I find it really hard to imagine all this and then try to advise. Can you please post some photos?

Umm--not a decorating solution, but we put a solatube in our dark hall. It makes a tremendous difference; it allows enormous amounts of light to come in. We have a one-story house, though. Don't think they work on the first floor of a 2-story. Just a suggestion.....

When I 1st started working for my hubby, the hallway was paneled.. he then sheet rocked. It was white for a long time, lacked the wow factor. I used Behr Sandstone Cove on the walls in a satin. I also did the ceiling with the same paint (lazy). For the doors I used a color called French Bread.. not sure who makes it. The trim is Balcony Rose.

Hubby had a plain wood mirror that I decided to paint smokey slate, which is what made the hallway come alive.

I think a gold or something in the yellow family would add that touch of sunshine you are looking for. I painted a dark stairway in Citron Paint a color called Lantana. I think EK Citrine or Mustard Seed would be great also.

I don't see a mint or light blue working with the colors in your home - I think it will be very disjointed. I would try to find a light shade of the olive trim color, and use that on the walls, then add lighting. Paint alone will never do it if the hall is long and dark. Look for some track-type lighting to wash the walls with light.

I also think a pale yellow or a pale warm blue would be better. Step away from the mint!

I would suggest using the same color for walls and ceiling. I also agree with ThreeD that using a full spectrum paint could change the experience of the hallway. There is lots to read here and on the Paint board about full-spectrum paints. This is a perfect application for them, IMO.

Thanx for the help! I love the EK colors, and the buttercream will give me what I want, without being too heavy.

We do plan on having a few solar tunnels installed, but that will have to wait a little while. That will take care of all our problems, definitely.

Thanx again.