By Nessa Pullman
Sure, you can make a simple design statement with a splash of colour on just one wall. But should you? We ask the experts.
In recent years, feature walls have become a hot topic of debate in the design world. Are they still the go-to element for visual interest to a space? Or are they an outdated and unimaginative trend that is well past its expiry? The pendulum has swung both ways and now we are asking once and for all: Are feature walls still in or are they out?
A feature wall, also known as an accent wall, creates a statement, a visual impact that stands out against the rest of the space. This is most often done by applying a contrasting element such as a bold paint colour or an ornate wallpaper to one wall in a room. Typically, the wall chosen to feature is the most obvious choice, such as the fireplace wall in a living room or the headboard wall in a bedroom. Once the furniture is in place, the “feature” comes together effortlessly.
By only having to commit to one wall, homeowners can be a little adventurous — but not too adventurous — which makes the feature wall a popular, low-risk design choice. But ask the trendspotters in the design industry, and they have their own, decided opinions. So that is just what we did, checking in with three of Victoria’s top pros.
Here’s what they have to say.
Danielle Keogan: They’re out — mostly.
“Creating a feature is an integral part of design,” says Danielle Keogan, principal designer at Maverick Design. “But the days of slapping on a bold colour or wallpaper are certainly over.”
She explains that people are done with the same-old, same-old colourful single wall and are looking for ways to create experiences with their feature walls, ones that bleed into the entire space. “At their core, features [within design] are ways for people to self-express,” says Keogan, which is why she likes to go for the more unexpected choice when choosing a feature wall. “I like working with the negative space, finding ways to carry a rhythm throughout the home.”
Rather than just relying on a colour change, Keogan prefers to work with texture to create a tactile and multi-dimensional experience, using a variety of natural materials like shiplap, tumbled limestone and slated wood to create an architectural element. “A feature wall is about creating a unique detail that the space didn’t inherently have before.”
Iván Meade: They’re in.
For Iván Meade, principal designer at Meade Design Group, his opinion on feature walls hasn’t changed. “They will always be in,” says Meade. “Because they create a focal point, and those are crucial for creating an impression.”
Meade believes that having a strong visual element is vital for creating a memorable space. “We want to create an impact,” he says. “Something people will remember well after they leave.”
Meade’s favourite way to create a feature wall is to work with balance and symmetry, using a variety of levels and shapes placed strategically to create a harmonious architectural element. “There must always be a sense of volume and depth,” he says. “You want to avoid any flat or flush surfaces.”
Feature walls are also a good place to tap into recent trends, like the popularity of marble. “Playing with scale and height using large format materials can have a big visual impact,” says Meade, adding, “Many colour combinations from the ’80s are making a comeback. But a little toned down, so it’s softer and more livable.”
Ann Squires Ferguson: They’re in — sort of.
From the beginning, the purpose of a feature wall has been primarily esthetic — an easy way to spruce up a drab room and add a wow factor. However, Ann Squires Ferguson, CEO of Western Design + Build, is seeing a shift. “I believe that feature walls — as strictly esthetic — are old news,” she says. “Instead, we are moving towards a more functional direction.”
Squires Ferguson explains that a feature wall can fulfil a practical function and still be esthetically appealing. Building a wet bar or vinyl listening station into a feature wall is a way to incorporate functional pieces into a visually stunning element. “These days, we are all trying to do more with less,” she says. “So finding ways to incorporate multi-functional items into our design is ideal.”
The minimalist movement is still going strong and, with people continuing to downsize and live more simply, having multi-functioning design choices is essential. Squires Ferguson says that incorporating storage into feature walls is also very popular right now. “Custom-designed millwork with storage units naturally creates an architectural feature,” she says.
Custom-designed millwork with storage units naturally creates an architectural feature.
So what does all that mean for your own home? Although slabs of bright paint and garish wallpaper seem to be remnants of a bygone era, it seems that feature walls are sticking around — but with some much-needed improvements that make them functional, intentional, personal and beautiful.
The modern feature wall should be functional as well as visually arresting. It could, for instance, incorporate custom shelving that combines storage with display space. In a kitchen, colourful cabinetry transforms practical storage into a thing of beauty. Photos: Living 4 Media
Living Walls
Another interesting way to create a feature wall is with plants — also known as a living wall.
Over the past 15 years, people have been experimenting with different ways to bring plants inside their homes. Eventually, the only place to go was up. “People want to be around nature,” says Jennifer Lasko, owner of ModPots, a small-space container and garden design company in Victoria. “We needed to find a way to make it more accessible.”
There are a variety of ways to create these living walls, including planters, hanging baskets and moss art. One easy way is to use a product Lasko carries called WallyGrow, a removable planter that has an integrated water reservoir for easy maintenance. These can be hung on the wall in any pattern or shape and can grow a variety of different plants, including herbs and food, creating a versatile garden for those in small spaces.
Living walls aren’t just beautiful and visually intriguing — there is a long list of benefits nature has on our overall physical and mental well-being. “The Japanese have this term called shinrin-yoku,” says Lasko. “It’s a practice of therapeutic time spent with nature.” (It’s also sometimes called “forest bathing.”)
So if you’re looking to create a feature wall, integrating living, breathing plants into your space could be the best choice of all.
