Feature walls have a bit of a reputation, don’t they? Some people love them, while others —maybe you — have been hesitant to embrace the idea. You’ve probably seen too many poorly executed feature walls that just overwhelm a space, leaving you wondering why they even exist in the first place.
But here’s the thing: if done right, a feature wall can elevate your home’s design and create a focal point that feels balanced, stylish, and full of personality.
This façade transformation I recently designed shows exactly how powerful a well-planned feature wall can be. The house went from flat and forgettable to bold yet elegant. If you’ve ever thought, “I’d never do a feature wall,” you might want to think again—because with the right approach, it can look absolutely incredible.
Let’s break down what makes a great feature wall and how you can get it right the first time.
Start with Statement Colours that Complement – The first thing to consider when creating a feature wall are the colours. You want them to stand out, but not too much. Think of it as a statement piece that enhances your overall design, not competes with it.
For this Central Coast NSW renovation, I selected a deep, earthy tone for the feature wall surround, which beautifully contrasts with the clean, neutral palette of the rest of the home. The colour enhances the surrounding textures without overpowering them. When you’re choosing a colour, opt for something bold yet complementary to the rest of your home. Darker tones like deep charcoal can be sophisticated and striking, especially when paired with lighter, neutral surroundings.
👇Designed by Hotspace👇
Texture: Add Depth and Interest – Plain painted walls are fine, but if you really want to elevate your home, consider adding texture to your feature wall. Whether it’s timber, stone, or a unique pattern, texture gives your house dimension and makes it much more visually interesting.
In this case, the feature wall comes alive with a timber-look cladding and honeycomb-style laser-cut overlay. The intricate texture creates a bold yet tasteful statement, adding layers of warmth and character.
Lighting: Let Your Feature Wall Shine – Lighting can make or break your feature wall. The right lighting enhances textures, highlights your chosen colours, and adds warmth to the house façade design. Think about how lighting changes throughout the day—natural light will play off the textures differently as the sun moves, and at night, warm ambient lighting can make the wall glow, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Restraint: Don’t Overdo It – Here’s the golden rule when it comes to feature walls: less is more. A great feature wall needs space to breathe. If you try to incorporate too many bold elements across the front of your home, your feature wall will lose its impact. Keep the rest of the design simple and let the wall be the hero.
For this exterior design, I kept the surrounding elements to a minimum — clean lines, soft neutrals, and an uncluttered landscape. This allowed the feature wall to stand out without the rest of the home competing for attention.
When planning your own feature wall, remember to let it be the focal point. Balance the space by keeping the rest of the design understated and let the feature wall speak for itself.
Ready to Transform Your Space? If you’ve been on the fence about renovating your home exterior, hopefully this has inspired you. The right features (feature wall or otherwise) can turn a simple home into something truly remarkable.
And the best part is that it’s entirely up to you how bold—or how subtle—you want to go. Just remember, it’s all about balance. Find that, and you’ll have a feature wall that’s not just a trend, but a timeless addition to your home!
Feeling inspired but need help to achieve a striking design for your home? Send me some photos and tell me a bit about your project here… (https://hotspaceconsultants.com/preliminary-enquiry/)
Jane