4 Fun Trends for Accent Walls

One of the questions I have been asked by several people lately is whether or not accent walls are still "in." Most of these friends or clients are asking about painting one wall a different color than the other walls in a room.

My initial answer to this question, and many like it, is "There are no rules! It's your house. Go with your gut and create a space you love." While this is so true, I usually follow up their question with a more detailed answer.

The short answer is yes. People still do paint one wall a different color and use it as an accent wall. My encouragement, however, is to think more creatively than this. What I've been seeing lately is taking the "accent wall" concept to new levels that offer much more interest and personality than just a change of paint color. The following rooms, all from Pinterest, show the latest trends in accent walls and might get your wheels turning a bit more when thinking about adding some character to your room.

1. The Wallpaper Accent Wall

Wallpaper has come so far in the last 10 years or so. People are using these new, fun, bold prints to bring a pop of personality to their rooms. Wallpaper accent walls look great in home offices, laundry rooms and nurseries. It brings an unexpected element of fun to smaller rooms that may have gotten overlooked. I would keep wallpaper accent walls to smaller spaces- but with a calmer, more neutral print, you could pull them off on larger walls as well. I am currently using wallpaper on the ceiling of a master closet I am working on and I can't wait to see how it turns out!

2. The Reclaimed Wood Accent Wall

This feature is great for warming up a space and it packs a TON of character. There are new and easy ways of pulling off this look nowadays. There are peel and stick panels, pallet accent walls, and even wallpaper that looks like reclaimed wood. This first example is peel-and-stick!

3. Painted board and batten or other materials

This was a Fixer Upper reno that I felt was totally underrated. I so want to try this look in the next nursery I decorate. I think this adds so much interest to the room without being overwhelming.

Tile accent walls are a whole blog post on its own. Tile is not just for bathrooms and kitchens anymore. They are great for entry ways, mud rooms, fireplace walls, etc.

4. If your budget only allows for basic drywall...

Consider using some painters tape and creating a fun pattern on your accent wall with paint.

This is my daughter's big girl room I finished for her third birthday. I created a two-wall accent wall with this fun turquoise diagonal.

Hopefully, this gives you some fresh perspective on the ole' accent wall. Bottom line is, have fun and create a space that speaks to YOU. If you have a fun and creative accent wall in your home, send me a pic! I can never have too many ideas. And Happy Thanksgiving!

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