By Elizabeth Yeager Cross
WV Design Team
Many times here at Yeager Design & Interiors we get asked, “Should I paint this one particular wall in an accent color to change things up?”
Although all walls are not meant to be the same, there are so many alternatives to featuring a wall other than just paint. We often see where paint can fall flat or not look connected when just one wall is the accent.
We’d like to show you some fun and fashionable ideas to feature your walls, whether you are looking to change up a residential or commercial space.
Pallet planks
First let’s cover the most current trend: reclaimed wood (aka pallet walls). These trendy, rustic wall coverings are by far the easiest and least-expensive option when done as a DIY project. Pallets are found just about anywhere these days, and if you can figure out the square footage you need, you can easily stockpile your pallets until you find the right amount. Shown above, we designed a 53-foot-long and 25-foot-high installation accented by pendant lighting for a company’s new space in Barboursville.
To give you a quick installation guide, you may want to add plywood sheeting to the wall you are applying the pallets to for added stability. Simply shear off the planks of wood from the pallets, nails included. Group the planks according to their width. (Tip: Use all colors of pallets, ranging from new wood to older gray wood — even ones that have been ripped or stamped. This creates interest.)
Using a nail gun, attach your planks to the wall in a brick pattern and — ta-da! — you have a gorgeous pallet feature wall. Be sure to mix contemporary and some softer accents into this room to create an interesting “rustic chic” look.
installing a rock wall is a rustic yet extravagant way to add interest to a wall in either a commercial or residential installation
Stone walls
Another option is a rock wall. This is a more involved and expensive option. Whether using ledgestone, stacked stone or even a mortar stone, you should consult a professional to complete this task.
This wall feature can completely change a room’s dynamics by adding texture and depth to your space. It does, however, make hanging pictures or artwork more difficult. We recommend knowing exactly what the purpose of your wall will be before applying stone so that all electric and wiring can be pulled beforehand (like sconces, TVs, etc.). You also want to be very sure of this application, as this is definitely a more permanent installation.
colorful wallpaper on an accent wall is a daring and bold way to draw attention to an area you would like to feature. this particular paper was chosen by a recent client of YDI and truly made the space unforgettable
Wallpaper
A more traditional option for a feature wall is wallpaper, although it doesn’t have to be “traditional.” We are constantly designing spaces with wallpaper these days that is fresh, fun and a fantastic way to add interest to your space.
A feature wall can be a baby step of sorts for those of you who can’t fully commit to a full room of wallpaper installation. Unique patterns and bright or dark, dramatic hues can be installed to accent your surrounding walls. (Tip: Take your paper to your local paint provider and have them color match your paint for a more custom look.)
Wainscoting
Wainscoting can be a gorgeous way to feature a single wall, or even all of your walls if you want to create a chair rail look. The other great thing about using a feature like wainscoting is that you can just it in conjunction with almost any other wall feature in this article. You can also be even more creative than the typical white wall you are used to seeing. Changing up the color or even choosing a gloss finish can really add a lot of “wow” to your wainscoting.
a gallery wall can be a fun and eclectic way to feature a wall in your space. using a mixture of objects and finishes paired along side your own personal photos or art creates a personalized and modern installation
Art gallery
If wall coverings and construction materials aren’t really your thing, art is another creative way to feature a wall. Whether you choose to completely cover your wall in a series of like-sized art to complement your furniture, or you choose a gallery wall installation, make sure whatever you choose is a reflection of your tastes and interests so that you will love the finished product. Gallery walls can be tricky to accomplish for some, but take these few tips to reach installation perfection:
art can be a fantastic way to highlight a feature wall, as shown here, where a series of colorful art is used to completely fill the width of the wall while accenting furniture pieces and finishes
• A gallery wall can be a collage of any objects, really. The key is to address the size of your objects first. If you space things too close together, you lose the gallery look and create a cramped feel.
• Conversely, if you space things too far apart, you’ve lost your connection from one piece to the next. Be sure to choose an array of items you love — family photos, alphabet letters, mirrors, some metallic, clocks and a few of what we at YDI call “weirds.”
• A few “weirds” can take a feature wall from tame to wow just by being unpredictable. Just be careful not to be too weird or too wordsy — that is, don’t use too much of one particular thing so you aren’t repetitive or redundant. If you have to lean heavier on one thing in particular, choose more family or scenic photos because, after all, they most likely mean something to you. (Tip: Don’t be too concerned that photo/art frames need to match. They don’t, unless you are going for a very precise and tailored gallery wall.)
using fabric for a feature wall creates a sense of softness and glamour, especially when adding touches of light to accent the flow of the design
Fabric
What if you really want to add some creative drama to your feature wall? Fabric! Fabric is yet another option to install that can completely transform your wall space.
Whether you choose something ethereal and flowing in a solid white, or something bold and beautiful in a daring pattern, choose your fabric wisely to complement the other pieces and finishes in the room.
You will also need to choose an installation method. You can choose to hang the fabric almost as you would with wallpaper or you can install it like a window treatment by mounting your hardware as flush to the ceiling as possible. (Tip: Add accent lighting where possible to give your fabric an extra highlight!)
The last example of a feature wall is a custom route: to build a furniture piece that completely encompasses your wall. This is a great option for a wall that needs to serve more than one purpose.
Build a floor-to-ceiling bookcase or even a banquet seating area and cover it with gorgeous fabric. This can be a show-stopper that can wow any guest you may have. (Tip: This option is typically best done with the help of a skilled installer and your trusted designer so as not to make an expensive mistake.)
built-in furniture like this beautiful banquet seating in vivid blue fabric, is a way to feature a wall
We hope we’ve inspired you to feature your walls in ways other than just paint. There are always more design options than what first meets the eye. As always, if you get stuck or need an outlet for inspiration, give us a call at Yeager Design & Interiors. We would be ecstatic to start you on your design journey!
– To see more pictures of the projects featured in this article:
– To read the full article: http://www.wvgazette.com/article