A hallway might seem like an afterthought, but it sets the tone for your home. Ours started out like many builder-grade spaces: plain, narrow, and lacking personality. With a small budget and big vision, I set out to create a modern, organic hallway that felt neutral, warm, and intentional. From choosing one of the best greige paint colors to upgrading doors and hardware, this project proves how a few strategic updates can completely transform a space.

So you are looking for the best paint for interior doors and the best paint for doors and trim? Specifically you are drawn to choosing a greige paint color? In this post, I’m walking you through the exact paint type and color I used (and loved) along with the five steps I took to update our hallway—including a cost breakdown and tips to help you do the same!

materials used for this hallway transformation

• Canadian tire light fixture
• Pre-hung doors from local hardware store
• Paint- Dover White SW for walls, Alabaster SW for trim, Shiitake SW for doors
• Barn Door from Home Depot
• Hardware from Explore Hardware
• Picture frames and picture light from Amazon

Some of these links are affiliate links and I will earn a small commission on them at no extra cost to you!.

best greige paint colors by sherwin williams

One of the biggest decisions in this hallway makeover was choosing the best greige paint color. I landed on Shiitake by Sherwin Williams, and I’m so glad I did. It’s a warm greige with subtle taupe and mushroom undertones, which gives it that cozy, organic feel without leaning too yellow or too gray. It pairs beautifully with both warm whites and deeper neutrals, making it a versatile choice for doors, trim, or even full walls.

That said, Shiitake is slightly deeper than some classic greiges—in certain lighting, especially in smaller or north-facing spaces, it may read darker than expected. If you're looking for a similar but slightly lighter alternative, Accessible Beige by Sherwin Williams is a great option. It has a softer look with warm undertones, and works especially well if you want to keep things light and airy while still getting that modern, grounded feel. I painted my kitchen cabinets this color and love it!

Both shades are timeless and pair perfectly with black hardware, natural wood, and creamy whites—exactly the palette I leaned into for this hallway refresh.

5 steps to a beautiful hallway transformation

Step 1 Swap Out the Colonial Panel Doors

The original doors were basic colonial panels that clashed with the clean, modern look I was going for. Replacing them with sleek 2-panel pre-hung doors gave the space instant contemporary appeal. If you're doing this yourself, make sure to have shims and a second set of hands—it’s essential to get everything level. Depending on your door frame’s condition, you may be able to skip replacing the jamb, which makes the job easier and more budget-friendly.

Step 2: New Trim and Fresh Paint (with the best greige paint colors)

Fresh trim and paint made one of the biggest impacts. You might be looking for the best interior paint and trim and I am here to share my favourites!

I chose trim dimensions that complemented our floorboards—wider up top, slightly narrower along the sides—for a more custom feel. One decision that tied everything together was painting the doors and trim in Shiitake by Sherwin Williams, a soft greige that adds warmth and depth. The wall color is Dover White by Sherwin Williams , and the baseboard trim is Alabaster by Sherwin Williams.

Painting your trim and doors the same shade can help a space feel larger and more cohesive. The paint finish for interior doors and trim should be satin or semi-gloss—these offer durability and a subtle sheen without being too shiny.

I personally used a satin finish as I find it less shiny in the Emerald Interior Acrylic Latex Paint on my doors.

Step 3: Upgrade the Door Hardware

To complement the new doors, I upgraded the door hardware. I selected minimalistic, matte black handles that add a touch of sophistication without overwhelming the space. I used Explore Hardware's door handles. The quality is amazing, I highly recommend their products. Here is the direct link to their website. This simple upgrade made a significant difference, enhancing the modern aesthetic and providing a cohesive look throughout the hallway. Click here to see a video where I walk through installing these door handles.

Step 4: Replace the Laundry Room Door with a Barn Door

Our laundry room is tucked off the hallway, and the swing of the old door took up too much room. Replacing it with a modern barn door saved space and added visual interest. We installed a door from Home Depot and mounted the track above the frame. Since I didn’t want a traditional jamb in the walkway, I patched the opening with drywall and painted it to match. It took some extra effort, but the result was well worth it.

Step 5: Add Decorative Touches

To complete the transformation, I focused on adding decorative elements that bring personality and warmth to the hallway. I ordered some frames on Amazon and got a few of our wedding photos printed in black and white to hang on the one wall that had a bit of space, creating a gallery that adds visual interest and a personal touch. To highlight these photos and create a cozy ambiance, I installed a picture light from Amazon. This fixture illuminates the artwork beautifully and adds a warm glow to the space while not getting in the way when you are walking through an already small space.

The result is a hallway makeover that feels both modern and organic, with a warm and neutral palette with the best greige paint colors that ties everything together, going from boring to beautiful. The combination of new doors, upgraded hardware, fresh paint, a stylish barn door, and thoughtful decor has completely revitalized the space. What was once a plain, builder-grade hallway is now a stylish, functional entryway that sets the tone for the rest of the home.

Picture frames and picture light from Amazon

Cost Breakdown

• Four pre-hung doors: $800
• Hardware (gifted, but retail $50/each): $200
• Barn door from Home Depot: $262
• Trim: ~$1.69/linear foot
• Photos, frames, and picture light: ~$160

Conclusion

A hallway might not be where you spend most of your time, but with a few upgrades—like painting your interior doors, swapping out trim, or choosing the best greige paint colors Sherwin Williams offers—you can make it feel like a designer space. This renovation was affordable, approachable, and made a huge impact on how our home feels.

I hope in this post you got inspiration for painting interior doors and trim or even get ideas to test a few great greige paint colors from Sherin Williams. If you’re ready to update your home with paint, don’t miss BEST WARM WHITE PAINT COLORS: WHY LRV AND NATURAL LIGHTING MATTER.

And if you're dreaming of a home that looks custom without spending a fortune, grab my free guide: 5 Easy DIYs That Make Your Home Feel High-End.

Here is a video of the final product for a better look. Let me know what you think in the comments!

loves this project? let's stay connected

If you found this hallway makeover helpful, be sure to save it for later by pinning it to your favorite Pinterest board! It’s the easiest way to revisit when you’re ready to tackle your own transformation.

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Let me know how your hallway turns out—I’d love to see it!