If you want to refresh your home without spending a fortune or doing a full renovation, the best way is to create an accent wall is a highly cost-effective solution. Combined with a framing service, you can easily showcase photos, prints, and artworks that make for a successful project.
Pick the right wall to accentuate
An accent wall is meant to draw the eyes or serve as the main focal wall of a specific room or space. So while there aren’t any specific rules as to which wall to pick, you should keep in mind the wall’s purpose.
- Choose a wall that you first look at almost every time you enter a room. In the bedroom, for example, it could be the wall behind the headboard. In the bathroom, it could be the vanity area.
- Think about the purpose of a room or a specific item you want to showcase. If you want to draw people’s attention to the fireplace or the TV, the wall behind it makes the perfect canvas.
- Stick to solid walls without doors or windows that can disrupt the overall effect. You want to create a complete design rather than break it into different parts.
Decide on a style
While painting one wall in a contrasting colour to the rest of the room remains a popular choice, accent walls are no longer limited to this option. It’s a cost-effective solution, however.
- Wallpapers: Found one with a unique texture or pattern? Using wallpaper is another affordable way to create an accent wall. Pair it with framed artworks or photos that complement it, and you’re done.
- Wood panelling: When it’s a warm, rustic look you’re after, installing wooden planks or panels on an accent wall makes a good option. Go for a sustainable choice by using recycled wood.
- Framed gallery wall: What better way to showcase your framed photos and artworks than to create a gallery wall as a room’s focal point? You can play around with the sizes and frame styles to create a simple or eclectic look.
- Decorative tiles: Using these tiles is highly recommended in kitchens, bathrooms, or entryways that could use a bit of flair. For example, brightly coloured tiles for a backsplash will turn an ordinary-looking kitchen into a fancy one.
Plan the colour or pattern
The goal is to make an accent wall stand out, but using the wrong pattern or shade can defeat its purpose.
- Using the colour wheel, pick a shade that complements or contrasts with a room’s dominant paint colour. Lavender or lilac, for example, complements light blue.
- Consider colour psychology in choosing which shade to use on your focal wall. The bedroom, for example, is a place where you can relax, and it’s best to choose colours that have a calming effect, such as blue or green.
- If you’re looking for something practical, your accent wall can serve as an alternative to expensive furniture items. Your focal wall can replace a bulky headboard, for example.
Creating an accent wall is the easiest way to upgrade the look and feel of a room. With the right approach, you can transform a space with minimal effort and investment.
