How to Do an Accent Wall

Creating the perfect accent wall adds a focal point to the room, allows you to express your personal style preferences, and changes the environment without going through with an expensive complete room makeover. For many homeowners, this is a more budget-friendly option than trying to completely renovate an entire room. There are plenty of colors, styles, and designs that one might choose from when they are considering adding an accent wall. At Ace Hardware Painting Services, we want to show you the many benefits of doing so. 

What is an Accent Wall? 

When exploring interior painting services, there is no doubt that an accent wall adds a lot of variety to any particular space. An accent wall differs from a standard painted wall in the design and purpose of that wall. A standard painted wall is uniform and meant to remain consistent with the remainder of the colors and designs of the room. An accent wall is the opposite. It is meant to stick out and create layers of design in the space. An accent wall adds visual interest to the room and creates a space that looks completely different from what it did before. 

Benefits of Adding an Accent Wall 

There are numerous advantages to accent walls in any given room. Among the benefits that one can enjoy when they add an accent wall to their space are the following: 

• Provides Depth and Personality to the Space - There is a new layer of depth and personality added to any space that has an accent wall. A new flavor of style is added to any room that has an accent wall.
• Budget-Friendly Way to Change the Look of a Home - This is one of the most budget-friendly ways to change the look of one's home. You don't have to break the bank to get a new look for your space. 
• Ideal for Large and Small Rooms - Adding an accent wall to your space works well in both large and small rooms all throughout your home. 

Enjoy all of these benefits from the moment you add an accent wall to your home. It can be a revolutionary move as far as your design choices are concerned. 

Different Types of Accent Walls 

You have choices when it comes to the types of accent walls that you will include in your space. Among the types of accent walls that you might choose from are the following: 

• Painted Accent Walls - The most cost-effective and most commonly used option, painted accent walls are a great choice for those who want to change up the look of their space on a budget. 
• Wood/Board-and-Batten Accent Walls - A splash of warmth is added to your space when you make the choice to include wood/board-and-batten accent walls to your space. These types of walls conjure up images of the outdoors and help us reconnect with nature. They are a great choice for those who want to add a cozy feeling to their space. 
• Stone, Tile, and Brick Accent Walls - High durability is one of the top features of stone, tile, and brick accent walls. Homeowners will appreciate the ability to have an accent wall that they know for certain can stand up to anything that gets thrown at it. 

These are just some examples of the types of accent walls that one might incorporate into their space. There are plenty of options out there, and it is worth considering all of them before settling on any particular option. 

Planning and Choosing the Right Wall 

Selecting the right accent wall means going over every available option and determining for yourself which selections make the most sense for your space. It is a process that you should take seriously because it will have a dynamic impact on the look of your space for years to come. 

How to Decide Which Wall to Accent

Perhaps you are settled on the fact that you want to accent one of your walls, but you aren't quite certain which wall to accent. If that is the case, then you might want to consider a wall that has a natural focal point. Examples of this are headboards, TV walls, and walls where there is a fireplace. Any of these walls could be a good candidate to be accented. 

While looking at that, also consider the amount of light that the wall receives. You should think about the natural light received by that wall, as well as the amount of artificial light received in that area as well. 

Finally, don't forget to select a wall that doesn't have any obstructions. Doors or windows are obstructions that you don't want to deal with when trying to select a wall to be accented. So, select a wall that doesn't have any of these features. 

Common Pitfalls to be Avoided

There are certain mistakes that have been made time and time again by those who have gone about the process of accenting a wall. Common mistakes include the following: 

• Clashing Colors - Selecting colors that clash too much with the existing color scheme of the rest of the room can make the accent wall stand out in ways that you did not intend. Try to avoid selecting colors that clash too much with what is already present. 
• Selecting a Wall Without a Focal Point - Choosing a wall that doesn't have a focal point in the room takes some of the value out of creating an accent wall in the first place. Much of the value of an accent wall is taken away when that wall doesn't have a clear focal point. Make sure you don't make that same mistake. 
• Failing to Prepare the Wall Properly - Some have also run into issues with properly preparing the wall that they intend to accent. When that happens, there is a risk that the wall will not look anything at all like what they had intended. 

Although these are pitfalls that anyone could fall into, knowing what they are ahead of time can help you avoid making some of the same mistakes that others have before you. 

Accent Wall Design Ideas

Drawing attention to a specific wall is an excellent way to help the room stand out without spending too much money to make it happen. As such, you might consider some of the following accent wall designs. 

Paint-Based Design Ideas

The color of the paint that you opt to use on your accent wall will have a great impact on the mood of the room. Do you want the space to be a high-energy space where your mood is instantly lifted? If so, then bright and vibrant colors should be in the rotation. You can also try dark and moody colors to create a more serious atmosphere within the space, or choose any blend of colors that fit the mood that you are aiming for. 

Wallpaper & Mural Ideas

Making a big statement with your accent wall can come in the form of wallpaper and mural ideas for your wall. If that is the kind of attention that you want to draw to your space, then going with a big statement like this can be exactly what you should aim for. 

Styling Your Accent Wall 

Knowing how your accent wall will connect with the rest of your room is an important consideration that cannot be overlooked. Think about how it will blend in with the furniture that you have selected, as well as any color schemes that you have already established for the room. Give all of this a fair consideration before you finalize any plans for your accent wall. 

Complementary Wall & Decor Colors

Always strive to select colors for your accent wall that complement the colors that already exist in the rest of the room. The accent wall shouldn't have colors that clash with the existing furniture and flooring. You can avoid this danger and take the guesswork out of the process by scheduling a paint color consultation. This is a great way to ensure you are being mindful of the way you select the colors that you will ultimately use throughout your space. In particular, it can help you create a cohesive flow of colors that are visually appealing. 

Adding Texture

Another element to look at is the texture of the accent wall that you are working on. You should consider essential factors such as the texture of that wall and how it feels when laid up against the rest of the room. You will need to decide whether to use peel-and-stick wallpaper or a traditional wallpaper covering for your accent wall. Think about how much effort you want to put into your accent wall and what steps you need to take to make that happen. 

Furniture & Decor Integration 

Choose decor for your rooms based on pieces that complement the space. Make sure those selections don't overwhelm the visual appeal of the space, but also consider how each piece speaks to your personality. Anchor the accent wall in your space with pieces of furniture that fit well with it. This can take some time to find just the right pieces, so make certain you give yourself ample time to put all of those pieces together. 

Let Ace Hardware Painting Services Help with your Accent Wall