IF YOU'RE thinking of selling your home, look objectively at the property.

Making the most of your hallway

This should welcome your guests rather than scare them off. The first impression you give your prospective buyer will encourage them to see more. The hallway is often a neglected area of the house, being out of sight and out of mind.

Brighten up your hall with lights

There's nothing more unwelcoming than a dark and dingy hallway. Try simple track lighting or, if you can, invest in low voltage or mains voltage recessed lighting in the ceiling. Avoid pendant light fittings with shades, as this gives the impression of bringing the ceiling down.

Clear out the clutter

Don't overload coat hooks with masses of coats and scarves. Only hang up items in regular use. Store shoes in stacking boxes next to the door or keep them tidy on a shoe rack. Better still, keep them in a cupboard.

Keep your walls pale and fresh

Use light and neutral shades of cream and ivory for a light but cosy feel. Soft tones of yellow create a warm welcoming atmosphere. Avoid dark colours below a dado rail in a long hallway as this will emphasise the length and exaggerate its proportions. To add protection to a lightcoloured wall, try using a matt varnish so marks can be wiped off easier.

Hang mirrors to fake space

Visually double the size of your hallway by hanging a large mirror to borrow and bounce light. Fit a glazed front door to let in the light. Rescue a gloomy hall by swapping a solid door for one with safety glass

Choose flooring that will reflect light

An inset coconut mat well as you walk in through the door will take the brunt of the hard wear that a hall demands. Tiles, laminate and solid wood flooring are good choices, as they are easy to clean and hard wearing. Opt for a shiny lightreflective surface to create a larger floor area.

And finally...

Smells that linger can put people off buying your home. Remember that if you smoke in your home or have pets, you may not be able to smell a lingering aroma but your buyer can. If you have the space in your hall for a vase of fresh, scented flowers, their perfume will welcome your guests through. As an alternative, plugin air fresheners are very effective.

For details of a full House Doctor Service, contact the design team at Honeysuckle Interiors, Oakley, on 01256 780831 or visit the website honeysuckleinteriors.co.uk