintage and uniquely designed surfboards down the length of the corridor. As you can see here, the show-stopping arrangement will add a hearty splash of personality and visual appeal to the hallway, while also providing practical and space-savvy storage for your boards.
Transform your hallway into a gallery that celebrates your love of surf by displaying your treasured vintage and uniquely designed surfboards down the length of the corridor. As you can see here, the show-stopping arrangement will add a hearty splash of personality and visual appeal to the hallway, while also providing practical and space-savvy storage for your boards.
14. Tropical flair
Nothing says summer like a tropical palm print. All this hallway needs is a few bamboo accents, a rattan stool and a jute rug to complete the preppy coastal look. If you want to dial up the glam factor, add some high-shine metallic decor, monochrome accents and an ornate oversized mirror to the mix. These will combine to create a scheme that exudes a hip yet glitzy Palm Beach (Florida, not Sydney) vibe.
Nothing says summer like a tropical palm print. All this hallway needs is a few bamboo accents, a rattan stool and a jute rug to complete the preppy coastal look. If you want to dial up the glam factor, add some high-shine metallic decor, monochrome accents and an ornate oversized mirror to the mix. These will combine to create a scheme that exudes a hip yet glitzy Palm Beach (Florida, not Sydney) vibe.
15. Hang out zone
Take cues from this eclectic and chilled thoroughfare and hang a hammock or hanging chair in your hallway – that is, if the area is roomy enough. Your hall will instantly feel more relaxed and inviting, plus it’ll give your home an easy, breezy beach house vibe.
TELL US
Does your hallway win at summer? We’d love to see it, so share photos of your summer-ready space below.
MORE
10 Refreshing Living Room Updates to Try This Summer
Learn How to Bring That ‘Summer Holiday Feeling’ Home
Hallway Design Opportunities You May Have Missed
Take cues from this eclectic and chilled thoroughfare and hang a hammock or hanging chair in your hallway – that is, if the area is roomy enough. Your hall will instantly feel more relaxed and inviting, plus it’ll give your home an easy, breezy beach house vibe.
TELL US
Does your hallway win at summer? We’d love to see it, so share photos of your summer-ready space below.
MORE
10 Refreshing Living Room Updates to Try This Summer
Learn How to Bring That ‘Summer Holiday Feeling’ Home
Hallway Design Opportunities You May Have Missed
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