Contemporary wall features for the kitchen

The right contemporary walls can be a perfect design complement in a kitchen renovation. To make a feature wall work in your kitchen, several points need to be considered, including colour and material.

Decide which kitchen wall to feature

A feature wall is usually the most dominating wall - the first one you see in the space. But people don't always agree on which wall has the maximum impact, and every room is different. For example, if you have a long, narrow space, choosing the longest wall as a feature will make the space feel even longer.  

Boost your confidence with colour

There's no guarantee that a feature wall will work in your kitchen, but if you can trust in a professional's instinct and experience, success is likely. If you're afraid of using colour, natural textures and tones can be grouped instead. This has the same effect as a single bold colour and is often more interesting.

Integrate the feature-wall colour with your home

Unless you intend to make the kitchen a focal point by using a particular colour, it's wise to tie in a feature wall with other hues in your home. A good designer will integrate the colour scheme. If your kitchen adjoins another room, a colour consultant is best qualified to provide an overall scheme for your home.

Decide on the feature-wall colour

Some designers recommend introducing many different textures and tones within two colours. Vertical surfaces can also be in one colour, with horizontal surfaces in another. Think about what you want from the space and the aesthetic you're after. For example, a contemporary kitchen might lend itself to colour, while a traditional kitchen might invite the use of more natural tones and textures.

Be open to using different materials

Paint, wallpaper, fabric, natural timbers and laminates can all be used. Keep in mind that specific heat clearances apply for wallpaper behind cooktops. New acrylic materials that look like glass splashbacks will give a reflective nature to the wall. Wall panelling in glass, timber or fabric is becoming a popular way to maintain colour consistency. 

Be clear about what you want to achieve

Do you want to make a statement or simply add warmth? Generally, the more intense the colour on less surface area, the more impact it will have. So, the bigger the feature wall, the more neutral people tend to go. Colour can be used to highlight the architecture, add interest or lend warmth to a kitchen with little natural light.

Contact an interior designer in your area to find the right contemporary wall feature for your kitchen: