Gille: whats under the carpet in this hall?

Install a chair rail and wallpaper below and an interesting co-ordinated color above.

There is lots of potential. And, I have had to deal with the same situation in our past home. The doors were already painted white, so that made it easy to stick with white wood. In your case, you may want to keep the natural wood but remove the high gloss finish. Then, for the hall paint color, embrace the dark. Go with a darker color. It was some great advice I received. Then cover the walls with art, mirrors, pictures. Make it a gallery. It's hard to fight rooms that don't have good light and painting light color doesn't necessary make it feel lighter or brighter. Good luck

How about adding some sconces to the walls for addl. lighting.

The carpet is a serious downer. I would consider removing it - even just on the landing - and look at putting in a new floor just there for now. It won't break the bank. Then invest in a cheerful oriental or Persian (period correct) runner. Alternately you could tile your hallway or paint in the same decorative manner as classic Victorian homes had.

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PAINT! give the hallway some bright colorful walls! if there is room add a table or two and put flowers to add some life

Paint the walls the color of the carpet, the trim a crisp white and add color in artwork.

What paint color did you use? We used Mindful Gray by Sherwin Williams for our dark hallway.