The first thing people notice about your home is often the walls. You want to make sure that the interior design elements are cohesive and complement each other. Once you know how to paint a feature wall, also known as an accent wall, add visual interest and help tie together different spaces within your home. But it isn't always easy to figure out where to start. After all, there are so many options to choose from.
A feature wall is one of the most popular
home improvement projects because it creates a dramatic focal point in a room. This type of wall is often used in living rooms, dining areas, bedrooms and even children’s playrooms. But what makes a good feature wall? And how do you choose colours that complement each other while creating a cohesive look throughout the entire space?
1. Pick the right colour combinations
Selecting an eye-catching colour scheme is understandably one of the most vital feature wall ideas, because it sets the tone for the rest of the room. If you pick paint colours that are too bold or bright, it could clash with the furniture and accessories in the room. On the other hand, if you go for a more subtle coat of paint, it might just blend into the background and disappear.
2. Ascertain how much paint you're going to need for your gallery wall
Few things are more frustrating than running out of paint before you finish the job. Therefore, make a few calculations before starting. It's also a good idea, if you have more than one tin, to combine the contents into a larger receptacle such as a bucket. Then, give the paint a good stir. It may sound strange, but the overall look of paint can vary a little between tins, so do what the professionals do and mix the tins before you even pick up the roller tray.
3. Use the right brushes to get the clean finish you need
Once you know how much paint you'll be needing, you need to choose the right brush. For starters, you'll need a small brush to apply the base coat, a larger one for applying the second coat, and a finishing brush to give the final touch. Some painters recommend buying several types of brush, including flat, round and angled ones. A roller extension pole is useful for covering large areas, such as an entire wall, quickly, while a fine-tipped brush is ideal for getting into hard-to-reach corners. You'll also need a few essential tools. These may include a workbench, ladder, paint tray, rollers, tape, soap and water, and a cloth.
4. Make sure the conditions are right for a paint job with a perfect finish
Painting in natural light gives the best results because the colours are true to life. If you want to achieve the most authentic look, choose a room where there is plenty of natural light and avoid painting when you're tired. This way, you'll see how the colour looks against the background, rather than trying to guess what it might look like when painted later.
5. Check that you have the space you need for the ideal painting project
Start by clearing your working area. Make sure there are no sharp edges or corners where you might accidentally cut yourself. Use newspapers or a drop sheet to protect your flooring and any large pieces of furniture. You can use newspaper to protect your walls, if you need to.
6. Clear the fixtures and fittings in the living space
Remove any light fittings, lamps or ceiling fans. These can cause shadows and reflections, making it harder to see what you're doing. Remove any curtains or blinds, because these could catch drips. Cover the area with a clean cloth or tarp. This will prevent paint spills from getting into your carpet or furniture. Avoid plastic sheets if possible, because paint splashes remain wet and could be trampled into carpets in other rooms.
7. Clean your feature wall for the ultimate finish
Use a large cellulose sponge soaked in warm water and a few drops of mild detergent to clean your walls. Remove excess moisture by hanging the sponge over a bowl filled with cold water. Run long strips of painter's tape just inside the outer edges of the room. The outer edges of the tape should lie exactly where the wall meets the trim, covering the parts of the trim that your roller or paint brush might hit when you paint.
8. If necessary, apply a coat of primer
If you're painting over old wallpaper, you'll want to apply a primer coat to ensure a smooth finish. If you don't prime the accent walls properly, you could end up with bubbles, blisters, or even peeling paint. A suitable primer will also make it easier for you to get the exact colour you need for the room.
Finally, when all you wanted to achieve has been achieved, spend a little time tidying up and getting the room back to normal. Then, and only then, can you stand back and admire the work you've done. Your feature wall can then become a strong focal point for every visitor to that particular room.