How to Create Pinterest-Worthy Accent Walls

With most of us spending more time at home due to precautions to slow the spread of COVID-19, many people have upped the ante on interior design. Your home should be a point of pride, after all!

An accent wall is one way to change up the look and feel of a room without having to invest a great deal of time or money into the project. And even better, there’s no wrong way to approach it. Your home is unique, so your accent wall should reflect your personal style. Accent walls can be a focal point in any room, and there’s no shortage of elements to pull in, without overwhelming the space.

Work Within Your Aesthetic

First, start by taking into account the current vibe of the room. Do you have shelving units? Built-ins? Other architectural elements? You’re going to want to work around those statement pieces — look to the bare walls as a blank canvas. A quick Pinterest search for “accent wall” yields a multitude of results. But which approach is right for you and your space? It’s really a matter of taste — are you a minimalist or a maximalist?

Add that Pop of Color

For instance, paint is by far the easiest and least expensive way to add another dimension to a wall. Say your living room walls are gray. Why not paint one wall red for a pop of color? Don’t be shy about contrast. Experts agree that as long as the wall color fits the other elements in the room, there are no hard or fast rules. This is the time for high drama! If you’re not sure about what colors will complement each other, look online for a color wheel. Many paint manufacturers and hardware stores have their own versions you can access for reference.

However, don’t feel limited by paint. Wallpaper has a lot to offer. These aren’t your mother’s patterns. There are so many designs that are far from busy or stuffy. And if you’re concerned about staying current with trends, temporary wallpaper can be a compromise.

Texture is the New Color

But this is just the beginning. Texture can pack a mean punch — and the options run the gamut. Tile and stone are accessible materials. You can pair it with color for an extra touch. The same philosophy can be applied to the details. Think shelving, a gallery of photos, a collection of mirrors or artwork or even a tapestry. As an aside, mirrors are an interior designer’s secret weapon, because they can create an illusion of a larger space. You can create a conversation piece with different sizes and spaces of mirrors.

Think Off the Wall

Speaking of space, don’t think you’re limited by orientation. One hot trend decorating trend is to play with color on the ceiling. This ceiling color can be your accent wall. Whatever hue you go with, white crown molding is a must. It helps separate the wall color from the ceiling and creates a visual draw.

So, there you have it. By blending color, texture, and a dose of creativity, you can create a space that becomes the centerpiece of any room.