I often get questioned about whether accent walls are still au courant and my answer? Depends. I know, before you roll your eyes, consider the following: accent walls are ideal for either downplaying a less than ideal feature or emphasizing a focal point.
Paint is one of the easiest and most economical ways to downplay or highlight and certainly one that is often used. Lighter colours recede so if you are trying to minimize a feature, paint it and all surrounding walls the same lighter colour to not only downplay the less than ideal feature but bring cohesiveness to the space. If you would like to highlight a feature, select dark paint colours to draw the feature forward so the eye naturally moves to what you are highlighting; paint the other walls a lighter coordinating colour to allow the feature to stand out.
Minimize unpleasant features by painting the whole wall one colour (Photo Credit: Stefen Tan)
If you want to create an accent wall that highlights an architectural feature or view, paint is not the only way to achieve that. Consider some of the following materials to create a stunning focal point in your space.
Brick
Brick adds texture and depth to any space and the use of natural stone grounds your room. Interior brick, also sometimes referred to as think brick, half brick or faux brick, is available as individual bricks but also comes in panels. The colour selection is extensive ranging from plain white to vintage and weathered red, red and black, terracotta, fossil clay and grays. With this wide range available finding the perfect brick to augment the style of your space will be effortless.
Stone
Another option is ledger brick also known as ledge stone, ledger stone, stacked stone or stone veneer that has the appearance of stacked stone. This product is formed of rectangular strips of varying lengths and/or widths arranged on mesh backing. Available in natural stone, travertine, slate and quartzite this product adds warmth, depth and texture and enhances any traditional or contemporary decor and design style.
Add depth and texture with natural stone (Photo Credit: Jessica Johnston)
Tile
Tile options are almost limitless considering there are not only colour choices but patterns, textures, sizes, shapes, finishes and installation orientation choices. The most common places we see tile used is as a back splash, tub and shower walls and around fireplaces. However, tile walls are now appearing outside of these applications and creating stunning focal points in residential spaces. If your space is small, do not discount this option - glass tiles add dimension and the reflection makes a small room look more spacious.
Wood Plank
Wood adds warmth to any space and a wooden feature wall will add warmth as well as texture and depth. There are a number of options to consider from horizontal, vertical or a patterned (for example: herringbone or chevron) installation, wide, narrow or tongue in groove board or raised panel (also known as a shaker panel) wall. The additional advantage of a wooden feature wall is that it can be adapted to and compliment a wide range of decor and design styles.
Wooden feature walls add warmth and texture (Photo Credit: Andrea Davis)
Wall Paper
Before you panic, let me assure you that wall paper has come a long way. Gone are the days of applying wall paper paste or pre-pasted wall papers and the frustration that comes with them. Wall papers today are largely of the peel and stick variety that are easily removed when you want to update the room. Wall decals are another popular option and available in a wide range of sizes and patterns and can work beautifully to highlight a feature wall.
Wall paper combined with other materials such as stone and wood adds drama and a stunning focal point (Photo Credit: Gabriele Rampazzo)
If you aren’t sure if a feature wall is right for your space, take guidance from the room’s design and architecture – is there a place your eye naturally moves to and rests on? If your space is small, use paint in a light, calm and coordinating colour or install a light coloured stone to highlight the feature. If your space is larger, the options outlined above will help you select a material that will provide a visually stunning focal point that enhances the ambience of the room. If an accent wall would be perfect in your space, enjoy considering the many material options available besides paint for creating a beautiful feature.
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Simply Swank Decor provides virtual and in person consultations (as permitted) for designing updates to your home (indoor and outdoor spaces), staging your house in preparation for sale or seasonal decorating services. Email janet@simplyswankdecor.ca to discuss how I can help with your project.