How To Do A Good Accent!

Okay, the subject of accent walls comes up quite often. Often times accent walls are used as the color-phobic's safety net. All the walls are white except one, the accent wall.  It's a common application and, sorry, but it just doesn't look good; It looks unfinished.  Would you paint one fingernail? Would you wear one sock? So why just paint one wall? Don't get me wrong, I am all for the accent wall when done correctly. So let's talk about how to do it.

Bad Accents!

 

Bearcanyon.com

Notice how the niche areas above the cabinets are painted. It looks completely random. Like the painter went out for lunch and never came back. The eye is drawn up to that area which really doesn't need to be highlighted.

 

Housepaintingtutorials.com

 

Here is another example that looks like we ran out of paint.  If that painting were moved to the white wall it wouldn't be as bad but, as you can see, it reads as incomplete.

Good Accents! 

JakeandKaren.com

Here is the basic painted application for an accent wall. It works because the colors are in harmony with each other.  There is intention in the neutral palette, and the mirror painted in the same color as the accent wall serves as a unifying element. 

Elle Decor

Here is an application with paint as well.  In this case the accent is used to feature some collectibles. As you can see, the dark background relates to the large art installment, creating unity. Me likes.  

Atticmag.com

Here a mural is used for the accent wall.  It serves as a beautiful backdrop to this dining area.  The cohesive palette makes the room feel very tranquil.  Doesn't it make you want to eat very delicate things in there? Like poached eggs and souffles (lol).

Lavenderlily.blogspot.com

Here is a wallpaper application that works quite well.  The palette is subtle but the impact is apparent. Notice the way the tones in the dining chairs mimic the wallpaper. Love the bling in there too! The mirror, chandelier, and sconces give just the right amount of sparkle. Well done.

HGTV.com

This is one of my favorites! This accent wall is achieved with printed grasscloth.  Plain grasscloth is used in other areas of the room as well creating a connective thread.  Not to mention the blue that is sprinkled throughout (clapping followed by nods of approval).

Google.com

Now we're getting somewhere! Materials! A stone application is used for the accent wall in this case, which is a very nice combination with the wood throughout. Not forgetting about color, the tones of the wood can also be seen in the stone. Fab-oooooooo!

Atticmag.com

This wooden checkered accent wall makes a bold statement against the crisp white palette. The introduction of the two wooden chairs gives the wall even more relevance. Modern, crisp, and  so clean! I'm diggin' it.