Paint the walls a pale grey (or off white) paint the wainscotting white, you could paint those doors white (that would be hard for me as the look like old solid wood, however if they are not, paint them white too) add some bright white lighting to the space.
I'm always hesitant to paint over wood unless it's in bad shape. The first thing I would do would be to change the light bulbs. It looks like you're using warm or soft white. Try using "daylight" bulbs and see if that helps. Then, you could paint the walls and wainscotting in two coordinating light colors. For example, you could use the top two colors on a paint sample card in the color you like, but make sure it coordinates with the flooring.
Change you wall color above the wainscoting to something light and airy that will go along with the floor... bring the floor color up onto the wainscoting and change your bulbs. If the door is not real wood I would paint it to match your wall color ( you do not need to do both sides ) or if budget allows change the door for something that has a window in .... good luck :) Would be nice to see after photos!!
I agree the cei light bulb needs to be brighter and the paint color also, but in addition to that, add a mirror. What ever light you have can be enhanced if the light given off if reflected. Just a thought.
After you change the ceiling light, I'd paint the wainscoting a light gray (to compliment your flooring) and hang a light-colored background wall paper (there are some nice removable selections on line and in big box stores.) Clean down your front door (the wood is pretty) well and add a silver or gold decorative item or wreath on it. Add a very narrow hall table (try Target) that is 6-8 inches deep x 32" wide or so - place a small lamp and silver or gold (or white) decorative pieces on it. If you don't have an electrical outlet, place a cluster of battery powered candles in a tray - or a carriage-style candle holder (using battery powered candles) to give added light (try Michael's) instead of the table lamp. Kate's suggestion of a mirror behind this small foyer table is a great idea to reflect light. You have a lot of possibilities. It's a fun project - best wishes.
Paint the lower half paneling white. Pick a pretty pastel or light color for the top. I think with the reddish hue on the door stain going with a blu’ish Gray would be nice. Don’t touch doors or trim. They probably match the rest of the house. Painting over richly stained wood is like putting linoleum/carpet over wood floors. Wrong. Add a mirror to the wall. They add reflection and this is an entry way I believe so they are nice too add for guests coming in.
My hall was very dark--no natural light and only one ceiling fixture--much like yours. I painted it all white--doors, walls, trim--and after 7 years, I made it into one of my favorite places in my entire house. Here is the link on Hometalk to what I did. Maybe it will give you some ideas.
If attic space is all that's above the ceiling, consider installing a solar tube. It will light the hall during the day, and the fixture just looks like a covered-up round fluorescent light. Once you have light in the hall, you can decide which of the other suggestions to follow. I had a dark T-shaped hallway; had to turn the light on even during the day, but the solar tube made a world of difference!
We solved the problem with good lighting and skylight. The skylight adds so much light that people are constantly looking for a light switch to turn off.
I find your wainscoting very short and not in proportion with your doors, I would add a few more feet to it, and paint it white in keeping with your tile. Then I would lighten the yellow to a very pale shade.
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Paint the wood work and walls
Paint the walls a pale grey (or off white) paint the wainscotting white, you could paint those doors white (that would be hard for me as the look like old solid wood, however if they are not, paint them white too) add some bright white lighting to the space.
I'm always hesitant to paint over wood unless it's in bad shape. The first thing I would do would be to change the light bulbs. It looks like you're using warm or soft white. Try using "daylight" bulbs and see if that helps. Then, you could paint the walls and wainscotting in two coordinating light colors. For example, you could use the top two colors on a paint sample card in the color you like, but make sure it coordinates with the flooring.
Change you wall color above the wainscoting to something light and airy that will go along with the floor... bring the floor color up onto the wainscoting and change your bulbs. If the door is not real wood I would paint it to match your wall color ( you do not need to do both sides ) or if budget allows change the door for something that has a window in .... good luck :) Would be nice to see after photos!!
I agree the cei light bulb needs to be brighter and the paint color also, but in addition to that, add a mirror. What ever light you have can be enhanced if the light given off if reflected. Just a thought.
I agree paint the walls and the mirror awesome idea.....and how about a bright rug with some color.
After you change the ceiling light, I'd paint the wainscoting a light gray (to compliment your flooring) and hang a light-colored background wall paper (there are some nice removable selections on line and in big box stores.) Clean down your front door (the wood is pretty) well and add a silver or gold decorative item or wreath on it. Add a very narrow hall table (try Target) that is 6-8 inches deep x 32" wide or so - place a small lamp and silver or gold (or white) decorative pieces on it. If you don't have an electrical outlet, place a cluster of battery powered candles in a tray - or a carriage-style candle holder (using battery powered candles) to give added light (try Michael's) instead of the table lamp. Kate's
suggestion of a mirror behind this small foyer table is a great idea to reflect light. You have a lot of possibilities. It's a fun project - best wishes.
Oh yes - one more suggestion - get a hallway carpet - light-colored, of course!
Paint the lower half paneling white. Pick a pretty pastel or light color for the top. I think with the reddish hue on the door stain going with a blu’ish Gray would be nice. Don’t touch doors or trim. They probably match the rest of the house. Painting over richly stained wood is like putting linoleum/carpet over wood floors. Wrong. Add a mirror to the wall. They add reflection and this is an entry way I believe so they are nice too add for guests coming in.
A door light (window panel) in the door will add instant light and feel more spacious, so many nice ones to choose from.
My hall was very dark--no natural light and only one ceiling fixture--much like yours. I painted it all white--doors, walls, trim--and after 7 years, I made it into one of my favorite places in my entire house. Here is the link on Hometalk to what I did. Maybe it will give you some ideas.
If attic space is all that's above the ceiling, consider installing a solar tube. It will light the hall during the day, and the fixture just looks like a covered-up round fluorescent light. Once you have light in the hall, you can decide which of the other suggestions to follow. I had a dark T-shaped hallway; had to turn the light on even during the day, but the solar tube made a world of difference!
We solved the problem with good lighting and skylight. The skylight adds so much light that people are constantly looking for a light switch to turn off.
Paint the ceiling a nice satin arctic white, or a pearl metallic color, then add LED cove lights around the top.... https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=dark%20hallway%20with%20cove%20LED%20lights%20along%20ceiling&rs=typed&term_meta[]=dark%20hallway%20with%20cove%20LED%20lights%20along%20ceiling%7Ctyped
I find your wainscoting very short and not in proportion with your doors, I would add a few more feet to it, and paint it white in keeping with your tile. Then I would lighten the yellow to a very pale shade.
What about that idea of a frame with a small light on it it looked like it was a window, home talk has changed a lot . It used to be on it