An accent wall can make your home distinct, and can also liven up a dull room. While it’s fairly easy to create perfect accent walls, it’s also just as easy to take a path that leads to design chaos.
At House Tipster, we want your home to be elegant as well as unique. With this guide to designing an accent wall, you’ll be well on your way to creating one that’s perfectly coordinated with your home.
Do…
Paint your wall a different color. This is probably the simplest way to create an accent wall. You have a few options. If your walls are already painted a color you’re happy with, choose a separate color for your accent wall that will complement it. Be sure to keep your furniture and décor colors in mind as well. For a beige-colored room, gray will work well as an accent wall. For white walls, navy blue will stand out while still being elegant. If your current walls have a bold color like red or orange, your accent wall can be painted white!
Photo by ostap25 on Adobe Stock
If you’re working with a blank slate, you have even more freedom. Analogous colors, or colors with similar hues and tones, work well together in interior design. Primary and complementary colors can be combined to make a unique look in your home, but when creating an accent wall, try to find muted tones of primary or complementary colors such as tan, salmon, light blue, and violet. If you need any interior paint tips, check out this article.
If you opt for a white accent wall, consider a wall mural or wall decals. These are available in a variety of designs from flowers for a bohemian home to geometric designs for a contemporary space.
Do…
Use decoration. If painting isn’t an option and you prefer something less permanent, use wall hangings or decoration pieces. Create a photo wall with a variety of frames in different styles. Organize the frames in interesting shapes or diagonals. You can apply the same concept for art pieces and paintings. Purchase small paintings from the same artist that convey the same theme or idea, and organize them as you would with photos. You can also buy one very large painting, center it on your wall, and make it the only focus.
Mirrors can be coordinated on your accent wall with the same idea as photos and paintings.
Photo by skdesign on 123rf
Do…
Consider texture. Wallpaper can be your best friend when creating an accent wall. It’s simple to set up and semi-permanent. It can also add texture to your home – something many interior designers use in their projects. Textured charcoal wallpaper can be an edgy addition to a white-walled living room or dining room. You can also buy stacked stone paneling for your accent wall to create a cabin-like and homey feel. Textured vinyl wallpaper will give you the option to keep it white or paint it a color of your choice.
Your wall isn’t the only place to add texture. Place decorative chairs, tables, and lighting against a plain wall to add 3D texture with things you already have in your home.
Don’t…
Over-clutter your wall! Yes, an accent wall is intended to stand out and be different from the rest of your home, but keep your design aesthetic in mind. The accent wall rule of thumb is to keep it elegant despite it being a standout area. Don’t over-clutter your walls with paintings, photos, and mirrors. Stick to one idea and choose just the right amount of hangings for your wall.
A cluttered wall will look messy and unorganized. Avoid putting every design element into your accent wall. A brightly-colored and textured accent wall against a boldly-colored home adorned with mirrors and paintings will be too much for the eye, and too much for your home. This can disrupt the overall aesthetic flow of your home.
Don’t…
Forget about your home’s personality. What does your home look like? Do you have loud furnishings that will coordinate well with a muted accent wall? Is your home dressed in white and beige and needs an accent wall for embellishment? If your home has a nautical feel, stay within that realm, and adorn your accent wall with nautical décor, and avoid dark, edgy pieces.
Think about your home’s needs before starting an accent wall project, and follow these accent wall tips for an engaging and stylish home.
Photo by ExtravaganT on Adobe Stock
