Our hallway is total 7sqm then the outside path is max 2 sqm. It is just very expensive (£2 - 450 per sqm) even with my very talented husband doing the tiling. We are looking at a company that supplies the mosaic tiles loose but affixed to a sticky sheet so it's faster to install but still authentic individual tiles. I am tempted to use the nicer more expensive tiles inside and then use a cheaper black and white chequer board pattern outside. However like you I want things to match. So far I have done nothing because the cost is so high and I want it to look right. We are also doing a big renovation so my budget for the hall is being squeezed.

I recognise the phrase ' you've always imagined'. Lots of times I have had in my mind something such as Fired Earth Tiles, herringbone parquet, teak worktops etc etc and then you wake up and realise you are on a budget - like most people! I have to say, I am constantly surprised at the cost and range of materials out there so don't feel short changed if you don't choose your initial idea. I wanted handmade Emerie and Cie Moroccan tiles in my kitchen, but that was before I costed them and needed to sit down. I ended up with Green Quartzite and they were a seventh of the cost and they look fantastic. My hall is tiled and we don't have underfloor heating, but we do all wear cork soled slippers (:

Removing the console, changing the flooring and creating more interest on the walls, as mentioned above, would help. Also, creating a focal point at the end of the hall, perhaps by turning the bookcase around, or placing the lower cabinet there if it fits, with a painting above and a (faux) plant on top, using patterned wallpaper above the dado rail, perhaps panelling on the bottom part, and a row of mirrors on the long wall or a large mirror are all tricks to make it visually less narrow. https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/traditional-hallway-and-landing-traditional-hallway-and-landing-london-phvw-vp~12578864 https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/townhouse-central-london-traditional-entrance-london-phvw-vp~67103968 https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/malvern-east-transitional-hallway-and-landing-melbourne-phvw-vp~28664422 https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/monee-ponds-victorian-federation-transitional-hallway-and-landing-melbourne-phvw-vp~49082224 https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/entrance-transitional-entrance-chicago-phvw-vp~58742561

Use matt porcelain. Most colors and/or pattern could do. Add a charcoal/black edge (and perhaps one row of those for baseboards) to give it that 30s feel. True terrazzo would look great, but is expensive (and messy to have installed), fortunately it comes in tile too. Portuguese patterns look great too. What looks and feel would you like the house to have? Favourite colors? Styles? Materials?