Designing a Feature Wall: Trends, Tips, and Alternatives for Your Home
Creating a feature wall can transform a room, adding personality and visual interest. While the traditional accent wall is evolving, the core concept of highlighting a focal point remains relevant. This article explores current trends, design tips, and alternative approaches to creating a stunning feature in your home, drawing insights from interior design experts and recent articles.
The Evolution of the Accent Wall
According to Morgan Hood, designer and co-founder of Elliston House, the classic, single-saturated accent wall is becoming outdated. This approach can "break up a space and make a room feel choppy." Instead, designers are encouraging homeowners to reimagine the feature wall concept, focusing on techniques like color drenching, which involves enveloping the entire room in a single color or wallpaper.
Berinda Soh, founder and principal designer at design firm Glorious State, suggests that feature walls should be visible when entering the room. A feature wall can come in different formats, from painted walls and wallpaper to fluted panels and built-in cabinetry.
Embracing the "Fifth Wall" and Focal Points
If you're still drawn to the idea of an accent, consider using your ceiling, often referred to as the "fifth wall." This approach draws the eye upward and can work well in smaller spaces. As Miranda Cullens, founder and principal designer of Inside Stories, notes, the concept of a focal point is still trendy, but it’s more nuanced now. "It's less about a flat pop of color and more about tactile surfaces that warm up a space and create dimension." Think natural wood paneling, limewash finishes, and patterned wallpaper.
Architectural Elements and Modern Applications
Jen Daltorio and Hannah Reach, experts at York Wallcoverings, emphasize that the concept has expanded to include applications like embellished ceilings and full walls of built-in shelving. Wall murals, especially when adorned by decorative picture molding or wainscoting, are also popular choices. Peel-and-stick murals are a subtle way to boost design without long-term commitment.
Amilia Gani, principal designer at interior design firm Facelift Design & Interiors, explains that a well-designed feature wall transforms a room with ambience, adds depth between spaces and makes the room a unique and memorable part of the home.
DIY Considerations: Limewash and Paint Options
For those considering a DIY approach, paint remains the most affordable option. Limewash, a non-toxic paint made from lime putty, is gaining popularity for its soft, matt, and textured finish. According to Paul Li, co-founder of Raffles Paint, limewash "etches itself into the wall" and requires proper preparation with a suitable primer.
Designing an Intentional Feature Wall
When planning a feature wall, avoid anything too trend-driven, high-contrast, or purely decorative. Cullens recommends bedrooms (behind the bed), dining rooms, home offices, and powder rooms. Reach adds that "accent walls are a budget-friendly way to bring serious impact to a space without overwhelming it, visually or financially." Homeowners should create a feature wall, ceiling or area that reflects their needs and aesthetic preferences.
| Feature Wall Option | Description | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Painted Wall | A wall painted in a contrasting color. | Most affordable; consider limewash for a textured finish. |
| Wallpaper | A wall covered in patterned wallpaper. | Offers a wide range of designs and textures. |
| Built-in Cabinetry | Custom-built storage units integrated into the wall. | Functional for storage but more permanent and costly to change. |
| Architectural Elements | Shiplap, beadboard, or picture frame molding. | Adds texture and visual interest. |
| Tiles | Using tiles in dining room to create an accent texture. | Offers a wide range of designs and textures. |
Ultimately, feature walls and focal points offer a dynamic way to enhance your home. By considering modern design principles and exploring various materials and techniques, you can create a space that reflects your personal style and adds lasting value.