Hallway Color Mistakes Designers Want You to Avoid

Hallways are one of the most overlooked spaces in a home—and one of the most misunderstood. Because they’re meant to connect rooms and create a natural sense of flow, they often get painted last or treated as an afterthought. The result? Spaces that feel either too dark and flat, or oddly busy and disconnected from the rest of the home.

A recent article from The Spruce, titled “5 Colors You Should Never Paint Your Hallway, According to Designers,” takes a closer look at common hallway color mistakes and how thoughtful design choices can make these transitional spaces work harder and feel better. Meadowlark designer Amanda Bell was featured in the article, sharing insight into why lighting and color need to be considered together—especially in darker palettes.

As Amanda notes in the piece, hallways require a careful balance. While bold or dark colors can add depth and drama, they can easily fall flat without the right lighting strategy. “Lighting becomes especially important with darker palettes,” she explains. “A well-placed pendant, wall sconces, or even a strategically positioned lamp can keep the space from feeling flat and help draw the eye forward.” That perspective reflects what we see every day in our design-build work.

Hallways aren’t just pass-throughs—they shape how a home feels as you move through it. The right color, paired with intentional lighting, can turn a hallway into a cohesive, inviting extension of the surrounding spaces rather than a visual dead end. The Spruce article reinforces an important design principle: successful interiors aren’t about blindly following trends, but about understanding how color, light, and flow work together. When those elements are aligned, even the most understated spaces can feel purposeful and polished.

Read the full article on The Spruce to see which hallway colors designers recommend avoiding—and why thoughtful lighting makes all the difference. 

At Meadowlark, we combine careful listening with a proven design-build process to create homes that truly support the way you live. From early concepts through construction, we guide each step with clarity, craftsmanship, and an unwavering focus on the details that matter. Have a remodeling project in mind? Let us know what you're thinking about. Contact Us.