The designer named the main mistakes in the arrangement of the hallway
It is possible to transform the entrance area from a source of chaos into a comfortable and tidy space even in a small apartment. On January 16, Yana Karpinskaya, a designer at the VERESK furniture brand, told Izvestia about what mistakes are most often made when decorating the hallway, how to choose furniture and what solutions will be relevant in 2026.
According to her, the main source of disorder in the hallway is street dirt, which spreads quickly through the apartment. This problem is especially acute in layouts where there are direct passages from the entrance area to the living rooms.
An additional problem is caused by an incorrectly selected floor covering. Relief materials, such as textured laminate, actively collect dust and sand, which complicates cleaning.
"But the main source of chaos is the lack of a well—thought-out storage system. When there is no place for shoes, they accumulate at the door, cluttering up the passage. This is not only inconvenient, but also harmful to the floor: puddles from melted snow and reagents can damage the decorative layer of laminate or parquet. In addition, wet shoes left in a pile become a source of unpleasant odor," the expert explained.
She emphasized that the functionality of the hallway begins with the proper arrangement of furniture. All the main elements — a closet, a hanger, or a shoe rack — should be as close to the entrance as possible so that clothes and shoes can be removed immediately without going deeper into the apartment. The mirror next to the entrance area is not only convenient, but also visually expands the space. In narrow corridors, according to Karpinskaya, it is better to place furniture along one wall, since the elements installed opposite each other significantly "eat up" the usable area.
When choosing furniture, the designer advises to take into account the actual dimensions of the room and the needs of the family. Wall hangers are suitable for compact hallways, especially if you use a multi-level hook system. However, open storage requires care, otherwise it creates a sense of disorder. Shoe racks with a folding mechanism save space, but they are not suitable for all types of shoes — it is difficult to place high boots in them. It is also important to pay attention to ventilation so that the shoes can dry out.
Closed storage systems, such as swing cabinets and cupboards, allow you to hide visual noise and look more tidy. The depth of the cabinet directly affects its functionality. Narrow models require special fittings, and the standard depth of 50-60 cm allows you to use a classic barbell and store more things. The specialist also recommends choosing cabinets on the basement rather than on the supports, as this simplifies cleaning.
Speaking about the trends of 2026, Karpinskaya noted the growing popularity of hallway closets in niches with the effect of "floating" furniture.
"This design is fixed to the wall and does not touch the floor, creating a feeling of lightness and simplifying cleaning. However, for its installation, a load—bearing wall made of concrete or brick is needed," she said.
In color solutions, the designer prefers natural shades and textures of wood, as well as calm light tones that can be easily combined with bright accents.
Earlier, on January 14, it became known, thanks to a study by HYUNDAI brand experts reviewed by Izvestia, that the demand for multifunctional household appliances in Russia continues to grow — more than half of buyers (55%) consider universal models an excellent way to save space in an apartment. For 15% of respondents living in small apartments, the key factor of comfort is a well-thought-out organization of space and the choice of small-sized appliances with an extended range of functions. Even for 65% of Russians living in two- or three-bedroom apartments, proper planning also plays an important role.
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