Abigail Ahern has the secret to styling a controversial design feature

Feature walls – in all their bold patterns and audacious hues – are among the most debated design features in the interiors world. While they are often praised for expressive qualities, they are equally disregarded by experts who opt starkly against their vivid aesthetic. 

However, designer Abigail Ahern has interrupted all disputes – by not only supporting feature walls – but also sharing her secret that will bring your wall to life in the chicest way possible. 

Discussing her paper and painted wall ideas via her Instagram, Abigail revealed what you need to know before embracing the trend. 

(Image credit: Simon Bevan)

‘The design world can be very snooty about feature walls, but they can work,’ Abigial confesses. However, if you're going to embrace this nostalgic trend, the designer urges you to choose your colors carefully. 

‘Just ensure to introduce the same color as your feature wall in other areas throughout the room – for instance, some textiles or accessories.’ 

So, the key to this nineties revival involves a maintained color scheme – but how can you ensure your space feels less dated – and more modern maximalist? Sharing her modern decor ideas with Livingetc, Abigail reinforced what you need to remember – in terms of your feature wall – and your wider scheme. 

(Image credit: Little Greene)

‘I would never have more than four colors in a room, which means I can mix anything with anything without it looking chaotic,’ she says. 

And while feature walls may be categorized as maximalist, the eclectic guru urges you to rewrite this label – and create a maximalist space with a limited color palette. 

'In the past, when people think of maximalism, they may think of bright and crazy colors that are over the top and are not grounding or restorative. This way of having a layered and maximalist home is about reducing the number of colors that you put in a room, and everything looks harmonious and sophisticated, and not chaotic.’ 

(Image credit: James Merrell)

Has Abigail just given us permission to embrace this unexpected 90s revival? If anybody can rewrite conceptions surrounding interior design trends, it is Ms. Ahern.