When it comes to home decor, small changes can have a big impact—and that’s exactly where accent walls come in. Accent walls are a simple, stylish way to bring character, color, and personality to a room without committing to a full-scale renovation. Whether you live in a spacious house or a cozy apartment, an accent wall can dramatically enhance your space.
However, there are many ways to create an accent wall. At Golden Rule Builders, we have helped our clients create accent walls using reclaimed wood, brick, stone, and wallcoverings such as wallpaper and fabrics. Using materials other than paint can bring texture and richness to an accent wall and create a much more unique appearance. Whatever your reason for creating an accent wall, there are certain things to consider when designing your accent wall to ensure you are happy with the result.
An accent wall breaks up the monotony of a room with four identical walls. Whether it’s a bold color, a patterned wallpaper, or reclaimed wood, it instantly adds a layer of depth and intrigue consider the following when designing your accent wall.
- Accent walls offer the perfect opportunity to showcase your style. Whether you love deep jewel tones, geometric prints, or rustic wood, you can reflect your taste without overwhelming the entire room.
- Open concept living areas are popular, but they can sometimes lack visual boundaries. An accent wall can help define different zones—such as a reading nook, dining area, or entertainment space—without needing physical dividers.
- Every room needs a focal point, whether it’s a fireplace, TV wall, or bed headboard. An accent wall naturally draws attention and can anchor the rest of your decor.
- When creating an accent wall using a different paint color, it is important to make sure it complements the other colors in the room. Use design elements of the room such as furniture fabric or a comforter when picking a color.
- Choose the type of accent wall to suit the style of the room. For example, reclaimed wood can be a good choice if you are looking to add a rustic look.
- Brighter colors such as reds, yellows, and turquoise can be fun, bold and energize the room. For this reason, bedrooms may not be the best place for these types of colors.
- Darker paint colors or a stone wall can provide a feeling of richness, calmness, and maturity.
- Colors and types of materials can make a room feel and appear larger or smaller so it is good to understand how it will affect the room. Warmer colors can make a room feel more intimate, cool colors can make a room feel more expansive.
Accent walls are a powerful design tool that lets you play with color, texture, and style—without the commitment of a full room transformation. Whether you’re looking to spice up a neutral space or add definition to an open floor plan, an accent wall is a smart, stylish choice that delivers big results with minimal effort. Contact us to discuss your vision!
Article contributed by Cindy Lovell, Interior Designer/Selections Consultant at Golden Rule Builders
