Feature walls came more prominently into the interior design game in the early 21st century.
However, now instead of just keeping it pretty with traditional floral wallpaper, we have become inspired to create walls that inject more personality and artistic individualism into a room, taking post-modernism to a whole new level.
Feature walls provide great opportunities to experiment with textures, shapes, colours and patterns. Also called accent walls, they offer a quick and easy way to liven up the space, and depending on what material you choose, they can be very low cost. Feature walls can be high impact, but you can also have a subtle pattern that can inject just the right amount of interest into a room without overwhelming the space.
Whether you want a big change or a subtle upgrade, a feature wall could be just the thing you need. Here are some of the do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.
The Do’s of Feature Walls
Complementary colours are great: Make sure that whatever colour or pattern you choose complements the rest of the room. Choosing a bright or bold colour can be great, but make sure there are accents of it in the rest of the room.
Accentuate the space: Use an accent wall to define a living space. In an open concept home or in multiple-use spaces it can be tricky to define areas, but an accent wall can help. For instance, a feature wall to highlight the dining area in a combined living/dining space can help greatly.
Update with paint: Choose paint when you want an easy and inexpensive way to update your space without making a big commitment, and it is the easiest material to change should you decide you want to try something different. Why not channel your inner Jackson Pollock and go for a paint splattered design!
The Don’ts of Feature Walls
Find your focal point: Do not choose a random wall. The feature wall should be used to highlight the room’s existing focal point. For example, the wall where the fireplace sits, or where the TV sits, makes for a good feature wall. The wall behind the headboard in a bedroom is also ideal. The point is that the eye should be drawn to one spot and if the feature wall is anywhere other than the focal area, the eye will not have a place to rest.
To liven up a small room: Refrain from putting an accent wall in a tiny room. It will only make it look smaller. If you want a bold colour or pattern in a small room, you are far better off covering all the walls. Go big or go home.
Choose the right room: Don’t opt for a feature wall because you are scared to commit an entire room to a particular colour or pattern. While it is a great option if you think the colour or pattern will be too overwhelming for the entire room, you should not do it out of fear. A feature wall should be a highlight, not a consolation prize.
Steer clear of crowded rooms: Avoid putting a feature wall in an already overcrowded room. When there is too much going on in a space, it can be confusing to the eye and create a sense of chaos. A feature wall should be a highlight.
Use mixed materials: Do not fall in that trap thinking that paint and wallpaper are not your only options. You can also create feature walls out of tile, stone, brick, fabrics and reclaimed wood, to name a few materials.
With all this inspiration now in your head, why not take a look at the Pymm & Co Estate Agents in Norwich portfolio of properties for SALE, and use your new knowledge to imagine what you could do to your chosen dream home.
