Expert Opinion: What's Next For the Feature Wall?
Painted feature walls may have fallen out of favour, but new accent trends mean they can still work interior design magic
Janet Dunn
29 September 2015
Houzz Australia Contributor. Former NZ House&Garden writer and stylist, and avid interior design enthusiast. Ex-restaurateur and caterer, with a Professional Certificate in Gastronomy, University of Adelaide.
Houzz Australia Contributor. Former NZ House&Garden writer and stylist, and avid... More
The feature or accent wall, which differentiates one wall of a room or area from surrounding walls, is a well-established design tool that performs several functions. For many years, painting one wall a different colour has been a popular and effective device, but designers are now exploring other ways to shine the spotlight. Houzz professionals share their views on feature walls, how they are being interpreted in today’s homes, and what’s in store for the future.
Professional advice from:
Vikki Montalban, owner and principal designer VM Design
Amanda Kiley, principal designer OMNI Interiors
Carole Tretheway, director Carole Tretheway Design
Aaron Wong, principal designer Alexander Pollock Interiors
Holly Clarke, interior designer HC Interiors
Kristie Howden, Howden Homes
Professional advice from:
Vikki Montalban, owner and principal designer VM Design
Amanda Kiley, principal designer OMNI Interiors
Carole Tretheway, director Carole Tretheway Design
Aaron Wong, principal designer Alexander Pollock Interiors
Holly Clarke, interior designer HC Interiors
Kristie Howden, Howden Homes
Functional feature walls
The feature wall as a design device has a long history. Vikki Montalban from VM Design – who prefers the term ‘accent wall’ – says, “Not all rooms need one, but they are a great tool to balance the shape of a room and to manage focus in a space. For example, a contrast to draw attention to a bedhead, or a dark wall to de-emphasise a television screen.”
OMNI Interiors principle designer Amanda Kiley adds that a feature wall provides a starting point for a room’s feel or aesthetic, bringing colour, pattern and texture together into a cohesive whole.
The feature wall as a design device has a long history. Vikki Montalban from VM Design – who prefers the term ‘accent wall’ – says, “Not all rooms need one, but they are a great tool to balance the shape of a room and to manage focus in a space. For example, a contrast to draw attention to a bedhead, or a dark wall to de-emphasise a television screen.”
OMNI Interiors principle designer Amanda Kiley adds that a feature wall provides a starting point for a room’s feel or aesthetic, bringing colour, pattern and texture together into a cohesive whole.
Painted feature walls – in or out?
Carole Tretheway, director of Carole Tretheway Design, says she uses the painted wall less frequently now, in favour of other materials. Montalban also sees a move away from the use of a single block of colour to more textural surfaces, such as timber, wallpaper and tiles.
Alexander Pollock Interiors principal designer Aaron Wong says he has never favoured the painted feature wall as the hero room feature, and he believes we have progressed from that concept.
Kiley, however, argues that it comes down to personal taste. “I always tell my clients that if they like them, have them. I love them and have them in all rooms of my home. If you tire of the colour, it’s only a coat of paint to change.”
Carole Tretheway, director of Carole Tretheway Design, says she uses the painted wall less frequently now, in favour of other materials. Montalban also sees a move away from the use of a single block of colour to more textural surfaces, such as timber, wallpaper and tiles.
Alexander Pollock Interiors principal designer Aaron Wong says he has never favoured the painted feature wall as the hero room feature, and he believes we have progressed from that concept.
Kiley, however, argues that it comes down to personal taste. “I always tell my clients that if they like them, have them. I love them and have them in all rooms of my home. If you tire of the colour, it’s only a coat of paint to change.”
Trending treatments for feature walls
The current trend moves more towards natural, recycled and sustainable finishes: refined, seamless timber cladding, rustic recycled planks, stone and bricks – either exposed or painted to coordinate with the room.
“Timber cladding and tongue-and-groove panelling is a big trend at the moment, as well as exposed brick,” says Holly Clarke of HC Interiors. For Montalban, the popularity of earthy, natural, textured materials is linked to the black and grey colour palettes currently in vogue.
The current trend moves more towards natural, recycled and sustainable finishes: refined, seamless timber cladding, rustic recycled planks, stone and bricks – either exposed or painted to coordinate with the room.
“Timber cladding and tongue-and-groove panelling is a big trend at the moment, as well as exposed brick,” says Holly Clarke of HC Interiors. For Montalban, the popularity of earthy, natural, textured materials is linked to the black and grey colour palettes currently in vogue.
There is a growing preference for building a feature wall with art, mirrors, built-in cabinetry and lighting. Wong likes to focus on layering objects rather than using a specific wall treatment. His favourite strategy, he says, is “a mirror or important artwork in the middle of two sconces, with a console underneath. I’ll then layer the console with interesting objects,” Wong adds. He also uses patterned wood panels covering the entire wall, and feature fireplaces.
Graphics have burst onto the scene with a flourish. With advances in custom digital printing for murals and unique tiles, the possibilities are endless. Some of Howden’s clients, inspired by an episode of The Block, added humour and character to a bathroom with these fun custom-made graffiti tiles from Walkers.
Enthusiasm for wallpaper among our experts is unanimous. “You can achieve any mood for a room through a wallpaper accent wall – vibrant, dramatic and playful, or quiet and restful,” says Tretheway. “As a small-space feature wall, even if the paper is expensive, you don’t need much to make a huge impact.”
Wallpaper and murals are by far Kiley’s favourite treatment. “The colours, designs and textures are endless and so beautiful. It’s a great way to make your wall come alive.” She suggests starting with the wallpaper or mural, then furnishing and decorating the room around it.
Clarke agrees. “Wallpaper just grows and grows in popularity,” she says. “We’re using fabric wallpapers more and more in gorgeous linens and luxurious silks. Clients are really embracing it now and we love that – we can push the boundaries a little more.”
Custom black and white lattice wallpaper: Sparkk
Wallpaper and murals are by far Kiley’s favourite treatment. “The colours, designs and textures are endless and so beautiful. It’s a great way to make your wall come alive.” She suggests starting with the wallpaper or mural, then furnishing and decorating the room around it.
Clarke agrees. “Wallpaper just grows and grows in popularity,” she says. “We’re using fabric wallpapers more and more in gorgeous linens and luxurious silks. Clients are really embracing it now and we love that – we can push the boundaries a little more.”
Custom black and white lattice wallpaper: Sparkk
Feature walls of the future
While the painted feature wall continues to hold appeal for some, there is an increasing willingness to experiment with different materials and looks. This is due to a desire to create more unique and personal rooms throughout the home.
Montalban predicts the continued popularity of natural materials, and a trend towards merging joinery – in desks and entertainment units – with a similarly-clad wall behind. The result is seamless and uncluttered.
For Tretheway, “it’s an exciting decorating era where we’re creating interiors that reflect the occupant’s personality – feature walls are expressing this individuality.”
Kiley says people are becoming more adventurous, and tend to favour looks unique to their homes. “Wallpaper, wall murals and paint will continue to be used,” she says, “and I see a swing towards the use of mixed materials, such as painted sections with timber moulding or feature tiles.”
While the painted feature wall continues to hold appeal for some, there is an increasing willingness to experiment with different materials and looks. This is due to a desire to create more unique and personal rooms throughout the home.
Montalban predicts the continued popularity of natural materials, and a trend towards merging joinery – in desks and entertainment units – with a similarly-clad wall behind. The result is seamless and uncluttered.
For Tretheway, “it’s an exciting decorating era where we’re creating interiors that reflect the occupant’s personality – feature walls are expressing this individuality.”
Kiley says people are becoming more adventurous, and tend to favour looks unique to their homes. “Wallpaper, wall murals and paint will continue to be used,” she says, “and I see a swing towards the use of mixed materials, such as painted sections with timber moulding or feature tiles.”
Clarke and Wong put an interesting spin on the debate. “Although we still use them, we think feature walls in general are slowly becoming less prevalent, as people become more courageous and treat all of their walls instead of just one,” says Clarke. “We encourage this, as it makes a real impact and can make a room feel more complete. It’s quite a European way of treating walls, with beautiful details in ceilings and mouldings.”
Wong is also exploring this technique. He doesn’t see the one-wall approach as the only way to perform the traditional tasks of a feature wall. “Personally, I prefer wall coverings that go around the entire room, creating an atmosphere,” he says.
Louisiane wallpaper in ‘Coralie’: Osborne & Little
Wong is also exploring this technique. He doesn’t see the one-wall approach as the only way to perform the traditional tasks of a feature wall. “Personally, I prefer wall coverings that go around the entire room, creating an atmosphere,” he says.
Louisiane wallpaper in ‘Coralie’: Osborne & Little
The verdict is in. Although it’s being interpreted in many new and different ways, we are definitely not finished with the feature wall. Whether painted, layered or wallpapered, decorated with bold graphics or textured with natural materials, this technique is providing a fantastic opportunity for designers and homeowners to define the essence of a home.
Feature walls are definitely still being used to create glamorous, elegant, restful and playful rooms. With the imagination of designers and increasing confidence among homeowners, these accents will continue to shine with a new panache and personality.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION
We’d love to hear what you have to say about our experts’ views. Have you been adventurous with feature walls in your home? Share with us in the Comments section.
MORE
20 Fabulous Feature Wall Ideas
Rejoice in the Charm of Timber-Lined Walls
10 Refreshing Ideas for Your DIY Feature Wall
Feature walls are definitely still being used to create glamorous, elegant, restful and playful rooms. With the imagination of designers and increasing confidence among homeowners, these accents will continue to shine with a new panache and personality.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION
We’d love to hear what you have to say about our experts’ views. Have you been adventurous with feature walls in your home? Share with us in the Comments section.
MORE
20 Fabulous Feature Wall Ideas
Rejoice in the Charm of Timber-Lined Walls
10 Refreshing Ideas for Your DIY Feature Wall
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Hi Janet,
We loved your article about featured walls!
Accent walls can be done by other ways than painting, you can also get the same vibe with a big piece of art. Giant artworks are stunning. It adds an amazing focal point to the room while letting it breathe as you don't cluttered your decor with a lot of elements.
Here is one of your inspirational article photo to show you what we mean:
Here is one of our product showcasing a featured wall:
With GIANT ART, it is now easier than ever to acquire and decorate your walls with oversized high-end prints. We strive on providing our customers huge high-end reproductions at a low price because of our DIY stretcher bar system.
Visit our page and see for yourself!
Thank you!
The GIANT ART Team
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I'm trying to create an accent wall in my lounge that looks like dark grey slate. Can this be realistically done with faux painting? Thanks.
TL, It would take some time and artistic skill. I found this YouTube video that might help you see what it would take to create. Perhaps a local mural artist or paint specialist could assist you?