How to make a DIY statement in your home – walls, doors, and all
In the era of ‘design rebels’, statement walls are having a bit of a renaissance – and it’s easy to see why. They’re a great way to inject personality into your home, completely DIY accessible, and simple to switch out once your tastes have moved on. But at the mention of feature wall, it’s a 90’s-inspired butter yellow rag rolled feature wall that’s popped into your mind – think again – today’s statement walls range from large-scale murals, to textured and architectural details, patterned wallpaper or, as a design rebel, whatever makes your heart sing. Forget cookie-cutter trends; it’s time to let your personality shine, one wall (or marble-trimmed statement doorway) at a time.
Here, we look at how to decide which type of statement wall might suit you, round up our 8 favourite DIY walls ideas that are having a moment right now, and wrap up by showing how to balance wow factor today with future resale appeal.
Choose your statement style
The philosophy behind Design Rebels centres on embracing self-expression and creativity to curate a home that feels uniquely yours. And when it comes to statement walls, that can mean very different things. Here’s how to decide what’s right for you:
- Go bold with colours and patterns
No shrinking violet? Love a bit of drama? Vibrant colours, geometric patterns, or large-scale murals are ways to let your personality shine with statement walls. Pinterest is awash with inspo, so get trawling and find something striking that makes your heart sing!
- Keep it subtle with texture and natural materials
If colour isn’t your thing, texture just might be. Incorporating elements like textured panels, wooden slats, stone veneer, or Venetian plaster makes a room feel warm, luxurious, and multi-dimensional. All without shouting from the rooftops.
- Prioritise function and flexibility
Statement walls don’t have to be purely decorative; they can work hard, too. For example, floor-to-ceiling shelving in the living room, mirrors to open up space, or chalkboard and pegboard walls in kids’ rooms for creativity and storage. In the master bedroom, you can incorporate a built-in headboard that incorporates shelving and lighting.
- See your statement to the door (frames)
If statement walls feel a little too bold, dip your toe in the water with a statement door frame. Marble trims or slim mouldings add texture, reflect light, and create a refined focal point – bringing interest without overwhelming the room. This subtle touch harks back to architectural styles of the 60s and 70s, when every detail was thoughtfully considered.
Our 8 favourite DIY statement wall ideas
DIY statement walls are one of the simplest ways to refresh your space and inject some of your design rebel personality – no full reno required! Whether you choose bold, eye-catching designs or more subtle, texture-led finishes, take on the bedrooms, living room, hallway (or all of the above), there’s something for every taste. Here are eight DIY statement wall ideas that are having a moment right now.
- Wood panelling feature walls for the win
Nope, not the Mad-Man-esque dark Mahogany type, we’re talking panelling that is modern, warm, sophisticated, and dripping in style that will elevate any space. Oh, and did we mention they have acoustic properties too? Perhaps best of all, installing pre-cut panels is an easy DIY job to tackle, or, if you’re approaching a semi-pro level, create a slat wall from scratch.
- Wall or work of art?
Many of us still flinch at the talk of wallpaper, but it’s come a long way from the embossed, floral-striped number at your nanas – both in style and ease of installation. Choose from bold patterns, hand-painted murals, or cheerful peel-and-stick wallpaper, and don’t forget to take a before-and-after shot of your transformation.
- Brick by brick
Raw, textured, and full of character, a brick feature wall brings an industrial edge and a celebration of craftsmanship to your home. Whether you’re lucky enough to uncover original brick hiding beneath plaster, or create a DIY faux feature, the result is the same – you’ll inject interest and timeless style into your home.
- Stone by stone
If something a bit more luxe or elevated-looking is your style, a stone statement wall is worth considering. Stone cladding adds depth, texture, and timeless appeal. It can be a bigger investment, but the result feels solid, high-end, and built to last.
- Take house plants to the next level
Why stop at pots when you can go vertical? Living walls bring a fresh, calming energy (and plenty of oxygen) to your home while creating a real visual feature. This DIY is best suited to green thumbs, as you’ll need to be mindful of choosing the right plants, positioning them for light, watering regularly, and general upkeep to keep the wall thriving.
- Colour blocking goes bold
If you’re after impact on a budget and a relatively easy weekend project, colour blocking is hard to beat. Go for bold shapes, geometric lines, or unexpected contrasts you love, and you’ll instantly infuse a space with design-rebel-inspired energy that is uniquely you. Best of all, it’s easy to switch up when your style evolves.
- Have a Moroccan-inspired tile moment
Intricate patterns and eye-catching details make Moroccan-style tiles a real show-stopper. Whether it’s a kitchen splashback, a tiled archway, or you go all out with an entire wall, you’ll find these tiles are small but mighty. DIY installation can save money, but precision is key, so sometimes it’s good to call in the pros.
- Cosy up to upholstered panels
Welcoming, textured and warm, fabric panels add an understated but tactile dimension to an otherwise uninspiring, flat wall. They’re equally at home in bedrooms or living spaces, where snug and comfy is the vibe, softening the space both visually and acoustically. And yes, you can DIY it.
How to balance ‘wow’ now with future resale appeal
While bold DIY choices are the true essence of design rebellion, designing with personality doesn’t mean sacrificing future value. If selling is even a distant consideration, it pays to strike the right balance between maximising impact today while keeping your home broadly appealing tomorrow. Here’s how:
- Choose a neutral base with a focal accent
Keep the overall palette simple, adding energy with just one personality-filled wall. If it’s not to a buyer’s taste, it’s a relatively easy fix.
- Keep it flexible and removable
Additions like peel-and-stick wallpaper, temporary trims, and surface paint allow buyers to make easy updates later.
- Accentuate existing features
Highlight the home’s architectural details, and add subtle interest with marble door trims or textured panels. They’re unlikely to be hugely polarising.
- Focus on quality
DIY gone wrong doesn’t sell; instead, focus on keeping any bold features polished through crisp lines, quality materials, and thoughtful lighting.
Choose personality with purpose
Whether you lean bold, subtle, or somewhere in between, statement walls are a fun way to personalise your space. The key is to balance creativity with thoughtful choices, and to focus on quality, flexibility, and timeless details, so that your home feels uniquely yours today while still appealing to future buyers. And when it’s time to make your next move, your local First National Real Estate team are here to help you take that step with confidence.
DISCLAIMER
The following advice is of a general nature only and intended as a broad guide. The advice should not be regarded as legal, financial, or real estate advice. You should make your own inquiries and obtain independent professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any legal, financial, or real estate decisions. Click here for full Terms of Use.
In the era of ‘design rebels’, statement walls are having a bit of a renaissance – and it’s easy to see why. They’re a great way to inject personality into your home, completely DIY accessible, and simple to switch out once your tastes have moved on. But at the mention of feature wall, it’s a 90’s-inspired butter yellow rag rolled feature wall that’s popped into your mind – think again – today’s statement walls range from large-scale murals, to textured and architectural details, patterned wallpaper or, as a design rebel, whatever makes your heart sing. Forget cookie-cutter trends; it’s time to let your personality shine, one wall (or marble-trimmed statement doorway) at a time.
Here, we look at how to decide which type of statement wall might suit you, round up our 8 favourite DIY walls ideas that are having a moment right now, and wrap up by showing how to balance wow factor today with future resale appeal.
Choose your statement style
The philosophy behind Design Rebels centres on embracing self-expression and creativity to curate a home that feels uniquely yours. And when it comes to statement walls, that can mean very different things. Here’s how to decide what’s right for you:
- Go bold with colours and patterns
No shrinking violet? Love a bit of drama? Vibrant colours, geometric patterns, or large-scale murals are ways to let your personality shine with statement walls. Pinterest is awash with inspo, so get trawling and find something striking that makes your heart sing!
- Keep it subtle with texture and natural materials
If colour isn’t your thing, texture just might be. Incorporating elements like textured panels, wooden slats, stone veneer, or Venetian plaster makes a room feel warm, luxurious, and multi-dimensional. All without shouting from the rooftops.
- Prioritise function and flexibility
Statement walls don’t have to be purely decorative; they can work hard, too. For example, floor-to-ceiling shelving in the living room, mirrors to open up space, or chalkboard and pegboard walls in kids’ rooms for creativity and storage. In the master bedroom, you can incorporate a built-in headboard that incorporates shelving and lighting.
- See your statement to the door (frames)
If statement walls feel a little too bold, dip your toe in the water with a statement door frame. Marble trims or slim mouldings add texture, reflect light, and create a refined focal point – bringing interest without overwhelming the room. This subtle touch harks back to architectural styles of the 60s and 70s, when every detail was thoughtfully considered.
Our 8 favourite DIY statement wall ideas
DIY statement walls are one of the simplest ways to refresh your space and inject some of your design rebel personality – no full reno required! Whether you choose bold, eye-catching designs or more subtle, texture-led finishes, take on the bedrooms, living room, hallway (or all of the above), there’s something for every taste. Here are eight DIY statement wall ideas that are having a moment right now.
- Wood panelling feature walls for the win
Nope, not the Mad-Man-esque dark Mahogany type, we’re talking panelling that is modern, warm, sophisticated, and dripping in style that will elevate any space. Oh, and did we mention they have acoustic properties too? Perhaps best of all, installing pre-cut panels is an easy DIY job to tackle, or, if you’re approaching a semi-pro level, create a slat wall from scratch.
- Wall or work of art?
Many of us still flinch at the talk of wallpaper, but it’s come a long way from the embossed, floral-striped number at your nanas – both in style and ease of installation. Choose from bold patterns, hand-painted murals, or cheerful peel-and-stick wallpaper, and don’t forget to take a before-and-after shot of your transformation.
- Brick by brick
Raw, textured, and full of character, a brick feature wall brings an industrial edge and a celebration of craftsmanship to your home. Whether you’re lucky enough to uncover original brick hiding beneath plaster, or create a DIY faux feature, the result is the same – you’ll inject interest and timeless style into your home.
- Stone by stone
If something a bit more luxe or elevated-looking is your style, a stone statement wall is worth considering. Stone cladding adds depth, texture, and timeless appeal. It can be a bigger investment, but the result feels solid, high-end, and built to last.
- Take house plants to the next level
Why stop at pots when you can go vertical? Living walls bring a fresh, calming energy (and plenty of oxygen) to your home while creating a real visual feature. This DIY is best suited to green thumbs, as you’ll need to be mindful of choosing the right plants, positioning them for light, watering regularly, and general upkeep to keep the wall thriving.
- Colour blocking goes bold
If you’re after impact on a budget and a relatively easy weekend project, colour blocking is hard to beat. Go for bold shapes, geometric lines, or unexpected contrasts you love, and you’ll instantly infuse a space with design-rebel-inspired energy that is uniquely you. Best of all, it’s easy to switch up when your style evolves.
- Have a Moroccan-inspired tile moment
Intricate patterns and eye-catching details make Moroccan-style tiles a real show-stopper. Whether it’s a kitchen splashback, a tiled archway, or you go all out with an entire wall, you’ll find these tiles are small but mighty. DIY installation can save money, but precision is key, so sometimes it’s good to call in the pros.
- Cosy up to upholstered panels
Welcoming, textured and warm, fabric panels add an understated but tactile dimension to an otherwise uninspiring, flat wall. They’re equally at home in bedrooms or living spaces, where snug and comfy is the vibe, softening the space both visually and acoustically. And yes, you can DIY it.
How to balance ‘wow’ now with future resale appeal
While bold DIY choices are the true essence of design rebellion, designing with personality doesn’t mean sacrificing future value. If selling is even a distant consideration, it pays to strike the right balance between maximising impact today while keeping your home broadly appealing tomorrow. Here’s how:
- Choose a neutral base with a focal accent
Keep the overall palette simple, adding energy with just one personality-filled wall. If it’s not to a buyer’s taste, it’s a relatively easy fix.
- Keep it flexible and removable
Additions like peel-and-stick wallpaper, temporary trims, and surface paint allow buyers to make easy updates later.
- Accentuate existing features
Highlight the home’s architectural details, and add subtle interest with marble door trims or textured panels. They’re unlikely to be hugely polarising.
- Focus on quality
DIY gone wrong doesn’t sell; instead, focus on keeping any bold features polished through crisp lines, quality materials, and thoughtful lighting.
Choose personality with purpose
Whether you lean bold, subtle, or somewhere in between, statement walls are a fun way to personalise your space. The key is to balance creativity with thoughtful choices, and to focus on quality, flexibility, and timeless details, so that your home feels uniquely yours today while still appealing to future buyers. And when it’s time to make your next move, your local First National Real Estate team are here to help you take that step with confidence.
DISCLAIMER
The following advice is of a general nature only and intended as a broad guide. The advice should not be regarded as legal, financial, or real estate advice. You should make your own inquiries and obtain independent professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any legal, financial, or real estate decisions. Click here for full Terms of Use.