How about some latte coloured stripes?
Also if you colour the end wall a darker colour or shade, the hallway won't appear as long. Maybe a red roman shade at the top of the window?

I think stripes will emphasize the long and narrow aspect of the hall. I would look to improve the lighting first, then break up that long wall with art.

Difficult. As I look at it though, I think I would divide it into thirds. paint in three shades of the same color. Paint the first third the darkest shade the middle the medium shade and the end the lightest shade. suggest this because normally when you look into a cave like space the farthest end is the darkest and the nearest end gets more light. If you reversed the effect it should make it seem shorter. anyway you ;look at it it will at least create some interest.

Dale's art gallery is also a good suggestion.

Maybe some chair rail and wainscoting to divide the wall then a nice contrasting color on top for the wall, then add some art work. I too think the stripes would accentuate the length of the hallway and make it look too much like a bowling alley. Possibly add some artesian style light sconces, blown glass may cast some interesting color on the space. Good luck!

Have you considered adding chair rail and panel mouldings? Paint the bottom one colour and the top another. Then do an art gallery or family picture groupings. I think that individual groupings of pictures or art will help to divide the space, while the moldings will create continuity.

I think a very narrow lovely carpet runner would be exciting, and then you can paint the walls something you love.....You will always keep the runner, but you won't be taking the hall.....The rug will lead you somewhere beautiful.....You could end with a lovely mirror, or framed painting/poster, depending on your budget....If you can't find a large enough runner, have one made from carpeting, with the sides bound....

I would really prefer to know what is the style of your home. As I believe this dictates best what action to take. Thanks

J Design Group, Modern Interior Design Firm in Miami, Florida - Contemporary Miami Interior Designers http://www.JDesignGroup.com

@groveraxle the repetitive lighting in Sugar Bowl Residence is awesome, as is the use of all over stripes in third photo submitted by ASVInteriors. Great drama and lighting ideas for typically dark and boring long hallways!
I would also add more drama at the end of the hall. Maybe a table or console with more heft or substance, a beautiful sculpture, and/or dramatic drapery panels.

Black & White Stripes -- will add a window treatment with some punch of color and replace table in front of window too -- thanks for perspectives!

Personally I think large width vertical bold deep blue and white would look great. But NOT narrower stripes! Not horizontal either that will draw the eye down the already long length and it will shorten the ceiling making it feel squishy. The wide stripes going up will give height and also narrow the length of the hall. Definitely get a runner to give some 'action' to the hall.

I would say no to stripes, vertical or horizontal.
Horizontal stripes will accentuate the length. Vertical will heighten the walls to also accentuate the narrow width.

I would use 1/2 to 2/3 of the total space in the center of the wall with a landscape or seascape mural. Molding surround. Light paint color on the remaining walls.

A scenic wallpaper or painting will make it seem as though you are looking through a window. The eye will go beyond the wall creating more depth. Opposite the mural a large mirror. Dividing the wall will shorten it.

Do you like a chair rail? Then you could put white on the bottom & any color on top & tie in a coordinating window treatment.

I have a hall just like this...I wanted it to be subtle, yet striking. So, what I did was paint 9" horizontal stripes alternating between a creamy white and a creamy light taupe. I love it. There is only a slight difference in the hues. Have done this for clients and has had great reviews.

How about a few diagonal stripes on the right, then a few on the other end of the hall on the left, no wild colors, just slightly contrasting stripes. Some wall hangings in the blank area. Something bright at the end of the hall.

@ Victory Gals
It looks awesome, so far!

I had a hallway like this. I added a chair rail and painted the bottom half with taupe colored diamonds - slightly harlequin style. I don't have a picture, as we have moved, but it turned out really well. The top of the diamond was at the chair rail and the bottom at the baseboard. They were slender diamonds - maybe half as wide as they were tall. I loved it.

The floor is a gloss and the walls are currently glossy. (And a mural...how would you ever be able to stand back and SEE the mural???) I think vertical wide stripes in the same color but in 3 different finishes would add interest. Using tape, try different widths until you find what width is pleasing to your eye (I'm thinking 18" or so). If you put up art work, be aware that not everyone walks in a straight line and hitting the art work would happen. Too much artwork would make the hall more narrow. Whatever you decide, take your bulkhead into consideration or that far end of the hall will appear very low. Good Luck!

Yikes ASVInteriors! That makes me dizzy...hurts my eyes!!!!

But how long do you actually spend in a hallway? There are certain areas where you can afford to go a little wild. Neutral and relative calm is good for rooms in which you spend a lot of time, but if you want to flex some design muscle - these are places where you can do it, if you choose to.

I want a calm, soothing walk to my bedroom if that is where this hall leads. If it goes to a family room and a kitchen, 'wild' might be ok. BUT...that is just me and thankfully we are not all alike ;)

I agree with those who've said stripes probably aren't the best fit. The easiest, most effective and least expensive option would be to simply hang some art/photos at regular intervals on one or both sides. If you have the budget for it and it fits the style of your house, I also agree with those who suggested a chair rail with wainscoting beneath (but not a chair rail without wainscoting; that would have the same effect as horizontal stripes). Post a picture of the hall after you decide what to do - I'd love to see it!

Re: a mural. Walking by a mural does not close you in. You don't have to get the effect by standing away from it, it will feel like a window view. It is something that is unconsciously felt.

A sketch that illustrates a narrow hallway.

Don, look up !

When we were looking for a house, my husband and I toured one that had vertical stripes in the long hallway. We both felt like we were walking through a jail. Ordinarily, we looked past easily fixable cosmetic issues, but we were really put-off by that hallway. The feeling of being in jail gave the whole house "bad vibes" and we could not leave fast enough. The black and white striped pictures above totally made me think of that nightmare hallway. Stripes will not only look like a jail but by being so visually busy, will also make it look narrower. It feels like the stripes are falling in on you almost. Everyone has different taste and obviously, do what you like in your own house. Just be aware that visitors will likely respond negatively to jail-stripes. Even if they are wide, when seen from one end of the hall or the other, you don't see the width as much.

Perhaps invest instead in better/more lighting and use unique artwork to insert color and fun. Stripes may look fun to some, but to others it is really creepy.

How about a various sized zig-zagged pattern running the middle of the wall in neutral hues of the same color?

How about no stripes and a waintscotting instead?

Hey Everybody, she already painted the stripes. She likes them. Let it go.

I thought you posted a photoshop idea for a possibility of the hall? I did not realize as many others, that the stripes are already painted? So sorry!

I didn't realize that was an AFTER photo either!!!!

Thanks for the time to comment and consider my project -- they were helpful and entertaining

Posting this photo of my back yard to change the subject from stirpes ;)

Beautiful. Wish I was there.
You know that you will still get comments about the stripes because not everyone reads it's history. : )

OK...is that a waterfall?? Oh so nice :)

Victory, you are a good sport, your backyard is gorgeous, and your dog adorable!

ADORE the backyard, hope the hall leads away from the bedrooms! You are a Bravegirl Victory!

I don't think adding stripes is the right solution for your long narrow space. It may end up looking too busy and closed in (or could end up looking like a circus fun-house, yikes!) Instead break up the space with wall art, a runner and light fixtures.

loredanabozzo, look up!

Sorry, didn't realize the stripes were already done. Hope it worked out.

All -- thanks! The wall looks nice, not like the entrance into Alice's Wonderland :) The wall/hall leads to a family room over the garage, a spare bathroom, and a back stairs to first level -- I have a long hallway on first floor with molding and architectural interest ... really, it looks a lot better than all you stripe a phobic guys think ;)

I love your idea of alternating stripes by glossy and flat paint in the same color! I'd pick a paint from the lightest color in the wood floor (unless you're going to make a gallery wall in your hallway). I hope that I am seeing pot lights in your ceiling? If so, did you know that they make track lights that utilize your existing cans (no electrician required)? I'd get some of those to stretch your lighting and aim it at the walls to highlight your stripes! I hope you love your new look!

Your back yard is so tranquil and serene!

Good call, and well executed - congratulations!

Create a gallery. Add a runner, maybe?
http://houzz.com/photos/26061874