apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

With the mustard yellow and the honey color, I think Sherwin Williams "Saffron Thread" would look great, complimenting both colors while adding a little interest to the entry without being too dark. I used it in a reading nook next too a mustard colored room and I got a lot of compliments on it.

Good luck!!!

I think a light buttery yellow on both the walls and the ceiling would brighten up the space and would look amazing with a cranberry red door. ;)

And a little unsolicited advice: Move that bookshelf out of the hallway! A little space like that shouldn't have something that large and tall in it. It blocks the view and makes everything look smaller and narrower.

You could add some visual interest with one or two horizontal stripes down the length of the hallway - either similar colors with different tones or something something completely bold (e.g., rich navy blue with a thick orange stripe or two). Good luck.

GO FOR IT! If that's the color you've been wanting and you've already purchased the paint, then don't second guess yourself. If brightness is an issue, maybe add a light colored carpet runner (like a honey color sisal)? More lights? Art with big white mats?

I agree w/above comment about moving the bookcases out of the hallway (except the one that looks built-in). The coat rack fits, and is probably necessary (though, maybe you could get some wall hooks for coats instead?).

Once the bookcases are moved, you could really paint the hallway any color you want. Cranberry red would be lovely and not too dark if you left the trim, door and ceiling white.

BTW, your wood floors look really nice.

I'm loving a cool grey for that space. It would look rich with you floors and be neutral enough for you to do red accents.

I agree with the horizontal stripes idea. I can't tell from the pictures but, if there is an opening to a room on the side wall, you could hang a large mirror across from it or on the wall where the coat rack is currently located to bounce the light from other rooms around. Then maybe hang hooks on either side for coats.

Agree with above that moving the bookcases out would free you up to use your lovely red. A large wall mirror where you have the small framed art would be another way to brighten/expand the space.

if you leave the bookcase, paint it the exact color as the walls so it will blend in. as it is now, it jumps out and looks clumsy.

I would try for a light green - kind of a mint, or just breezy color. It would go with the yellow, but be set apart. With with trim (and white bookcases), it would look great.

Use the red paint on the wall opposite the front door. You'll still get the welcoming effect with the red as an accent wall.

hehe, your walls are painted in 'pooh'. hehe

Many of my clients are often afraid to go bold or dark in entry spaces, and many times I convince them that it's not only possible, but the perfect space to do so. Your entry hall is like many in New York, and if you can create a darker space that feels a bit smaller than it really is, it gives your body a greater sense of release once you go into the rooms you live in. It's not like having a castle, but any little bit helps in the confines of a New York City apartment.

So... go bold. Use your color. Invest in a stronger light bulb, and you will be fine!

If you like the paint you have, go for it. Unclutter your hallway so you have proper clearance. I agree that bookcase is part of the problem.

I also have a narrow NYC entry way. When I renovated, I removed a drop ceiling, so I now have about 10' in height. Got nice pendant fixtures, a mirror and shelf on the wall and an Eames coat rack on the wall. I need opinions. Is the space too narrow (36" wide) to display art? I don't want the space to feel cluttered, but I'd love to use the wall space. Thanks!

Wow!!! Thanks for the comments :)))

I forgot to mention that the apt. is in Brooklyn (a.k.a. Best Country Ever... HA!) I'm a big fan of those that encouraged me to use the color I have already ($$ saver), and YES Allsunday! I'm wrestling with the thought of what to do with the bookshelves on the hallway. Maybe I'll find a nice home for them elsewere... like the study. Or MAYBE, I'll paint them white to give the hallway some pop against the red. I'm hoping to get to it soon. When I do, you'll be the first to see the new and improved hallway. Thank you thank you!!!!

I'm working with a client right now that has a hallway that measures 30' long x 32" wide. I had one wall painted the same color as the living room it leads into which is a pea soup green. The other wall was painted a few shades lighter and the door was painted a gorgeous rich red. So if you want the shock of a bold color but don't want to commit to it on the hallway paint the door.

I love the idea about the pendant light - really does a lot to brighten a space up! Color is up to you - lot of the ideas suggested sound great - don't think you can go wrong.

Good luck : )

Hallways can be really boring places. It is a great opportunity to flaunt a bright color because your don't have to worry about intereference from furniture and sofas, like in a living room or bedroom.

Go for it, loose the bookcase as per previous comments, and let the cranberry do its thing.