Good Questions: What To Do With UWS Hallway?

Hello AT,

I have been living in this apartment for 4 years now and I am quite happy with the large space (considering it's nyc). However, there are two things in the apartment that are driving me nuts: extra long narrow dark hallway, and panels on my living room walls....

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1) Does anyone have any ideas of how to make my hallway into something useful and/or interesting? it is an amazing space that is not being utilized.

2) Also how common are panels on the walls? Can I paint them over and if so, which colors would work best with my set up?

Many thanks, Stephan