Wall Treatment Ideas (Studio Lobby)

in keeping with my "studio" vibe, I'm looking for some suggestions for making my small lobby (or I should say corridor) walls look more presentable. right now they are painted off-white, and I have a rug on the floor. the ceiling is drop ceiling with flourescent lighting. HORRIBLE. for a first impression I would give it a C-! I'm thinking of antique oak laminate for the flooring, and a completely redone drop ceiling (nicer panels, possibly spray painted with the trim done with wood veneer tape). also getting rid of the flourescent lighting in exchange for a track lighting set up. I can't figure out what to do with the walls though. I'm thinking something prefab that I don't have to overthink. it's a small corrider (roughly 12 feet long x 5 feet wide). I don't want to put any foam panels cause I don't need acoustical treatment. something, rather, that's cozy and says WELCOME. lol. any ideas would be much appreciated. thanks! oto