Adding function and style to an overlooked hallway

It’s easy to overlook hallways because they serve largely as a pass through to other rooms. But they can be elevated to a focal point and be pressed into service for some additional storage. Today I’m sharing my most recent hallway refresh at the beach house!

Here’s the original before photo:

In the first hallway makeover I did a couple years ago, I hand painted an accent wall at the end of the hallway. I also thrifted a narrow storage unit which we painted a bright coral. You can read about this makeover and how I did the wall here.

This was a big improvement but once we started living here year round, I was craving a more neutral decor and needed more storage.

So out with the coral and in with a simple blue and white color scheme. I purchased this blue and stripe wallpaper from Target. Just one roll was more than enough for this small space.

Next, we replaced the thrifted coral stand with a taller, more functional piece from Ikea. It’s the Brusali shoe storage cabinet which provides much more storage than the previous piece. Although it is meant for shoes, I find the bins work fine for all kinds of things.

We changed out the hardware to brass colored bin pulls and I added a thrifted wicker basket to the top shelf which we use for keys, charging cords, etc.

We reinstalled the mirror, this time hanging it higher to accommodate the taller storage unit and shortened up on the rope by knotting it.

All of the decorative pieces were thrifted at some point – the wooden bowl, wooden mortar, candle, and vintage desk calendar.

Incidentally, I find it nearly impossible to take a picture of a mirror without being in it!

I am always aware of sight lines … what the eye sees beyond the immediate space. This neutral hallway now makes a better transition to the bathroom and bedrooms beyond.