SINGAPORE – Arguably, a wall is just a wall: one of the many elements that make up an overall living space. 

But when done up just right – such as with a splash of colourful paint, vibrant wallpaper or bespoke carpentry – it can transform a room from a functional space into a focal point of the home.

For people looking to refresh or decorate a single room, focusing on one wall – rather than revamping the entire space from flooring to furniture – can make all the difference.

As Ms Amilia Gani, principal designer at interior design firm Facelift Design & Interiors, explains: “A well-designed feature wall transforms a room with ambience, adds depth between spaces and makes the room a unique and memorable part of the home.”

The idea, she adds, is to treat it differently from other walls – for instance, through the use of colour and texture – to create a focal point. This, in turn, will give the room a sense of personality and visual interest. 

A common approach to feature walls in Singapore is to use built-in cabinetry to design a TV console area that also doubles as a storage or display cabinet. 

Ms Berinda Soh, founder and principal designer at design firm Glorious State, adds: “It is recommended to place the feature wall behind key furniture items, such as a sofa or bed, to act as a backdrop or focal point.

“My own preference is for the feature wall to be visible when one enters the room because that will also make the room more welcoming.”

A feature wall can come in different formats, from painted walls and wallpaper to fluted panels and built-in cabinetry. These can be mixed and matched. More unusual options include floor tiles, an art installation – for instance, a mural – or a full piece of natural stone such as marble.