Whether adding contrast to a basic room or creating an eye-catching focal point, accent walls are the perfect addition to any space! Not only do they provide an opportunity to create a statement piece but can elevate your overall design scheme. So, follow along for a closer look at different styles of accent walls, creating a conversation starter that your guests won’t soon forget!
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You may be questioning whether accent walls are in or out. But like the fashion world…things never really go out of style…in fact, they just seem to get better! This trend has made a BIG comeback. While the previously conceived notion of simply painting one wall still rings true, your options are now endless! From shiplap to MDF, wallpaper to paint, and beyond, the sky’s the limit on location, colors, surfaces, and materials.
White paint throughout your entire space can be slightly one-note. So, the purpose of an accent wall, whether incorporating color, texture, or both, is to give your living space a unique stylish touch. Just like your home, your accent wall is purely personal. Don’t be afraid to be bold and make a statement, bringing different colors or patterns together to match your overall theme!
Different Styles of Accent Walls
Accent Wall Ideas
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Shiplap
Raise your hand if you LOVE shiplap as much as I do!! The word shiplap has become synonymous with the queen of shiplap, Joanna Gaines. If you’re anything like me, shiplap instantly has you thinking of dilapidated buildings being turned into rustic-chic farmhouses!
While you might not be featured on an episode of “Fixer Upper” the good news is shiplap is easy to incorporate into your home. It adds a simple yet classic focal point to any room without overly distracting from the rest of your space.
I chose to integrate shiplap throughout my home on varying walls and ceilings. Mixing up the directional pattern allowed for the perfect contrasting texture! Whether applied in a horizontal, vertical, or chevron design it creates a seamless look with beautiful clean lines.
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MDF
Rooms without an architectural feature can benefit from an accent wall, especially one with texture! So, if shiplap isn’t your style…you’re in luck…because there are endless alternatives to choose from like MDF, tile, plaster, rattan, and even living plant walls, just to name a few.
MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) is an engineered wood. It’s made from wood fibers bonded together with resin under heat and pressure. Using MDF is a budget-friendly option worth considering when adding a modern wood accent to your wall. Wood accents not only elevate your space but add drama and dimension to the room. Beyond affordability, it’s also lightweight, easy to work with, and doesn’t warp like traditional wood, which makes it a great beginner DIY project that anyone can do!
Wallpaper
Wallpaper is the perfect way to give your accent wall an upscale, classy feel! With endless designs available, you’re sure to find a pattern that suits your needs. Choose from traditional, non-pasted and even temporary designs. Textured options are also available, which give a fabric illusion for an added designer look!
I have a love for wallpaper that goes beyond words! It creates an opportunity to be bold in both color and pattern design, making an instant statement! I incorporated several wallpaper designs in different rooms throughout my home.
Tip: Measure your walls first to determine exactly how much you need before buying!!
Master Bathroom – Water Closet:
I incorporated this gorgeous Chesapeake earthy wallpaper in the master bathroom water closet and I absolutely LOVE how it turned out! The beautiful grey trees pop against an eggshell background in this toile wallpaper, and the soft distressed details give this wallpaper a fabric like appearance. This wallpaper is a repasted, coated heavyweight paper.
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Mudroom:
In the mudroom, I went with a bolder wallpaper choice and selected this floral design by NewWall. I hung it on the top half of the wall, which creates the perfect amount of contrast and adds an eye-catching pop of color. It instantly transforms this space with its beautiful floral pattern design and creamy color palette.
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Powder Room:
I wanted to have a little fun with my powder room, so I chose an edgy design with this charcoal stroke wallpaper pattern. The detailing showcases strokes and dots in a horizontal pattern, which creates stunning visual appeal with an added side of drama. Even better it’s a non-pasted design, so all you have to do is paste adhesive on your wall and press the paper on top!
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Painted Accent Wall
Painting an accent wall might sound like the easier of the styling options, but if done incorrectly, can unintentionally detract from vs. enhancing the overall space.
Before heading to the nearest hardware store for paint swatches, it’s important to consider both room direction and natural focal points. Surprisingly, the amount of direct sunlight your room receives can affect the overall look and tone of your paint. However, choosing the wrong focal point can cause the space to look smaller instead of open and airy.
Following a few simple tips can help you determine the best color option and location for your accent wall.
Room Direction
- North-facing rooms: opt for colors with warmer undertones to keep the room from feeling impersonal and uninviting.
- East-facing rooms: opt for colors with cooler undertones to balance out the colors in the room.
Focal Points
- Determine whether the wall you want to paint is a focal point or if it can be turned into a focal point.
- Notice what areas of the room your eye is naturally drawn to when first walking into the room.
When designing my office space, I wanted to create a peaceful area where I could be productive. Three of my office walls are painted Benjamin Moore Simply White. The accent wall is Sherwin Williams Iron Ore. It’s a softer black than the Tricorn black I have on my doors. The black wall really makes the TV and frame pop!
I created the frame around my QLED Samsung TV, giving it a custom look. The entire process is saved in my Instagram highlights under “TV Frame DIY.” When the TV is turned off, I use TV art mode to access decorative pieces from the Metropolitan Museum. Check out my highlight on how to do that under “TV Art Mode.”!
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Your accent wall style is the perfect starting point to build out the rest of your room design, so have a little fun and get creative!
Which accent wall styles are your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
Adding a console table to your accent wall and not sure how to style it, then check out THIS post on How to Style a Console Table!
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