Liven up your hall with rich hues

First impressions count, and nothing says a royal welcome quite like purple. Opulent and sumptuous yet inviting and intimate, purple is a wonderful colour if you want to give your entranceway an instant makeover.

Rich, earthy purples like mauve, orchard and violet look striking when paired with crisp white trim, or you could paint the lower half of the wall a darker shade and the top half a lighter shade for a more subtle variation. For an old-world look, try purple with gold, or mix purple with a glossy black lacquer for a sleek, sophisticated feel.