A feature to be proud of
The idea that painting just one wall counted as decorating was revolutionary, then it became a design crime. Evie Kemp considers whether there is a right way to do an accent wall.
As we approach 20 years of decorating just one wall in a room, the jury is still out on feature walls. Ten years ago? I was a big fan. Five years ago? Couldn’t stand them. Now? Ask me again in five minutes.
Despite being resolutely one-sided things, there are absolutely two sides in the argument for accent walls.
The trend for feature walls became a big deal in the late-1990s. It’s hard to be sure why that was, but it can’t be coincidental that it was the heyday of fast, low-budget, big-impact decorating shows (think Changing Rooms and 60-Minute Makeover).
Suddenly, painting just one wall in a room counted as decorating – it was achievable, affordable and revolutionary.
The contrasting colour wall was the most commonly seen version, closely followed by a panel of busy wallpaper.
But other styles have emerged as time has gone on – wooden slats (remember that timber wall in the first season of The Block NZ?), brick, stone effect, murals, and mirrored walls have all joined the lineup.
The purpose of the feature wall is mixed. There’s most definitely a ‘‘bang for your buck’’ element to it, especially when it comes to wallpaper. Covering a single wall is a lot cheaper and easier than a whole room. It also often involves a lot less effort.
They give a room focus and structure, drawing attention to where you want people to look and away from the bits you don’t (in theory), and they can be used to define a space, especially in openplan living.
You can use them as a way of using a pattern or colour that might be overwhelming if applied all over, but makes a stunning statement that you absolutely love.
All totally valid reasons to stop at the first corner. But, what started as an edgy trend became seen as a lack of design vision and commitment. Why decorate one wall if you don’t love it enough to continue around the rest?
It became seen as a decorating hack, favoured by those lacking conviction, a quick fix executed without style or taste.
Fair? Not entirely. There are plenty of examples of failed feature walls whose only statement seems to be ‘‘this looks awful but at least it’s only a single wall’’.
But there are also many spaces where the feature wall has been used to triumphant effect – when the wall is part of an overall design, rather than it being the whole design.
Feature walls aren’t just for the faint-hearted, and I’d argue aren’t dead yet – when done right.
How do you create a successful feature wall?
Most importantly, have the right intentions. Use a feature wall because it enhances the space, not because you don’t want to decorate the rest of the room.
One of the best uses of a feature wall is to define an area, where a warm wall (or two) can really help create a cosy lounge area within a larger open-plan space.
Consider the whole space
Even if your statement is that one wall, don’t forget that you live in the whole room and the mood that you’ve set there should continue throughout, rather than stop sharply at its edges.
Use art, furnishings and lighting to carry through your theme and connect your feature wall to the room.
Think beyond white
Next to other colours, white is often very stark, which can make your feature wall look like it’s just been dropped in from another house.
Think about using a softer version of your hero colour. A dark, dramatic navy wall behind the bed looks great with pale blue as the accompanying ‘‘neutral’’ – it makes for a much more harmonious room.
Size matters
As a general rule, feature walls don’t work well in small rooms, where they will draw attention to just how small the room is. Small rooms are the perfect canvas to go bold all over.
Think about what you’re featuring
A TV can be disguised or at least minimised against a bold colour or great wallpaper, but think about what you want to achieve in the room.
Think practical
A really practical approach to a feature wall is built-in shelving or cabinetry, providing a design statement and a load of storage. This is an especially great solution for smaller homes and can be painted beautifully to look stunning.
Never feature out of fear
If you have an idea for a room that you love but second guess yourself to restricting it to one wall, you will probably regret it. So if you have a vision for all four walls – go for it.