Because they add extra details, accent walls break up the space, making it feel bigger the same way an area rug does to a floor.
Feature walls are a great way to change the shape of a room that is too wide or narrow. Painting one wall a darker colour makes it visually recede and adds the illusion of depth. Be careful though as this can also make a room look smaller (read on to see why).
Feature walls are an effective way of defining an area for a specific purpose within a larger room. Perhaps you want to create somewhere to work, read or eat in an open-plan space; a feature wall will provide the perfect backdrop, grounding the area and ensuring it has its own identity.
Large Patterns
While smaller patterns tend to make a room look smaller, a large repeating pattern will make a room look bigger. Look for a design that has a lot of negative space in between motifs to achieve an expansive look.
If the room already has a lot going on, an accent wall may not be the best choice. It could make a busy room feel too crowded.
In order to not overpower your room's color scheme, professionals use a little rule called the 60-30-10 wall color rule to maintain the space's color balance. Simply put, 60% of your room will have the dominant color, 30% should primarily be the secondary color, and 10% the accent color.
Feature walls make a bolder statement by using colour, texture, materials, or decorative treatments to turn a wall into a focal point. Accent walls take a subtler approach by using colour or wallpaper to make a wall pop without overpowering the room.
Opt for Light and Neutral Colors
These hues help to create an airy and open atmosphere, giving the impression of a larger room. Choose artwork that incorporates shades of white, cream, pastels, or soft neutrals. These light hues contribute to a minimalist aesthetic and visually expand the walls.
Make a small room look larger
Stripes are the perfect choice for small rooms because they can create the illusion of space. Vertical stripes make ceilings look higher whereas the use of horizontal stripes can make a room look wider.
See how mosaic, wood, and brick effect wall panels can transform your space and bring your interior dreams to life ease! Feature walls have been a beloved element in interior design for many years, providing a focal point that can transform a room. Despite evolving trends, feature walls are far from outdated.
Warm Terracotta
Terracotta is making a strong comeback in interior design, and in 2024, it's all about the warm and earthy tones. Warm Terracotta adds a touch of sophistication and coziness to any room. It's an excellent choice for accent walls, dining rooms, or even as a bold choice for the front door.
Feature walls can positively affect the resale value of a property if they are well-designed and use high-quality materials. They can create a memorable impression on potential buyers and help a property stand out in a competitive market.
While trends come and go, accent walls have proven to be a timeless design element. In 2024, they continue to be popular for their ability to transform a space without a major overhaul.
Are feature walls still a thing? As long as there are walls in a room, they certainly will be. How we treat a feature wall may change from year to year as we track the fashions, but they will always be an extremely handy way to add personality, character and definition to a space or room.
Expert know-how: “If you're adding a feature colour, try using the 60-30-10 rule to maintain balance in the room. Use light shades for 60%, so it'll always appear bright and inviting, the darker colour for 30% and 10% for detailing or splashes of an accent shade.”
Some painting techniques to make a room look bigger include:
Use stripes – horizontal stripes will make a wall appear longer, and vertical stripes will make it seem taller.
Think velvet pillows, cashmere throw blankets, and hair-on-hide rugs—anything you instinctively want to touch. “Smaller accent items instantly elevate a room and give it a very sophisticated, moneyed vibe," Kuo says.
Q: What colors make a small room look bigger? A: The lighter your colors are, the bigger the room will feel. Stick to shades of white and cream, pastels and light neutrals in gray and taupe. Q: How do you make a small room look bigger on a budget?
Soft Neutrals
Neutral colors don't have to be stark or cold. Choose neutrals with undertones of yellow, pink, or red to add warmth. Creamy whites, soft beiges, and gentle taupes can serve as a soothing backdrop for any room, making the space feel more intimate and cozy.
Lighter sofa colors, such as white, cream, light gray, or even pastel shades, can make a room look bigger.
Light-colored furniture can help a small room feel bigger and more airy because it doesn't stand out in the way that dark furniture does. It brings more light into the space. But furniture in light tones may not work as well in a large room, because the space may feel too open.
Accent walls are not only still in style in 2024 but also continue to be a cornerstone of contemporary interior design. With evolving trends and the use of innovative materials, the modern accent wall offers unparalleled opportunities for creativity and personalization.
Painting an accent wall in a darker shade can emphasize the room's length or width and make it feel more expansive. To make a small room look bigger with paint is to paint one wall differently than the others. An accent wall draws the eye to one focal point, creating an optical illusion of more space in the room.
Designers are in agreement that not every wall in the home needs to be decorated. With each individual interior design, the aim is to always ensure that there is a feeling of harmonious visual balance; for some spaces this may mean adorning every wall with beautiful decor, whereas for others, empty wall space triumphs.