How to Update Tired Decor Using a Feature Wall

When redecorating your home, the options and considerations can be overwhelming. At DIY Doctor, we aim to simplify this process by helping you make informed decisions.

For novices or those on a budget, creating a feature wall can be a great option. It’s an easy and instant way to refresh a room, adding a focal point and bringing harmony to the space.

Understanding Feature Walls: Why Have One?

When all walls in a room share the same colour or pattern, it creates harmony but lacks excitement. A feature wall adds character by introducing a bold colour or pattern to one wall, altering the room’s mood or accentuating a particular feature.

Typically, feature walls complement neutral-coloured rooms. By painting or wallpapering one wall differently, a focal point is created, adding visual interest.

In open-plan spaces, feature walls can define specific areas. For instance, you might designate a play area for children or emphasise the dining space in a living-dining room.

Exploring Options for Feature Wall

Feature walls come in various types, each suited to different rooms and wall choices. While a picture wall adds charm to living rooms or hallways, it may overwhelm a bathroom.

Consider these feature wall ideas as starting points, but feel free to unleash your creativity as the options are limitless.

Transforming With a New Coat of Paint

Painting a feature wall is a simple and budget-friendly way to elevate your space.

Opting for a different colour on one wall instantly adds depth and interest to a room with uniform walls.

Choose a paint colour that complements your existing decor and sets the desired mood. Dark hues can evoke drama or coziness or be too dark and brooding, while lighter tones create an airy feel but can be very bright.

For example, if your walls are pale blue, consider a deeper blue or a complementary shade like bluish-purple or bluish-green. Alternatively, create contrast with bold colours like peach or orange against neutral walls.

Take cues from your room’s elements; if there’s a predominant colour like red in your furnishings, incorporating it into your feature wall can unify the space.

Experiment with patterns too; stripes, polka dots, or unique designs add personality. And remember, it’s just paint—easy to change if you don’t love it!

Using Wallpaper as a Statement

While hanging wallpaper, especially with patterns, can be challenging, consider hiring a professional if you’re uncertain. However, if you’re up for the challenge, our wallpapering guide can help.

If you’re looking for something beyond paint — something bold with texture — wallpaper is an excellent option.

Choose wallpaper that complements your room’s overall aesthetic. Ensure it harmonises with your existing furniture and decor, whether plain, patterned, or textured, to maintain cohesion.

Wallpaper offers versatility in colour and design. Opt for understated elegance with dark blue and silver accents, or make a statement with vibrant animal prints, botanical motifs, or geometric patterns.

Gallery Wall: Your Creative Showcase

Whether you call it a picture wall, photo wall, gallery wall, or wall collage, it’s a fantastic way to inject colour, movement, and creativity into any room.

The arrangement of your gallery wall depends on factors like available space, the photos or pictures you have, and the ambiance you want to achieve.

Let your imagination soar with a gallery wall. It’s not just for photos — paintings, word art, clocks, giant letters, and more can add substance and style.

Explore these diverse gallery wall designs:

Creating a Mural Feature Wall

A mural is like a painting for your wall, but on a larger scale. It goes beyond simple colors or patterns, offering scenes like forests, mountains, beaches, or even maps of the world.

Get inspired by these mural ideas:

Choosing Your Feature Wall

Consider the type of feature wall you want and the room’s layout. Take into account the room and wall dimensions. Avoid darkening long walls in narrow rooms to prevent a tunnel-like effect.

Living Room (Reception Room)

When choosing a wall for your feature, consider the room’s furniture and layout. Opt for a wall without a window or door, offering a large, uninterrupted space.

In living rooms, the chimney breast is commonly chosen for its existing feature. Alternatively, highlight the alcoves on either side of the chimney breast. Consider adding shelves to these alcoves for both storage and decoration.

Paint or wallpaper the chosen wall differently from the rest of the room. Adding floating shelves completes the transformation.

Bathroom Feature Walls

Creating a feature wall in the bathroom can be challenging, but it’s achievable. While considering the room’s layout, virtually any wall can serve as a feature wall. Common choices include the shower wall or the wall behind the toilet, especially if you have a bath.

Kitchen Feature Walls

In kitchens, the splashback wall is often chosen for creating a striking feature. Check out our projects on acrylic splashbacks and glass splashbacks for ideas.

Another option is to use magnetic chalkboard paint to create a large chalkboard wall, adding a modern touch to your home. It’s practical for writing shopping lists or chore charts and provides entertainment for kids.

Bedroom Feature Walls

In bedrooms, the wall behind the bed is often chosen for a feature. This way, vibrant, loud or energetic designs won’t disrupt sleep.

For children’s rooms, murals offer a fantastic opportunity to unleash creativity.

After deciding on the wall, room, and type of feature, it’s time for the fun part. You can make a bold statement or keep it simple—it’s your call!

We hope you found this project useful, and that it has helped shed some light on feature walls and how you can create your own.