How I Transformed My Boring Builder-Grade Hallway into a Modern, Contemporary Oasis
A hallway might seem like a minor space in your home, but with the right touches, it can become a stylish and welcoming entryway. Our builder-grade hallway was functional but lacked character and warmth. With a vision in mind, I embarked on a journey to revamp it into a modern, organic, and neutral haven with this hallway renovation. Here’s how I achieved a stunning hallway makeover that reflects both style and sophistication going from boring to beautiful!
In this blog post I am going to outline the 5 steps I took to transform my hallway from something boring to beautiful and modern. I will also share the cost breakdown.
materials used for this project
- Canadian tire light fixture
- Pre-hung doors from local hardware store
- Paint- Dover White SW for walls, Alabaster SW for trim, Shiitake SW for doors
- Barn Door from Home Depot
- Hardware from Explore Hardware
- Picture frames and picture light from Amazon
Some of these links are affiliate links and I will earn a small commission on them.
Step 1 of Modern Hallway Renovation: Swap Out the Colonial Panel Doors
The first step in transforming our hallway from boring to beautiful was to replace the outdated colonial panel doors. These doors, while functional, felt too traditional for our modern vision. I chose sleek, modern 2-panel doors to give the space a contemporary edge. The clean lines of the new doors not only updated the look but also streamlined the hallway’s appearance. This part was challenging to ensure the new doors going in were level, you will need shims to achieve this and it is a two person job! If your door jamb is in good shape than you could opt to just replace the door and not the jamb (frame) which would be a much easier project.
Step 2 of Hallway: New Trim and Fresh Paint
Updating the trim was essential for achieving a polished finish for this hallway makeover. I installed new trim that matched the modern vibe of the doors, creating a clean and seamless transition between the walls and flooring. I used 0.75" thick trim to match the trim that was already along the floor. It was 3.5" wide along the sides of the door and 4.5" wide for the piece above the doors. For a cohesive and warm look, I painted the doors and the trim around them in Shiitake by Sherwin Williams. Painting the trim the same color as your doors is completely up to you and your preference. I felt like it made the doors and space look bigger. You could also opt to paint the trim along the floor the same color which can look really nice as well. I opted to not do this as the trim continues into my living room and I didn't want it to be painted Shiitake. This rich, neutral shade adds depth and warmth, making the hallway feel inviting and comfortable. The wall colour is Dover White by Sherwin Williams and the trim along the floor is Alabaster by Sherwin Williams.
Step 3 of Modern Hallway Renovation: Upgrade the Door Hardware
To complement the new doors, I upgraded the door hardware. I selected minimalistic, matte black handles that add a touch of sophistication without overwhelming the space. I used Explore Hardware's door handles. The quality is amazing, I highly recommend their products. Here is the direct link to their website. This simple upgrade made a significant difference, enhancing the modern aesthetic and providing a cohesive look throughout the hallway. Click here to see a video where I walk through installing these door handles.
Step 4 of Modern Hallway Renovation: Replace the Laundry Room Door with a Barn Door
The laundry room door was taking up valuable space in our very small laundry room that leads to the bathroom (stay tuned on that makeover). To address this, I removed the traditional door and replaced it with a chic barn door that would match the vibe. The barn door not only saves space but also introduces a classy and modern element to the hallway. Its sleek design and functionality enhance the overall aesthetic while offering easy access to the laundry room. We purchased this barn door from Home Depot Canada, here is the link to the exact one. The install was tediance to ensure the track was installed perfectly level. I also did not want a door jamb in the walkway, so I put drywall up, puttied, primed, and painted. Overall, worth every ounce of effort!
Step 5 of Hallway Makeover: Add Decorative Touches
To complete the transformation, I focused on adding decorative elements that bring personality and warmth to the hallway. I ordered some frames on Amazon and got a few of our wedding photos printed in black and white to hang on the one wall that had a bit of space, creating a gallery that adds visual interest and a personal touch. To highlight these photos and create a cozy ambiance, I installed a picture light from Amazon. This fixture illuminates the artwork beautifully and adds a warm glow to the space while not getting in the way when you are walking through an already small space.
The result is a hallway makeover that feels both modern and organic, with a warm and neutral palette that ties everything together going from boring to beautiful. The combination of new doors, upgraded hardware, fresh paint, a stylish barn door, and thoughtful decor has completely revitalized the space. What was once a plain, builder-grade hallway is now a stylish, functional entryway that sets the tone for the rest of the home.
Cost Breakdown
- We got the doors at a local home hardware store and paid $800 taxes in for 4 doors.
- Hardware from Explore Hardware was gifted as part of a brand collaboration however the cost for these would have been $50 per door handle
- The Barn door costed us $262 taxes in from Home Depot
- The new Trim was roughly $1.69 per linear foot from a local store
- Photos, frames and picture light cost roughly $160
Conclusion
Transforming a hallway doesn’t require a massive overhaul or a huge budget. With a few strategic updates, you can create a space that reflects your personal style and enhances the overall feel of your home. By swapping out old doors, upgrading hardware, adding new trim, and incorporating modern design elements, I turned a mundane hallway into a modern and inviting space. If you’re considering a hallway makeover, these tips can help you achieve a similar transformation!
Here is a video of the final product for a better look. Let me know what you think in the comments!
Check out my other post on how to update your home with paint!
