Mel Carpenter
If you’re tired of scouring Pinterest boards and design magazines for inspiration on how to elevate your home decor, it might be time to look to the accent wall. They’ve been around in home design for a while, but Jennifer Guerin of JG Color Studios still notes that an accent wall “is a great way to add visual interest to a space and draw your eye to that area of the room.” There’s no shortage of ways to use an accent wall to create a classic but unique focal point to your space.
Elizabeth Rees, founder of Chasing Paper, a Milwaukee-based wall coverings and removable flooring company.
Anna Franklin, interior designer and founder of Stone House Collective.
Use Wallpaper Credit: @laybabylay (Instagram) Don’t feel like painting but love the look of a little mural, pattern, or art piece on your accent wall? A wallpaper accent wall is an easy solution, and there are a ton of options to choose from.
“Or to keep the space feeling minimal, opt for a smaller-scale, barely-there print for a sweet, subtle accent wall that won’t overwhelm the rest of the design.” 5. “We designed a vertical slat wall behind the bed frame in a primary bedroom,” says Howard. “It adds texture and warmth to the space in a modern, minimal way.” Creating a wood wall can be a fun home improvement challenge and something you can certainly do yourself with a bit of planning.
While you can put them anywhere in your home, they’re especially great for kids’ bedrooms or playrooms (you can dream and paint even bigger in those spaces!). If painting isn’t one of your strong points but you’d still like to DIY your wall, take a look for a stencil you can use. Second, the objects on the shelves - from books to photos to keepsakes - can serve a dual purpose as decor and wall art.
Look to add color and texture to your shower, for example, by using unique patterns and arrangements of tile. Create Contrasts The key thing to keep in mind about accent walls is that they only work if they’re unique to the rest of the space. “The key with an accent wall is to stand out by creating some contrast with the rest of the room.,” says Mellan-Matulewics.
Wainscotting Moulding Credit: Clipper City House Boost the aesthetic of a plain white wall simply by adding texture and shape through molding.
Opt for a large piece of art that takes up a good section of one wall in your space. It’ll draw the eye without the planning or labor needed to achieve some other accent wall looks.
Use paneling to create an accent wall without having to put in too much renovation legwork (or money!) Get the Inside Look, our free weekly newsletter that delivers curated home decor and furniture picks, expert design advice, and more.
The simple, yet artistic look is a great fit for smaller spaces, like an office or mudroom, where the stripes won’t be too overwhelming.
Mix a bold color with white for a subtle accent wall in spaces like the bedroom. “We created an abstract, geometric panel design for the accent wall in a kid's bedroom,” says Howard. “This added some dimension to the space in a fun and playful way, and we opted to paint the wall a dark grey to add even more depth.” 22.
Use an accent wall to make a cozy, yet functional space feel like a reading nook by the stairs. Franklin notes, “To avoid overwhelming the space while still making a statement, apply the wallpaper to only one wall; or go all out for a bold, cozy look by enveloping the room with wallpaper.” 24.
It’s important to keep in mind the full usage of the room, particularly the area where the accent wall will be.
Since it’s the focal point, you should choose a color that you feel comfortable being front and center in your space.
Johnson adds, “you should consider the room’s role in your daily life when choosing a color. Green is invigorating and balancing, and often a nice choice in an entryway or living space.
Even yellow, in small doses, can be welcoming and energizing.” One of the greatest things about the accent wall is that you have total creative freedom to make it your own. You can start small, with just a vision of color and a can of paint, or you can add in shapes through paneling, molding, or other textures.
Don’t be afraid to dream big and paint a mural scene across a whole wall or opt for a wallpaper that’s totally out of your comfort zone. There’s really no going wrong with an accent wall, and it’s a great way to show a bring a little more character into your already unique home.
