A feature or accent wall is a simple way to give your space a subtle upgrade or, for those who need it, a big change with a dramatic focal point. Here are some dos, don’ts to keep in mind…
DO …
- Make sure the wall you choose to highlight is the first space your eyes are drawn to when you walk into the room, because an accent wall should define a living space.
- Opt for paint when you want an easy, inexpensive way to update your space without making a big commitment.
- Be brave with colour, but make sure the colour or pattern you choose complements the rest of the room.
- Most importantly, do have fun!
DON’T …
- Don’t randomly select a wall to highlight. A feature wall should be used to highlight the room’s existing focal point. The wall where the mantel sits, the wall behind your bed’s headboard or behind the TV cabinet all make for a good feature wall.
- Don’t do an accent wall in a small or already crowded room. It will only make it look smaller.
- Don’t avoid wallpaper. It doesn’t have to be permanent. There are plenty of peel-and-stick options, including tile decals, that are easy to remove when the time comes.
- Don’t make the mistake of thinking paint and wallpaper are your only options. You can also create feature walls out of tile, stone, reclaimed wood and a host of other materials. Creativity is key!
A few ideas to get you started
Paint the trims When you don’t want to paint an entire wall, just paint the trims, moldings or casings for a splash of colour that breaks up the space.
Natural stone This is easily one of the most expensive surface materials money can buy. To cut costs but still spotlight a beautiful stone, just stick with one accent wall.
Lighting and wallpaper If your dining room is your everyday dining area as well as guest dining space, invest in pieces that deliver form and function – unusual lighting and beautiful wallpaper are easy ways to add character without taking up surface space.
Bright and bold A bright hue is the easiest way to make a statement in a small space. Paint one wall an energizing colour, then add contrast with decor.
Mirror, Mirror on the wall A glam mirrored accent wall makes the space feel bigger while also doubling as a place to outfit-check before running out the door.
Bright yellow Not everybody is a fan, but a bright yellow painted accent wall will keep a room feeling light and sunny.
Go dark Black might sound terrifying, but it looks totally sexy in a bedroom. To keep it from feeling too dark, opt for white bedding, and make sure you have enough natural light in the room.
Rustic wood If you want to really make a statement, ditch the mounted headboard in your bedroom and use your entire wall instead to create a DIY wood statement wall.
Stripes or stencils For added interest on a feature wall, opt for a striking striped effect using harmonious hues. Lace stencils or hand-drawn circles paint techniques are also easy to create and add a personal touch.
Furniture… placed well, works wonders to emphasize a feature wall. In the living room, you might choose to paint the wall behind your couch, while in a bedroom, it could be the wall at the head of the bed.
