A feature wall can be introduced anywhere in the house, it’s just down to personal preference – but consider your location carefully; remember the idea of a feature wall is to create maximum impact; it should draw the eye as soon as you enter a room or area, so being creative on a wall that sits behind an open door won’t have the same impact and you’ll end up being disappointed with the finished results!
Once you have your location, your next consideration is the material you are going to use – wall coverings no longer begin and end with paint or wallpaper so it really depends on individual tastes and abilities:-
Paint
The easiest way to create a feature wall is with a fresh coat of paint. If you have a fairly neutral colour scheme this is the easiest option. Just pick out a colour that appears in the accessories or consult a colour wheel to find a tone of colour that will complement your style – don’t be afraid to be bold. You can paint the wall one colour but create a dramatic effect by using a paint with a specialist faux finish i.e. suede. Or you can add interest by using different finishing techniques i.e. rag rolling. If you are feeling really adventurous, generate impact by painting vertical stripes on the wall, just vary the size of the stripes and paint them in alternating colours that compliment the rest of your d?cor. As long as you have a steady hand, plenty of patience and some masking tape it really is a simple technique to use for a very effective look.
Wallpaper
Even if you want to keep your room fairly neutral you may prefer to use wallpaper – adding light coloured wallpaper with texture will still provide impact; it will just be more subtle. But, if you like colour you can now purchase some luxurious wallpaper combining rich colours, bold prints and touchable textures that will create a real statement area. Don’t be afraid to use your imagination. The wallpaper might be too much for all walls, but using it on one wall will produce a stunning focal point – just ensure you choose the right colours and design – the last thing you want is to clash with your existing interior.
Other materials
For those who are experimental and into DIY you can be more adventurous and use beautiful coverings made from bamboo, dried grasses, lavish silks, metallic or even woven leather. Reclaimed wood panelling looks fantastic in a bedroom when placed behind headboards, likewise different shaped/coloured tiles look great sat behind the sink or shower area in a bathroom. If that seems like too much work, why not have a look at pre-printed wall mural. They are available in a fantastic range of styles and themes that are guaranteed to generate a real ‘buzz’ with all guests, just search the internet to find a design that you like. They can be printed to fit the full size of your wall, so are perfect for creating a massive impact on large flat areas.
Design your own
Feature walls are not all about the wall coverings, you can simply add impact by hanging a nice piece of art, or an oversized canvas on a focal wall and focus the attention on it throughout the day by clever use of lighting. Mirrors are also good for feature walls, just make sure the size and frame will provide the impact that you are looking for. You can also produce a feature using a group of photographs or pictures. They don’t have to cover the whole of the wall – more impact will be created if you stick to one area of the wall. Use different size frames of the same finish and play around with the layout as it will have a greater effect if the pattern isn’t symmetrical.
Whatever your tastes and whatever your budget you can create a real statement with just a little imagination; the most creative ideas don’t necessarily have to be the most expensive. Sometimes a lick of paint is all that it takes!