Feature Wall Tips. The Do’s and Don’ts.
Creating a feature wall can transform a space, adding depth, colour, and personality. Here are some dos and don'ts to keep in mind:
Do’s:
Choose the Right Wall:
Select a wall that naturally draws attention, such as the wall behind a bed, sofa, or fireplace.
Ensure the wall is not cluttered with doors or windows, which can break up the design.
Consider the Room’s Purpose:
Tailor the feature wall to the room's function. For instance, in a bedroom, opt for calming colours or textures, while in a living room, you can be bolder.
Use Colour Wisely:
A feature wall is a great place for bold colours or patterns that might be overwhelming on all four walls.
Coordinate the feature wall colour with the rest of the room’s palette for cohesion.
Incorporate Texture:
Experiment with textured materials like brick, wood, or wallpaper to add depth.
Consider 3D wall panels, tiles, or shiplap for a striking effect.
Mind the Lighting:
Ensure the feature wall is well-lit to enhance its impact. Use accent lighting like wall sconces, spotlights, or floor lamps to highlight it.
Natural light can also enhance the textures and colours on the wall.
Balance the Design:
Keep the rest of the room relatively simple if your feature wall is bold. This ensures the wall remains the focal point.
Balance the colours and patterns with complementary decor items.
Personalize the Space:
Use the feature wall to showcase personal art, photos, or a gallery of frames.
Consider murals, custom wallpapers, or a collection of memorabilia that reflects your personality.
Experiment with Patterns:
Use geometric patterns, stripes, or florals for a dynamic visual effect. Wallpaper is particularly effective for this.
Consider stencils or decals if you want a custom pattern that’s easier to change later on.
Integrate Functional Elements:
Incorporate shelves or built-in storage to add functionality to your feature wall. These can display books, art, or plants, adding depth and interest.
Consider a media wall where a TV is integrated seamlessly, perhaps with surrounding storage or a recessed design.
Play with Scale:
Consider oversized artwork, mirrors, or large-scale photography to create a dramatic effect.
In small spaces, use smaller, repeated elements for a cohesive look without overwhelming the room.
Reflect the Natural Environment:
If your room has a great view, use colours or textures on your feature wall that complement the outside scenery.
Natural materials like stone or wood can also bring an element of the outdoors inside.
Layer Materials:
Combine different materials like wood and metal, or wallpaper and paint, to create a layered, textural effect.
Use molding or trim to add architectural interest, breaking up sections of the wall or framing specific areas.
Test Before Committing:
Sample your materials or paint colours on a small section of the wall to see how they interact with the room's light and other elements.
Consider creating a mood board with swatches, samples, and photos to visualize the final look.
Think About Acoustics:
Feature walls with textured surfaces like fabric panels, wood, or cork can help absorb sound, making them a good choice for media rooms or noisy spaces.
Soft materials on a feature wall can make a room feel warmer and cozier.
Create a Focal Point:
Use the feature wall to frame a focal point like a fireplace, bed, or a large window. This directs the eye and enhances the architectural elements of the room.
In open-plan spaces, a feature wall can help define areas, such as separating a dining space from a living area.
Feature walls can bring a room to life and can be very simple to do. Here is a completed project in La Cala de Mijas, Spain by Superior Finishings.
Don’ts:
Overdo It:
Avoid using too many bright or contrasting colours, which can make the room feel chaotic.
Don’t clutter the feature wall with too many accessories or furniture, as this can diminish its impact.
Neglect the Room’s Size:
In a small room, a feature wall with a dark colour or heavy texture can make the space feel smaller. Opt for lighter colours or subtle patterns instead.
Conversely, in a large room, a small or faint feature wall may go unnoticed. Scale your design to fit the room.
Ignore the Rest of the Room:
Don’t forget that the feature wall is part of a larger space. Ensure that the style, colour, and material complement the other walls, furniture, and decor.
Avoid making the feature wall so dominant that it clashes with or overpowers the room's existing design.
Forget About Longevity:
Avoid trends that might quickly go out of style, unless you’re prepared to update the wall frequently.
Choose materials and colours that you will love for years, not just because they are currently fashionable.
Mismatch Materials:
Don’t mix too many different textures or patterns on one wall, as this can create a disjointed look.
Be cautious about pairing materials that don't naturally complement each other, like rustic wood with ultra-modern elements, unless done thoughtfully.
Skip Planning:
Avoid diving into a feature wall project without planning. Sketch out your ideas, sample colours and materials, and visualize the end result.
Don’t forget to measure your space and calculate the amount of material needed to avoid wastage.
Ignore the Ceiling:
Don’t forget that the ceiling interacts with the feature wall. A contrasting or complementary ceiling color can enhance the overall effect.
Be cautious with highly reflective materials near the ceiling, as they can create unwanted glare.
Go Too Monochrome:
Avoid using a feature wall that’s too similar in colour to the other walls, as it may not stand out enough to serve its purpose.
If you prefer a subtle look, consider using texture or a slightly darker or lighter shade to differentiate the feature wall.
Disregard the Flow of the House:
Ensure that your feature wall works well with the overall style and colour scheme of your home, not just the specific room.
Don’t create a feature wall that feels out of place with the rest of the house's design, unless the room is intended to have a very distinct vibe.
Forget Practical Considerations:
Don’t use materials that are difficult to maintain, especially in high-traffic areas. For example, high-gloss paint or delicate wallpaper might not be ideal in a busy hallway.
Avoid materials that are incompatible with the room's function, like fabric in a kitchen or bathroom where moisture and stains are a concern.
Rush the Process:
Don’t rush through the installation process. Whether painting, applying wallpaper, or installing panelling, take your time to ensure a professional finish.
Avoid skipping steps like priming the wall or levelling it, which can affect the final appearance.
Clash with Existing Decor:
Avoid choosing a style or colour that clashes with existing furniture, decor, or artwork. The feature wall should enhance the room’s existing elements, not fight against them.
If you have a lot of patterned furniture or decor, a simpler feature wall might be more appropriate to avoid overwhelming the space.
Forget About Resale Value:
If you plan to sell your home in the near future, avoid overly personalized or extreme designs that might not appeal to a broad audience.
Opt for more neutral or classic designs if resale value is a concern, or be prepared to repaint or remove features later.
Neglect Proportions:
Don’t let the feature wall overpower the room. If the wall is very large, consider breaking up the space with a combination of paint, texture, and decor.
Avoid small, isolated patterns or designs that can look lost on a large wall; scale your design to fit the wall’s size.
Disregard Furniture Placement:
Avoid placing large furniture pieces that completely obscure the feature wall, as this diminishes its impact.
Ensure the furniture layout complements the feature wall, perhaps centering a couch or bed against it to enhance its prominence.
By keeping these dos and don’ts in mind, you can create a feature wall that enhances your space and reflects your personal style. Create a feature wall that not only serves as a stunning focal point but also integrates seamlessly with the overall design of your space.