Painted feature walls may have fallen out of favour but the accent wall is still very popular.

These days a feature wall is all about texture, using timber, tiles, bricks or wallpaper.

A feature wall is the focal point of a room where you can highlight a bold colour or texture you wouldn’t dare use on a larger scale.

Large rooms suit a feature wall to break up the expanse and add interest. Modern materials are all about natural, recycled or sustainable finishes. Timber, and tongue-in-groove panelling are big trends at the moment.

Timber adds warmth and can match wooden floors to create unity. Recycled timber using railway sleepers or even pallet timber is widely available.

Pictured below is a feature wall with vertical timber lining boards which have been finished with a whitewash paint effect to create a rustic feel.

There is a huge range of wallpaper, graphics and murals available in Australia and it’s possible to try out wallpaper and finishes normally outside the budget because a feature wall only uses a small amount. Popular wallpaper choices include textual linen or luxurious silks.

Painted feature walls still have their place because they are easy to change if you tire of the colour. It’s not mandatory to use bright colours any more either. With the current trend towards natural greys and cream furnishings, a soft grey feature wall coupled with warm white in the rest of the room will add a subtle contrast.

For those unwilling to commit to something permanent, large wall decals can be used then removed. Decals are ideal in a nursery, as they can be replaced with something more age appropriate as the child grows.

Exposed brick or metal gives an industrial feel in a contemporary home. Both materials are available in brown or reddish hues to add warmth. Bricks can be installed in a variety of patterns as well as smooth or rough finishes.

While expensive, marble can add a luxurious look to a bathroom or kitchen and only needs to be used on the smallest wall.

Feature walls can incorporate cabinetry or floor-to-ceiling bookcases. A fireplace with a flat screen television above surrounded by bookcases makes a practical yet appealing feature wall.