By Leslie Shannon

One of the challenges facing today's homeowner, is how to dress up the walls in their living spaces.

Now that the fear of adding colour has been conquered by painting your walls let's see what else can be done to give your room some eye appeal.

When thinking of adding accessories to our walls, we usually only think of art work and mirrors.   Art work is a great starting point and certainly adds the all important personal touch.  There is a whole other world of exciting possibilities just waiting to be explored.  Any one of these ideas can transform an ordinary wall into a spectacular wall.  You can try a combination of two or three different applications for a really amazing result.

If you want to create a focal point in your room, here's your opportunity.  Large walls or high ceilings?

One of these suggestions may help you divide up the space.  A timeless tradition still popular today, is the addition of trim, mouldings or paneling to your walls.  Although most popular in dining areas, they are just as effective in a den or entryway.

Think of having a mural painted on your wall or adding wall sconces around artwork and mirrors.  You can take an area of wall in a child's room, kitchen or home office and paint it with chalkboard paint.

You now have an ever changing work of art.  Cork tile applied to the wall can give you the exact size bulletin board you may need.  Wallpaper is making a strong comeback and is available in a large array of patterns and textures.

Tile is most commonly used on bathroom and kitchen walls because of its durability.  Natural stone tile and mosaics are beautiful when used around a fireplace or aquarium.

Both of these are excellent additions to a room and create an area of interest on your wall.  Installing shelving units and showcasing your books or collectibles gives a very casual feel to your room.

Custom built-in closets can add much needed storage to a bedroom or TV room.  You can also mount decorative plates, ornaments and sculptures directly to your walls.  Antique quilts can be draped on the wall behind a bed for an instant headboard.

The windows in a room can be made to look larger by the addition of draperies that expand the wall space.  Don't be afraid to move your accessories from room to room.  A piece of artwork that may have been in the dining room for years, might find a new home in a bedroom or living room.

Adding shelves to a wall above paneling or wallpaper can give a whole new look to a bathroom or kitchen.  Mirrors and sconces with candles or lighting can brighten up an entryway or wall nook.

There is always a way to incorporate what you imagine into reality.  Remember to keep in mind the size and scale of your room, the colours, the function and the result you want to achieve.

Try taking photos of your walls, measuring and drawing your ideas on paper.  This is easier than randomly hanging pictures on your wall and hoping they will look good.

Take your time, have fun and you will find that your sense of style will emerge and guide you.

Leslie Shannon is from Kitchener, Ontario. She has a long and varied design career which has included owning a residential design franchise. She also has a strong background in hotel management which has allowed her to use both her technical training and practical experience to its fullest advantage.  Although Leslie started out in commercial design, she has moved on to primarily residential design. She is currently employed as an Interior Designer with Wood's Furniture & Design.