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Walls
Transform your walls with easycraft Silhouette panels
How to plan a feature wall
How to plan a feature wall
Overview
Adding a feature wall in your home is a great way to liven up the space and even accentuate a design in the architecture. It can easily transform any room by adding dimension and personality, yet it is simple and budget-friendly to execute. A feature wall is also a great opportunity to get those creative juices flowing and have fun!
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
Steps
Finding your feature wall
Your feature wall should be the natural focal point of the room. This means that whichever wall you see first when you walk into a room, that is the wall to go with.
For example, in a bathroom, the wall behind the basin is a good choice; in the bedroom, the wall behind the bed works best.
Here are four types of feature walls to suit any space.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper is one of the most common ways to create a feature or accent on a wall or even the ceiling. This is because there are so many options and it’s easy to apply.
Choosing a wallpaper depends on the style you are going for. Bright colours with dramatic patterns are great for a bold look, while delicate patterns with subdued colours are more subtle.
Whatever style you go with, be careful that it won’t overwhelm the room, and always read the instructions before applying.
Try our guide on how to hang wallpaper.
Tip: Clean your wall with sugar soap before you begin and start applying the wallpaper from the middle of the wall. This ensures that the pattern will be centred.
Wainscoting
Wainscoting is another way to make a wall pop. Wainscoting is decorative wood panelling that is usually installed one-third of the height between the floor and ceiling. It is simple yet effective décor.
When using wainscoting, take the space into consideration. You can line it up with a window or fireplace, or it can accentuate artworks or photos on the wall.
There are different materials to choose from, such as solid wood, MDF and even plastic. You can also paint the wainscoting the same colour as the wall or choose a contrasting colour for a dramatic effect.
Try our guide to install D.I.Y. wainscoting.
Scalloped panelling
Scalloped panelling is a fun way to introduce texture to a wall. It’s an effective and eye-catching design that is usually a bold, contrasting colour to the colour of the wall (although it can be any hue you prefer).
You can choose the size of the arch depending on what you want – large and spaced out, or smaller with tighter frills.
Try our guide on creating a VJ feature wall.
Laminate
Laminates come in a variety of colours, designs, textures and finishes and are a great way to add a modern touch. For example, you can go for a glossy marble look, or a matte finish wood panel look, or even just a solid colour.
Adding textured laminate to shelving can add depth, and you can match a marble laminate with a marble countertop for it to stand out.
Watch the full episode
For more renovation inspiration, watch Episode 3: Master Bedroom, Ensuite & Fernery renovation in our Make It Happen: The House Project series.
More D.I.Y. Advice
Health & Safety
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.