Accent Wall Design: The Do’s and Don’ts

This week we are diving deep into the world of accent walls—a powerful design element that can transform your space. In this post, we’ll explore the key elements of accent wall design, sharing the do’s and don’ts to help you achieve a stunning result.

We’ll discuss the age-old debate of DIY versus professional installation, helping you make an informed choice that aligns with your vision and capabilities. And, of course, we’ll keep you up-to-date with the latest trends in accent wall design, ensuring your space remains both stylish and timeless.

Whether you’re considering a bold new feature wall or looking to refresh an existing one, join us as we embark on this journey of creativity and inspiration. Your accent wall adventure begins here!

Accent Walls 101

It’s a question we’re asked from time to time, “Are accent walls out of style?” Accent walls are far from being out of style; in fact, they continue to be a popular and versatile design choice in modern interior decor. Wall treatments provide an excellent opportunity to infuse personality and character into a room, making it stand out and reflect the homeowner’s taste.

Whether it’s through paint colors, subtle touches, or eye-catching patterns, accent walls remain an effective means of creating focal points and visual interest in a space. The key to keeping accent walls fresh and contemporary is to stay updated with current design trends and experiment with innovative materials and color palettes that resonate with your personal style. If you’re looking to revitalize your spaces, consider an accent wall as a timeless design element.

Paint Finishes

Before we can discuss accent wall decoration, it’s good to have a basic understanding of paint finishes. Paint finishes or “sheen” refers to the level of gloss or shine in a paint finish. Different sheens have distinct characteristics and are suited for various purposes.

Flat sheen has the lowest level of gloss, appearing entirely matte and non-reflective. It has a smooth, velvety appearance. Flat sheen is excellent for hiding surface imperfections, such as minor cracks, bumps, and patches, as it doesn’t reflect light that could emphasize flaws.

It is forgiving when it comes to touch-ups since it doesn’t produce a noticeable sheen difference between old and new paint. Flat paint is often used on ceilings and walls in low-traffic areas like bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms. Due to its low reflectivity, flat paint minimizes glare, making it suitable for spaces with many windows or bright light.

Matte sheen has a slight hint of shine compared to flat but still offers a non-reflective, velvety finish. It’s a bit more durable than flat paint. Matte is suitable for walls in areas with moderate traffic, such as hallways, entryways, and bedrooms.

It’s relatively easy to clean compared to flat paint, making it a good choice for areas prone to occasional splashes or smudges. Matte is often chosen for its elegant, sophisticated appearance, offering a subtle sheen without being overly glossy.

Satin sheen has a noticeable but gentle sheen, which is more reflective than flat or matte finishes. It has a smooth, soft appearance. Satin sheen is durable and easy to clean, making it suitable for high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and children’s bedrooms.

It’s more resistant to moisture and humidity than flat or matte finishes, making it ideal for spaces prone to splashes and moisture, like bathrooms. Satin provides a subtle reflective quality, which can enhance the appearance of architectural details while still being relatively forgiving of imperfections. Some homeowners use satin sheen for trim, moldings, and doors to create a visual contrast with flat or matte walls.

Each paint sheen serves a specific purpose, so it’s important to consider your project’s requirements and your aesthetic preferences when choosing the right one. Additionally, some paint manufacturers may have variations in sheen levels, so it’s advisable to sample and test the paint before making your final decision.

DIY vs. Professional: Creating a Stunning Accent Wall

When it comes to creating a stunning bedroom accent wall, the choice between a DIY project and hiring a professional interior designer can significantly impact the outcome.

Going the DIY route can be immensely satisfying, offering a chance for personal creativity and cost savings. It allows homeowners to fully express their unique vision, select materials within their budget, and control the entire process. However, it also comes with challenges such as the need for skill in painting or installing materials, potential time-consuming mistakes, and the absence of a professional’s expert touch.

On the other hand, hiring a professional interior designer ensures a polished and cohesive result. Designers bring years of experience, access to a wide array of resources, and an eye for detail to the project. We can help you choose the perfect color scheme, materials, and layout, while also managing the project efficiently. The peace of mind that comes with knowing your wall decorations will be expertly executed and last for years is well worth the investment.

Here is a look behind the scenes of what goes into a professional accent wall design. This client wanted a dark and moody picture molding treatment for their master bedroom that accommodated their existing furniture. We added new bedside mirrors and lamps and gave them the flexibility to hang a large piece over their bed later down the road.

First, we always map out what design we want to achieve, ensuring to take into consideration furniture they would like to keep. Once we knew the dimensions accommodated everything needed, then we started working on coloring and visuals to present to the client.

Our client decided on this custom picture frame molding, painted in Sherwin Williams Darkroom.
Once we had the vision finalized, we reached out to our favorite carpenters to make this concept a reality. Having the dimensions already mapped out for the contractor ensures there is no miscommunication and that the vision is executed to a T. We are obsessed with how this turned out – what do you think?

Ultimately, the choice between DIY and professional assistance depends on your budget, time, and comfort level with DIY projects.Each option offers its own set of benefits and challenges

DIY Wall Treatments

If you are up for the challenge of DIY but unsure of what design you want, we have you covered. Check out these feature wall mockups of our favorite picture frame molding treatments to help give you some inspiration that you can tailor to your own space!

Selecting the best wall for an accent wall in a home involves considering several factors to achieve the desired aesthetic and functionality. Here’s how you can determine the best wall for an accent wall:

Focal Point: Choose a wall that naturally serves as a focal point in the room. This is typically the wall that draws the most attention when entering the space. It could be the one with a fireplace, a large window, or the wall behind the main piece of furniture like a bed in a bedroom or a sofa in a living room.

Architectural Features: Look for walls with architectural features that can be enhanced by an accent wall. This might include walls with interesting moldings, niches, built-in shelving, or unique angles. The accent wall can highlight these features and make them stand out.

Balanced Symmetry: Consider the overall balance and symmetry of the room. If the room has an asymmetrical layout or too many competing focal points, choosing the wall that helps create visual balance can be a good strategy.

Contrast: The accent wall should contrast with the other walls in terms of color, texture, or pattern. This helps it stand out and make a statement.

Room Size: In smaller rooms, consider choosing the wall opposite the entry point, as it can visually expand the space. In larger rooms, you may want to select the wall that you’d like to make cozier or more intimate.

Personal Preference: Ultimately, your personal preferences and the mood you want to create in the room play a significant role. Choose a wall that resonates with your style and complements the overall design of the room.

Determining the best wall for an accent wall involves a careful evaluation of the room’s layout, architectural elements, lighting, and personal preferences. By considering these factors, you can select the wall that enhances the overall aesthetics and functionality of your space.

Accent Walls with Windows

A big question that we are asked is “Can accent walls have windows?” The answer is YES, accent walls can have windows. In fact, windows are often found on accent walls, and the presence of windows can impact the design and treatment of the wall, especially with regard to trim pieces. Here are some considerations for accent walls with windows:

Window Trim: The trim around the window, such as casing and sill, should coordinate with the design of the accent wall. You can choose to paint or stain the trim in a color that complements the accent wall or choose a contrasting color to make the window stand out.

Window Coverings: The choice of window coverings can also play a significant role in how the accent wall is perceived. You can use curtains, blinds, or shades that match the accent wall’s color or pattern to create a cohesive look. Alternatively, you can opt for window treatments that contrast with the wall to draw attention to the window area.

Wall Treatment Transition: If the accent wall features a different wall treatment (e.g., a different paint color, wallpaper, or texture) from the other walls in the room, you’ll need to plan the transition around the window. This can involve using a straight line at the edge of the window or incorporating a design element like a chair rail or wainscoting to separate the treatments.

Balance: The key to a successful design is achieving balance. If the accent wall is bold and attention-grabbing, you may want to keep the window treatment and trim more understated to maintain a harmonious look in the room. On the other hand, if the accent wall is more subdued, you can use the window area as a focal point by using bolder trim and window treatments.

Accent walls with windows offer design opportunities to create a visually appealing and cohesive space. The key is to coordinate the treatment of the window area with the accent wall while keeping a sense of balance and harmony in the room’s overall design. See below for some great examples of wall treatments we’ve done that incorporate windows.

Some of our favorite DIY-friendly wall treatment kits:

 Accent Walls for Families with Children 

When choosing accent walls for a family with children, there are several factors to consider to create a comfortable, and child-friendly environment. Here are some considerations and why they are important:

Washability: Children are prone to creating messes, whether it’s through spills, scribbles, or smudges. Choose a paint that is washable, making it easier to clean off dirt and stains without damaging the paint finish.

Maintenance: Consider the long-term maintenance of the accent wall. Murals or elaborate designs may be appealing, but they might require more upkeep and may need to be changed as your children grow and their interests evolve.

By taking these factors into account, you can create an environment that is both aesthetically pleasing and child-friendly.

Alternative Wall Treatments Throughout Your Home

There is a common misconception that accent walls are only acceptable in a bedroom and we are here to squash that myth. While accent walls behind the bed are a common and visually impactful choice, there are no hard and fast rules dictating their placement.

Accent walls can be installed on any wall in a room, depending on your design goals and preferences. A few alternative placements for wall decorations:

• Ceiling Treatment
• Fireplace Surrounds
• Hallway Treatments
• Dining Room Treatments

Checkout some of our favorite ceiling treatments:

Do’s and Don’ts for a Timeless Feature Wall

Do: Stay Away from Overly Trendy Patterns – While trendy patterns can be appealing at the moment, they often go out of style quickly. Instead, opt for classic board and batten accent wall, or picture molding that has stood the test of time.

Do: Choose Neutral Colors – Bold and bright colors on walls can become dated faster than neutral tones. Neutral colors like whites, creams, grays, and muted tones are more versatile and can adapt to changing styles with the use of accessories and furnishings.

Do: Balance Bold and Subtle – We LOVE a dark and moody room – However, if you choose a bold color or pattern, be sure to balance it with more subtle elements in the room. This can help prevent the room from feeling overwhelming and allow for easier updates in the future.

Don’t: Use Excessive Shiplap – Shiplap accent walls and other wood paneling can create a cozy, rustic look, but overuse or applying it to every wall can make a space feel outdated. Use it sparingly… Sorry Joanna …we still love you!

Do: Mind Scale and Proportion – Ensure that the scale of your wall treatments is appropriate for the room. Large, dramatic designs can overwhelm small spaces, while tiny patterns may get lost in large rooms.

Do: Think Twice About Textured Paint – While textured paint can add depth to a wall, it can also make a room feel dated. Opt for smoother finishes that are easier to maintain and adapt to different decor styles.

Do: Regularly Update Accessories – Even if you have a timeless wall treatment, the accessories in the room can impact its overall feel. Keep your decor flexible by updating furnishings, artwork, and textiles to stay in tune with current styles.

Remember that the key to keeping your wall treatments from looking dated is to strike a balance between personal style and timeless design principles. Consider how different elements work together within your space and be open to making updates as your tastes evolve.

Timeless Accent Walls are a Tasteful Addition

When it comes to creating stunning accent walls, there are several key takeaways to consider. It’s crucial to keep in mind the do’s and don’ts to ensure that your accent wall remains a timeless and tasteful addition to your space.

Staying informed about current accent wall trends is essential for those who want to remain ahead in the world of interior design. Trends evolve over time, and while classic wall treatments endure, there are always fresh ideas to consider. 

In the end, the key to a successful feature wall lies in finding the perfect balance between timeless design principles, personal creativity, and staying attuned to the ever-changing world of interior design trends. Whether you choose to embark on a DIY project or enlist the expertise of a professional, your accent wall can become a stunning focal point that enhances the beauty and personality of your living space.