Decorating & Design
May 5, 2020
15 Ways To Take A Blank Wall From Boring To Brilliant
If all this time spent inside is making you obsess over your space, you’re not alone! The H&H team are always trying to find new and innovative ways to refresh a room, especially now when resources and budget can be tight. Sprucing up a wall is a simple way to switch up the look and feel of your home without committing to a lengthy design project. Click through for 15 statement-making wall makeover ideas. So long, boring white walls!
Play with pattern. A strip of quirky black-and-white wallpaper across the top of the fireplace immediately livens up this personality-packed living room. Layer with vintage-inspired portraits to add even more drama.
Mix modern and vintage pieces. Homeowner Tara Hall bridged the gap between old and new by adding antique pieces to the wall above her desk. A combination of curated finds creates a layered effect with the damask wallpaper.
Repeat the same shape. A series of calming shots of the sky in designer Quinn Cooper’s home brings the outdoors in. Framing pastel prints is an easy project to do over the weekend for an instant eye-catching look!
Go big and bold. A whimsical wall mural — adorned with forest creatures — adds a storybook feel to this gender-neutral nursery.
Opt for a statement shade. Transforming a wall doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, a fresh coat of paint — like this pretty coral hue in designer Luke Havekes’ principal bedroom — is all you need.
Hang a gallery wall. Designer Cynthia Zamaria mixed works from established artists, thrift stores and pieces from family members to create a dynamic showcase of treasured artwork.
Consider vertical storage. If you’re in a small space like designer Alanna Dunn, try hanging your hats in the entryway or closet for a functional yet fashionable way to add color.
Pick a theme. Mismatched frames add a cool vintage feel, while dramatic wallpaper adds depth to this staircase. The thing that ties both elements together is its nautical theme, paying homage to this serene home‘s seaside location.
Try your hand at wall tattoos. If illustration is your forte, dress up a wall with an original piece drawn directly onto a blank wall. “To me, spaces are autobiographical,” says designer Colette van den Thillart of this artful bedroom.
Display travel photography. Getting tired of your gallery wall but don’t want to start from scratch? Swap out existing pieces for your favorite photos from trips abroad. Talk about wanderlust!
Wow with wovens. For a unique take on the gallery wall, try mounting textured objets in neutral hues, like woven trays or bowls. It’s an easy way to inject global style into your space.
Keep it personal. A gallery wall of family photos adds a personal touch to this inviting dining room. To keep the display from looking busy, the designers chose uniform frames for a cohesive look.
Look to nature. Simple wall decals are foolproof to hang. Designer Sam Sack chose a flock of wall-mounted birds to emulate the sunny home‘s California-cool vibe.
Rethink your headboard. Panels of luxe lavender fabric line the wall in this principal bedroom. This is a unique way to add an unexpected dose of texture — something that wallpaper or paint might not be able to achieve.
Create an eclectic vignette. Instead of hanging your art, lean large frames against the wall, like designer Arren Williams did in his friends’ dining room. Layer with smaller sculptures and plants for a designer-approved look.