Feature Walls: Creating a Focal Point with Character
A feature wall serves as the room’s visual anchor, ideally positioned directly in front of you as you enter. It draws attention to architectural elements like angled ceilings or generous height, setting the tone for the entire space. To preserve its impact, keep surrounding furniture and patterns understated—let the wall speak, guiding your choices in decor and furnishings.
Feature walls can also define and divide living areas, adding interest and a sense of distinction. When selecting a colour, consider the room’s natural light and orientation—north- or south-facing—as well as its temperature. Warm tones bring comfort to cooler rooms, while cooler hues offer relief in warmer spaces. Above all, choose a colour that reflects your personal style rather than fleeting trends. Timeless design stems from authenticity, not conformity.
Painting Angled Ceilings: A Seamless Approach
If your ceiling slopes or angles, painting it the same colour as the walls can create a cohesive, calming effect—especially when the angled section begins lower on the wall. This technique softens transitions and enhances spatial harmony, allowing the architecture to feel intentional rather than segmented.
Feature walls don’t need to be bold—but if you opt for a strong colour and already have another feature wall in your home, ensure both share similar tonal value and intensity to maintain visual continuity. As a general rule, limit feature walls to a maximum of two. In exceptionally large homes, three may work—but beyond that, the impact can become diluted.
When selecting paint, avoid low-sheen finishes on feature walls, as they tend to highlight imperfections. A matte finish is preferable—it softens flaws and prevents unwanted reflections, especially if the ceiling is white. A low-sheen wall beneath a white ceiling can catch and reflect the ceiling’s brightness, which is why a true matte finish is essential.
VJ board can add texture and charm to a feature wall, but it’s not essential. Once the room is styled with furniture and décor, investing in timber detailing may be unnecessary. Let the paint colour be the hero—it’s cost-effective and easy to update.
Rooms with sloped, vaulted, or angled ceilings present unique challenges. To avoid visually lowering the ceiling or emphasizing the slope, paint the entire room in a single colour. Interrupting the flow with contrasting paint or wallpaper at the junction between wall and ceiling only draws attention to the angles.
Choose a colour you love, then go three shades lighter if you're painting the whole room. Light neutrals—whites, creams, and pastels—create a sense of openness and help slanted ceilings feel less imposing. A single colour throughout can feel overwhelming, so err on the side of softness. While exterior colours benefit from going three shades darker, interiors thrive with lighter tones.
Dark colours like black are receding—they won’t make a room feel smaller, just moodier. They’re ideal for creating atmosphere, but only if the space has ample natural light. Installing skylights or dormer windows will increase natural light. Whether your walls and ceiling are black or white, light is key.
Finally, let the room’s shape guide your furniture placement. Avoid positioning the bed where you might bump your head when sitting up. Instead, place it under the highest part of the slope. Slanted ceilings can shrink a space visually, but thoughtful colour choices can restore a sense of balance and openness.
