Decorating a Large Kitchen Wall? Here Are Ideas to Showcase Your Style
Got a big, blank kitchen wall? Unsure how to decorate such an expansive space? Transforming that large, empty wall into an eye-catching focal point may seem daunting at first.
But with some planning, creativity, and stylistic know-how, you can beautifully adorn that wall to showcase your personal taste and style. Whether modern, farmhouse, industrial or eclectic is more your aesthetic, we've got plenty of decor ideas to inspire you in making that kitchen wall a stunning centerpiece.
Helpful Tips for Decorating a Big Kitchen Wall
Before picking decor, first consider the wall itself - the dimensions, existing elements nearby, lighting, etc. Here are some tips to set yourself up for success:
- Take measurements of the wall length and height to determine appropriate scale and placement.
- Assess the existing design features like cabinetry, countertops, and appliances. Coordinate your wall decor with these.
- Decide on a style you want to reflect - modern, farmhouse, industrial, etc. This will inform your decor choices.
- Avoid going too dark or busy. Edit yourself - a cluttered look will be too overwhelming.
- Mind the lighting. Spotlighting can make a bold art piece pop while dim overhead lighting calls for something more subtle.
If working with a tight budget, don't despair. There are plenty of ways to decorate impactfully without breaking the bank:
- Create an eclectic gallery wall with framed art prints and family photos.
- Use oversized decals or removable wallpaper to add visual interest.
- Install a chalkboard for leaving messages and meal planning.
- Paint or stencil a faux brick or shiplap wall.
Make a Statement with Large Scale Art
Sometimes all a big wall needs is one dramatic, bold piece to become the visual focus. Large scale art options include:
Oversized Painting or Print
Canvas prints of food photography or abstract designs make excellent contemporary art choices for modern and colorful kitchens. Black and white prints help reinforce a sleek, monochromatic modern aesthetic. Go for food related themes or opt for something more abstract - find artwork that speaks to you.
Textured Wall Mural
Peel and stick wall murals are an easy DIY way to add major visual interest to a large wall. Opt for geometric patterns or floral motifs. Materials like tile, wood, concrete etc. mimic different textures. You can even find photographic scene murals of landscapes or cityscapes.
Cluster of Decorative Plates
Who says plates need to be purely functional? Collections of plates artfully hung together in an arrangement can make a real decorative statement. Play with mixing colors, patterns, and sizes for lots of impact. Anchor them nicely on the wall so they stay securely fastened.
Add Warmth with Wall Shelving
Shelving is both functional for storage and a great way to decorate blank walls. Enclosed cabinetry, open shelves, and bookshelves are all excellent options.
Enclosed Cabinetry
Custom built-in cabinetry is a clean and elegant way to add concealed storage while decorating the space. Glass-front cabinets allow you to also display cherished dishware or other collectibles. Consider placing colorful cookbooks inside.
Open Shelving
Rustic wood or sleek metal brackets can hold shelves for both decorative and practical purposes. Style them with plants, neatly arranged dishes, or cookbooks. Stagger floating shelves at different heights and widths for visual interest.
Bookshelves
Fill shelving with cookbooks arranged attractively by color. Cookbooks double as decor themselves with their spine designs. Add even more styling with baskets, frames, and bookends.
Functional Touches for Organization
It's not all about the aesthetic. Inject functional elements into your kitchen wall for added utility.
Wall Calendar
An oversize wall calendar takes your organizational needs up a notch. Use for keeping track of menus, grocery lists, and reservations. Opt for a beautiful design instead of a boring office supply calendar.
Magnetic Chalkboard
Chalkboard paint or panels provide space to leave messages, jot down to-do lists, meal plan, and let kids go crazy doodling. Use colorful chalk to liven it up. Frame it out for a cleaner look.
Spice Racks
Mounted wall racks neatly store spices in glass jars or tins for easy access while cooking. Choose wall mounted racks over cabinet top ones to free up counter space.
Create Architectural Interest
Elements like shiplap, brick, or built-ins add lovely architectural detail to your kitchen wall.
Shiplap Wall Panelling
Shiplap brings texture and visual breaks to large walls for a farmhouse style statement. Paint it a light color matching your cabinetry for a cohesive look. Accent with darker trim.
Exposed Brick
Exposing original brick walls or installing new brick veneers brings an industrial vibe. Whitewash brick for a rustic farmhouse feel or keep it classic red brick for urban edge.
Built-in Storage Unit
Work with a contractor to create custom cabinetry and shelving built right into the wall itself. Add doors, drawers, open shelves and cubbies for concealed storage and attractively bringing items into view.
Large Statement Piece
For a more rustic look, opt for a large vintage style piece with an antique metal frame and match with the metal finishes in your kitchen. The distressed patina will complement farmhouse or industrial spaces.
For a bold modern statement, choose a black and white abstract print with a chunky black frame. Black and white is key in modern design and the strong lines will help ground the large wall.
Oversized Wall Calendar
A wall calendar is a great way to add a pop of color to your kitchen space and offers a highly functional element to the room too. Choose a beautiful, high-quality calendar rather than an old office supply calendar.
Shiplap Wall Panelling
Shiplap wall panelling is very on trend and adds instant textural interest and a rustic farmhouse feel to even the largest walls. To prevent paint cracking with high temperatures during warmer months, make sure to attach the panelling securely onto a frame.
Create a Built-In Unit
For larger kitchens with ample blank walls, investing in a customized built-in unit is a great way to add value and extra storage. Incorporate cabinetry, open shelving, and cubbies for display into your built-in design.
Decorating a large, blank kitchen wall may seem daunting at first. But with some smart planning and creative vision, you can make that expansive wall into a beautiful focal point reflecting your personal taste.
From eye-catching art statements to functional organization, the possibilities are endless. Use a mix of open shelving, enclosed storage, architectural elements, and decorative touches to achieve your dream kitchen wall aesthetic.
Hopefully these ideas have stirred up inspiration for your own kitchen wall decor goals. For more home decor tips and inspiration, visit our site.