I've got to admit, I do love a feature wall! And the kitchen in particular, is a space that can be completely transformed using this method of wall decor.
As a homeowner myself, passionate about interior design, I'm always on the lookout for ways to elevate the heart of my home. That's why I'm excited to share with you some of my favourite kitchen feature wall ideas that have captured my attention.
Horizontal Natural Wood Wall Panelling
Image credit: streeteasy.com
This horizontal natural wood wall panelling adds a beautiful warmth, texture, and a rustic yet modern aesthetic to this dining area design. It serves as a beautiful focal point, creating a cosy and inviting ambience. The rich tones and varying shades of wood grain also introduce depth and visual interest to the space.
Additionally, the wooden panelling perfectly complements the sleek dining set and creates a balanced, harmonious environment that blends contemporary and organic styles seamlessly.
Brick Slips Feature Kitchen Wall
Image credit: brickslips.co.uk
When it comes to kitchen remodeling projects, using brick slips or thin brick veneers for the kitchen wall offers several benefits over a full-depth exposed brick wall. Brick slips are lightweight, easier to install, and more cost-effective. They provide the desired rustic, textural appeal without the structural complications of a load-bearing brick wall. Brick slips are also low-maintenance, durable, and can withstand moisture better than traditional bricks, making them ideal for kitchen environments. Additionally, they allow for better insulation and temperature control.
Brick slips such as these strike a perfect balance between aesthetic appeal and practical functionality, making them an excellent choice for your kitchen design.
Custom Geometric Wood Slat Feature Wall
Image credit: oliveandjunehome.com
The creative design of this geometric wood slat feature wall adds a visually striking aesthetic to this kitchen diner space. The linear patterns created by the angled wood slats introduce depth, texture, and a dynamic visual interest to the wall surface.
This unique feature wall draws the eye, creating a sense of movement within the room. The teal of the wood slats beautifully complements the minty green cabinetry, resulting in a coordinated and inviting space. For me, this geometric wood accent wall enhances the room's character, adding a touch of modern flair while also blending with the farmhouse-inspired decor style.
Coloured Micro-Cement Kitchen Feature Wall
Image credit: signature-walls.co.uk
A coloured micro-cement feature wall, such as the one shown, offers several advantages over a standard paint finish. Micro-cement is a highly durable and seamless material, providing a modern, industrial aesthetic with its textured, concrete-like appearance.
Unlike paint, it is resistant to moisture, stains, and scratches, making it ideal for high-use areas like the kitchen. The micro-cement not only offers a modern unique finish, but is also low-maintenance and easy to clean, ensuring a long-lasting and practical solution for your kitchen design.
With its versatility in colour options and ability to complement various interior design styles, a micro-cement feature wall is a great option for your kitchen decor.
Stone Slip Feature Kitchen Wall
Image credit: andorwillow.com
As with any slips or veneers, stone slips provide the natural beauty and texture of real stone while being lighter, easier to install, and more cost-effective than the full-thickness alternative. They are durable, low-maintenance, and resistant to moisture and stains, making them ideal for kitchen environments.
The stone slip feature wall in the kitchen example above adds depth, texture, and a rustic yet sophisticated aesthetic to the space. It also complements various kitchen styles and can be paired with different countertop materials and cabinet finishes.
Dark Wood Vertical Slat Kitchen Feature Wall
Image credit: p-j-production.com
Creating a kitchen feature wall using dark wood slats not only adds sophistication and drama to the space, but instantly elevates its aesthetic appeal. The rich tone of the dark wood exudes elegance and offers a sleek finish to the wall surface, perfect for both modern and traditional kitchen designs.
The vertical orientation of the slats draws the eye upward, making the room feel more spacious and inviting. In addition, dark wood is highly versatile, complementing a wide range of colour palettes and decor styles.
Finally, adding the same slatted finish to the kitchen island has elevated the design of this space to another level and offers a striking modern finish.
Kitchen Feature Panel Wallpaper
Image credit: foter.com
Consider creating a kitchen feature panel like the example shown, where the interior designer has used a bright watercolour-effect wallpaper with a wash of flower detailing, for an instant burst of charm and personality.
This option will give your kitchen area energy and freshness, transforming it into a cheerful space to cook, entertain, and gather with loved ones. The watercolour effect in particular, gives the seating area a vibrant and unique finish that is sure to be a topic of conversation for visitors.
Vertical Tongue and Groove Kitchen Wall
Image credit: livos.de
Tongue and groove wood panelling has been around for many years and is still a viable wall finish option for modern living.
Not only are these wooden panels an effective and simple way to cover up an old, damaged or untidy wall surface, but can also be fitted in various orientations and with a multitude of colour finishes. This makes them a particularly versatile wall decoration for a variety of interior schemes.
Exposed Brick Kitchen Feature Wall
Image credit: hks-uk.com
Unfortunately I live in a newbuild, but If you are lucky enough to live in a property such as this, that has the option of removing the plaster to reveal a stunning brick wall, why wouldn't you?!
Exposing the original bricks not only gives the kitchen character and warmth, but is a great way to deliver interest and depth to a large wall area without the need for lots of wall art, or other wall decorations.
Geometric White Wood Panel Wall
Image credit: selectiv.co.uk
Colour contrasts and wall finishes that add texture and depth to a space, are great ways to make a room decor unique and stand out. Both of these design elements have been used to great effect in this next example.
The geometric design and deep wood panel finish of the feature wall offers the aforementioned textural element, while the white of both the wall and sheer curtains boldly contrast with the slate grey of the adjacent walls.
Blush Pink Kitchen Diner Feature Wall
Image credit: new-id.co.uk
Not every kitchen feature wall has to take days to complete or cost a fortune. Simply painting your chosen wall in a colour that complements the rest of the decor in the room can also be very effective.
The soft pink in the case of this feature wall example has been chosen well. Not only does it sit comfortably against the light grey of the kitchen units, but complements the floor, chairs and sofa perfectly.
The addition of placing cookbooks on wall shelves is a nice touch to add further colour, interest and practicality to the space.
Slate Faced Feature Kitchen Wall
Image credit: justgrillinflorida.com
Creating a slate-faced feature wall in your kitchen offers a timeless elegance and durability that sets your space apart. Slate's natural texture and rich earthy tones bring depth and character to your kitchen, adding a touch of rustic charm or contemporary sophistication, depending on your style.
Its durability makes it ideal for both longevity and cost effectiveness, ensuring your feature wall retains its beauty for years to come. Additionally, slate's versatility allows for various design possibilities, from sleek and modern to rugged and rustic, allowing you to tailor the look to suit your taste.
Grey Beaded Panelled Kitchen Wall
Image credit: homesandantiques.com
Using wooden beading to create the look and design of a panelled wall is a stylish and cost-effective solution for a kitchen feature wall. Having done it myself, I can contest to it being a simple DIY job that will overhaul a plain boring wall and only takes a few hours to complete, even for a novice.
My biggest tip is to cut each piece before attaching anything to the wall. This makes sure that you have everything ready to go, it fits, and you aren't going to run out of beading half way thorough, or worse, right near the end!
Painted Blue Feature Wall
Image credit: intudiy.co.uk
Imagine if this wall was white. Would it have anywhere near the impact as it does blue? The obvious answer is no, and all it takes is a tin of paint and some elbow grease to achieve.
What this shows for me is that not everything has to be design led or have a high-end finish. Sometimes it's the simplest and easy to achieve finishes that have the biggest impact.
Reclaimed Floorboard Kitchen Wall Panelling
Image credit: storables.com
If, as me, you love the look and feel of reclaimed wood, you may wish to consider creating a reclaimed floorboard-panelled kitchen wall for a unique blend of sustainability, character, and charm.
Using reclaimed materials not only reduces environmental impact but also adds a story and history to your space. The varied textures and patinas of reclaimed floorboards bring warmth and authenticity to your kitchen design, creating a cosy and inviting space.
Additionally, the natural imperfections and weathered look of the wood add depth and interest to the wall.
Stone Faced Kitchen Wall
Image credit: frolleindanz.com
A stone-faced feature wall in the kitchen adds a stunning visual impact and rustic charm. The natural textures and warm tones of the stone create a naturally stunning focal point that anchors the space and brings the beauty of the outdoors inside.
This design element introduces depth, texture, and an organic feel that complements modern, minimalist kitchen styles. The stone wall also provides a durable and low-maintenance surface that can withstand the demands of a busy family home.
Brick Tile Kitchen Feature Wall
Image credit: imperialbricktiles.co.uk
These brick tiles are literally the sides sliced off everyday brick stock, to give the authenticity of the real thing. This is perfect for any DIYer who wishes to recreate this beautiful effect without the need for a bricklayer!
Using this particular product, as opposed to faux brick alternatives, is that mortar can still be used to fill in the gaps, giving a finish that is unrecognisable from an actual exposed brick wall. The downside however is cost, at anywhere from £70 -£100 per m2, it is definitely not a low-cost option.
Bright Yellow Feature Accent Wall
Image credit: siakitchens.co.uk
If bright colours are your interior design preference, you may want to add a bold and vibrant finish to either one wall, or a specific wall area of your kitchen.
In the example shown, the designer has used a beautiful golden yellow tone to define the whole backsplash surface of the worktop and cooking area. This has been mirrored on the narrow vertical wall area by the large window panels, giving symmetry and cohesion to the entire kitchen space.
Stone Veneer Feature Wall
Image credit: barrondesigns.com
The subtle mix of reds, creams and browns of this stone veneer feature wall offer a stunning backdrop to this modern traditional kitchen dining area. The muddy tones of the wall complement the dark wood of the island unit while contrasting perfectly with the white marble of the table top.
My Final Thoughts
Whether you're drawn to bold colours, creative patterns, or interesting textures, each and every one of these kitchen feature wall ideas has the power to redefine the ambience, look and feel of your kitchen.
Sometimes subtle ideas work best for interior design schemes, other times being brave and bold is the only option. Only you can decide which route to take, but I hope that these ideas have given you food for thought and help you to make the right decision for your situation.
Author: Matthew Chiappini
