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Back to basics: How luxury wall finishes can add a unique and opulent twist to your high-end home

If you’re looking to breathe new space into your living room, dining room, a bedroom, or any other part of your home, then here are some great options to consider.

By LLM Reporters   |  

When it comes to luxury home design, every detail has a role to play in creating a high-end aesthetic in any living space, and from flooring and lighting to furniture and artwork, the elements you choose are key in defining not just the way your home looks, but also how it feels to spend time in it.

The impact the way you style your walls can have is often underrated, particularly in today’s minimalistic age. But from opulent wallpaper to marble finishes and acoustic wood slat wall panels, there are far more options to consider than just a simple lick of paint, and high-quality wall applications like these have the power to elevate every room of your house.

If you’re looking to breathe new space into your living room, dining room, a bedroom, or any other part of your home, then here are some great options to consider.

Room with the classic furniture. 3D render.
The key to creating a luxurious feel is to play with tactile textures, and one of the best ways to incorporate them into interior design is through the application of textured wallpaper

Textured wallpaper

The key to creating a luxurious feel is to play with tactile textures, and one of the best ways to incorporate them into interior design is through the application of textured wallpaper. Wallpaper has long been a staple in luxury home design and is steeped in history and tradition, but over recent years it has been increasingly cast aside in favour of simple painted finishes. In 2024, however, we’ve seen it make its long-awaited comeback, but with a thoroughly modern makeover – and from grasscloth and silk to fabric-based options, its ability to add depth and sophistication to a room with effortless ease makes it an element of home interior design you won’t want to do without.

With such a plethora of options available today, it couldn’t be simpler to find one that complements the overall look and feel you’re looking to create – whether classic and ornate to or modern and understated is your vibe of choice.

Marble wall panels

Few materials exude quite the same sense of opulence as smooth marble, but did you know that it doesn’t have to be limited to bathroom suites and kitchen worktops? Marble wall panels are becoming increasingly popular in luxury home design thanks to their ability to bring an air of timeless elegance to any room, and having them installed on one or more walls can turn a room into an opulent space that feels both classic and contemporary at once.

A durable material that stands up well to wear and tear, it’s also a long-lasting and easy to maintain choice that makes it ideal for high-traffic areas like living rooms and entryways, and on the walls, it offers a handy wipe-clean alternative to paint and wallpaper, both of which can be prone to marks and staining.

Marble wall panels are becoming increasingly popular in luxury home design thanks to their ability to bring an air of timeless elegance to any room

Acoustic wood slat wall panels

The acoustic slat wood wall panel is another versatile choice for walls that exude a timeless sense of luxury and from rich, dark walnut panels to lighter oak, they offer a sleek, modern aesthetic that can transform an ordinary space into one that feels luxurious and refined.

Because they can be made from any type of wood, there are a myriad of options to choose from, which makes it easy to create a look that is cohesive with the overall design of your home. Walnut, known for its deep brown colour and uniform grain pattern, is a premium choice for adding warmth to a room and will always look elegant – but for a more rustic twist you could opt for oak or another lighter coloured wood instead.

You can find a great selection of premium acoustic slat wood wall panels at Akupanel, including the hugely popular three-sided genuine wood veneer.

Venetian plaster

Venetian plaster is a classic wall finish that has been used for centuries, but that doesn’t mean it’s out of place in modern luxury homes; in fact, far from it. Applied in multiple thin layers that are burnished to create a smooth, polished surface with a gentle sheen, it’s the very epitome of contemporary opulence and emulates the look of natural marble or stone.

One of the best things about it is that it is easily customisable, too, so if you can tailor it to your overall home design aesthetic for a seamless and cohesive overall look with a touch of old world charm.

But why choose Venetian plaster when you could opt for marble or stone themselves? Well, Venetian plaster is resistant to mold and mildew, making it a practical choice – and by comparison it’s also more lightweight, which makes it easier to apply to a range of different surfaces.

acoustic slat wood wall panel
The acoustic slat wood wall panel is another versatile choice for walls that exude a timeless sense of luxury. Image credit: akuwoodpanel.com

Leather wall panels

If you like the idea of wall panels but are looking for a finish that is a little different, then leather is the ultimate choice. You may have seen leather wall panels in lavish boardrooms or high-end hotel lobbies, but their use is not limited to spaces like these and they can be incorporated just as easily into your home to add a thoroughly modern sense of opulence and grandeur. From the dining room to the master bedroom, there are no limits on how and where they can be used, and available in a range of hues, they promise to add a sumptuous feel.