Feature walls
A feature wall is a wall or part of a wall that has been highlighted in someway. Whether it is with a contrasting colour, wallpaper, texture or composition it serves as a focal point.
Feature walls are either loved or hated in the design world and now the trend for feature walls is over is there still a time and a place for them?
Drawing the eye, defining a space, highlighting features or simply to bring some depth to a room; feature walls can be really cute when done well. Done badly they can make a space feel unbalanced and pretty basic.
Feature walls shouldn’t be completely vetoed they can play with the proportions of a room, changing the scale and perspective as well as creating contrast and definition..
lets take a closer look …
Play with perspective
The first question to ask is what needs to be highlighted.
for example; take a very narrow room and create a feature wall of the far wall – this will undoubtably bring the wall closer to you making the room feel more proportional. However if the room is already equal then adding a feature wall can make it feel smaller and closed in.
It is essential to consider the scale and proportions of the space. Where do you want the eyes to rest and why?
It all comes down to the question do you want this particular part to be a feature?
Do you want the skirting to stand out? Then by all means paint it a contrasting colour. Another popular but controversial area is a chimney breast. Painting it yellow because the colour is lovely is not a good idea but if you have other elements in the space that need that connection or the other walls are a different yellow or texture then it could really work well. There is a saying you have to know the rules to be able to break them and in this instance it is true – feature walls can look pretty naff if you are not careful.
Changing the scale of the room with different colour texture or pattern.
image by @archdaily.com
Give it Purpose
Giving the wall purpose for example framing the bed or serving as a back drop to a book case would lend itself well to a feature wall. Framing a doorway or highlighting bespoke cabinetry are all great examples of when introducing contrast can look truly stunning. Adjoining rooms can look so inviting if theres a feature wall to entice you over..
The Fifth Wall
Otherwise known as the ceiling this can make a wonderful feature wall. Using the ceiling to make a feature with pattern or colour can be a fun way to highlight original features and decorative details.
Making a feature of the ornate ceiling rose or the cornicing can be just enough detail to breath life in to the space. High ceilings or neutral colour schemes that need warmth can really be elevated by using the ceiling as a feature wall.
Expore different colour combinations, it doesn’t have to be this much of a contrast, different shades of the same colour work really well and remember the colour will look completely different on the ceiling depending on the light.
Zoning spaces & Media walls
Large areas can really welcome feature walls to zone the space, creating a cosy corner or a media wall for contrast and purpose. A feature wall can improve functionality; dedicating areas to a specific purpose for example in a large open plan area or in adjoining rooms. Zoning areas with different colours or textures can highlight key features, make a space feel more organised and a create visual interest. It doesn’t have to be a colour block either a simple boarder or a pattern in the recess could be just enough to create interest and depth.
Following interior trends can be a little like fast fashion these days and we want our homes to age gracefully, with us. To evolve over time as we do.
Our advice would be to firstly consider the space – what would you like to highlight and why? What are the proportions you have been given and what do you want to stand out or blend in? Have fun with colour and pattern but do it purposefully and thoughtfully.
