It doesn’t always take a full-scale renovation to breathe new life into your home. Sometimes, all you need is a single wall and a vision. A feature wall can add style and character to any space, and creating one doesn’t have to break the bank. Just choose a focal point and run with it! This design feature works particularly well in living rooms and dining rooms, but you can add a feature wall to a bedroom, a bathroom or even an entryway.
Creating a feature wall in your home can be as simple as using a complementary shade of paint to create contrast, but you won’t regret going the extra mile. Whether you DIY or hire a pro, here are five ideas to inspire you.
Wallpaper
Once considered a relic of decades past, wallpaper has come a long way in recent years. There are beautiful, high quality wallpaper options available in a variety of styles and colour palettes. Go for a bold floral or tropical foliage pattern, something subtle and elegant, a contemporary look, or a charmingly vintage take. Choose a complementary paint colour for the remaining walls and suddenly, you’ve got a boutique hotel vibe at home. Finest Wallpaper in Barrie has an exceptional selection of wallpapers to choose from. Ask their design team for recommendations — they’re always happy to help!
Reclaimed Wood
Looking for a feature wall option that’s warm, inviting, maintenance-free, and extremely durable? We’ve got you covered. “A barn board wall can create a warmth and character unmatched by paint or wallpaper,” explains Keith Tribe, owner of Rustic Works in Oro-Medonte.
While they’re commonly installed in living rooms and other common areas, a reclaimed wood accent wall works in any part of the house — even on the ceiling!
Stone or Tile
From natural stone to beautifully patterned porcelain tiles, just about anything you can use as flooring can be turned into a feature wall. The team at Cultured Stone in Barrie suggests coming into their showroom to see what’s available and get expert advice for your project. It helps to touch and feel your options and get a good look at the materials in person. Cultured stone, more commonly referred to as faux stone, is actually a cast or manufactured stone. A versatile product, cultured stone makes a wonderful backsplash for your kitchen, can accent an interior wall, or be used as exterior siding for your house or on a fireplace.
Panels, shiplap or wainscotting
Wainscotting is ideal in a home with a classic or transitional aesthetic, and shiplap is perfect if you love a beachy or farmhouse design. You may also consider adding some custom paneling to your home for a luxurious, timeless take on an accent wall. Think of it like a low key coffered ceiling for your walls — it’s an elegant way to add visual interest while maintaining a monochromatic look. A local contractor or millworker should be able to provide recommendations and a quote for this type of design element.
Living Walls
A living wall is an extraordinary design element that makes any space pop. This feature involves adding greenery to the wall itself, creating a lush look and feel that’s truly unique. Kristopher Orchard, owner of OC Emporium, has a unique take on the living wall. He says, “mixing textures with beautiful pops of colour” is key. But instead of traditional succulent walls, Kristopher loves creating pieces that include edibles such as herbs, lettuce, and peppers. “You want 50 to 40% of your living wall to have beautiful pops of colour – rich greens, silvery blue-greens, or canary yellow. Then, you want 30 to 40% in herbs or hot peppers.” Kristopher adds, peppers are a beautiful plant because they bloom with white flowers. Another addition to consider is rosette lettuce, which not only presents like a peony flower but offers 8 crops for one season.
LOCAL LINKS
Finest Wallpaper
Finestwallpaper.com
OC Emporium
Ocemporium.ca
Rustic Works
Rusticworks.ca
Cultured Stone
Culturedstoners.com
