It looks like there isn't any natural light coming in. The doors are minty green, how about a pale yellow? or even a pale blue? As for the trim, I would just try cleaning it with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, or Clorox Clean-up. Either one will brighten the white.

How many others share the hallway? Would they be interested in pooling $$ to get the job done? Is it dark when you come home @ night? Do only the condo owners have access? I ask, as would'nt it be nice to have a few solar-tubes ($150) installed, (perhaps free from Maintience man?) maybe a narrow table (screwed into the wall) beside your door w/a painting (screwed) above the table? Can you hire someone in building to clean all the doors and trim, if you are unable to?

There is one window that I was standing in front of to take the first picture. But yes there is not much in the way of natural light. There are 3 units total on this floor and yes I might be able to get the other 2 units to help pay. Because our building only has 9 units total, there is no maintenance man and the cleaning person only vacuums. Thanks for the suggestions. I will start with cleaning then.

I would paint the doors its pretty clinical looking in there! You could put down cheap outdoor runners or nice doormats and maybe a cheery wreath!

@Lola---I don't know where you live, but if you need some help, I've found if you contact the local high school, and ask for the AG ED advisor (FFA club), they could set you up w/one of the students to make a few $$--(for their volunteer program) MOST farm-type kids have great work ethics and will give you your $$'s worth!

How about matching door mats outside of each door. And you could have huge unit numbers stenciled on the doors, or to the walls to the side of the doors. Take fun shot of each resident, print enlargement in black and white, frame simply and create a display on one wall. Could also do this with shots of your local area. Paint the ceiling, if nothing else, a bright white.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Much appreciated! Yes I will paint the door and good idea about the door numbers. I'm definitely going to get more light in there with new light fixtures. And, I will check with our local schools to see about any work programs they might. Oh, and yes to contacting HOA. Thanks again!

You're welcome! Good luck!

After walking down all the carpet arent door mats redundant?

HI -- Just one thing you have to check ,-- someone suggested putting a hall table on the wall in the hall , BUT ,- I think that might be against fire codes . The halls have to be kept clear . If you can get together with the others on your floor to share costs of paint , Then either paint the doors and trims or paint the walls . You could paint the doors and trim a navy or if you paint the walls then maybe paint them a brownish gold ( ocher). Not a pale color, something richer.

Beige color will be good.What I can suggest go to http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/everglades and find your color there.There is example what color goes great with...you will find right color for your walls.

@lefty
*oops, my bad--I was thinkin' how cool that would look like-- what one sees in movies and tv shows...but, hotels I have been in, have them. I have never lived in an apartment or a condo.

I would paint the doors a dark gray like BM Willow, and then get some huge canvas-wrapped prints with lots of nice colors from Home Goods or another discount place. You have to keep the hallway clear, and I think having a variety of colors on the walls would really brighten it up.
I wouldn't put mats on top of the carpet - tripping hazard = liability. A mirror near the elevator is always convenient too. Helps pass the time while you wait!! (hotels do this all the time so guests don't think the elevators are slow!)

I was thinking you could paint each door a different color, something trendy and mid range ie not too dark or too bright. A light terracotta, soft turquoise and a blue gray for example. Add a smart black number to each door. Then hang a couple of prints on the wall either picking up these shades or black and white (Ikea maybe) and secure the corners with double sided tape to keep them correctly positioned and to discourage anyone who thinks they can steal them. Hopefully they'll think they're screwed to the wall. You might also consider carpet tiles for the floor. They have come a long way of late and the big hardware stores sell classy patterned tiles which are relatively inexpensive. The beauty is that they can be laid yourselves and shifted around as wear starts to appear and spares can be kept on hand for bad stains. We have black and gray streaked tiles in our office that are laid at right angles to each other that look fantastic. Between 3 apartments the cost of all this should not be too prohibitive and certainly will add value.

Tri Sodium Phosphate is good at cleaning up grime. You can get it at any store like Lowes or Home Depot. Get the powder not the pre-mixed. It's cheaper and goes farther. I use this to clean my walls before I paint. It works to get ciggie smoke haze off walls too. Start at the bottom and work up or else the walls may streak.

Love the idea of getting your neighbors involved. First check out the wall stickers at www.whatisblik. You will be shocked at the amazing designs, super size and low cost. This is absolutely one of my favorite fixes on a budget. After you choose the design, select your door colors to coordinate
with the wall sticker (s) and then use oversized numbers or (letters ) for the doors. P.s. These are not the stickers from your childhood!! Let me know what you think.

Track lighting would be nice with some wall art - that would bring more light and interest. You have to be careful though that you don't tip the balance and "junk up" the space - too much would make it look cluttered instead of classy. I don't think you want to do tables because it probably does need to be clear for fire code, plus they would get dinged up with the normal comings and goings of people in the hallway. Good luck!

Shoulder high trim along the hallway would add interest and incorporate all the doors, you could top the trim with a plate rail to hold vibrant art, doors and trim could be painted all the same neutral color w/ a bright color on the walls and ceiling....

If you don't mind painting (and using painters tape), you could paint in a "chair rail." Maybe use a faint version of the door color in stripes on bottom or create larger rectangles to create the look of trim. Use a solid neutral color above. Then you wouldn't need to paint all the trim work or doors. Large numbers one the door sounds great. You might need to check on codes as well for the hall lighting though there are lots of options for ceiling mounts (can get expensive though). Different light bulbs might also help.

Is that your wall to the left of the door? If yes; I would remove the outdoor storage bin, add a shelving so you can spruce up the shelving every season. Over the shelving attach framing to the wall and add your favorite wall paper within the framing,(see photo) that way when you get tired of the wall paper you can change it.
Underneath the shelving add lighting to illuminate your entrance. Between the two doors add some architectural detail,(see photo), you can make yourself. Place a rubberized welcome mat; you can find beautiful ones at any home improvement stores. Have fun with it and enjoy your new home. Good luck.
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If you and the others on the floor can decide on wall art, that would help out. Keep in mind there are rules, no glass in the frames, must be fastened firmly, and so on.

I love the idea of different colors on the doors, but there may be a rule about that, too.

The six panel doors are really nice. Is there a rule about hanging individual decor on the doors?

Someone on Houzz the other day showed large patterned stencils that could be used for unremoveable wall art. If you could find those, you could paint designs on the wall and if the neutral paint on the wall is in good condition, you would be able to decorate and add color without so much work involved. Of course, you probably do not want removeable wall art unless you feel the building is very secure.

Found a shop on Etsy that sells multiple styles of reuseable stencils in different themes. I will post a connection. Just click on it.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/61888599/large-tree-and-birds-stencils-reusable

Yes for wall stickers as tony sez above! I get mine from eBay. I purchased quite a few to donate to a homeless shelter where my sister is the Director---They look awesome--not cheapie at all.

I just found a shop on Etsy.com that has multiple styles of reusable stencils for walls and you could paint them any color you would like. I have absolutely no connection with this person. My Etsy shop sells photography, nancyhehmann.

Here is the connection. Just click on it. Hope it helps. http://www.etsy.com/listing/61888599/large-tree-and-birds-stencils-reusable
You would not have to worry about anyone removing the art that way in the hall.

Have a great day. Nancy

I think that maybe doing white walls and maybe hanging pictures on them with bright colors would make it look happier and brighter!

I hate to rain on your parade, and with all these great ideas...but don't do anything unless you have WRITTEN permission from the HOA.. Otherwise, if anyone complains you may be financially responsible to put the hall back into its original condition or redo it to what the HOA board of directors want... You do not own the hallways in a HOA building...get permission first or this could be a future nightmare for you.

HI -- So true --- condos can be a nightmare of rules (some very stupid ) and regulations. If the you got together with the other owners and maybe get a lawyer so you can have a revue meeting to see how and who is handeling the HOA funds. Once a building starts getting run down your investment is going to be at risk. It can end up costing you thousands in repairs and value.

Your condo association must have a governing board with bylaws and covenants. I would hesitate to invest your own money into light fixtures and paint without prior approval. How about some all weather wall art or planters to spruce up your hallway?

I think I'd look to use the ceiling as a canvas. Pretty much eliminates problems of theft and infringement on hallway width. I was thinking perhaps a metallic paint ceiling, or a subtle geometry painted on the ceiling. Or, using stencils, an overhead view of trees. The sky's the limit (it just had to said, sorry) on ideas -- see below:

https://www.google.com/search?num=10&hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1207&bih=943&q=interesting+painted+ceiling&oq=interesting+painted+ceiling&gs_l=img.3...2872.8222.0.9189.29.15.1.13.13.0.97.867.15.15.0...0.0...1ac.1.QnmhsPoz5O0

Thanks again everyone for the great ideas. You have given me lots to think about. :)

Post pictures when your finnished, I would love to see what you have done. :)

Is your hallway done? Post pictures, PLEASE....:)

Install some track lights and hooks and make it a gallery. Each hang something you have on hand in the hallWAY and keep changing the scene. Invite artist friends to display a piece for a short time. Gather for gallery 'openings". Whatever you do in the way of a standard decorating job you will get used to after a short while and it will just become wallpaper so keep the variety happening.