In today’s economic climate, homeowners are increasingly looking for affordable solutions to their design dilemmas. Armed with the belief that painting remains the most cost-effective way to transform a space, many people choose to paint with the assurance that color fixes a multitude
of sins.
Yet there are homeowners who remain hesitant when it comes to painting and coordinating colors in their space. It seems color in large quantities or color decisions that are thought to be “permanent,” can be very intimidating. I’ve concluded this is one reason why some people choose to paint just one accent wall rather than all of the walls in a room. In fact, if a client tells me they only want to paint one wall, I always ask why. If I feel the decision is based on fear, I’ll do my best to coax them into painting all of the walls instead.
Painted accent walls can be a great way to add drama and a pop of color to a space, but it has to make sense. No one should walk into a room with an accent wall and think, “Why did they paint just that wall?”
I realize some people would rather “date” color than be married to it. However, when it comes to accent walls, I think one of their biggest drawbacks is they can make it appear as though the homeowner somehow “forgot” to paint the other walls, or decided the one wall was mistake enough.
My guideline is this — if a client answers “no” to either of the following two questions, then I advise against an accent wall:
- Is the wall architecturally interesting or noticeably different (in shape, size, trim, features) compared to the other walls in the space?
- Does the wall contain a clearly defined and unique focal point (bed, fireplace, open bookshelves, amazing window)?
Painted accent walls can be a great way to add drama and a pop of color to a space, but I believe it has to make sense. No one should walk into a room with an accent wall and think, “Why did they paint just that wall?” The answer should be clear.
If the design does call for an accent wall, I always enjoy seeing the artistic use of color. Some homeowners use accent walls to make a statement by adding stenciled or hand-painted designs, or painting patterns with multiple hues. Using wallpaper is also a great choice and provides the opportunity to incorporate a high-end wall covering without breaking the bank. Creative color and pattern will always underscore an accent wall’s purpose.
Images provided by and used with the permission of Scott Flora and Kelly Porter.
However, for the commitment and color phobic, even an accent wall can be a scary thing. Perhaps no one understands this more than Scott Flora, cofounder of Blik®, a company that designs and retails removable wall graphics.
“We set out to create a way that anyone could easily add color and design to a wall or surface inexpensively; and yes, that one could remove, replace and update quickly,” says Flora.
A few years ago, I would have only considered wall graphics for children’s spaces, but this product has “grown up” and is now surprisingly sophisticated for adult tastes. Companies like Blik offer a range of colors, designs and even artwork. I also like the idea of layering these graphics over a freshly painted wall.
“Our colors are varied — some strong, some subtle, but in most cases our products add a punch of color to a specific portion of your space,” says Flora. “We never suggest someone cover every wall in their home with Blik; rather, use them to bring color in as an accent.” Flora also works with artists to create affordable art pieces that rival more expensive framed pieces.
Could wall graphics be the new trompe l’oeil? It’s certainly a trend that’s evolving and appears to have staying power. I think as long as there’s an audience that’s unsure about making color decisions in the home, there will be a market for artful products that are easy to install, change and remove.
I’m always curious what others in the design field believe regarding color phobia, so I asked Flora for his opinion: “When used in your personal space, color reflects something about you to others,” he says. “Therefore, I think people generally tend to be conservative when choosing colors. Not many people are comfortable with making a bold color statement.”
What’s your take on accent walls and color phobia?
Post your reply below.
Kelly Porter, interior designer, has been helping clients transform their homes and businesses in the Washington, D.C.–Baltimore area for more than 10 years. In addition to owning
Porter House Designs, Kelly works as a consultant for CertaPro Painters, creating color palettes for their customers. CertaPro specs all Sherwin-Williams coatings. Kelly also publishes
Color Sizzle, a widely read design blog.
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Thanks for addressing color with this accent! I often hear a similar question, but it’s usually something like “are accent walls ‘dated?’”
As with any color recommendation, I always consider the purpose in using accent colors. Architecture, lighting, artwork, and placement are always considerations anyway, and using an accent color can actually be helpful to make the space work in a more interesting way.
In using an accent wall, it’s not just one surface we’re considering, anyway. It’s the whole space.
Thanks for a great subject-
Barbara Jacobs
I agree, Barbara. Accent walls definitely fall under the idea that you should ‘paint with a purpose,’ and yes – it’s very important to see any accent color as just one element that should flow with the entire space. Good advice!
Unless there is some really compelling reason due to the architecture, I see “accent” walls as a failure to commit. Either you like a color enough to live with it or you don’t. If clients like a color, but are reluctant to agree to it on all the walls, I will suggest the following:
–painting a large piece of poster board to tack on the wall in order to see the color in daytime and evening lighting, this will often give the client a better feel for the effect than looking at chips
–tone it down in intensity or saturation
–paint it above or below a chair rail, all the way around a room
–paint it at the back of built-in bookcases or cabinetry
–use the color in another space where they don’t spend extendeded periods of time such as an entry, a hallway, a powder room or even a dining room
Color does have an immediate and visceral impact in a room. The good news is that it can be easily changed as the needs or tastes of the client change.
Excellent understanding and use of color ideas!! Never heard anyone say it better. I’ve had so many customers over the years (one just last week!) ask about “an accent wall” and I respond with “WHY?”. I listen to their reply and basically decide if they’re far too timid to bother or if they’re up for it and just don’t know it… yet.
I did one enormous Navy colored wall for an eighty year old completely based on one dark blue painting of Hawaii. STUNNING! Got me TONS of referrals and many happy clients.
Hi Greg. When a dark wall color turns out well, you’ll always get those “oooos and ahhhs.” When it comes to color, I think many people secretly love what they think is daring. Congrats!
Great suggestions for conquering color phobia. Sometimes it’s necessary to ease clients into using color, but you’re right – it does help to remind them how simple it is to change!
Great post, Kelly. I’m actually a big fan of accent walls but you are absolutely right. It must make sense. Can also work beautifully in a modern space– I just love the way local architect, Mark McInturff uses what I call “color planes” in his spaces.
Jean, you make a good point. Accent walls or “color planes” can appear much different in an modern, open space as opposed to a more traditional space. In an open floor plan where walls are few, accent color can really define an area. That makes sense!
Great piece, Kelly. As a commercial interior designer I did more than my fair share of accent walls in offices, break rooms, etc. This was mainly to break up the monotony of the field color which we usually used throughout.
In my own home, I have been very bold with the use of color. It’s a 1918 Bungalow and I finally have a large enough living room to use a deeply saturated color (SW0048 Bunglehouse Blue) on all the walls. There are lots of windows and doors. All of the trim is white. BUT once we restore the original gum wood everywhere and replace the bad remodel fireplace, the fireplace wall may become the accent wall with this color. It may all be too dark with the trim. So I’m going in reverse!
You make some excellent points here. Especially, “that painting remains the most cost-effective way to transform a space…” But I find it useful and effective to steer a client toward the use of accent walls to add dramatic elements of both form and dimension to an otherwise blasé room. Often, a monotone wall palette simply advertises the fact that there’s no particular architectural features to accentuate. At least with a bold color statement to one end of the room, we can create the illusion of a designer space with very little effort.
Good article Kelly. It really is dependent on each particular space, whether an accent wall makes sense or not.
If it does, sometimes I use it as an opportunity to paint a much bolder or darker color than one could tolerate in a whole room. But I always tell the customer, ‘you don’t want to O.D. on accent walls – it makes a space look disjointed, or like you were too timid to just go ahead and paint.’
I love your statement about not OD-ing on accent walls! It does give the impression that the person is really scared of color. I agree that variety and harmony are definitely two things to keep in mind when using accent color.
Hi, Kelly…I couldn’t agree more–accent walls are fine if used properly. Many people hear stories from friends or on home decorating shows that make them feel that they need a punch of color. Well, maybe…but only if it makes sense. Having a “practiced eye” and a sense of what effects specific colors will have in a space really helps. Rich or subtle colors are often easier to live with and less intrusive than that “punch” that was aimed for. Thanks for the info!
Hi Joe. Color harmony is so important, isn’t it? Adding ‘punches’ of color does work well in some spaces for some people, but I agree – it shouldn’t be done just because a person feels that their space is missing something. Great tips!
Hi Kelly, great article on accent walls. I enjoy the ideas that are generated by the mention of an accent wall and conversations become very active on the subject. I like the 2 guideline questions for decision making and will keep those in mind the next time. I’ve never done an accent wall in a client’s home, but in my own – yes. My den is a great example of using one wall with the accent color that can be seen in another room and it flows very well as intended. It’s a bold move because the 3 walls are a light gold, the trim is light blue (high gloss) and the red orange really warms the overall look – it worked out well!
Kathy, I like the fact that you’re definitely not afraid of color! It’s always a good thing when an accent color helps connect the rooms in a home.
I think accent walls are invaluable design tools when their purpose is clearly understood. In situations where an intense colour throughout could be over-stimulating, painting one wall or area can create an anchored backdrop for furnishings. Also, a dramatic colour change can be a theatrical tool to define and separate, which is ideal for small lack-luster apartments. Often times in tract-homes where there are walls of cluttered built-ins and hodge-podgey mantles, painting the wall the right color will visually simplify and organize the space. I also think that we crave different colours seasonally, and re-painting accent walls with fresh colours gives people flexible, inexpensive design options.
I find that clients are less fearful of colour now than in years past. Often, clients do suggest that they’d like an accent wall. The key is to determine whether they want one wall of colour because they see it as a current trend and the right thing to do, or whether they want some colour but couldn’t live happily with a whole room of it. More often than not, we are able to choose a beautiful shade for all the walls rather than one wall. If there are interesting angles or niche areas, colour blocking can be a great dramatic look.
This seems to be what I’ve experienced with clients too, Marguerite. Overall, I believe that more people are opening up to color, and with a little coaxing, they are willing to think bigger than painting just one wall.
The only rule there is that there are no rules!
Applying use of current trends and rigidity constrains the uniqueness of each project.
I personally believe that you need to take each project individually, just as you do your client. They are individuals & so must there space be too.
Most of my clients lately have all been color shy – they’ve all had cases of economy-induced “greige.” I just pull accent walls out of my magic bag of color tricks and they melt like chocolate on a tiffany blue plate! I agree with your guidelines but in addtion I’ve actually created architectural interest by adding a color wall. One recent example: a deep jewel-tone blue wall to complement a cherished painting on a back wall that draws you into the space and makes it even seem larger! It anchored their color scheme and served as a jumping-off point for their fabric, tile and lighting choices.
How about a color “wall” on an exterior facade? I’ve used bold colors and also high gloss to add punch and sparkle to entry doors. Boxy tract houses are also one of my “targets” with large geometric shaped walls. Instant curb appeal! Keep up the great content.
Emme, I love the color tricks you’ve mentioned! They demonstrate that color is a very powerful tool!
I like to use color on an accent wall as a means to introduce another color into the room and highlight a feature such as a fireplace or a high wall with tall windows. The use of the two colors seems to coordinate everything and allows the use of accent accessories, like pillows, to tie everything together.
When my clients come to me at Sherwin-Williams, I am often asked if accent walls are “in” or if they are still a trend. Great article for addressing the accent wall “do or don’t” =) I usually tell my clients that accent walls, among other design elements, have to have a purpose in their space; otherwise, why have it there? So long as the design elements have a certain purpose and/or are to the client’s liking, on the whole I would say they are much happier living in that space.
[...] If you are looking for a way to create dramatic yet quick change to a room try painting an accent wall… But before you paint just ANY wall make sure that the wall you choose to accent makes sense. Click here to see full article on painting an accent wall. [...]
Thanks for the honest and knowledgable input, Kelly – and it’s helpful to read a variety of professional opinions chiming in with comments- thanks, all.
I’ve been considering an accent wall in my dining room that overlooks the sunken living area because the achitecture joining the two rooms is leading me in that direction. But I hesitate about painting this back wall mainly because, well,…I’ve kind of been a quiet snob regarding accent walls. There, I said it. Yes, I’ve seen them hit the mark, but thanks to Blogville, USA, I’ve seen many that were the equivalent of a tween-age girl wearing a different color nail polish on each finger; it’s kooky and endearing….on a 13 year old.
So, again, I appreciate the thoughful input and points to consider found in this article and the following comments~ CyndiK.