Hallway Makeover
What was once a plain, white hallway has now become a rich and dramatic space, thanks to wall trim, paint, new lighting and a lot of second hand finds.
Architectural Details & Moulding Upgrades
Before painting, I wanted to enhance the walls with architectural details. I added:
Chair rail (2 styles stacked) and box moulding (basecap) to the lower third of the walls for depth and texture.
Basecap moulding to the tops of my existing baseboards for an upgraded, built-in look.
Basecap trim to my 3-panel doors to add extra interest and cohesion.
These small additions made a huge difference in making the hallway feel elevated and custom. I would love to add crown moulding soon!
Paint
Color drenching was my go-to in this space using a bold coat of Reddened Earth by HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams in a satin sheen. This warm, dusty pinky-brown hue completely transformed the area, adding depth and character while making it feel both inviting and intentional. I love how this color brings a sense of coziness while still making a statement.
Gold Details
I swapped out standard hardware for vintage-inspired solid brass doorknobs, which instantly elevated the charm of each doorway. To keep the look cohesive, I also installed solid brass light switch covers, gold outlets, and gold door hinges. These small but impactful details add a polished, timeless feel and complement the overall moody aesthetic of the space. The richness of the brass contrasts beautifully with the deeper tones in the hallway, making everything feel thoughtfully curated.
Vintage Lighting & DIY Conversions
Lighting played a big role in this makeover. I swapped out the old can lights for three vintage-inspired pendant lights that I found on Amazon (affordable and such a great find!). To make this switch, I used a can light converter, which made it super easy to install the new fixtures without an electrician and add that charming, collected feel.
DIY Gallery Wall
The focal point of the hallway is undoubtedly the collected gallery wall. I spent months sourcing the pieces from estate sales and thrift shops, and I love how each one tells a story. The mix of art, frames, and vintage finds adds so much character and makes the space feel curated and personal. (Shop my gallery wall essentials here!)
Statement Artwork & Decorative Finds
On the adjacent wall, I created a large square artwork piece using leftover wood and beautiful fabric I found at Queen of Hearts, an antique store here in Georgia. The size and floral pattern make it such a unique, personal piece.
Another standout is the bell tapestry in the center of the wall, an estate sale treasure that brings a hint of old-world charm. The brass bow plate hanger (also from Queen of Hearts) holds vintage plates I sourced from an estate sale, adding a whimsical, elegant touch. And that big red mirror? Another $30 estate sale find that ties in perfectly with the new wall color.
Finishing Touch: The Washable Rug
The hallway still features the same washable rug I’ve had for a while, and I love that it still complements the new color scheme beautifully. It adds a layer of coziness and practicality without clashing with the bold walls.
This hallway makeover proves that small spaces can have big impact when you embrace color, texture, and thoughtful details. The mix of vintage finds, DIY elements, and rich color truly makes it feel intentional, curated, and full of personality. I’m so happy with how it turned out!
