Decorate

4 essential tips for painting a feature wall

Want to paint an accent wall in your home? Here are some do's and don'ts to help guide you

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Whether you’re looking to make a bold statement, or to overhaul a dated interior in your home, a feature wall is a cost-effective and smart design choice.

Done well, a feature wall can provide your home with a wow-factor unlike any other design tool, and update any space in a cost-effective manner. But done poorly, in a hurry or without careful consideration, your feature wall could become a costly eyesore.

Paula Taylor, Colour and Trends Specialist at Graham & Brown, shares the do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when creating a feature wall in your home.  

Do: choose your wall wisely

“Choosing which wall to feature comes down to personal preference, but you should carefully consider the space before you pick up a paint brush. Start by considering the function of the room, and make sure your choice of feature wall works with these elements. For example, if you want to make a feature of your bathroom make sure that it is well ventilated so that it’s the wallpaper that makes the splash, not the steam in the room!”

Don’t: get carried away

“Use feature walls sparingly – one or two in a house is usually enough. You want to create a unique element that draws the eye without distracting or overloading the senses. However, if you do decide to feature more than one wall, create a cohesive aesthetic in your home using complementary materials and colours.”

HB

Do: future-proof your room

“Don’t rush choosing a wallpaper design for your feature wall – although relatively easy to hang and remove, you don’t want to do to do the job twice. Choose a pattern or material that has a colour palette of two or three colours, so that when you decide your room needs a refresh, you can change the look without entirely repainting or stripping your walls.”

HB

Don’t: limit yourself

“A feature wall is the best way to inject your own style and energy into your home, and a little imagination can go a long way. Incorporate existing architectural features and furniture into your design to effortlessly complement your home, and don’t limit yourself to paint – experiment with patterns, textures and other materials, such as tiles and wood, to really bring a room to life.”

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