Guide

Change your space with an accent wall

Whether you want to make a room pop, or just add some contrast, accent walls can completely transform the look and feel of a space in an instant. And there’s no real right or wrong way of doing them. Here’s how to incorporate a stylish accent wall into your decor and make it uniquely yours.

What constitutes an accent wall?

Traditionally, accent walls—or feature walls—conjure up images of bold colours and busy prints, however that is not necessarily the case. You can favourably play with light, or muted, shades of the same colour in one room just to add a bit of movement, without creating big contrasts. For example, matching eggshell coloured walls with a muted gray or beige accent wall.

Accent walls are incredibly flexible and the effect of the wall on the rest of the space is completely up to you. Plus, you always have the option to change your mind rather easily, as you’ve only decorated one wall, as opposed to four.

Give a room an instant makeover

They are the ideal solution for anyone wanting to spruce up a room without committing to a big renovation project. Perhaps you are completely smitten with that bold floral print, but are worried it will just demand too much attention in your small turn of the century flat? Then try it out on an accent wall for an instant makeover that breathes new life into your space.

Add a focal point to a space

By adding an accent wall you can create an eye-catching focal point that sets the mood in any room, favourably the wall you are drawn to when entering a space. One example being the wall behind the bed in the bedroom which usually provides a great backdrop, whilst adding both character and personality. .

Define open-plan spaces

So, you’ve got a rather plain, open-plan space to work with? Adding an accent wall is a brilliant way to zone parts in a room, such as defining your living room area. Pick your favourite part in your living room and add an accent wall, favourably where you like to spend the most time. Create colour flows transitioning from one space to another by coordinating with the same colour in other parts of your decor. For instance, by painting an adjoining wall, or complementing with matching furniture, textiles or other accessories. This serves to tie the room together for a cohesive, harmonious impression.

Accent walls are also a go-to method for highlighting a specific architectural feature in your space, such as a fireplace, a bookshelf, a staircase, a kitchen nook or a beloved piece of art.

Play with a room’s depth and dimension

A dark colour generally decreases the size of a room when applied on all four walls. But when applied on an accent wall, and preferably on a shorter wall in a rectangular room, it gives off the impression of a bigger space. However, for adding real depth and texture nothing quite beats using wallpaper murals to create a statement wall. These larger-than-life panoramic artworks instantly add impact and make for an attention-grabbing feature.

Alternatively, in order to really play with a room’s dimensions, you could opt for photo wallpaper, which serves to create an optical illusion owing to their incredibly lifelike finish. There’s really no end to the possibilities here, from lush botanicals to skylines and more abstract motifs. Or, you can even upload your own favourite photo to create your perfect habitat.

Less is more

As mentioned, there are no rules per se when it comes to accent walls, which is why they have such a huge appeal for interior designers, hobbyists and home decorators. Having said that, it is advisable to avoid using walls with too many windows and doors, or behind the TV for that matter, as it can result in a ‘messy’ impression.

Additionally, we did mention the benefits of picking up pops of colour in the decor to match the accent wall for a cohesive vibe. Just remember that less is more in this case, and that you risk detracting from the accent wall if you overdo it.

Are you contemplating adding an accent wall to your space? Start by taping up a wallpaper sample onto your wall for a few days before making up your mind!