How to Give My Walls a Designer Look

Add metal art. Used in traditional, contemporary and modern settings, metal art adds texture and visual interest. Whether it’s bold lines and straight edges or artistic swirls and intricate designs, metal art’s versatility gives any room instant designer appeal. Consider one large piece for a bold statement or several identical works hung in unison for geometric appeal. Iron wall clocks and planters or chrome vases work well in living and family rooms, while iron wine racks are choice options in dining rooms or kitchens.

Feature a wall. Feature walls draw attention to one wall in a room with the use of wallpaper or elaborate accessories. They are graphically alluring and create dialogue. Feature walls showcase their wares via bold two-tone prints, multiple mirrors and shelving. Consider a wall featuring 10 to 20 framed photographs using the same frame to create one giant frame or several levels of shelves showcasing books or a collection of unique items from a trip or memorable event. An effective feature wall speaks about the room. It shouldn’t disassociate itself from the rest of the space, but helps define the room.

Hang original artwork. Nothing gives a wall more character than a well-proportioned canvas painting or professionally framed print. Select colors, patterns or pictures based on the room’s design style and overall function. A cafe-inspired print featuring sunflowers is better suited in a kitchen, while an eclectic piece works in a contemporary setting. Artwork is a reflection of personal taste and style; a well-selected piece enhances and creates a natural flow with its surrounding environment.

Paint unique attributes. Paint is more than color on a wall; it sets the stage for incorporating furnishings and accessories into a room and creates a mood. Paint wall or ceiling beams a different color from the rest of the walls to accentuate a room’s decor. Black or white-painted beams provide contrast against most colors, while hues several shades darker than the other walls give the illusion of continuous visual flow. Another way to achieve a designer look is by painting tone-on-tone or using two similar shades on opposite walls. Select paint colors based on the color of main decor pieces such as furniture or area rugs.