The Straits Times Feature: Get hands-on with feature walls

If Mr Kenneth Tan of Vwalla (pronounced “Voila!”) had his way, every wall would have a decorative overlay.

“People usually think of furniture or emulsion paints when they mull over a new look for their living spaces, and often overlook dressing up the walls,” says Mr Tan, 31, who started the retailer of do-it-yourself (DIY) wall and ceiling coverings and accessories.

He co-founded the company in October last year with Mr Ckay Loh, 35, a second-generation business owner of a 25-year-old signage and printing business.

“Walls can create a huge impact on a room’s appeal, depth and overall feel,” says Mr Tan, who also owns several other e-commerce companies.

He says Vwalla saw a 50 per cent jump in its business last year during the pandemic as more people looked for affordable DIY ways to spruce up their homes without engaging renovation contractors, who were dealing with an acute labour shortage.

“My partner and I spoke to many home owners whose home renovations were put on pause due to the pandemic last year and phase two (heightened alert) earlier this year,” says Mr Tan.

“The lull also allowed consumers to rethink their renovation plans as they became more budget-weary and looked to spend less during these challenging times,” he says.

“With Vwalla, they are able to build their own feature wall at a fraction of the cost.”

Creating a TV room feature wall using Vwalla 3D Panels costs between $250 and $500. Customers can also revamp the ceilings of their living rooms for about the same price.

Mr Tan says that engaging a renovation contractor to build a similar wall can easily cost between $1,500 and $3,000.