5 FAQ’s about feature wall design

1. To feature wall or not?

Feature walls give you the opportunity to add interest, texture or colour to a room. Depending on the finish choice, an accent wall can be used to add warmth to an interior or highlight an architectural feature. However, paint a wall in a bright, contrasting colour and your feature wall could look more like a design faux pas.

When considering your feature wall design, ask yourself the following?

  • Do you have a wall that deserves to be featured?
  • Is your space large enough for a feature wall?
  • What does your space need – colour, pattern or texture?
  • Are you thinking of selling your home in the immediate future?

2. How many feature walls is too many?

For visual impact, feature walls are considered best used sparingly. Too many feature walls and you can overload the senses instead of creating interest.

If you are wanting to create more than one feature wall design in or outside your home, consider using the same material or colour to create a cohesive aesthetic.

3. Where should I install a feature wall?

There are several areas, inside and out, that can benefit from a well-designed feature wall. Popular places include a living room, entrance, poolside and alfresco areas. Often the feature wall location is chosen where there is architectural significance such an interesting angle, fireplace, pool or built-in shelving.

The best location for a feature wall is generally in your line of sight when you first enter a room. Avoid choosing walls with doors or windows to avoid detracting from the finish.

4. Paint, wallpaper, stone, brick or timber feature wall?

A feature walls design that focuses on paint is a cost-effective solution and it’s easy to update in the future if you tire of the colour. However, painted feature walls are seen less frequently now with other materials more favourable.

Tongue and groove panelling, timber cladding, exposed bricks, wallpaper and stone have become popular choices for accent walls. With a range of patterns, textures, colours and finishes these materials allow you to inject your own personality into a space.

5. How to choose a colour for your feature wall?

When choosing a colour for your feature wall design use the interior or exterior finishes, textures and colours as inspiration. Flooring, walling, soft furnishings, artwork and landscape can also help inform the colour of your wall.

Choose a contrasting shade in a room that’s predominately neutral or opt for a textured material in the same colour story that adds a subtle level of interest. If your room is already a deep hue, choose a complementary colour for the feature wall that is a few shades darker or lighter.

For more inspiration, advice and tips all things feature walls, visit our Learning Library.