TILES

Tiles aren’t just for bathrooms. There are so many options available, from coloured to contoured, glossy to matt, painted to plain, that you can turn any stretch of empty wall into something eye-catching and room-defining. Bold coloured tiles make stunning backsplashes and textured tiles from Paramount or Stafford Flooring can add a sophisticated touch to any room. Explore ITC’s range of Spanish-style retro patterned tiles if you want a dramatic statement wall, or have a beautiful mosaic made to order with tiny glass tiles using traditional methods by the artisans at Mosaicist.

GO BIG

Large expanses of blank wall that are not obscured by furniture are a great opportunity to think big. Consider covering with a wallpaper in repeating motifs – we love the butterfly wallpaper available at Design Studio – or striking colours, to create a specific ambience.

Alternatively, go all out and have a picture or scene that speaks to you painted across the wall. Local artist, Hannah Cook, takes commissions for murals perfect to adorn any space.

LET THE WALLS DO THE WORK

When space is limited and storage is tight, don’t forget your walls can act as an extra place for hanging household items. A simple shelf or bookcase is a handy way to display knick-knacks and bric-a-brac while freeing up precious surface space.

Functional items can also add to the aesthetic of a space, when chosen well. The Eclipse wall clock from Living.ky sticks directly on the wall – but you decide how large or small to make it.

For those who like to add to the shopping list whenever an idea strikes, a chalkboard is a wise addition. If you’d rather not paint one in, the stick-on chalkboards available from A.L. Thompson’s are just the ticket.

An ingenious way to combine form and function is to decorate a wall with speakers that double as artwork. Choose your favourite design, picture or artwork and 345AV will create the speakers – sounds like the perfect match.

DISPLAY COLLECTABLES

Rather than searching for a single, oversize piece of art to be the focal point of an empty wall space, hang smaller objects in clusters for an eye catching bit of décor. A series of small mirrors, a collection of pictures in similar frames or even a handful of hats, are all fun ways to fill wall space.

If you’re down with the hipster vibe, you might hang vintage typewriters or pre-loved bicycles. For those wanting a more sophisticated finish, the Liva set of slim-line brass discs for mounting on walls, available at Huis, add a glamorous accent to an empty wall.

NATURE DECOR

For a more organic scene, choose natural elements to fill your vertical space. Think shells and sea fans from IDG, sun bleached driftwood or even plants. From a single hanging vine to small succulents or rows of herbs, some living greenery will breathe life into empty spaces.

HANG FABRICS

A wall hanging can provide a welcome burst of colour that is easy to put up and simple to swap out. Almost any patterned fabric can work as a wall hanging, from a precious Persian rug or an intricate tapestry to a simple silk scarf, delve into the offerings at Living.ky and Rugs Oriental.