Creating an accent wall is an easy way to add visual interest to any space. The trick is to use a technique that catches the eye without competing with adjacent walls.
Paint is an obvious choice for a creative accent wall. Try a dramatic dark shade like black, charcoal gray or navy blue to instantly elevate a room.
Paint
Paint is a classic way to create an accent wall, and it’s an affordable option for homeowners who want to redecorate a room without spending a fortune. You can choose a color that will complement the existing items in your room, or you can use a bold shade to make a statement.
Homeowners can also play with tone-on-tone coloring, which combines different saturation levels of the same color to create a unique design.
When choosing a paint color for an accent wall, it’s best to pick a lighter shade than the colors used on the rest of the room’s walls. This will give the room a bright and airy feel, which is perfect for living rooms or dining rooms, according to The Spruce. In long and narrow rooms, you can also highlight the farthest short wall to create the illusion of a more symmetrical space.
Wallpaper
Painting an accent wall is the most common way homeowners use this design element, but it’s not the only option. Wallpaper and tile can also be used to create unique, eye-catching walls that add a splash of personality to any room.
Homeowners who choose to paint their accent wall should make sure the walls are as clean as possible before beginning, as even small blemishes can impact the final appearance. Test several different colors on the wall before settling on one. View the color in a variety of lighting conditions and at all times of the day to see how it looks.
If you’re on a budget but still want to add an accent wall, try using wallpaper. It’s less expensive than paint, and it can also be easier to remove if you change your mind.
Wall Decals
Painting an accent wall can be a great way to express your personality, especially if you choose a bold color. It also lets you experiment with different colors, styles, and textures without fully changing the foundation of your space—a helpful trick if you’re planning to sell or rent out your home!
If you’re not a painter, you can still create a beautiful accent wall using removable vinyl wallpaper. This option is easy to apply and remove, making it perfect for a rental home or children’s rooms.
You can also turn your accent walls into a work of art with the help of custom murals. Whether you opt for a jungle scene in a kids room or a geometric design, a custom mural adds interest and depth to your space.
Hexagons
Incorporating hexagons into your design will transform rooms from drab to fab! From soothing pastels that engulf you in tranquillity to vibrant hues that ignite passion, these captivating geometric shapes serve as the perfect canvas for your creativity and style.
To make a hexagonal pattern, first find a point on the wall you want to use as your starting point. Then, mark that spot with a straight edge. Next, line your compass up with the straight edge and draw a circle around the pointed object. The distance between the compass and marker is the radius, or half of the widest width of your hexagon.
For clean lines, it’s important to only tape the perimeter of your hexagonal pattern once the paint is dry. Then, carefully remove the tape and if needed, touch up any spots with a brush.
Ceiling
The ceiling can be a great place to create an accent wall. It can provide a focal point and tie the paint colors in the room together. It can also showcase your ceiling fan or act as a frame for art.
Trim is another option when creating an accent wall. Skirting, architraves, doors and window frames look good painted a shade darker than the walls they frame. For even more contrast, choose a different color for the trim to make the wall stand out.
Built-ins also work well as accent walls. Painting them the same color as the wall they sit on helps to pull the entire piece together and feel more seamless.
