I’d like to add some colour to my bedroom but I am afraid to commit. I was thinking about painting just one wall. Are focal walls out of fashion?

D. Richardson
Markham, Ont.

A painted focal wall was a popular way to add colour to a room in the 1980s.

One burgundy or hunter green wall might look a bit outdated these days as today’s focal walls are all about adding drama with light or dark neutral colours rather than using colour.

Because you already have a monochromatic colour scheme I suggest keeping your colour choices for a focal wall limited to what is already in the room.

I would paint the wall behind the bed a deep version of a neutral brown colour like Benjamin Moore’s Stardust 2108-40; it’s got a bit of grey in it to keep the wall fashionably on trend.

Paint on some drama

A glossy paint finish would help add some drama and reflection from the window into the room.

If the wall’s finish is smooth and free of bumps or cracks then consider painting the wall with a high gloss paint.

Paint the underside and vertical part of the bulkhead running across the top of the wall; not painting the bulk will visually shorten the overall ceiling height in the room.

Accessorize appropriately

Bring a few darker-toned accessories in the room in order to blend your new wall; a dark throw at the end of the bed, a vase or some decorative pillows in a deep neutral colour will help the wall incorporate easily into your existing room.