Accent Walls: Transform Your Space with Style

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Accent walls are a popular feature in modern homes. Whether you need to update an existing accent wall or decide to implement this detail to brighten your space, feature, and accent walls have become a lot more than a simple coat of paint.

Let’s look at one of the easiest ways to spruce up your space and make it more lively and fun. Accent walls or feature walls are a singular wall of a room designed to look differently from the others, such as giving them a dynamic coat of paint or even a section of wallpaper. 

Interested? Read on to explore the world of accent wall painting, why you should consider them for your space, plus some tips and tricks directly from ProServ Painters!

Deciding Which Wall Should Be The Accent Wall

Accent walls are magical. They can transform an entire room into something dynamic and special. A proper accent wall becomes the heart of your decor, guiding the design and feel of a room. Whether you’re utilizing an accent wall to make a bold statement or highlighting the room’s unique features, let’s look at how we can boost your space’s natural charm.

Natural Light

Natural lighting is a coveted feature of modern homes. It elevates the overall feeling of a room, and makes spaces feel relaxing and comforting. Many homemakers will design their spaces around the rooms that catch the beautiful morning or afternoon light, and where the light falls is a perfect spot for an accent wall.

Walls that are dark and far away from your “natural” living spaces aren’t as suited for accent walls, as they will distract from the more welcoming parts of your space.

Entry Points

When you have guests over, where do they naturally congregate in your space? Eyes are drawn to accent walls, and if they’re not placed properly, it can make the space feel forced and awkward.

When someone walks into a space and the accent wall is facing them, it draws in a close and welcoming feeling. This can enhance the experience of a home, make a space feel more comforting, and create a dynamic, engaging feel.

ProServ Pro Tip:

You will be seeing your accent wall the most, since you’re the one that lives in the space. Your accent wall should naturally draw the eye—if you have to constantly turn or move to see your accent wall when you walk into a room, it’s in the wrong space!

Furniture Layout

We inevitably spend a significant portion of our time sitting on our furniture. This is a good thing! But that means our furniture is more than just a soft place to land—how we look at it, where we look at it, and how it makes our space feel must all be considered. Accent walls should enhance the natural, existing layout of your space.

Should you rearrange your furniture for your accent wall project? Maybe. But if you’re happy with your existing layout, you should consider it when you’re thinking of which wall to accentuate.

ProServ Pro Tip:

In any room with a TV, the best accent wall is the one where the TV is. TVs are natural focal points, and are typically the first thing you see when you walk into a room.

Architectural Features

Consider the unique architectural features of your room. This can help guide your decision, such as avoiding unsightly elements like electrical outlets or support beams. Accent walls are better in spaces where the eye is naturally drawn, such as fireplaces.

Size and Proportions

When it comes to accent walls, size does matter. The biggest wall in your space doesn’t necessarily mean to be the accent wall, but might have the most impact. Don’t use a significantly smaller wall for the accent wall, typically because this will throw off proportions and make your space feel asymmetrical or unbalanced. 

Popular Accent Wall Ideas

Adding a pop of color or visual feature is most popular in living rooms and bedrooms, but there’s no real limit to where a feature wall can accent your space. The sky’s the limit with interior home painting. Kitchens, bathrooms, home office, and even hallways can benefit from an accent wall.

Accent walls change the size, shape, and feel of a room. Depending on the wall and color you choose, you can give your home a surprising upgrade!

Think Beyond Solid Colors

Solid color isn’t the only option—patterns can turn your accent wall into a dynamic standout feature.

Your accent wall might be suitable for stripes, splashes, wallpaper, or even a specialty paint finish. Metallic wall finishes can make a strong statement, or you can utilize peel-and-stick murals or your own personal designs!

Remember Texture

Color isn’t your only option for accent walls—you can also change the texture. Stone or tile can give a new dimension to your space, and a wood accent makes a space feel natural and cozy. Beadboard, paneling, and decorative wood finishes are other fun options.

Brick veneer, shelving, or cabinetry can also work as accents in a room that doesn’t have natural architectural features or storage.

ProServ Pro Tip:

Your accent wall’s texture can be a dense gallery of photos or artwork. You can even use drapery, or a wall-mounted electric fireplace.

Add Accent Walls in Neutral Rooms

Are you hoping to keep your room neutral? Accent walls work with neutral colors as well—they don’t have to be dynamic red, blue, or black. A cinnamon or ochre wall can be just as effective.

Make Use of Bold Colors

Bold colors can be used for feature walls without dominating the space. Very dark or black accent walls won’t catch as much light, and you can counterbalance this by adding similar shades elsewhere in the room.

Is your wall bright orange? Add orange throw pillows, coffee table books, vases, planters, etc. As long as your room contains similar accents, you can have a bold feature wall that doesn’t stand out too much.

Consider Wallpaper

Wallpaper is a great choice for accent walls because these temporary designer options can make your space pop without the long-term commitment. Wallpaper with pretty designs, chic style, or splashy accents can be perfect for a feature wall. Wallpaper is also great for renters to create an accent without committing to paint.

Frequently Asked Questions

They’re not as trendy as they used to be, but the look can still be incorporated intentionally, and look great depending on the space!

Color does affect the appearance of a room’s dimensions. Looking at color and pattern and how these things can impact your space is important, as they can make a wall stand out or recede. Light colors can open up a space, while dark colors draw your attention.

Lighter or darker colors are based on a shift of attention. Lighter walls open up spaces, while darker colors draw your attention. If you want your living room or den to feel more open, use lighter colors. If you want to make a larger dining room feel smaller, use darker colors.

While multiple accent walls might compete for attention, creating a feature wall corner can change the feel of your space. You can also put accent walls on opposite sies of the room to make your space feel narrower or larger.

Don’t use accent walls in visually busy rooms. They won’t function correctly and instead will blend in with the other features. 

DIY vs. Professional Painting

Accent walls and feature walls can fully transform a space, adding depth to rooms or drawing the eye toward new spaces in your home. Proper accent walls can rejuvenate your home, adding dimension and depth as well as a natural or dynamic look.

If you’re considering accent walls for your home but don’t have the time or energy to take on the project, consider hiring ProServ Painters for the job. ProServ has years of experience in accomplished accent wall painting, plus you’ll get the peace of mind that comes with leaving it up to the professionals. Reach out to ProServ today for a free estimate!

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