Top 3 Updates for the High Traffic Spaces in Your Home
- Karen H
- Jul 14
- 6 min read
By Home by Hattan
Some of the hardest-working spaces in your home are often the most overlooked. This means they are likely due for a refresh or renovation! The updates in this blog are the perfect way to bring new character and beauty into those high traffic spaces that may need a little more attention and care. These are spaces that require design that is not only functional but personal, too.
If you’re looking for an impactful refresh this season, here are three areas that deserve a little more love—along with some expert tips on how to elevate them.
High Traffic Space #1: The Mudroom or Entryway
A space that works as hard as you do.
There's a reason it's called a mud room. It's the drop zone, the catch-all, and the keeper of coats, shoes, bags, and outdoor messes. With daily wear and tear, this area benefits greatly from a thoughtful, well-designed update.
We often focus on combining durability with beauty in these transitional spaces.
Top design updates to consider:
Durable & Elevated Flooring: Natural stone or tile flooring adds both practicality and polish. Easy to clean, tough, and long-lasting, it’s a smart foundation for families.
How we could apply this in your home: This mudroom connecting the kitchen to the backyard was previously covered in a tile that the homeowner really disliked - it was old and just never looked “clean” to her. Because she has young kids, and this room also holds her laundry, we decided to replace the scuffed “dirty” tile with a beautiful tile in a fun and colorful pattern, adding durability and beauty. The kids shoes are often stored in the custom benches, and though not installed yet when we took the photo, hooks were added for winter jackets. Now this is a welcoming, hard-working, and happy area to be in!
Designed by Karen Hattan https://homebyhattan.com 
Designed by Karen Hattan https://homebyhattan.com Custom Built-Ins: Cubbies, cabinets, and wall hooks tailored to your home make for a cleaner, more inviting space.
How we would apply this in your home: This active family often uses the entrance from their garage as they run to and from school, work, practices, games, and races. They needed a spot to drop shoes, jackets, bags and gear, and of course Home by Hattan had to make it fun and functional! We installed a durable tile floor in a really fun pattern, and painted out their deep storage areas in a beautiful blue color. The family now has baskets for shoes, hooks for bags and jackets, a large open spot for gear, and a closed storage area on top for items that need to be handy but not used daily (think winter hats and gloves, etc). This area is often seen by both family members and guests--- it looks good too.
Dual-Purpose Design: A mudroom doesn’t have to be purely utilitarian. We love creating spaces that serve two purposes—like a cozy breakfast nook that doubles as a tidy drop zone.
How we could apply this in your home: Designer Heidi Caillier (as featured in this House Beautiful Article) created a duel purpose space that meet two needs of her client: a breakfast nook and mud room in one. This unique combination met a specific need that this client had. It is our goal to understand the unique need for each of our client's and design a space that makes life not only easier for you, but also makes a home that expresses who you are.
At Home by Hattan, we believe in designing for how you want to live—and that includes even the messiest corners of your home.
High Traffic Space #2: Stairs & Hallways
Give your in-between spaces some attention.
Often overlooked, your stairways and hallways are full of untapped design potential. These areas experience constant foot traffic, so they’re prone to scuffs and general wear. With a few updates, they can become beautiful transitions that tie your home together.
Simple ways to refresh these spaces:
Fresh Paint or Wallpaper: A fresh coat of paint or a bold wallpaper print can add interest and style.
Add Personality: Update family photo galleries, rotate in new artwork, or display collected pieces for a curated feel.
How we could apply this to your home:
One question we often ask our clients is 'do you have any keepers?' We desire to know which elements a client wants to incorporate into their new design. A great way to refresh your stairway or hallway to have more personality is to take items that you have and rework them with a new perspective. For one of our clients, we took this previously bare hall and hung the homeowner’s already owned pieces on both sides of the hall to jazz it up!
Stair Rails and Even– Carpet: Patterned stair runners and carpets are a growing trend among home owners—bringing texture, color, and charm to a forgotten zone. Another potential needed refresh is to update stair rails and newel posts.
How we could apply this to your home: It may not seem like a necessary change, but refreshing your stair railing and newel posts makes a huge impact to the function and beauty of a space. Your stairs are at the top of the list for high traffic areas, and because of that, need care and attention. Not only for safety, but also as a way to add character to your home in the details. It's these details that truly add cohesion and flow to your home. Our clients for these two projects realized the necessity once we made the upgrade in their space!
Pro tip: These smaller spaces are the perfect place to begin your interior design journey. Our
Designer Trio service is a great first step for those new to the process. It helps clarify your style, define your vision, and turn even the smallest spaces into polished reflections of your home.
Click the link to see how our Design Trio service would be the perfect start for you!
High Traffic Space #3: The Power Room or Half Bath
Small space, big opportunity.
The powder room might be compact, but it leaves a lasting impression. As one of the most frequently used rooms by guests, it’s the perfect space to express personality, try new trends, or elevate the everyday. If you’ve been searching for interior designers for bathrooms or an interior designer for a bathroom remodel, this is one of the best rooms to start with.
Design updates to consider:
Statement Wallpaper: Don’t be afraid to try wallpaper in a bathroom! This is the perfect place to try a bold statement wallpaper in a color or pattern that you love—think florals, botanicals, or textured neutrals.
Designed by Karen Hattan: https://homebyhattan.com How we would apply this in your home: We fell in love with this wallpaper for our client who really prefers neutral colors, but she was also ready to make a beautiful statement in her hall powder bath - and this wallpaper really nailed it! It features a gorgeous William Morris pattern in calming colors of sand, ivory, taupe, and various shades of blue - and while it may be neutral in color palette,, it certainly is not neutral in style! This special touch truly made the impact our client was desiring, adding sophistication, personality, and quiet luxury to her Guest Powder Bath.
High-Impact Fixtures: A stylish mirror, unique faucet, or custom vanity can elevate the entire space.
Elevated Guest Experience: This room often speaks to your hospitality style. Make it memorable and comfortable for your visitors. A soft rug, matching hand soap and lotion dispensers, plush new towels (monogrammed for that truly elevated look!), a crisp and clean drinking glass - your guests will know you’ve thought of everything to take care of them, bringing beauty, style, and comfort to this normally utilitarian space.
As experienced interior designers for bathrooms, we know how to make even the smallest rooms reflect your home’s story with intention and style.
Live Beautifully at Home
Every corner of your home has the potential to be beautiful—including the ones that get the most foot traffic. Whether it’s a well-loved mudroom, an oft-used hallway, or a powder room that sees every guest, thoughtful updates can turn these high-traffic areas into a showcase of what makes your home feel like you.
Bring Your Design Vision to Life with Home by Hattan
Feeling inspired to create a space that highlights both you and your spouses preferred styles? That’s what we do! Contact us today to learn how our services can help you design for how you want to live!
Trustworthy | Thoughtful | Tailored
Mark & Karen Hattan
Founders, Home by Hattan Design + Build
Intentionally combining luxury and livability,
we create homes that are as beautiful as they are functional—designed for effortless elegance and meaningful connection.
Because HOME is important, and so are the people who live there.
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