Whether you’re working with a compact bedroom, dreaming of a striking feature wall, or leaning into a clean, minimalist look, even the simplest changes can make your space feel brand new.

To that end, here are expert tips from three acclaimed Malaysian interior designers.

Capture attention with a feature wall

A painted feature wall can instantly bring personality and focus to a space. It’s a simple but powerful way to add depth, character and contrast, without needing a complete makeover.

For interior designer Fendarie Su, it’s a simple yet powerful way to “craft the space that speaks”.

“Feature walls enhance depth and ambience while giving a space its own identity,” the designer said. “They’re great for showcasing bold colour, texture and creativity.”

She suggests focusing on three key design elements: placement, colour, and creativity.

Firstly, choose a wall that naturally draws attention, like behind a bed, sofa, or at the end of a hallway. Even walls with doors or windows can work to bring structure and visual interest.

Next, don’t be afraid of being bold with colour. Deep navy, vibrant green, or punchy yellow adds personality and contrast. The idea is to make the wall stand out while complementing the rest of the room.

Colour not only ties the entire space together but supports direction, mood and function. Thoughtfully chosen shades can define zones, guide movement, and spark curiosity, creating environments that feel cohesive, intuitive and engaging from one area to the next.

Finally, add texture or creative techniques. Try sponging, colour blocking, or ombré – the blending of one hue to another – for dimension. To tie it all together, echo the wall’s colour in soft furnishings or decor accents for a cohesive look.

Again, be bold!

Want to add character and intention to a room? One bold colour, used thoughtfully, can set the tone for an entire space – but balance is key, according to Ooi Boon Seong.

Start with a colour that holds meaning. In a recent project for celebrated fashion designer Jimmy Choo, Ooi used a deep royal blue as the feature colour as “it is closely tied to Choo’s iconic identity”.

That said, go easy! Bold colours should be limited to roughly 20% of the space – enough to make a statement without overwhelming the room.

Complement your feature shade with lighter tones or textured neutrals. “Pale surfaces help showcase texture and depth,” Ooi noted. “Darker colours can absorb those subtle shadows and flatten the visual effect.”

Then, go with a mix of velvety upholstery, warm woodgrains, metallic accents, and textured rugs. “These details may not shout for attention, but together, they give the space soul and sophistication.”

Show off what you’ve got

Instead of painting every wall the same shade, Matthew Lim suggests using colour to frame architectural features and draw the eye to what’s already special.

“It’s about showing off the natural beauty of a space,” he explained. “An archway, an alcove, the curve of a staircase – these can all be highlighted with intention.”

Start by noticing the natural shapes and lines in your space. For example, painting the inside of an archway in a contrasting shade can give it more depth and character, whereas a deep tone on a curved wall can soften hard edges and create a cosy atmosphere.

Let colour follow emotion: warm tones like ochre or terracotta make a space feel cosy and grounded, while soft greens and blush tones bring a calm, relaxed vibe.

For something more playful, Lim often experiments with unexpected pairings like lavender and moss green, or burnt orange with pink.

That said, keep the palette straightforward: “We usually stick to two or three main colours in a space,” Lim said.

These are then balanced with neutral tones or natural textures like wood, stone or brushed metal – keeping the room grounded while allowing the colours to shine without overwhelming the space.