This designer has discovered a brilliantly imaginative approach to decorating an empty wall—and you can do it yourself in just a few hours.

When interior designer Gabrielle Santiago of Gabrielle Santiago Design began working on this California residence, her goal was to keep its cool, retro vibe while also making it functional for the young family of five. 'The original design had elements that reminded me of the Brady Bunch, so we kept some of the iconic features from that era while blending in modern functionality,' says Santiago. 'We made sure the space was not only fun but also practical for their everyday use.'

A prime example? The brilliant corkboard accent wall in the breakfast nook. Not only does it introduce texture to the room, but it also fosters flexibility and creativity, according to Santiago. 'When I first stepped into this client's home, I was immediately captivated by the abundance of children’s artwork throughout the space,' she recalls. This area was created with the children in mind. 'I wanted to create a space that would entice them, a spot they’d be drawn to sit in.'

Her passion for using unique materials led her to choose cork for the wall, which allows the kids to pin their artwork in countless configurations. It keeps all of their artwork displayed proudly—and organized, instead of being scattered messily around the house. 'It not only cuts down on clutter, but it also brings a personal, ever-evolving touch to the space,' she says.

The best part? You can easily recreate a similar look on your own! Santiago shares that while sourcing the rolls of cork took a couple of weeks, the installation itself was relatively quick, taking only about a day or so (depending on your space size). It’s applied much like traditional wallpaper, so careful attention to seam alignment and gluing is necessary.

Wondering how to maintain a cork accent wall? Santiago reassures us that it’s surprisingly simple. The cork doesn’t attract dirt, but like any other surface, it may get dusty. Maintenance is a breeze with minimal effort, usually requiring just a quick vacuum or wipe-down now and then.