Designing your walls offers numerous opportunities to add style and personality to your room. In this article, explore how you can bring new life to different spaces through wall design.
Skillful wall design can completely transform a room. There are many ways to bring your walls to life, from bold colors and innovative materials to creative projects.
Whether you want to revamp your living room, bedroom, or children’s room, upgrade to a seamless bathroom, or create a cohesive concept for all four walls, this article provides practical advice and tips for an eye-catching room transformation.
Contemporary wall design emphasizes individuality and creative ideas. From trendy wall colors to textured wall coverings, there are numerous ways to enhance your walls. Popular trending colors like the warm “Peach Fuzz” (Pantone’s color of the year 2024) and strong accent colors like “Viva Magenta” (Pantone color of the year 2023) can create a fresh and lively accent in any room.
This color selection, when combined with matching accessories and decorative elements, creates a harmonious overall picture that makes the room look refreshing and inviting. However, it’s important to consider the influence of color on the perception of space and mood. Contemporary wall design also involves combining eco-friendly materials and multifunctional elements, reflecting the latest trends and decorative ideas while focusing on personal taste.
When it comes to creative wall design, the possibilities are endless. From DIY projects to professional designs, your imagination is the limit. Utilize wall paint, wallpaper, and textiles to add color and a personal touch to your room. Incorporate a gallery wall or wall art to create a focal point, and experiment with different materials such as wood, metal, or paper to create intriguing textures.
You can also breathe new life into bare walls with wall decals and photo wallpapers. The most inspiring ideas often stem from creatively combining different elements to decorate your walls. Keep in mind to maintain a coherent theme while allowing your creativity to flourish.
Choosing the right wall color is essential in interior design. Trendy colors such as “Peach Fuzz” and “Viva Magenta” can bring freshness and dynamism to your room. Depending on the desired mood in the room, consider using muted, pastel, or earthy colors.
Patterned wallpaper or photo wallpaper offers a myriad of designs to personalize your walls. Additionally, traditional wallpaper with floral or geometric patterns remains popular. Textiles like rugs or curtains in various colors and patterns can also create a cozy atmosphere, while white walls can be accentuated with colorful accessories.
Incorporating wall decoration elements such as shelves, wall clocks, and 3D panels adds both practicality and aesthetic appeal. Wood or metal wall panels add depth and structure to the overall design, and shelves provide additional storage space while serving as a platform for decorations. Wall clocks, aside from being functional, can also capture attention, and 3D panels contribute to an interesting visual effect, lending a modern touch to the room.
These elements can visually expand small spaces. Opt for a variety of designs and materials to personalize your walls while considering the functional aspects.
Creating gallery walls and using mirrors are effective ways to infuse personality and style into your wall design. A gallery wall featuring diverse photo frames and art prints can establish a unique aesthetic, and using different frames and formats creates a dynamic and varied composition. The Petersburg hanging, where images in different formats are applied to a large area, has gained popularity in recent years.
Mirrors, especially wall mirrors, can visually enlarge a room and reflect light. Position them strategically to maximize light sources and brighten dark corners. Organic-shaped mirrors are particularly popular today.
Wood and plaster panels bring elegance and character to your walls. Wood panels or natural wall coverings add warmth and comfort, perfect for living room walls to create an inviting atmosphere. Stucco elements such as moldings and rosettes add classic accents and can be incorporated in both traditional and modern interior styles, elevating your interior design and creating a stylish atmosphere.
Filler walls and concrete-look walls
Filler walls and concrete-look walls are extremely popular in contemporary wall designs and also add a timeless appeal. The concrete appearance lends the room an urban and industrial aesthetic that works well in modern and minimalist interior styles. Like other filling methods, it allows for the creation of unique surface textures and structures that give each wall a distinctive character.
This technique is excellent for accent walls and can be paired with colored walls and accessories to produce captivating contrasts. However, the entire room gains an extra touch of sophistication due to this special wall surface.
Durable and easy-to-maintain high-quality filler materials and concrete-like coatings make them perfect for high-traffic areas. With filler walls and concrete looks, you can rejuvenate your walls and craft your own wall design.
Successful wall design – what to consider?
Effective wall design demands meticulous planning and creativity. Consider the impact of color and select appropriate wall colors to establish the desired ambiance. Take into account the size and function of the room when choosing the right wall decor elements.
Creative wall design hinges on the fusion of varied materials, colors, and textures. Utilize wallpaper, paint, murals, and decorative items to impart personality to your room. Experiment with different styles and techniques to bring your most beautiful ideas to life and find the optimum way to showcase your space.
Living room wall design
The living room often serves as the focal point of the home, and wall design plays a crucial role. Trendy colors and creative wall design concepts can transform your living room walls into attention-grabbing focal points. Utilize bold colors and captivating wallpaper patterns to enhance the space. Wall shelves and picture frames provide additional storage and decorative options.
Smaller rooms especially benefit from light hues and mirrors, which visually expand the space. Nonetheless, dark accents are also acceptable. When designing the walls in your living room, blend different styles and elements to create a balanced and inviting atmosphere.
Selecting the right colors and decor transforms your living room into a space where you and your guests feel comfortable and content.
Walls in children’s rooms – how to make them child-friendly?
In designing the walls of a child’s room, the emphasis lies on fun and functionality. Choose wall colors that are both appealing and calming. Creative concepts such as murals, photo wallpapers, and wall decals infuse life and joy into the room. Ensure the decorations are child-friendly and safe.
Color accents and themed design elements can stimulate the imagination and cultivate an inspiring environment. Vibrant walls and colorful accessories foster a cheerful atmosphere. Design the walls of your child’s room to encourage play and relaxation.
Bedroom wall design
The wall design in the bedroom should evoke a serene and relaxing ambiance. Opt for calming colors such as blue, green, earth tones, or pastels. Creative wall design ideas such as the spatula technique or wallpaper with subtle patterns impart a personal touch to the room.
Leverage wall art and mirrors to visually expand the space and reflect light. Decorative elements like rugs provide added comfort.
The right wall color and thoughtful decor aid in turning your bedroom into a sanctuary of relaxation and well-being.
Wall design in other rooms – be it basement, hallway, or bathroom
Basements, hallways, and bathrooms present great opportunities for creative wall design and should not be overlooked. These rooms can greatly benefit from carefully chosen wall colors, wallpapers, and materials.
In the hallway, light colors and mirrors create a more expansive and inviting space. White walls paired with colorful accents and artwork also create a cohesive overall picture. In the basement, vibrant hues and durable materials for wall panels and coverings foster a cozy atmosphere.
Bathrooms benefit from waterproof wallpapers and tiles featuring various finishes. Seamless bathrooms, in particular, have become a popular choice in recent years. Premium wall coverings like the doppo Ambiente Pro+ offer a myriad of designs and are also suitable for wet areas. Together with seamless floors, they yield a seamless look and simplify cleaning.
Seamless wall and floor designs
Numerous designers offer high-quality seamless wall and floor coverings that are ideal for modern and stylish interior designs. With products like the doppo Ambiente series, walls and floors can be seamlessly designed, creating a consistent and harmonious appearance.
This seamless design is not only visually appealing but also practical and easy to maintain, as it prevents dirt and moisture from permeating. This attribute is particularly advantageous in bathrooms and high-traffic areas.
Mineral wall and floor coverings come in various colors and textures and are installed professionally by our partner companies to fit any lifestyle. You can style your home with modern and elegant products in new constructions or during a redesign or renovation.
Frequently asked questions
What wall designs are considered modern?
Modern wall designs include various techniques and materials that are unique and contemporary. Current trends feature daring wall colors like “Viva Magenta” and “Peach Fuzz” used for accent walls. Concrete looks, plastered walls, and 3D wall panels are also popular as they add texture and depth to a room. Eco-friendly materials and versatile wall solutions complement modern wall designs.
When is wallpapering not recommended?
Wallpapering is not recommended when the walls are damp or damaged, as this can affect the wallpaper’s adhesion and lead to mold growth. It is also not ideal for uneven or heavily textured walls as the wallpaper cannot be applied evenly.
How to enhance your walls?
You can enhance your walls using various techniques and materials. Paint the walls with an interesting color or use patterned wallpaper for an intriguing design. Add wall decorations such as picture frames, wall art, and mirrors to create visual interest. DIY projects such as self-painted murals or wall decals add a personal touch. Wood veneers, concrete looks, and plastered walls add unique texture and depth.
What types of wall coverings are available?
Various wall coverings are available to suit different styles and needs, including colors for easy wall design changes, wallpaper in various patterns and textures, wall coverings made of stone, wood, or other materials to create a rustic or luxurious look, tiles popular in bathrooms and kitchens, wall panels made of wood, plastic, or metal, and concrete looks for a modern industrial look, and spatula walls for a luxurious look, texture, and customization.
Modern wall design – top 2024 trends
Individualism is key when it comes to wall design in 2024. Current trends offer something for every style, from creating a cozy retreat in the bedroom to transforming the living room into a modern showroom.
The design of our walls greatly influences how we feel in a room. In 2024, creativity and individuality are emphasized, especially in modern wall design. Inspired by the latest trends, you can set unique accents with color, pattern, and materials.
Show your colors – trending wall colors for 2024
Warm, earthy colors and soft pastel colors will take center stage in wall design in 2024. Warm gold, for example, is very popular, conveying optimism and comfort through its natural charm. It is perfect for living rooms and bedrooms, creating an inviting and calming atmosphere.
Another trend is light peach, symbolizing softness and togetherness, offering a fresh approach to modern living spaces and pairing beautifully with natural materials like wood and marble.
Bold colors also have a place in the 2024 trend palette. Rich pink-reds and playful lavenders represent boldness and creativity, ideal for accent wall designs in living rooms to make a statement.
Neutrals like soft beiges or warm earthy browns also remain popular, creating a calming and inviting base that pairs well with bolder colors. These neutrals are versatile and can be used in almost any room to create a harmonious and balanced atmosphere, providing a slight departure from classic white walls.
The effect of color
Color affects our perception, feelings, and behavior. Warm colors like red and orange can convey energy and warmth, ideal for social spaces such as living rooms and kitchens. These colors stimulate the appetite and enhance communication. Red can also convey passion and intensity, while orange is often associated with joy and creativity.
Cool colors like blue and green have a calming and relaxing effect, often used in bedrooms and bathrooms. Blue can lower blood pressure and create a calm and peaceful atmosphere ideal for rest and sleep. Green, the color of nature, promotes feelings of calm and well-being and can reduce stress.
Soft and natural tones like cream, grey, and white establish a clean and balanced foundation that easily complements other colors. These colors create a soothing backdrop and allow other design elements in the room to stand out. White symbolizes purity and simplicity, grey represents sophistication and impartiality, and cream signifies warmth and security.
Gentle hues such as peach, lavender, and mint have a calming and soothing quality and are perfect for children’s rooms and creative spaces. They foster a cheerful and inspiring atmosphere that encourages creativity while maintaining a peaceful ambiance.
Artwork, mirrors, and tiles – among other wall decorations
Decorative wall pieces in the living area are an excellent way to infuse character and charm into a space. Artwork serves as visual focal points and can showcase art and cherished memories.
Mirrors visually expand a room and reflect light, making them especially beneficial in small or dimly lit areas. Organic-shaped mirrors are currently in vogue. Their curved, irregular forms lend a natural, relaxed ambiance to a space and break up the often linear architecture of modern living rooms.
Tiles, particularly those with captivating patterns and textures, add depth and structure to wall designs. These elements can be used in living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms to infuse the space with vitality and individuality.
The current trend involves creatively combining wall decorations to achieve dynamic and compelling spatial effects. Whether they are individual accents or entire wall installations, wall pieces present numerous opportunities to express your personality and unique style in space design.
The resurgence of wall plates
Wall plates have made a surprising comeback and are a fashionable decorative element in contemporary living spaces. Originally associated with traditional homes, wall plates now bring a blend of nostalgia and modern style to wall designs. Contemporary interpretations encompass a range of designs, from minimalistic patterns to vibrant and intricate ones.
Wall plates can be arranged individually as a focal point or in clusters to create an artistic wall arrangement. They seamlessly complement various interior styles and can be incorporated into living rooms, bedrooms, or even kitchens. Handcrafted pieces that stand out for their individuality and attention to detail are highly sought after.
The use of wall plates adds a personal touch to a room and fosters a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Not only do they serve a decorative function, they also convey a narrative and reflect the unique tastes of the inhabitants. With their resurgence, wall plates demonstrate that traditional decorative elements can be seamlessly integrated into modern living concepts.
Showpiece or St. Petersburg hanging: wall art
Artwork is a versatile and popular way to adorn walls and personalize a space. An exceptional piece of art is often chosen to attract attention and dominate a room. Such pieces can instantly captivate and provide a bold accent due to their size, color, or motif.
St. Petersburg hanging, also known as salon hanging, is a traditional approach in which numerous pieces of artwork are displayed closely together and often extend up to the ceiling. This style of hanging creates an impressive, almost museum-like effect and allows for the display of various artworks and mementos at the same time. This results in a dynamic and vibrant wall design that lends depth to the room.
While the showpiece stands out due to its individual placement, the St. Petersburg hanging creates a versatile and intricate gallery that can be constantly expanded and reorganized. Whether displayed individually or in groups, the artwork imparts a personal touch to each room and tells a story that goes beyond mere decoration.
Wallpaper with patterns and motifs
The wallpaper trends of 2024 breathe new life into wall design and offer a wide array of designs and styles that can enhance any room. The predominant trend features abstract-patterned wallpapers in warm hues, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. This design seamlessly complements rustic or modern decor styles and adds a harmonious touch to the ambiance.
Another popular style showcases floral motifs that bring a calming and rejuvenating effect with natural elements such as flowers, leaves, and trees. These wallpapers are well-suited for living rooms and bedrooms as they establish a connection with nature and impart a sense of vitality to the room.
Graphic patterns and geometric shapes are also in vogue. They infuse dynamism and structure into wall design and are ideal for minimalist and modern interior styles. These wallpapers can be understated or attention-grabbing, depending on the desired effect.
Vintage and retro wallpapers are also in the spotlight, evoking the past with classical patterns and nostalgic colors. These designs can infuse a special warmth and security into a room and are ideal for eclectic and individualistic lifestyles.
Wall decals
In 2024, wall decals have become a popular and versatile way to decorate walls, providing a quick and simple method to enhance a space. They offer a wide range of designs, including floral patterns and geometric shapes, allowing for easy adaptation to different room themes.
Personalized wall decals, featuring names or special data, are in high demand for adding a personalized touch to a room. They are especially popular in children’s rooms, offering cute and imaginative designs that bring vibrancy and cheerfulness to the space.
Another trend is the use of metallic and shimmering effects in wall decals, adding a touch of elegance and luxury to a room. These designs are well-suited for modern living spaces and can serve as focal points on accent walls.
Sustainable and eco-friendly wall decals are increasingly sought after, with many manufacturers opting for materials that are free from harmful substances and can be recycled, reducing the environmental impact.
Wall decals are not only decorative but also practical, as they are easy to install and remove, making them ideal for rental properties. They allow for effortless creation of a new, flexible, and customizable look.
For those seeking creative and tailored solutions, numerous shops and companies offer a wide selection of versatile and high-quality products.
The doppo Ambiente series offers various design options to create different surface structures and properties, allowing for the realization of rustic, natural, and elegant designs.
The filler can be applied and processed in multiple layers and enhanced with color and texture elements to achieve a deep three-dimensional effect. This technique yields surfaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable and easy to maintain.
Seamless floors and walls create a harmonious and uniform room concept that exudes a modern and elegant look. Designers and interior design companies offer innovative solutions for seamlessly connecting wall and floor surfaces to achieve a cohesive design.
The doppo Ambiente series and similar products provide a variety of options for achieving this seamless design. Mineral fillers and floor coverings are ideal for creating unique and long-lasting surfaces suitable for various spaces, from living rooms and bathrooms to commercial establishments.
A seamless bathroom, designed with these products, offers a luxurious and hygienic atmosphere, making cleaning easier and significantly improving aesthetics. The consistent design also fosters a calm and cohesive ambiance in living rooms and bedrooms, or allows for intentional contrasts and accents to showcase colors and surfaces in a different way.
Wall and floor solutions also offer customizable colors and textures, providing surfaces with distinctive characters that add a unique and personal touch to a room when professionally installed by partner companies.
The combination of quality, functionality, and design makes these products the ideal choice for anyone who values an attractive, coherent, and modern interior design.
Best Living Room Wall Design Ideas
Popular living room wall designs include wallpaper, appealing wall colors, and wall decals. However, there are additional methods to add character to living room walls and create a cozy ambiance. You can find suitable ideas for every preference here.
Living Room Wall Design: Wall Color as the Foundation
Earth tones and natural colors, such as beige, sand, brown, green, ochre, orange, yellow, as well as various shades of blue, purple, and magenta, are the prevailing color trends for living room wall design. All these colors are suitable choices because creativity in color selection is encouraged in living rooms. When using a strong wall color, it is ideal to limit it to one or a maximum of three walls adjacent or opposite to the window to create a cozy accent. The remaining walls should have lighter and more neutral colors, ideally matching the wall decor or room accessories.
Are you interested in blending multiple wall colors on the living room wall? For instance, purple and magenta complement each other well. Pink, gray, and blue also harmonize with each other. Alternatively, you can decorate the living room wall with colors that naturally complement each other, such as green, yellow, and orange. Or blue, white, and yellow. Another unbeatable combination is brown, green, and blue.
When it comes to living room wall decor, wallpaper is a popular choice for creating an accent wall. There is a wide variety of colors, patterns, and decorations available for every taste and need, starting with different materials such as paper, vinyl, felt, metal, fleece, leather, or velvet, each providing its own unique accent and ambiance in the room. If you have pets or small children, washable wallpaper can be a practical option.
Patterned wallpaper is a trend in wall decoration, each piece being unique and distinct. Whether it’s monochrome with a textured effect, floral designs for an English country house feel, large and graphic patterns, geometric figures, greenery and foliage for a forest look, sparkling fantasy, or personalized photo wallpapers. When using patterned wallpaper in the living room, it’s important to limit the decoration to one wall or part of it, so as to achieve the desired effect without overloading the room. Living rooms with all four walls designed with patterned wallpaper tend to appear smaller and narrower than they actually are and can lead to sensory overload.
If your living room tends to get too noisy, felt wallpaper can help to absorb some of the sound. Felt wallpaper not only creates a visually appealing and natural wall design but also seems to reduce the noise level in the room.
When applying wallpaper to the living room walls, it’s important to carefully plan where each wallpaper strip will go to achieve the desired pattern or photo. The manufacturer usually provides detailed instructions that should be followed. For non-woven wallpaper, it’s necessary to first assess the absorbency of the surface and, if needed, carry out any preparatory treatment.
Many people appreciate the use of a stone look as a wall design element in the living room due to its ability to create a rustic or modern, yet natural aesthetic, depending on the type and size of the stone itself.
Stone walls can blend well with both industrial style interiors and rustic alpine cottages, as they are often found in loft apartments and mountain homes. In most other living spaces, stone-look walls should be added later. This type of wall design can visually separate or frame one part of the room from another. It’s important to maintain a light appearance with the stone look, achieved by painting the stone white or light gray.
It’s possible to create a stone look on the living room wall not only with real stone but also with patterned wallpaper or wall panels designed accordingly.
For many individuals, the idea of concrete as a comfortable wall design may seem exclusive. However, concrete can achieve remarkable design effects on living room walls when combined correctly. It pairs best with light woods, rattan, and trendy bright colors.
When using concrete in wall design, a decision has to be made between leaving the raw construction concrete visible and durable or applying a different form of concrete on the living room wall. This can be done with exposed concrete, concrete panels, or even with wallpaper that resembles a concrete wall.
Living rooms with concrete walls tend to follow a modern furniture style and lean towards an industrial rather than a country house style. Concrete walls, whether natural or designed with wallpaper, can either be left rough and gray to exude a cool calmness, or softened with metallic accents, artwork, or decorations made with dried flowers and straw objects.
Living Room Wall Design: Utilizing Wall Panels for Comfort
Wall panels, which can be made of glass, plastic, metal, or wood, are affixed to the wall and can be discontinuous, allowing for gaps between elements. This makes them suitable for recycling projects, such as repurposing wooden slats, laminate pieces, chipboard, or old solid wood cabinet doors.
Opting for a continuous wall panel in the living room can provide a mounting surface for the television, visually separating the TV area from the rest of the living room. Additionally, a rotating wall panel with a decorated back can serve as a room divider or display patterned wallpaper or a painting.
If the aim is to introduce a rustic element, the entire living room wall can be designed with a wall panel to which pictures, flowers, or other decorations can be attached. In this case, it’s important to ensure that the living room furniture is light and bright to avoid a gloomy effect from the wooden panel.
Living Room Wall Design: Modern Wall Tattoos for Stylish Replacements
Beyond quotes and sayings, modern wall tattoos offer a plethora of design possibilities, not only in the living room. They have evolved not only in terms of adhesive material, but also in terms of design, offering individual and stylish options that are easy to remove. To create an accent wall in the living room, one large wall sticker or several small ones are required.
The advantages of this type of wall design are clear: wall stickers can be easily changed to suit the season or personal preference and can even be enlarged. A picture frame without glass and back can also be used to display a wall tattoo differently or incorporate it into a wall picture. This type of wall design is ideal for individuals who seek frequent changes in their living room walls.
Living Room Wall Design: Setting Accents with Lighting
Incorporating lamps, sconces, or hanging candleholders into living room walls not only creates a cozy atmosphere but also serves a practical purpose. This approach can help save floor space in smaller living rooms while effectively illuminating every corner. In larger living rooms, wall lamps can provide lighting and accents in designated areas, such as the reading nook. When choosing lighting, it’s essential to ensure that the fixtures complement the style and color of other furniture while creating an interesting effect. By incorporating color and light, a successful wall accent can be achieved.
Living Room Wall Design: Antiquing with Wall Pictures and Frames
For those who prefer not to have colorfully painted walls in their living room or wish to make a changeable statement on an accent wall, classic wall pictures and picture frames offer an alternative. One method involves using a picture border to display works standing, while another approach utilizes a gallery rail for hanging multiple pieces of art. Both systems allow for quick swapping of displayed art to suit the season or mood.
Artworks like pictures, posters, prints, and other works of art can be used to decorate the living room wall without the need for additional strips or making holes in the wall. The frames of the artwork should complement each other in color and match the room, and the arrangement of the hanging shapes should be tested by placing them on the floor first. There are various methods to hang pictures such as Petersburg hanging, box hanging, edge hanging, row hanging, block hanging, and the so-called hanging inside the line.
A timeless wall design for the living room that suits any era includes a large mural above the sofa or fireplace. A visually striking framed picture can be placed in the center above the sofa or fireplace, displaying something meaningful to you. A collage or series of two or more coordinating works is also an option.
Alternatively, an intriguing section of patterned wallpaper can be showcased using a frame attached to the wallpaper without a back wall or glass, for instance, with mounting tape. For those who prefer not to paint or hang a photo themselves, a trendy moss picture can bring a touch of nature to the living room. Another minimalistic living room wall design involves a picture frame without a painting or photo, placed on the wall in a seemingly random and slightly overlapping manner.
Living room wall design: Wall plates on the back
Wall plates, also known as collection plates, depict scenes like animals, forest scenes, cityscapes, or simple still lifes and have been used as decorations for walls in hallways or kitchens. While family heirlooms can also be hung in the living room, contemporary wall plates are available. Creative individuals can create their own wall plates, for example, using cold porcelain.
The key rule for this type of wall design in the living room is that the color of the wall behind the wall plate should be bright and should complement the porcelain. For instance, a classic white and blue wall plate with cityscapes from various European metropolises looks best on a blue wall. Forest landscapes are well-suited for green or golden brown walls.
Additionally, tapestries, a classic wall decoration, are currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Modern hanging tapestries, including homemade ones, have become a part of the living room wall decor, alongside pictures, wall plates, and family photos, and can complement various interior design styles, including Hygge, Moroccan, and boho, based on their shape, decoration, and color.