How to liven up a hallway

Where can you really go to town with color, and get away with it? What makes a huge statement, without the side effects of having to live with it constantly?

image source
Hallways!

Foyers, hallways, entry-ways... whatever you call them, they are transition spaces- people move through them to get from point A to point B, but don't spend an extended period of time there. This allows you a tremendous amount of flexibility in trying something dramatic and wild where you'd ordinarily pass right over.

image source
Still not convinced? Think about the function of any given space. Bedrooms: relaxation, reflection, sleep, intimacy, calmness. Kitchens: activity, projects, socializing, sharing...
image source
Hallways: traveling, action.
image source
Maybe just a wee bit over the top?
image source found via source
No matter how you chose to go, trying something on the more daring side in your entry hall or hallway is an excellent place to start.

image source
It's important to mention that these examples and tips are suggestions for residences. When you get into commercial spaces, or other facilities such as hospitals, the criteria for color selection get more complex. For example, hospital corridors should be calming; bright fuchsia might not be the best solution in that case.

Additional hallway spruce-up tips here.