If you’re the type to admire bold paint colors and wild printed wallpaper in magazines but fear making a big design statement at home, try dipping your toes in with an accent wall. These creative ideas will help you draw attention and inspire you to take more risks in your own decor.
Two-Tone Accent Wall
Two-tone accent walls are a modern trend that allow homeowners to explore different colors without having to paint the entire room. This approach can be used to create a traditional or contemporary look, depending on the colors selected and how they’re used. For example, a butterscotch accent wall can set a cozy mood while also providing a subtle contrast to dark furniture. Alternatively, a mint green accent wall can infuse an open concept living area with a fresh feel.
Paint options like sponge texture and stippling can be used to create a unique design on an accent wall. These techniques are easy enough for do-it-yourselfers to try, and can give rooms a dramatic focal point without overpowering their existing color scheme. Other wall art and decor items can help accentuate the colors and texture of an accent wall, but be sure to avoid creating a design that clashes with other patterns in the room or that will be too overpowering for the space.
If you prefer a more permanent alternative to painting, wallpaper and wood paneling can make beautiful accent wall options. Both require a bit more effort and expense than painting, but they offer a more permanent solution for those who aren’t comfortable with the commitment of paint. Both options are available in a variety of designs and textures, allowing you to find the right fit for your home.
Striped walls are another popular choice for an accent wall, and are versatile enough to be used on all types of walls. Use wide stripes for a bold look, or slimmer lines that blend into one another. Alternatively, you can use painter’s tape to create other geometric patterns, such as herringbone or chevron, on your accent wall.
Whether you choose to paint or use a more permanent material for your accent wall, lighting is key to creating a striking design. Proper lighting can highlight the texture and color of an accent wall, allowing it to become the focus of a room. Decorative lamps, wall art, and furniture can all add visual interest to an accent wall, but remember that too much decor can overpower the design of a painted or wood wall accent.
Ombre Accent Wall
Using the ombre paint technique to add color to a wall can make a room feel cozy and inviting. This wall painting technique involves blending several shades of the same color together to create a gradient. You can choose to transition from dark to light or use a darker hue as the base and lighter hues to highlight a design element, such as a fireplace mantel or crown molding. A Sherwin-Williams color expert can help you select the perfect shade to achieve the desired ombre effect.
Another easy way to add interest to a room is by painting the trim work or casings on your walls. This is a quick and affordable way to change the overall look of your space, and it can be done in any number of colors. You can even try out a unique texture like shiplap or rustic roughhewn planks to give the appearance of an accent wall without the expense.
If you want to take a more creative approach, use painters tape to create geometric patterns on your wall. You can create a variety of patterns by using different types of tape, or you can use the same pattern repeatedly for a more subtle effect. The key is to be consistent with your lines, so take time to prep the wall and ensure a smooth and even finish before you begin painting.
Consider using your accent wall to display a gallery of photos or family portraits in matching frames. This works well in a bedroom or living room, where the wall can become a focal point with overhead lighting and a comfortable chair. You can also opt to hang other decor, such as a collection of embroidery hoops or an arrangement of small baskets filled with flowers.
Choosing the right color can help your quality paint stand out and make other design elements in the room pop. If you prefer a moody look, go with dark hues like navy blue or black to add drama to your space. In contrast, bright hues like vivid orange or brilliant yellow can energize your space and make an accent wall feel more eye-catching.
Green Accent Wall
Green accent walls are a beautiful way to bring the outdoors in. They’re calming, uplifting and a great choice for those who want to make a bold statement without overwhelming the room with color. Dark hunter or olive greens are perfect for darker rooms while light sage greens and minty shades feel fresh and optimistic. To add interest to your green wall, use textured surfaces like wood paneling or shiplap to give it texture and create a focal point. This can help soften the overall look and feel of a modern or contemporary space, but it also works well in rustic or traditional settings.
The easiest and most common way to create a green accent wall is simply to paint it. This can be done in any shade, from a muted sage to a moody forest. You can even use a matte finish to downplay the brightness of the color and make it feel more subtle.
However, if you’re looking for something a little more unique, try using patterned wallpaper as an alternative to painting. Botanic or tropical patterns are particularly popular right now and can really add a cool visual appeal to any space.
If you’re not quite ready to commit to a fully painted green accent wall, try using a stencil to create a striped design instead. You can choose to create a simple vertical or horizontal stripe or mix it up and go for jagged lines or a more mixed-up pattern.
Another fun idea is to use an accent wall as a focal point for a built-in piece of furniture. This is a great idea for a living space or bedroom and can be as simple as a bookshelf or media center. It’s also a good way to divide a room in a shared space, such as a home office or living room.
The most important thing when choosing a color for your accent wall is to balance it with the rest of the room. You can be bold and choose a bright emerald green, but it’s essential that the rest of the room is neutral enough to not overwhelm the accent wall.
Cabinet or Shelving Accent Wall
Adding an accent wall to your home gives you a chance to add a personal touch. It can also help to draw attention away from other focal points in the room such as a fireplace or window. You can use a variety of materials and colors to create an attractive accent wall. Some people choose to hang art prints, but you can also use a photo collage or a collection of shelves to create a unique display.
Another option is to use a large-scale mural to create a dramatic effect. If you have a lot of wall space, this may be an ideal choice for your home. Some murals are painted in neutral colors that never go out of style, while others feature vibrant colors and a variety of patterns. For example, a seashell pattern can be used in a coastal home while sports logos work well in a mancave. Stencils are another simple way to create a unique design on an accent wall. You can find stencils that have a geometric design, quotes, floral designs, cityscapes and more. They are an easy way to add a custom look without having to hire a professional painter.
You can also choose to use a natural material such as wood or stone for an accent wall. This can give your home a rustic or industrial feel. For a more elegant touch, marble is an excellent choice. It is durable and brings elegance to the space with its timeless appeal.
An accent wall can serve as the perfect backdrop for a flatscreen television or entertainment center. For instance, in this living room designed by Studio Shamshiri, the custom wood paneling blends with both contemporary and traditional aesthetics.
If you want to add a more modern look, use a metallic wallpaper for your accent wall. This wallpaper can reflect light and make the room feel bigger, which can enhance the overall ambiance of your home. You can also hang a wallpaper with a pattern, such as a chevron or diamond pattern, to add interest to your living space.