Focal Wall Ideas
When you want to draw attention to a certain area of a room, item of furniture or piece of artwork, creating a focal wall is an ideal way to showcase it. A focal wall typically features a different color, pattern or texture than the rest of the walls in a room so guests notice the area when they enter the space. If you are thinking of adding a focal wall to your room, there are several attractive options that are sure to make the wall stand out. Does this Spark an idea?
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Bold Color
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One of the simplest ways to create a focal wall in your home is to use a bold or bright shade of paint. In a room where the other walls are a neutral or pale shade, the bold color stands out and calls attention to a particular area of the space. Primary shades like red, blue and yellow are effective as focal wall colors as are deeper jewel tones like wine, navy and hunter green. A metallic paint shade, such as silver, gold or copper, can bring added shine to a focal wall so it reflects light. One of the most dramatic colors that you can use for a focal wall is black. It may seem like a dark, depressing choice, but when paired with a light shade on the other walls, flooring and furnishings, it can create a fresh, modern look.
Faux Finish
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Using a different texture for your focal wall is an ideal way to draw attention to it. Painting it with a faux finish technique allows you to add a variety of different textures to the surface without breaking the bank. Depending on the style that you prefer, you can mimic the look of brick, marble, leather, suede and other materials. Many faux finish techniques are a two-step process and require using a tool other than a brush to achieve the finish, such as a rag or sponge. You may use a wide range of colors for your faux finish as well, so you can be sure that your focal wall matches the décor in the rest of the room.
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Wallpaper
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Adding a pattern to one of the walls in a room is an easy and effective way to create a focal wall. You can use stencils or tape to paint a pattern on your wall, but doing so can be time consuming and difficult to get the spacing right. While wallpaper takes time to hang, there are a great deal of design possibilities, and you don't have to worry about painting the pattern yourself. To find the right pattern, consider the style of the rest of the room. A floral pattern is an attractive option for a soft, romantic bedroom, while a bold, striped pattern may be the ideal choice for a modern living room. Visit a home improvement store to see what wallpaper patterns are available, and see what calls out to you.
Wainscoting and Molding
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By adding wainscoting or decorative molding to a wall, you can instantly make it the focal point of the room. For a uniform look, install wainscoting panels floor to ceiling and paint them all one color. However, for added visual interest, you can paint the center of each panel a contrasting shade. Strips of molding can be used to create a grid-like effect on a wall as well, or you can also use paint to create a geometric shape on the wall and outline it with strips of molding to give it a polished look.
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References
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