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Board & Batten, Wainscoting and Feature Walls

May 2nd, 2024

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Transforming your home often involves creative touches that go beyond traditional paint and wallpaper. Feature walls, such as board and batten, wainscoting, or other unique designs, can add character, depth, and visual interest to your living spaces. Let’s check the main reasons why you should consider incorporating these stylish features into your home.

Architectural Interest:

Feature walls bring a touch of architectural interest to any room. Board and batten, for example, create a classic and timeless look with its vertical wooden panels. Wainscoting, on the other hand, can add a sense of refinement and elegance to spaces, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of your home.

Textural Variety:

Introducing different textures can elevate the design of your home. Feature walls provide an opportunity to play with textures and materials, adding depth and dimension. Whether it’s the smooth finish of wainscoting, the rustic charm of board and batten, or other creative treatments, textures contribute to a visually dynamic environment.

Defined Spaces:

Feature walls can be strategically used to define and separate spaces within an open floor plan. By applying these design elements to specific walls, you can create visual boundaries between areas such as the dining room, living room, or hallway, adding structure to your home’s layout.

Versatility in Design:

The versatility of feature walls allows you to explore various design possibilities. Whether you prefer a traditional, farmhouse, modern, or eclectic style, board and batten, wainscoting, and other features can be adapted to suit your design preferences, making them a versatile and timeless addition to any home.

Accentuating Height or Width:

Depending on the layout of your space, feature walls can be used to accentuate height or width. Vertical board and batten panels, for instance, draw the eye upward, creating the illusion of higher ceilings. Horizontal wainscoting can visually expand the width of a room, making it feel more spacious.

Practical Protection:

Beyond aesthetics, feature walls can serve practical purposes. Wainscoting, for example, can protect walls from scuffs and dings, especially in high-traffic areas. Board and batten can also add a layer of durability to walls while still serving as a visually appealing design element.

DIY Friendly:

Many feature wall designs, including board and batten and wainscoting, are well-suited for DIY projects. This makes them an accessible and cost-effective way to update your home without the need for extensive renovations. A weekend project can result in a significant transformation.

Increased Property Value:

Thoughtfully designed and well-executed feature walls can contribute to the overall appeal and market value of your home. Potential buyers often appreciate unique architectural details, making your property stand out in the real estate market.

Getting Started

Inspiration Gathering: Check out the videos below, Browse home design magazines, websites, and social media platforms to gather inspiration for your feature wall. Identify the style and design that resonate with your preferences and the overall theme of your home.
Choose the Right Style: Consider the existing decor and architecture of your home when selecting a feature wall style. Whether it’s the clean lines of board and batten or the sophisticated look of wainscoting, choose a style that complements your home’s aesthetic.
Materials and Finishes: Select materials and finishes that align with your design vision. From traditional wood to modern paint colors, the choice of materials can impact the overall feel of the feature wall. Experiment with samples to find the perfect combination for your space.
DIY or Professional Installation: Assess your skill level and the complexity of the project to determine whether it’s suitable for a DIY approach or if professional installation is warranted. Many feature wall designs are beginner-friendly, but some may require the expertise of a skilled craftsman.

Feature walls, whether created with board and batten, wainscoting, or other design elements, offer a myriad of benefits that extend beyond aesthetics. Elevate your home with these visually striking features, adding character, texture, and architectural interest to create spaces that are both stylish and functional. Let your creativity flow, and watch as your home transforms into a unique and inviting haven.

Bedroom, Living room, staircase or any other place in your home. See here how to create your own Board & Batten, Wainscoting or raised panel wall.