Ashley James reveals how she's brightened up her 'bleak' hallway with clever lighting and warm colours

Does your hallway need a little TLC? TV personality Ashley James' recent hallway transformation is particularly inspiring if you're looking to add the wow factor to your own home.

Alluding to how the space felt 'bleak', dark and neglected, Ashley explains how she has been on a mission to "Restore colour to the house" and make the hallway look welcoming.

Whether you're looking for ways to organise your hallway for the winter months ahead or want to spruce up and refresh your entryway, there are plenty of style notes to steal from Ashley's transformation to rejuvenate a tired-looking space.

If you're struggling to brighten up a dark room, especially a windowless hallway, then choosing a brighter paint colour can make all the difference. Ashley was keen to de-grey the space and make it feel brighter.

"The biggest thing was that the hallway felt really dark; we don't have a lot of light in here," Ashley explains. "So obviously going for a nice, non-grey, creamy colour really brightens it up. We went with Railings on the bannisters and stair treads, Deep Reddish Brown on the woodwork, and Clunch on the walls - they’re all Farrow & Ball colours."

In addition to the new colour scheme, Ashley acknowledges how much impact the wall lights have had in the dark corridor.

Layered lighting is the best way to make a hallway feel cosy and inviting, as it adds a warm glow without overwhelming.

"So we have wall lights here," she says, pointing to either side of the mirror. "But we also have one, two, three picture lights under these pieces of art. These were all hidden away, so I love that they're now front and centre in the hallway," Ashley says.

"This is my favourite bit, so I found this cabinet. I just thought if it's the one thing we look at every day, I just want it to be great. It's perfect to have the kids' shoes in, but it's not as tidy as I'd like it to be."

The mirror is another one of her favourite things "It's gorgeous. I love the curves; I love how big it is," she adds. "And then, my absolute favourite thing is the runner; it's just so fun, turquoise, orange and it goes so well with all the colours."

Runners and cushions can be a great way to add personality to your home. Of course, Ashley's art is a focal point for the space, but the smaller details are what really tie everything together.

So if your hallway has become a bit crowded, gloomy or neglected, activist and TV personality Ashley James' hallway shows how to transform it and make it feel as homely as the rest of your house.

With the festive season ahead, now is a great time to refresh your space before styling your hallway for Christmas, so your holiday guests are met with merriment as soon as they walk through the door.