Talk about making a strong statement
Have you ever been to someone’s house and been blown away by an accent wall that ties the room together perfectly? It’s time to recreate that experience in your own home.
A well-placed accent wall can add true character and style to your home. You’ll want to ensure that the wall complements the other colors and textures in the room, but other than that, there are no hard-and-fast rules about how to create a feature wall.
There are tons of ways to deck out an accent wall, from bold colors to whimsical wallpaper to framed photo galleries. Check out these feature wall ideas for inspiration, and get ready to enhance your space.
One way to liven up a wall is to install picture frame molding and paint over it to create a cohesive look. There are many different styles to choose from, so you can customize the shape and size of the molding to your preference. In this example, blogger Jessica Johnson created her own stunning neutral feature wall after seeing a photo of a similar living room wall on Pinterest. “I knew I wanted an accent wall in this space, but couldn’t decide what kind,” Johnson said. “I wanted this wall to be something different, but also timeless and classic.”
A vibrantly colored wall can be a stylish addition as long as you include decor and furniture pieces around the room that coordinate with it. There are plenty of ways to incorporate an emerald green accent wall (or other jewel tones) into your bedroom, bathroom, or common areas.
“I believe a little bold color can go a long way,” said Sarah Symonds of Grace in My Space. Symonds started by testing paint colors in her own lighting to achieve her gorgeous green accent wall before installing the board and batten.
Built-in shelves are the perfect combination of a charming and functional statement piece. There are some styling tips to keep in mind so that your shelves don’t look too chaotic. If you’re placing objects (think: vases and trinkets) on shelves alongside books, don’t arrange these objects symmetrically. Instead, break them up by height and type to avoid a cookie-cutter look.
The key is to create an overall visual pattern by placing books to the right or left sides of the shelves or mixing vertical rows with horizontal stacks. Then you can sprinkle in your objects.
Jamie Harwerth of Kingston Lane Home wanted to create a feature wall to provide a unique flair to her small office space without overwhelming the room. Enter this lovely accent wall featuring a diamond-shaped design. The shape of the shiplap design draws the eye to the wall, but the subtle gray color allows other elements of the room to shine.
Harwerth enlisted the help of Texas Shiplap Co. to install the trim work. “If you’re not experienced in installing trim work, find someone locally that can make your vision come to life,” Harwerth said.
A collage wall full of framed photos of your favorite moments is a great way to add a personalized touch to your space. Instead of keeping your favorite photos on your phone, pick a few of them to frame and display on an accent wall or stairwell.
The trick is to add texture and depth by choosing a few different frame colors that complement each other. Plus, you can break up the photos by mixing in pieces of art or other display items.
“This wall is the first thing you see when you walk into our home, so I wanted it to make an impact,” said Liz Meier of Lizzy Designs. To create this modern accent wall, Meier used a simple stencil and foam roller to paint on the pattern.
“I would definitely recommend stenciling a wall, but watch some instructional videos first and make sure you have the right stenciling tools,” Meier said. To follow Meier’s advice, be sure to collect the necessary stenciling tools, such as stencil brushes, painter’s tape, and bubble levels, before tackling this DIY project.
Never underestimate the power of cool wallpaper. Don’t be afraid to get bold and funky with patterns and colors; as long you’re limiting it to one wall, it shouldn’t overwhelm the room. If you want to try out a trendy patterned wallpaper without permanently committing to it, try removable wallpaper first. This option also works well for renters who don’t want to risk their security deposit.
Rachel Teodoro was looking for a way to elevate a large wall space in her home. “We started drawing a design on a napkin at breakfast, and it turned into a feature wall,” Teodoro said. This one-of-a-kind design transformed the look of the room, and the DIY project became a family affair.
To nail the intricate geometric design, Teodoro used a square, and her engineer husband designed a plan. “You can get as detailed or as freeform as you would like, but creating angles requires a square,” Teodoro said. “A hammer and nails would have worked, but a nail gun made this a breeze.”
Seeking a way to showcase your favorite pieces of artwork and collectibles? Look no further than a framed art wall. You’ll want to ensure you hang your pictures and art correctly—otherwise, the wall will look cluttered.
Start by collecting a mix of frames in different styles and colors to keep things from looking too uniform. Remember: It’s all about creating a visual spotlight for the room. Before hanging anything, assess your wall space and lay out your frame arrangement on the floor.
A natural element like wood creates a sense of warmth and coziness in any space. Wood can easily match most interiors, but be sure that the other walls carry the same undertones as the wood. Otherwise, they could clash with one another. Other natural materials, like stone or brick, can add a rustic-yet-sophisticated edge to the room.
Haley Simao knew she wanted to create a classic navy-colored wood accent wall for her son’s nursery. While bright pops of color are suitable for some accent walls, a dark blue or brown can pack as much of a punch if you’re keeping the room neutral.
First-time feature wall DIYers, take note. Simao recommends having a plan to make the process go as smoothly as possible. “Draw it out,” Simao said. “Take measurements of everything and write them out on a piece of paper. It'll make the actual project much easier.”
