A blank wall can be the perfect canvas for you to express your creativity and make your space more inviting as well as more functional. Here are some ideas to get those creative juices flowing.

CREATE A COLORFUL BLACKBOARD PLANNED IN YOUR HALL

1. Measure out your first square on the wall, and tape up the edges.
2. Measure out half cup of acrylic paint and 1 table spoon of unsanded grout, stirring together till smooth.
3. Paint the square area on the wall.
4. Smooth area with 150-grit sandpaper and wipe off dust.
5. Rub the side of a piece of chalk over surface and wipe away with slightly damp sponge.

CURATE A MEANINGFUL GALLERY WALL IN YOUR LIVING ROOM

1. Place the items in the frames.
2. Cut out shapes of the frames on paper and stick on the wall using tack.
3. Play with the layout until you are happy with it.
4. Stick the frames to the wall using adhesive picture hanging strips.

CREATE A VIBRANT WASHI TAPE DESIGN IN YOUR DINING ROOM

1. Choose and sketch your design on paper first.
2. Mark out the points for the design on the wall with pencil.
3. Apply the washi tape.
4. Top tip: If your design requires a straight edge, lay the tape down on a self-healing mat and cut using a ruler an exacto knife.

MAKE A WINE RACK FOR YOUR KITCHEN

1. Select your wood and mark in pencil where the holes will be drilled.
2. Drill the holes using the forstner bit.
3. Sand off the pencil marks and rough the edges to smooth and paint.
4. Hang using L brackets.

PAINT A CHALKBOARD WALL IN YOUR KID’S BEDROOM

1. Clean any dust and dirt from the wall.
2. Tape around the area that you want to paint.
3. Paint a couple of layers to ensure a smooth and even finish.
4. Wait three days to prime your wall. Rub the entire chalkboard wall with a piece of chalk.

CREATE A SHELVING GALLERY IN YOUR MASTER BEDROOM

1. Mount the shelf right above your headboard, high enough so that you don’t bang your head.
2. Experiment with the layout of your items on the shelf till you’re happy.
3. Choose pieces with similar colours and shapes to keep the bedroom feeling calm and restful.

PUT UP A PLANT WALL IN YOUR BATHROOM

1. Measure and mark how you want to arrange your shelves on the wall with pencil.
2. Attach the shelves to the wall, and add the plants.
3. Remove the plants when they need a drink. Take them to the sink and let them drain before you put them back.

MAKE A CORKBOARD WALL IN YOUR STUDY

1. Ensure the wall is smooth and clean.
2. Draw a vertical line down the centre of the wall.
3. Use the central line as a guide and use scissors to cut the cork to size.
4. Line up the top of the cork and the vertical line.
5. Remove the foil from the back of the cork and stick it to the wall.

It can be hard to find inspiration when staring at a blank wall. These fun ideas will help spark your imagination and fill those big, empty spaces. For more tips, check out the infographic on http://www.sykescottages.co.uk/blog/8-ways-to-make-a-blank-wall-more-int...

Author's Bio: 

Marilyn is a freelance writer and digital nomad currently living in rainy yet wonderful London. She writes (and reads!) about personal growth, productivity in the workplace, self improvement, and the importance of work/life balance and how to achieve it.