White-on-white interiors will always have their place, but more and more homeowners are ready to add a little (or a lot of) colour to their spaces. The only catch? Knowing where to start. With so many options out there, it’s easy to get stuck on how to bring colour in, especially without disrupting the overall feel of your home.
Bold colour can feel like a big commitment, particularly when it comes to elements like cabinetry or joinery, which aren’t as easy to update down the line. And then there’s the resale factor. No one wants to make a design choice they’ll regret when it’s time to sell. It’s no surprise that many default to whites and neutrals “just to be safe.”
We often hear: “Are feature walls still a thing? And if so… where should it go?” The truth is, in a room filled with soft or neutral tones, a single injection of colour, done right, can totally shift the energy of the space.
Our friends at Wattyl shared a few ways to play with colour that feel fresh, stylish, and true to your personal style.
Kitchen islands as feature colour centres
Kitchen islands are an ideal place to introduce a feature colour. Selecting a contrasting hue for the island creates a visual anchor that grounds the space. Navy, sage, or olive green are increasingly popular choices in kitchens, and opting for a bold colour on all cabinetry can make a dramatic statement. For example, Wattyl Kelp Strand pairs beautifully with neutral white walls, making the colour pop and bringing energy to the room.
Experimenting in the main bedroom
Many homeowners are more comfortable experimenting with colour in private spaces like the bedroom, particularly when introducing a feature wall behind the bed. For example, Wattyl Serenity, a soothing green serves as a perfect backdrop to a bed, providing a calming atmosphere. Alternatively, a warm neutral like Wattyl Beaver complements Wattyl Floral White walls and the purple tones in bedding, creating a balanced and inviting feel.
Feature walls are also an excellent way to infuse personality into children’s rooms. Keeping three walls neutral allows you to change the feature colour easily as their tastes evolve over time. In this example, Wattyl Green Cedar offers a bright burst of colour that pairs beautifully with the warm white Wattyl Dhimba, grounding the overall design with its vibrancy.
Living Rooms and Open Plan Spaces
In living rooms or open-plan spaces, feature walls are a fantastic way to introduce colour. Positioning a feature wall behind the TV or to delineate different areas in a shared space can help visually define zones while adding depth and interest. For example, in media rooms, dark feature colours can be used to help the TV blend seamlessly into the wall, enhancing the cinematic experience.
A feature wall can also be used to highlight artwork or furniture, as demonstrated by a dark feature wall in the living room that makes artwork pop and becomes a statement piece in its own right. However, it’s important to remember that less is more with feature colours; they should enhance the space without overwhelming it. Thoughtfully consider whether a feature wall will complement or detract from the overall look and feel of the room.
A balanced approach
When using a feature colour, it’s important to maintain balance. A single, bold block of colour is often more impactful than using the same hue in multiple areas throughout the space. Overusing a feature colour can dilute its impact, so it’s essential to be selective about where it’s applied.
Not sure about what colour to add into your new home?
