by guest author Shawna Feeley
Accent walls are a spectacular way to bring style to a room. A key to great design is layered textures, patterns and pops of color. Using strong elements in a room brings a focus and purpose to the room’s personality. A bold choice pays off and sometimes an accent wall is all that is needed. Wood, wallpaper, BOLD paint colors, murals and textural paint techniques are all fantastic ways to create an accent wall. And do not forget that the ceiling is the fifth wall and could be the right place to add interest and color.
Wood
In my family room, I used a reclaimed barn wood accent wall to warm up my room. I sourced my wall from a company called Stikwood. They have different species and colors and lots of inspiration on their website. I installed it over a long weekend and it was fun to put together. My “having done this once” advice would be to paint the wall behind the wood a similar color so that any gaps in the irregularities of the natural wood are less obvious. I strived to do a meticulous job, but the wall behind it is white so it was far less forgiving than if had I popped a coat of grey paint behind it beforehand.
Shiplap and wood panel accent walls are also great focal wall features. Even though the walls are white, the depth of geometric pattern makes a fantastic backdrop for the rest of the room to rely on.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper is a no brainer for an accent wall. Oftentimes, you can get a more impactful result from doing one wall or the ceiling than from doing a whole room. Below is an example of wall paper accent in my powder room, foyer and bedroom. It was impossible for me to have seen this photo on Pinterest and not want to immediately have this timeless cool in my house. This F Schumacher “Queen of Spain” paper has been hip for over 50 years!
These wallpapers were sourced from Schumacher, Brown & Graham, and Hygge & West, but there are so many amazing companies making gorgeous wall coverings.
Paint
This pop of St. Giles blue from Farrow & Ball made all the difference in this room. The back of bookcases is a perfect spot for accenting with bold choices. Go big or go home.
Murals
My husband’s first apartment in the Bronx had a wall mural with hot air balloons in the main living areas that was colorful and uplifting but not exactly high style. It did make us laugh, though. I can also remember growing up and seeing some poorly executed pastoral scenes, that I am 100% NOT recommending. BUT, there are some very cool modern murals and gorgeous coverings for those who aren’t afraid of a wow statement in a room. Check out Flavor Paper for some fantastic ideas and Murals Your Way, which is a more affordable route for similar effect. Think magnified close-ups of agate on your wall in the bathroom and stay away from those Tuscan scenes unless you have a time machine and you are opening a moderately priced Italian eatery in 1990.
Paint Technique
One of my favorite paint techniques for an accent wall is ombre. Here are a few examples of well executed ombre walls.
This technique works as well in a nursery as it does in a dining room when the right colors are used. I think it is important to really blend the transition although I’ve seen some that are more linear and look great. Use Pinterest, Houzz, and Décor Pad for online inspiration and please tag me on your Instagram posts so I can see what accents you’re putting out there. Good luck and happy re-decorating!
Shawna FeeleyWorking professionally for over ten years, Shawna has made her mark in Westport, CT where she has designed over 40 new luxury homes. Her homes have won dozens of CT Home Builder (HOBI) awards. Her strengths lie in kitchen and bath planning with a keen ability of weaving high-end amenities into beautiful spaces. She loves creating 3D renderings and sketches for her clients and the collaborative nature of the process. She is self-taught and skilled as a seamstress, painter, wallpaper installer, electrician, tile installer, landscaper, deck builder, comedian and badass handyman.