Transform an ugly exterior wall into a feature

For many, demolishing the wall to start again isn’t feasible, as it may be costly and require permission from the neighbours or council.

There are ways you can hide an ugly exterior wall and transform it into a feature without knocking it over. This will not only improve your view, but also enhance the feeling of your outdoor space.

Here are a few ways you can make a feature out of an unsightly garden wall.

Paint

Paint is one of the easiest ways you can enhance the appearance of your boundary walls. It can either help the wall disappear into the garden or turn an ugly exterior wall into a feature.

If you want to disguise the look of your boundaries, try painting the walls in a dark colour. Plant foliage in front and your wall will disappear. For those who want to make a feature of the wall, there are a few options. You can choose a bold colour that will pop against your landscape’s natural colours. You can get creative and paint a mural that’s unique to your space. Alternatively, you can use different paint to add interest. Using a lime paint can help you create a natural-looking finish, while adding colour and texture to your outdoor area. It’s also ideal for transforming damaged walls or those built from several materials.

You can read more about transforming your outdoor space with paint here.

Render

Render is a great way to neutralise the entire surface of your exterior wall. For example, if you don’t like the appearance of your brick wall, rendering it can create a smooth finish ready for painting. You can also use render as a medium to give the wall a slight texture and sense of age.

If you haven’t rendered before and desire a smooth, clean finish, this is worth exploring.

Cladding

Cladding an exterior wall may be the perfect long-term solution that will help transform your space. With the variety of wall cladding available, you can choose from a rugged, organic look to a more contemporary, clean finish.

For example, linear walling can be a striking way to dress your ugly exterior wall. Available in random lengths, this creates a flat finish that’s lightweight yet, embraces the characteristics of natural stone such as the texture, colour variation and imperfections. Stone wall panels are another cladding option. The natural open cut and irregular surface texture will provide a rugged and authentic aesthetic which looks stunning within a garden setting.

Find out how to create a timeless feature wall here.

Planting

Introducing more greenery to your outdoor area is a great way to transform the appearance of a wall, thus enhancing the feeling of your area. Where space is at a premium, growing a creeper such as Boston Ivy directly to the wall or along wires is highly effective. If you would prefer not to plant a self-adhering variety, placing a trellis in front of your wall to grow vines such as Star Jasmine can create the green coverage you desire. It’s also suitable for those who don’t own the wall.

Another dramatic effect, although expensive, is installing a living wall. This system will help make a dense texture of foliage and if you are considering this option, it’s vital you choose appropriate plants for your climate and implement a maintenance plan.

For more advice about creating a feature wall, take a look at our Learning Library.

Feature image: Crackenback® Freeform® stone wall | Stile Interiors.