The idea of “four walls” has multiple connotations.
On one hand, it evokes a sense of cozy security that speaks to everyone’s dream for a home of their own.
On the other hand, the concept can be associated with prison, confinement, and claustrophobia.
Obviously, homeowners much prefer the former and aim to avoid the latter at all costs.
With this in mind, keep reading as we explore some creative ways to transform your walls through creative design ideas.
Add Some Stylish Sound Mitigation
Modern homes bustle like never before. Important video conferences for remote professionals. School work for online learners. Everyone from toddlers to grandparents under the same roof to defray the rising cost of living.
As such, the need for elite soundproofing features has never been greater.
The good news is that stapling egg cartons to every square inch of wall space can safely be left to 90’s garage bands. Modern acoustic panel art offers a sleek, low-profile soundproofing option in contemporary homes. Typically fabricated from a fiberglass or mass-loaded vinyl core and wrapped in decorative fabric, these innovative panels can achieve a noise reduction coefficient approaching 1 (the standard for perfect sound absorption) with as little as 15-25% wall coverage. They can attach to the wall similarly to a framed photograph or art portrait, making them the ideal option for adding some functional flair to a home’s walls.
Expand the Window Area
Walls and windows go hand in hand. The critical intersection between these core elements of the building envelope will go a long way toward establishing the home’s looks, comfort, and energy efficiency.
With more and more properties leveraging open interior concepts, an increase in window area is appropriate. This helps keep open homes from feeling like an “empty box.” In addition, increased window area offers improved natural light flow for a brighter, more inviting ambiance and reduced reliance on artificial lighting sources for optimal energy efficiency.
The key to making increased window area work effectively is ensuring top quality of the window-to-wall transitions. If compromised, transitions can serve as a path of least resistance for unwanted air and moisture transfer through the building envelope. Consider robust aluminum or steel window frames. These materials do not absorb moisture or break down in the face of extended UV exposure, eliminating the threat of cracking and warping that can degrade wood and vinyl frames over time.
Fortify the Insulation
The walls will do much of the heavy lifting when it comes to limiting air and moisture transfer from exterior/interior areas of the home, thus helping establish the house’s energy efficiency.
Naturally, insulation plays a key role in this function.
The best insulation for exterior walls is rigid polyiso board. It offers an elite R-value per inch. This means that a relatively lightweight sheet of polyiso insulation can achieve the same insulative benefits as heavier batt insulation. This guarantees that no structural alterations will be required to accommodate heavy insulation products, providing greater flexibility in cladding and future renovation options.
Get Some Air Circulating
When it comes to a building’s walls and improved air circulation, the options are not overly extensive for homeowners. Architectural louvers are commonly used in commercial structures, but they are not a realistic option in single-family homes. Adding vapor barriers to the walls is an important concept, but it is more about preventing mold buildup in the framing than it is in improving interior ventilation. Opening windows for increased air circulation is simply not an option when the days are too warm.
As such, it is worthwhile to consider the merits of low-profile wall mounted fans. These sleek fans offer much-needed cooling and air circulation without the impression of overtaking the entire room, as can be the case with some of the more bulky ceiling fan options. Wall fans can also help improve the energy efficiency of the home. They provide some zone cooling on hot days to keep specific areas of the home cool without necessitating extra work from central A/C.
Incorporate Focal Points
From family photographs to acoustic artwork, there are numerous ways to eliminate the “cold, gray walls” effect in a home. However, there is only so much you can hang on walls - especially for properties that have extensive square footage - before the interior starts to feel like a tacky museum. As such, it is a great idea to incorporate some subtle focal points to break up wall space. A stone accent wall can immediately arrest the attention of onlookers and provide a natural transition between wall areas. White shiplap can offer some soothing texture that breaks up the monotony of unadorned walls. Adding crown moulding can get eyes moving vertically for an increased sense of visual depth.
Expertly Blend Form and Function with Strategic Wall Renovations
Walls can define a house more than any other structural element. From stylish acoustic panels to natural focal points, consider any of the ideas listed above to help your walls evoke a sense of “home.” For more of the latest trends in home improvement and sustainable living, explore the content at Magazine MN for additional thought-provoking reads!
Written by Andrea Erickson
About the Author
Andrea Erickson is a freelance writer who loves sharing her knowledge and expertise in renovation and Interior Design. She lives in her hometown of Austin, Texas where she enjoys spending time with her husband and decorating with her children. Andrea’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.
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