Is your exterior wall all gray or a little boring? We have the solution ! A little freshening up, with paneling, painting or simply a few accessories to brighten it up. Whether you decide to embark on a major renovation or a small decoration, it’s up to you, depending on your time and your budget. In any case, let yourself be inspired by our 24 original and aesthetic ideas to transform a slightly ugly exterior wall.
Wood, concrete, facing stone, slab, cladding: what materials to cover an exterior wall?
Rather than repainting, do you prefer to cover your wall? No problem, as long as you choose materials suitable for outdoor use (which are resistant to bad weather and the sun). If your environment is humid (northern France or clayey soil), be sure to let air pass between the wall and the covering to avoid mold.
Wood, paneling, MDF, bamboo, panel or mesh: all our ideas at a lower cost
What to choose to obtain a natural effect instead of a slightly ugly wall? Why not focus on wood or its cheaper counterpart: MDF. In the form of large panels to be fixed or paneling that you can fit together (or openwork depending on the desired style), decorate your wall in a wood effect, to create a separate corner, for a garden room or a summer kitchen. And why not make (or buy) a bamboo panel that you just have to attach in summer (we advise you to bring it inside in winter so that it lasts several years)? With a very South-East Asian style, you can play with colors by using raw bamboo or painted white.
Stone, concrete, brick: how to give a more raw effect to an exterior wall?
A stone wall can add character to your exterior provided it has been preserved or well maintained. Depending on the type of stone, start by cleaning it with an abrasive brush (iron bristles), or a squeegee to remove old paint or slightly aged coating. Then play on contrasts by applying a joint of an opposite color (black or white for example) or on the contrary tone on tone with the stone to remain in unity.
How to change wall covering or cover an exterior wall?
As for the coating, if your base is made of concrete or lime, you can always give it a good sanding before applying an undercoat and then a paint more to your liking. If the paint is not specially designed for exteriors, don’t panic, apply a special overcoat afterwards to resist bad weather. If you want to cover rather than repaint, first attach fixing bars to the ends of your wall and in the center, then directly hang your panels or decorative elements on these fixing bars so that you can adjust your decoration according to your wishes. but also not to damage your wall underneath.
Climbing plants, trees, accessories: decorations for your exterior walls
What if plants became your best friend to camouflage an exterior wall that was not to your liking? Wisteria, vines, ivy, jasmine, honeysuckle and even hydrangea will be great allies. Most of these species will need a little help at first with a wall ladder, a trellis or sets of fences and ties if you want to decide which path they should take on your facade.
Be careful, however, for vines, ivy and wisteria, if they like it, these plants profile very well and once the plant is well anchored it will be complicated to stem its growth.
How to naturally cover or dress an ugly, damaged exterior wall?
In addition to natural plants, why not have potted plants on your walls so that you can vary the species and colors that adorn your facade according to the seasons? A garden wall can also be adorned with antique objects from the region or souvenirs brought back from a trip. For example, a woven basket from Portugal can hang and give a Mediterranean look to your somewhat sad wall. Or a porcelain cicada from the south of France to add a touch of color.
Read also :
⋙ How to make a green wall to protect yourself from high heat and keep things fresh?
⋙ Our great decorative ideas for a zen outdoor garden
⋙ Our most beautiful decorating ideas for the exterior of your home