How to Make an Accent Wall Intentional, Not Accidental
Let’s face it, sometimes accent walls can feel more like emergency walls when someone ran out of paint and never finished the job. Maybe it was their choice of color or the wall they chose, but whatever it is, it doesn’t work. And yet, Instagram is littered with posts from designers showing off perfectly executed accent walls that look like they should have been there.
If you’re thinking about painting an accent wall yourself, you might be worried about falling into the first category. But don’t worry: we’ve got some tips and strategies to make your accent wall look intentional (and good). Here’s what you need to know.
What is an accent wall?
The color or design of the accent wall is different from the rest of the room. They can be used in any room of the house and are a way to add some color to a neutral room without the obligation (and time and expense) of painting or wallpapering all four walls.
Done right, accent walls can also make a room feel more cohesive. “A strategically colored accent wall is a powerful and effective way to add volume and focus to a room,” says Cameron Johnson, interior designer and founder of design firm Nickson .
How to create a spectacular accent wall
Here are some tips and strategies to make sure your accent wall looks like it’s not random:
Choose the right color
It sounds obvious, but this is where so many people get it wrong. “Color choice is also extremely important,” says Johnson . “The color should be in harmony with the surrounding furniture and design, for example, from the carpet.”
But you also have to consider the room’s role in your daily life – and how you want to feel when you’re in it – when choosing a color.
“Blue is known to be calming and promotes meditative Zen, so a beautiful blue in the bedroom can create the perfect oasis of serenity,” explains Johnson . “Green is invigorating and balancing, and is often a good choice for an entryway or living space. Even yellow in small doses can be welcoming and energizing.”
Choose the right wall
It’s best not to choose a wall at random or simply because it’s the easiest to paint. According to Johnson, the best wall for accent color is usually the one that is the focal point of the room, such as a wall with a fireplace, a wall behind a headboard in a bedroom, or a wall with a large piece of art.
Pay attention to the accent ceiling
The ceiling can also be an accent wall. Painting the ceiling draws your attention upward as you enter the room, making it the center of attention. Typically, accent ceilings are done in rooms with moldings that act as a clear boundary between the ceiling and other walls in the room. But it’s certainly possible to have an accent ceiling in a room without molding for a more modern look .