Looking to dress up your den? Add some pizzazz to your powder bath? Add some oomph before an open house? When it comes to decorating your digs, the walls are a good place to start. Its no secret that a well-adorned wall can take a room from drab to fab in no time. Here are a few tips and tricks for taking on those big, blank spaces.

Start with some basic principles

Before you start shopping, youll want to keep some general interior decorating advice in mind. It applies to all rooms, and will help keep you on track. 

Consider the scale of your wall

It may sound obvious, but large walls call for large decor, whereas small walls are better suited for small decor. Keeping the size of the decor proportional to the size of the wall helps achieve symmetry.

Create a budget

Artwork and decor can come in a variety of styles and price ranges. Determining a budget at the start of the design process can help keep your project on track.

Determine your decor theme

Look around the room in question. What decor themes do you see? If its an entirely blank space, you have the freedom to design the entire room around one focal piece of artwork or object. If you already have a theme in place, such as Midcentury Modern, choose pieces that complement the existing space.

Diversify

While you generally want the design to be cohesive, its OK to use a combination of complementary decor styles (think a strategic mix of rustic and modern elements). It can add a unique touch thats not repeated in other areas of your home.

Find inspiration in artwork

Whether you decide to shop online or purchase from a local artist, there is no shortage of one-of-a-kind artwork to choose from. However, the process of choosing art for your particular space is both an art and a science. Youll certainly want to work with a piece you love, one that leaves you feeling inspired. And, the piece should take up 50 to 75 percent of the available wall space. So, when in doubt, choose a bigger piece.

Because the sky's the limit, picking a specific piece can take time and patience. Think about which colors will complement the rooms current color scheme, or the color palette you plan to use. Matching these colors and contrasting with secondary colors that work well together will help the room feel balanced.

Go beyond artwork

You dont have to limit yourself to framed artwork: Filling an empty wall with shelving or plants is another way to add extra dimension where its needed. You can have fun with what you choose to display on the shelves and still create an immediate focal point. Here are a few not-so-typical ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Display cherished collections such as records, guitars and plates. Keep in mind the size of the wall and your collection so that it fills the blank space proportionately.
• Create a wall of plants by using mounted pots. Wall-hanging planters come in an array of shapes, styles and sizes to suit your decor.
• Add a pop of color (and texture) with textiles and tapestries. These large-scale artworks feature various prints and patterns, ranging from nature scenes to avant-garde designs. 
• Bring in woven baskets. If the room needs texture, woven baskets are the easiest way to achieve this and to add color and warmth.
• Dont underestimate the power of a bold accent wall. Smaller blank walls can handle bold colors, so consider painting or wallpapering one in a rich hue or pattern. This is especially helpful if your wall is an odd shape or serves as an architectural highlight. 

While there are a few basic rules to follow with wall decor, theres only one rule that really matters: Make it yours. This way, your space will always feel like home.