Cornforth white is purple based. I don't think it will make your space light. I'd be ore inclined to go for Ammonite or Fired Earth Bone White, both of which are much paler.

They have nice muted colours but I'm not sure its better than any other paint. Get lots of testers and try them out,. We have just painted our exterior in Cornforth White and you can see the purple tones in some lights.

The blind is the biggest culprit in stopping the light avaiable from coming through, so, as mentioned above either wall mount above, or change for a voile on a cafe rod. Secondly, as you need to hang the coats etc, you could try getting a slimline cupboard with mirrors to sit on the wall opposite the window, this will give somewhere for the coats to go and bounce all the light around, whilst remaining tidy. If you can't find anything to fit, then building one out of MDF to go around the coat hooks that you already have, with a couple of shelves at the bottom for shoes really isn't difficult at all. Just paint it and put a couple of mirrors on the front, job finished - Any handyman could do it!

thanks for the suggestions. I haven't moved in as yet so haven't tried different types of lighting. However, i was thinking more paint colours....

ha! locking people out, bodies lying on the floor.... think it may be shoes! butttttttttt maybe i should think of a better way to store such things that could look like bodies in photos hehe!

Have a look at these

http://www.farrow-ball.com/yellow-based-neutrals/content/fcp-ccontent

you could also try a shade of ochre (but may bring the walls in) or something like f&b savage ground

A greige may also work so something like elephants breath or go lighter with skimming stone. Red based neutrals are very warm but may not work so well with the floor.

I would lift the blind and get a mirrored wall coat rack or mirror though before deciding on paint and then get a few testers

the link isn't working :( i like the look of skimming stone. Do you think white would be to stark? The theme for the house is white,grey,black with green? and maybe i should put a mirror near the door? opposite the window is the door to the front room. so the blind would essentially be above the window? sorry, new to design/decorating!

Thanks - so have no blinds at all? So, if my skirting is white make the bannister colour white? i definitely want to get rid of the rug! I'm just worried that it will be too much white?!

That picture is really useful. Thanks! My banisters go up three flights and i have the same colour doors for the rooms. I think the bannisters and doors complement each other?

i also like the table in that picture! Gorgeous!

If your unsure of White on the walls go for what is used in this hallway. Although this hallway is soon to be made White. I love White with a natural wooden floor. You need to put together your style and do whatever you feel is right for you. It's your house and should reflect your taste. Any interior stylist should say the same :-)

yes wooden doors and matching bannisters to compliment each other and changing the bannisters would be a big job especially of there are three flights. Seeing as your skirting is white then maybe you might want to change the colour of the window sill. White would bounce the light of.

The picture i have shown you has a white wooden slated blind at the window so possibly an option still gives you plenty of light because of the colour of the wood and also gives some privacy.

initially i was going to paint it corn forth white but think white is the best option. I am going to remove the blind (thanks ) and I'm thinking of adding a mirror behind the door (nearer to the front room)

yes - blinds are lovely. I am going to save the picture - if you don't mind! thanks so much!

mirrors are great for making a room look larger and also bouncing light around the room especially if placed opposite a window. Light accessories are good also so lighter umbrella holder and rug. Just be careful with muddy feet :-)

Thanks E D will definitely get a sample!

Hey Vickiphillips78. oh wow! bright indeed. F&B are quite expensive. I have three flights of stairs so might have to find a cheaper alternative. i really like your white bannisters :)

Funnily enough those were the colours on the link! Try colour matching with valspar at b&q. I Haven't done it but it's apparently more accurate than dulux. You won't get the f&b chalky texture but that's not a bad thing for a hall if it means the walls are washable.