Fix My Room: Not Quite A Hallway, Not Quite A Room

In this edition of the Fix My Room series, I spoke with Kayla, who lives on beautiful Vancouver Island in a post-and-beam home full of character and full of wide open spaces. Her main question was what to do with the big, undefined area between her staircase and the main living space. It’s not a hallway, not quite a room, and right now it’s mostly being used by her young kids as a runway! Together, we walked through the space and explored ideas for how to make it more functional and intentional, without blocking movement or creating clutter.

Watch this entire episode on YouTube HERE

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The Challenge: A Space with No Clear Purpose

Kayla described the space as open and wide, but not being used for anything beyond pass-through and kid play. It’s the area you walk into after the front vestibule, with the staircase on the left, the kitchen straight ahead, and the living room to the right. Because it’s in the middle of everything, it has to stay open—but it also feels like wasted space.

She and her husband had thought about adding a bench in front of the large front window, which looks out on a pond, but worried it might be too tight. They’ve also considered new seating for the living room, since the current couch was inherited and isn't a perfect fit.

A Spot to Sit and Take In the View

One of my first suggestions was to revisit the idea of a bench, or maybe even a chaise, under the front window. With a nice view of the pond, it’s a natural place to create a quiet seating moment. There’s plenty of space to walk around it, and adding a floor lamp and a small martini table would make it feel complete without being in the way.

Creating a Secondary Seating Zone

Kayla mentioned that when they have guests, people tend to crowd around the kitchen island, with some spilling out into this open area. So we explored the idea of placing a pair of slipper chairs behind the existing living room couch, facing the wall where her husband keeps his guitars and record player. That wall already has a lot of personality, and a few comfortable, lightweight chairs would turn the space into a great spot for conversation or overflow during gatherings.

Use the Rug You Already Own

Kayla has a large area rug in storage, and I encouraged her to use it in this open zone to help define it as a real room. With enough space between the kitchen and living room, the rug can anchor a small seating area and signal that this part of the house has purpose beyond circulation. It could also help slow the kids down as they zoom through!

Layering in Art and Light

We also talked about other small updates that could make a big impact. Kayla has a collection of smaller art pieces she hasn’t hung yet, so I suggested starting a gallery wall along the staircase—focusing it in one area and letting it grow over time. As for lighting, the entry currently has a dated track light. Since the ceiling is vaulted, it’s a great opportunity to install a chandelier or pendant that adds some warmth and personality without overwhelming the space.

No Rush on Paint

Kayla hasn’t painted the walls yet and is sticking with an off-white tone. I think that’s totally fine for now. The home’s architecture already adds so much visual interest, and paint can come later once the furniture layout feels more settled. If she does experiment, starting with one wall (like the one with the guitars) could be a good way to test color without committing to a full repaint.

A Few Small Changes, A Lot More Use

The takeaway from our conversation was that Kayla doesn’t need to do a full redesign. With a few key pieces: a bench, some chairs, a rug, a new light fixture, this pass-through space can become part of how the home is actually used. It can still serve its purpose as a pathway, but now with added comfort, flexibility, and personality.

Want to be featured in the Fix My Room series?
Send me photos and a description of your space at zandra@slowstylehome.com. I’d love to help you find simple, lasting ways to make your home work better for you.

Until Next Time

-Zandra