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Townhouses are not known for their vast size. But these modern homes amply meet the needs and budget of many Americans. One way to make the most of your townhome is to utilize its potential to the fullest. 

Take, for instance, the humble upstairs hallway. This ubiquitous feature of just about every two-story townhouse is often dismissed as nothing more than a way to get from the stairs to the bedrooms. But it can serve a much more useful purpose. Here are a few ideas on how you can get more from your landing.

1. Add Organizers. If your family suffers from having too much stuff in too small a home, use the hallway as a place to organize the chaos. Because only the family and close friends generally ever see this part of the home, you can utilize both wall and floor space to organize toys, clothing, electronics, hats, shoes, or just about anything else that ends up scattered around. Use wall hooks, slim-design cubbies, door hangers, and narrow shelving.

2. Display the Family. The upstairs hallway is the perfect place to display your family's photos in a neat but attractive collection. Consider this like a 'gallery wall' but for the family photographs. Ideally, use a variety of similar — but not cloned — frames to create a casual vibe while keeping it all within a singular theme.

3. Credit the Kids. Families in a townhome often don't have enough space to properly display their kids' artwork, school achievements, and interests. Turn the bedroom hallway into an art gallery for your little ones' treasures. You can make use of the walls, narrow tables, floor space, and even windows to present all their favorite works in a place that everyone can enjoy them.

4. Add Storage. Do you lack storage space in your house? Adding storage to the upstairs hallway keeps it out of the main public rooms and any bedrooms that are small enough as it is. Depending on your storage needs and space, you could use anything from an armoire or closed-door cabinet to benches with built-in storage underneath. 

5. Communicate. Everyone who uses the upstairs bedrooms has to pass through the hallway as they come and go. So, why not use this area to communicate with your busy family? You might install a whiteboard or chalkboard at the end so people can leave notes. Add a calendar, a chore chart, family outing planners, or spots for the kids' homework. You'll be able to get more done in an organized fashion without even being in the same room. 

Which of these clever tricks could turn your functional — but empty — hallway into an invaluable space in the home? No matter what you choose, you're sure to love your townhouse even more than before. For more ideas about your particular layout, consult with local townhouse interior design services today.