The reason why I don’t like trends is because they date. For example, the colour sage. About two years ago the colour sage was on trend and many people used this colour in their kitchens. I don’t see sage very much anymore, do you? Another trend is one featured wall in a space. This is definitely a 90s and 00s trend. Let me explain how to choose a stunning feature wall.
Classic colours versus trendy colours
When styling your house it’s important to have an interior design strategy. An interior design strategy is setting an interior style goal and a colour scheme for your space. There are classic colour schemes such as red, white and blue. Another example is black, white and grey.
And then there are trendy colours that are weaved into classic colour schemes such as coral, rust, sage etc.
So if you want don’t want your space to date but you want a feature wall choose a classic colour.
Feature walls also don’t have to be paint, they can be wallpaper and timber panelling. You could also create a feature wall with art or photos.
A design story for your space
I often use the term ‘design story’ when referencing my work either in writing or verbally. The design story is the inspiration for the interior design. And inspiration for the interior design can come from anywhere.
Mostly it comes from the client but each interior style can also inspire a feature wall. The key is to carry that design story through the whole space not just one wall.
How to tell your design story
If for example you like Hamptons interior style for your bedroom or living room, you might paint your walls grey and use a coastal or floral motif wallpaper or timber panelling for the feature walls.
Another example is if you wanted to communicate an Industrial interior style you might paint your walls white and use a faux white painted brick cladding as a feature wall. You could also achieve this look in a wallpaper.
In both examples the interior style or the interior design story is carried through all the wall surfaces not just one.
This is how to ensure your space doesn’t date. A design story doesn’t date because it’s personal to you or is cohesive with an interior style.
Whereas three white walls and one feature wall whether a paint colour or other finish is one dimensional, and unfinished, the design story isn’t complete.
Future proofing your space
The easiest way to future proof your space is to be clear about the interior style you want to communicate or the interior design story you want to tell.
Then every surface, wall, floor and ceiling needs to be treated in a way that extends this story or style.
When I suggest painting all the walls a particular colour, my clients are initial unsure about this but sure enough they warm to the idea and love the end result because it’s bold and committed and tells their design story more confidently.
So I hope this explains how to choose a stunning feature wall that helps you create a more dynamic space.
