Creating a modern yet timeless feature wall that leaves a lasting impression in your home can be a daunting and unfamiliar task. Whether the aim is to inject playful colour into a child’s bedroom or add a touch of sophistication to a kitchen, a textured feature wall is guaranteed to bring the ‘wow’ factor into any living space.
Accent walls have long been an affordable way to give a space a facelift, however I see that these are evolving with trends. Rather than simply select a colour that appeals and choose a wall to paint, I like to assess why I am including this in a design. For example, it could be that a wall of kitchen cupboards in an accent colour or even in timber could provide the interest that is appealing in a space. Or you could introduce a beautiful stone into a fireplace design to provide an accent wall of colour and texture.
As great as these examples are, they require planning and a large degree of expense. A quick way to introduce some colour and texture is to explore the range of Dulux Design Effects. This range offers beautifully textured specialty paints that mimic the effects of otherwise expensive materials, making it easy to achieve a modern, contemporary room transformation that is bound to impress. The best part too is that this is a project that can be achieved in a weekend.
The paints used above are Dulux Stone Effect in Dreamstone White and Dulux Suede Effect in Dark Sphinx.
How to include Dulux Design Effects
Dulux Colour Expert Andrea Lucena-Orr says when it comes to creating a feature wall, you must work it so it harmonises with your existing colour scheme, furniture, and accessories. “Consider the kitchen, for example; Dulux Design Stainless Steel Effect used on cabinetry will complement an already industrial-looking space, whereas the Dulux Design Suede Effect is more suited to creating a luxurious and moody feel – perfect for a formal living or dining room. “Other popular design trends we are seeing include concrete and metallic accents. Dulux Design Concrete Effect in Pale Elements in a casual living area or hallway entrance pairs beautifully with raw materials, such as timber, linen, wool, stone and leather; and Dulux Design Metallic Effect can be created as a contemporary backdrop for artwork.
The paint above is Dulux Metal Shimmer in Star Masquerade.
Whatever space you’re looking to enhance, it’s important to consider how exposed the room is to natural light as this will affect the textural features and impact of the accent wall, says Andrea Lucena-Orr. “If the
Dulux Design Glitter Effect is your desirable effect, choose a room with an abundance of light – both natural and artificial – so you enjoy the most benefits from the luminescence,” she says. “To optimise a feature wall’s impact on a space, colour consideration goes hand-in-hand with lighting. Like standard paint, always ensure you do a sample patch on large cardboard to see how it works alongside your fixtures, furniture and accessories before making the full commitment.”
The paints in the image above are Dulux Wash&Wear Namadji with Dulux Design Glitter Effects in Rose Gold
Painting an accent wall using the Dulux Design Effect range is a simple and cost-effective project. To create textural interest on a feature wall, follow the design tips below to give your space a signature touch.
Suede Effects
Paint used: Dulux Design Effects Suede in Fossil Beige
- Follow the preparation steps on the back of the can and gather your painting supplies – Dulux Design Suede Effect in colour(s) of choice, wide brush, 100mm synthetic brush for cutting in, medium nap roller and tray, paint stirrer, drop sheet and painters tape.
- Firstly, brush around the edges of the wall or area you are painting. Then apply the first base coat with a brush or roller and allow to try for four hours.
- Once dry, work in small sections to apply the second coat with a roller. The final coat must be applied with a wide brush.
- While the last coat of paint is still wet, apply a texture using a wide brush in a random brush stroke action to achieve the Suede Effect.
Designer Tip: To keep your walls looking as good as new, especially in high traffic areas, apply Dulux Clear Top Coat to finish
Concrete Effects
Paint used: Dulux Design Concrete Effect in Onyx Edge
- Gather your painting supplies – Dulux Design Concrete Effect in your chosen colour(s), drop sheet, 100mm synthetic brush for cutting in, long nap synthetic roller and tray, paint stirrer and tape, steel trowel and 600 grit sandpaper.
- Ensure your surface has been properly prepared prior to painting. Follow the label on the can for more information.
- Using a long nap roller to apply Dulux Design Concrete Effect to the wall, begin painting by working in small sections.
- Then, smooth the surface with a steel trowel with broad, sweeping strokes, holding the trowel at a 60-80 degree angle. Apply two more coats using the same process.
- For the final step, use sandpaper to lightly polish the surface in a circular motion. Use the edge of the trowel to further polish the surface and be careful not to gouge the surface.
Designer tip – For a more textured effect, don't completely smooth the surface – leave imperfections.
Stainless Steel, Gold and Metallic Effects
Paint used: Dulux Design Gold Effect in Gold Vintage.
- Follow the preparation steps on the back of the can of Dulux Design Stainless Steel, Metallic or Gold Effect and gather your painting supplies – drop sheet, 100mm synthetic brush for cutting in, short/medium nap synthetic roller and tray, paint stirrer and tape.
- Ensure your surface has been properly prepared.
- Cut in, and then, apply the first base coat with the roller using light, even pressure.
- Allow three hours between your first and second coat. Then, working in small sections, apply the second coat with the roller and repeat for a third time.
- For the final touch, apply a texture while the paint is still wet. Using a wide brush, dry roller or muslin, drag the paint in a random, overlapping pattern.
- For a brushed finish, lay off lightly with a brush. In high traffic areas, application of Dulux Clear Top Coat is recommended.
Designer Tip: When painting, resist the temptation to touch up as you go as it will ruin the effect.
Design Glitter Effects
Paint used: Dulux Design Glitter Effect in Silver
- Collect your painting supplies – Dulux Design Glitter Effect in your colour(s) of choice, high density foam roller and quality synthetic brush, paint stirrer and drop sheet, painter’s tape, and newspaper.
- Prior to painting your first coat using Dulux Wash&Wear in matt, ensure your surface is clear, dry and free from dust, oils and grease.
- Apply your chosen Dulux Wash&Wear colour to the wall, this is the colour that will sit underneath the Glitter Effect.
- Stir Dulux Design Glitter Effect paint thoroughly before use to ensure even distribution of glitter particles.
- Brush the product in a random crisscross fashion for even distribution, and for large areas, use a high-density foam roller and apply in a random motion.
- Ensure multiple overlaps for both brush and roller application.
- Once the first coat is dry, repeat and apply the second coat. Allow for four hours to dry between coats.
Designer tip: Practice the technique before applying to your chosen areas.
More information, including video tutorials, can be found at Dulux Australia
If you are considering a quick update with Dulux Design Effects paints you should start by putting together a mood board to get all of your ideas together. I have a FREE e-book in my Free Resources Library to show you how to put together a designer mood board.
