Step 1

Paint the walls using light, neutral colors if you want to create a backdrop that works with a variety of styles, colors and themes or if you aren’t comfortable with bright colors or busy patterns on the walls. Cool colors, such as blue or green, are typically calming and soothing, while warm colors, such as yellow or red, can make a room feel cozy and intimate. Painting one wall in a loud, bright color or pattern can serve as an accent wall. For example, painting an entire room with hot pink, aqua-and-lime green polka dots or black-and-white zebra print would overpower a room, but a single wall might be interesting. Faux or textured finishes can add interest.

Use paint to directly decorate the walls with words, images or patterns, using stencils if necessary. For example, paint the words “Live, Love, Laugh” over the doorway or a mural of a cherry blossom tree in a child’s room. Wallpaper or peel-and-stick decals are another option.

Step 2

Cover the walls with fabric, such as curtains, grasscloth or even a rug. Hang the fabric on a curtain rod or dowel to display it like artwork, or cover large pieces of plywood or canvases with the fabric and hang them.

Step 3

Arrange pictures, artwork, mirrors, empty frames, plates or other items on the wall. Hang your arrangement at eye level and group pieces together for more of an effect. Hanging a series of black-and-white photos on one wall above the sofa or bed will make more of an effect than spreading them around the room. Groupings with an odd number of items are typically more pleasing to the eye.

Step 4

Use shelves, ironwork or wall sculptures to add dimension and interest to the room. Shelves can hold other decorative items, such as candles, vases, flowers or knickknacks.