Appealing interior design comes from the details. The walls, floors, ceilings, and other main surfaces of a home are typically intended as uniform backdrops for more exciting furniture and décor. However, you can choose to switch it up with an accent wall, which creates visual interest by bringing in bold color without overwhelming the space.
Though versatile, accent wall ideas require forethought to be most effective. Not every room needs an accent wall. Similarly, not every wall is suited for the purpose. Here, the interior painters at Sundeleaf Painting provide professional insight on using accent walls to their full potential.
Choosing an Accent Wall
The first step to accent wall design is to choose an appropriate wall. There are three factors to consider when determining whether your wall will make a good accent: size, shape, and orientation.
Size
Accent walls should not be too large. Think of it as seasoning: your goal is to add complexity and interest, not to dominate. Too much will overwhelm the other flavors in the dish, or the other pieces in your space. Therefore, your accent wall should be one of the smaller ones in a room. If your room is rectangular, choose one of the shorter walls rather than a longer one.
Shape
The purpose of an accent wall is to stand out. This can highlight the room’s best features or draw attention to things you’d rather overlook. For this reason, you should choose an accent wall that is pleasantly shaped or that has an interesting architectural feature. Also, don’t choose a wall that runs from one room into another unless you want the accent in both spaces.
Orientation
Because your accent wall will become a focal point, it will have a significant impact on the balance of your space. Consider your future layout when choosing an accent wall. If your furniture positioning creates a natural front and back to the space, then one of the front or back walls should be the accent. Using a side wall can be distracting and put the room off-balance.
Choosing an Accent Color
Once you’ve chosen an accent wall, it’s time to pick a color. Your selection will be influenced by your goals for the room. The following advice will help you choose a hue that’s appropriate for the space:
- Formal: For a dining room, sitting room, or other formal space, consider choosing a darker hue. A deep blue, forest green, leather brown, or rich crimson can add welcome variety while preserving the room’s elegant atmosphere.
- Eclectic: Informal spaces can benefit from more adventurous wall colors. Black is surprising and moody, while bright yellow, purple, or turquoise will create a sense of fun. Soft neutrals can define intimate spaces within a larger room.
Solid hues aren’t your only option, either. Accent walls are an opportunity to express your individuality. If a single solid color isn’t bold enough for you, consider the following ways to add even more interest:
- Patterns: Painted stripes, chevrons, and ombré can take your accent wall to the next level. You can even use a printed wallpaper for a truly unique look.
- Textures: Accent walls are a great opportunity to add texture to a space. Consider natural wood, stone, tile, or metallic effects to make your space feel more dynamic.
Whatever you choose, make sure to take furniture into consideration. The best color, pattern, or texture is one that coheres with the rest of your space. We recommend following the 60-30-10 rule. 60% of your room should be the dominant shade, 30% should be the secondary color, and 10% the accent color. This balanced ratio creates a coherent design that does not overwhelm.
Choosing a Painting Company
Finally, it is time to choose your painter. Accent walls are designed to attract attention. If your wall is poorly done, then all eyes will be drawn straight to the flaws. This is why it’s important to choose a company that delivers a high-quality finish with every job. For something with such a bold influence over your space, it’s worth investing in the best.
Sundeleaf Painting has served the Portland region for over 90 years. During this time, we have gained a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship. We have painted some of the most high-end homes in Portland, including many historic buildings. We also provide a range of other residential services, including natural wood refinishing, exterior painting, and cabinet painting, letting you complete multiple parts of a renovation with one company that you can trust to complete projects to the highest standard.
Get More Accent Wall Ideas Near You in Portland, OR
Creating an accent wall is exciting and, with appropriate planning, a great way to elevate your space. Find more accent wall ideas with guidance from the experts at Sundeleaf Painting. We serve the Portland, OR, region with professional painting services and advice to help high-end homeowners design a space they’ll love. Check out our portfolio for inspiration or schedule a consultation by contacting us today.
