You may not think it, but the walls in our homes serve more than a practical purpose. Essentially, they are blank canvases that can be decorated and styled in any way you see fit.
Of course, not every wall in a home needs to be styled, but it’s often an attractive feature to have particular walls stand out from the rest. There are a few ways that you can make walls seem like more than just a practical component, it all depends on your current styles and tastes.
Board and batten
The board and batten wall is one of the latest trends in styling and decorating walls. This treatment is actually pretty simple and very easy to do. By using some thin pieces of wood, you can create elegant 3D squares on a wall. The squares can be any size or design you like and can make any wall look like it has been finished with crown moulding.
Plus, the whole wall doesn’t have to be covered either; just half a wall can transform an entire room. This treatment is an excellent way to add texture to a room without having to add too much.
The wall doesn’t have to change colour either, which is common with many other accent walls. Of course, it could be painted a different colour, and this could certainly make the board and batten stand out more, but for a simpler yet still effective design, it can be painted to match the rest of the room.
Shiplap
If you’re living in a converted barn or want to style your home like a traditional farmhouse, shiplap is the treatment for you. Essentially, shiplap is just planks of wood stuck to your wall, but it provides a rustic and homely feel. It’s ideal for kitchens, utilities and laundry rooms, or any other room where you wouldn’t want any pictures or canvases hanging on the wall. Shiplap is undoubtedly a feature, and it’s mainly used in small areas because it is a big statement piece.
For example, you may use it by the front door where you hang coats and shoes, but you wouldn’t carry it on through the whole entrance. If you were to use it in a laundry room, you would likely use it above the washer and dryer and have it only on one wall. It’s a great way to make a statement, especially if you’re not a fan of things hanging on the wall, just be careful not to overdo it.
Paint
Of course, we all have our walls painted, but you can do more with paint than create a block colour. You don’t need to paint a mural or some elaborate design, but simple techniques can transform a wall. If you have a small wall and you’re not sure what to do with it, you could paint an arch.
This can make the wall look entirely different, especially if you were to have a drinks trolley or sideboard in front of it. A common trend these days is for single toilets to have some sort of painted design on them. As this space is usually relatively small, it’s hard to decorate, but with a little paint, anything is possible.
The most popular trends seem to be white walks with random, shabby chic polka dots. Not too many dots, but just enough to add some depth to the wall. It creates a fun and flirty vibe without being too childlike.
Wallpaper
In previous years, wallpaper was pretty drab. It was made up of simplistic designs or rotten colours and it often makes a room look outdated. That’s not the case anymore! These days, wallpaper comes in thousands of designs, textures, and colours, improving any interior design.
Still commonly used for bedrooms and living areas, geometric and art deco designs can enhance any room. For children’s bedrooms, where framed pictures and photos are perhaps not appropriate, there are also wallpaper patterns that can create a scene of some sort. This adds dimension to a room without it looking too crazy. Plus, children love it!
You can use other materials to jazz up your walls, such as tiles or mirrors, but it all comes down to your personal preference. If you need more inspiration, pick up an interior design magazine and have a flick-through. There’s bound to be something you’ll like!
Now that I’m working from home, this is super helpful in sprucing up my space. I have a blank wall that needs some attention. Thanks for this helpful post. 🙂