11 expert tips to decorate your home’s walls in creative ways

1. Add Textured Wall Panels

Instead of adding a decorative piece, why not give the entire wall an enhanced look? To add a distinctive touch, incorporating wall panels can be a great idea. “Textured wall panels create a bold architectural statement. From geometric tiles to rustic wood panels, these textured designs add depth and dimension to any space,” says Krish Kothari, founder and creative director at KKD Studio. He recommends using marble panels, composite panels, or metal cladding that introduce an organic aesthetic to the wall. “This layering of materials can instantly transform a bland surface into a statement piece, drawing the eye and creating visual intrigue. Moreover, it allows for creative expression through varied patterns, making the space feel personalised,” he further adds.

2. Frame Textile Art

Give artworks a miss and opt for framing textile art that can be a great conversation starter. Think a shawl or scarf picked up on your travels or even a table runner with an interesting print. “Using textile art or fabric wall hangings like woven tapestries, macramé or quilts, introduces a soft, tactile dimension to the walls. They offer warmth and add character, especially in minimalist spaces,” shares Suren D'souza, managing director and principal architect at Deksha Design Studio.

3. Create Depth with a Mirror

Adding too many elements in an already compact room can make the walls feel like they are closing in, creating a stuffy atmosphere. Instead, add a mirror to create the illusion of openness. Suggests Rohit Suraj, CEO and founder of Urban Zen, a leading design practice in Hyderabad, “A mirror surface can be added to one section of the wall to introduce depth and reflect light, making the room feel larger and brighter.” This trick can also be a creative way to introduce a functional element on your wall.

4. Style it With Sculptures

“Opting for unconventional sculptures on the walls like origami pieces can infuse vibrancy into the space. One can compose an interesting wall art by using multiple pieces to create a cohesive narrative and add greater meaning to the space as a whole,” recommend Joya Nandurdikar and Amrita Guha, founding partners at Untitled Design. D’souza agrees, “Unlike flat paintings or prints, 3D wall sculptures extend off the surface, creating a multi-dimensional experience. These can be made from wood, metal, ceramic, or even found objects.”

5. Tell a Story with Wall Murals

If you are not a fan of drilling holes in your walls, you can still make them look appealing by adding wall murals that add a creative touch. “Murals serve as expansive canvases that set the tone for a room, becoming an instant focal point that evokes emotion and narrative. They’re more than mere decoration—they tell a story, adding a layer of personality to the space,” opines Rahul Mistri, founder and principal designer at Open Atelier Mumbai. He suggests opting for custom wall murals to reflect your space’s soul. “Floral motifs, abstract art, or culturally inspired patterns—wall murals are a creative medium that reflect the owner’s personality and interests and can become great conversation pieces,” he adds.

6. Opt for GRC Cladding

According to Priyanka Malik, partner and principal at Design Consortia, GRC cladding (glass-reinforced concrete), is a versatile option which is suitable for interior and exterior walls. “It offers the flexibility to experiment with patterns while ensuring thermal insulation and weather resistance. The design possibilities are endless with options for different colours and textured finishes,” she reveals.

7. Add Handmade Objects

Give boring walls a makeover by adding objects that add charm to any space without burning a hole in your pocket. Says Devika Khosla, creative director at The Works Interiors, “Consider painted ceramic plates, wicker baskets, or a collection of colourful hats. These introduce a mix of rustic charm and artisanal flair while creating a tactile experience. They also add a playful touch to your walls.” You can easily find these at local fairs and home décor brands, making them a quick way to spruce up your walls. “Varying shapes, colours, and textures invite visual intrigue, breaking free from conventional wall art. These unexpected elements inject personality into the space, transforming walls into dynamic focal points that reflect individuality, creativity, and context, adding more layers to the space,” she adds.

8. Create Wall Niches

Who says you always have to add on the surface, you can also dig deeper to create new space. Suraj suggests opting for wall niches as a way to make them interesting and more functional. “Creating niches on solid walls not only provides smart storage solutions but also acts as a space to display interesting décor or act as see-through features. Think books, travel souvenirs, photo frames, sculptures and more,” he says.

9. Make a Plant Wall

Whether they are in your balcony or in your living room, greens are always a good idea. To make these visually more appealing, use the walls to flaunt them. “Create a vertical garden at home by adding potted plants and hanging creepers on the walls. Planter boxes or mounted plant holders filled with cascading greenery offer a modern, eco-friendly alternative to traditional wall art. These create a focal point and bring a touch of nature to your space whilst purifying the air,” states Kothari.

10. Showcase Craftsmanship

Walls are ideal spots to showcase your personal design style without taking up extra space in your home. If you love handcrafted craftsmanship, use your walls to lend them a distinct touch by adding these. “Reimagining antique architectural salvages such as a jharokha window frame, repurposing forgotten materials like dhrangadhra stone, and reintroducing traditional craftsmanship like Kashmiri pinjrakari work can bring character, history, and texture to your space. Adding such pieces not only revive these traditional artforms but also give the viewer something truly unique to admire,” share Nandurdikar and Guha.