Popular living room accent wall colors


The 35 Best Accent Wall Colors

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By Paula Tudoran/March 16, 2022 9:40 am EST

Although beige and desert-inspired tone palettes are popular right now, you shouldn't be afraid to add a splash of color to your residence, and an accent wall is a fantastic way to do it without going overboard. Using an accent wall to provide shade or showcase the décor treasures on your walls is a terrific way to do both. One of the most appealing parts of an accent wall is the opportunity to choose a strong, vibrant color that you may be hesitant to apply throughout the whole space.

An accent or highlight wall allows you to experiment with color in your space without overwhelming it. Moreover, the location is entirely personal, just as The Spruce mentions. So, if you're having trouble adding visual appeal to a vast, boxy space, an accent wall might serve as a lovely focal point. When choosing an accent wall color, you can even look for a complementary hue darker or more decadent than the rest of the space. Here are a slew of the most stunning accent wall colors if you're looking for inspiration.

1. Go dark and bold with black

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You'll love a black satin hue with a sheen to it for a dark and bold look. This tone provides a lot of stark contrast and can be used with various styles and color schemes.

2. Give the room an airy feel with sage green

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Need to unwind after a long day at work or home? Make your living room accent wall sage green; the color would look great in a living area. It's a soothing, peaceful color that's ideal for welcoming guests into your residence, besides being very adaptable to various venues and styles.

3. Warm-up the room with a spicy desert palette

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Hot, vibrant desert combinations — reds, oranges, and yellows — can be used for a fiery accent wall. These paint colors for the living area are an actual color explosion. To make an area feel more livable, add pillows that speak to the vibe of the desert palate. 

4. Combine blue and sandstone for a beachy feel

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Set a tranquil tone in your bedroom or living area with a combination of ocean blue and tan tones. You'll get a relaxed, beachy vibe without the clutter of sand and ocean.

5. Light up the space with a mellow yellow

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Look no farther than a sunny, neutral hue of yellow for a paint color that delivers a modest statement on an accent wall. A warm yellow instantly energizes a room without being too bright. A mellow yellow hue is particularly effective in sections of your home that get lots of natural light.

6. Chanel rustic summers with an olive green

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Green is a popular paint color, but an accent wall can be an excellent compromise if you don't want to go all-out. Choose a green shade that pairs nicely with neutrals like beige or off-white.

7. Choose medium blue for a calming atmosphere

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Because it lends a relaxing touch to the room, blue is a terrific choice for an accent wall. A medium blue is a powerful hue with cool nuances that will give your feature wall a pop of color. Use cool neutrals like gray or white to highlight the rest of the space.

8. Cheer up a room with a bubblegum pink

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A bright pink color is a cheerful hue for accent wall paint that reminds us of bubblegum and childhood. This hue provides unlimited color to your room and becomes an instant center point, so try it behind a couch in a basic living room to add some individuality.

9. Try an emerald green for a luxurious feel

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An eye-catching jewel tone may produce an impressive effect on an accent wall; it's powerful but not loud or demanding. This emerald green hue has all the relaxing, recessive, introspective aspects of a fabulous shade, but with a pop of vigor and assertiveness.

10. Go royal with a rich purple

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A rich purple is a sophisticated, grown-up purple that looks great as an accent wall color. This deep shade would make a great accent wall color in a den, office, or bedroom. It's a chilly, dusty tone that's both welcome and peaceful.

11. Bring the sea inside with an aqua blue

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Who says accent walls have to be dark to be effective? A light aqua paint hue can brighten up any space, so if you want to keep your adjacent walls white or painted in a milder neutral tone but want to add color, a lighter accent wall is a perfect alternative.

12. Try cobalt blue for a rich aura

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Cobalt blue is a color that is both friendly and daring. While it resembles a deep rich sea, it's a little brighter and more colorful, with a hint of charcoal undertones. It's a majestic hue that works well in both old and classic settings.

13. Bronze for an urban atmosphere

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Bronze is a deep yet subtle tone that encourages silent reflection. You'll feel as if you're borrowing inspiration from decades past, but with a new perspective.

14. Fake a brick wall to maintain a cozy tone

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An accent wall made of brick can provide dimension, neutral color, and warmth to a room, and it's ideal for achieving a rustic look. However, you don't have to renovate your wall to get this result. Instead, create a brick accent wall with a sponge and a bit of color.

15. Catch the breeze with an airy blue

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If you like powder blues, an airy hue is a must-try. This delicate color is nearly a pastel, yet when used on a wall, it pops. However, you'll want to ensure your other walls are light and neutral to get the most contrast.

16. Go charcoal for a cozy yet light feel

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A piece of conventional, neutral furniture would merge fantastically with a charcoal gray as it has a low visual effect, allowing the darker hue to shine. Don't be afraid to experiment with this deep, somewhat purple-gray tone; it turns out to be a vibrant and dramatic backdrop.

17. Bring summer inside with a lemon yellow

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Does the idea of painting a wall yellow make you feel sick to your stomach? A lemony yellow accent wall that gives off a vibrant, bright, and summery feel will change your mind. Paired with a few chilly blue tones, it will provide a warm, glowing contrast you'll fall in love with.

18. Try a gray and peanut butter combo

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Light and serene accent wall color selections are among the nicest. The area will soothe the eyes and the spirit, with an accent wall set against a comfy bed.

19. A peachy hue for a warm yet airy space

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A peachy hue on a wall will give the room a new dimension. Warm, yet not too warm, this color goes well with several pink variations, rosy glows, and brown hues.

20. Choose an earthy orange for a dreamy autumn atmosphere

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If you enjoy the fall season, this is the ideal hue of orange to use on your accent wall. It's deep and rich but also light and brilliant, making it a popular choice for individuals who want to bring the comfortable orange glow of autumn into their homes all year.

21. Go with a stunning navy

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To create a contrasting pattern with the crisp white in a room, paint a wall navy blue. You can develop a reflective and sensual backdrop further by combining the matte navy blue with gray and gold tones — it's ideal for a small living area.

22. Achieve a bold and hot aura with a deep pink

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A deep pink paint is extraordinarily vivid but still not too bright or bold. When choosing accent wall colors, keep in mind that a shade of deep pink looks stunning against pristine white walls and in a room with rich jewel tones.

23. Choose lilac for a gentle touch of color

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A misty lilac color on the walls helps ground vibrant, sculptural furniture items in an unusual but charming living room setting. The soft purple is mild enough to be used as a neutral, but it also has a sweet undertone that keeps a room from becoming too flashy.

24. Khaki green for the bolder ones

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A neutral is anything that isn't shocking, which is a great way to reinterpret things if cream, white, or gray aren't cutting it in your living area. Because of the architectural style, light exposures, or incumbent furnishings, some spaces simply demand something out of the ordinary — and khaki green is just that.

25. Choose a dark gray for a lighter Industrial style

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If your home style resembles the Industrial design style or you want it to look more minimalistic, go for a darker, more striking gray. This color is a nice alternative to black and goes well with other cold colors.

26.

Coral for a warm yet not too flashy space

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If you want to try out a bright pink hue, it's best to start with coral on a smaller part of your walls. Although offering pink nuances, coral gives off a romantic glow without making the room feel like you've coated the walls with bubblegum.

27. Choose a bright mossy green for a fresh style

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Try a mossy green for a bright accent wall that provides a bit more of a visual statement. This classic green with yellow overtones exudes a happy spring vibe. It's bold but classic, and it pairs well with other bright colors.

28. Stick with an ever-changing neutral

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If you'd rather use a delicate color palette, warmer tones in a neutral accent wall will add some young buoyancy to the dark wood elements. Neutrals can show a soft gray-green color in some settings and a warmer beige hue in others.

29. Pair violet and red for an unexpected fusion

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Why choose between two interesting paint colors when you can have both? The romantic yet unexpectedly fresh color combination of fire red and violet will go perfectly with throw cushions in a bohemian style.

30. Try a rich yellow-orange combination

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Honeycomb is a vibrant, lively color. It's a bright mix of yellow and orange that strikes the perfect balance while remaining quite earthy. Depending on the lighting, it can lean yellow, so if you're looking for a genuine orange, this color might be too airy for your preferences.

31. Stay with the traditional yet outgoing cream

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Cream, softer than white but neutral, is the ideal backdrop for a welcoming yet traditional living room. The neutral, almost iridescent accent wall can emphasize a velvet sofa and brass elements, while a blue blanket and white side table can provide a wonderful contrast.

32. Pick a light gray for a less dramatic feel

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You can use a light gray hue in the living room as a neutral contrast for patterned furnishings and still keep it drama-free. It's more sophisticated and nuanced than a basic white, but not so much that it steals the show.

33. Try a dusty rose for a touch of spring

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A dusty rose pink tint is indeed romantic, although it's a pretty classic color that's more neutral than warm. However, this makes it a versatile accent wall shade that can be used in almost any setting, providing a sense of soft refinement to any space.

34. Get an innovative greige hue for a comfortable setting

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Greige paint colors are a great backdrop in contemporary interiors, as they are far more complex than white while remaining soft and modest.

The 16 Best Accent Wall Colors for 2022

behr.com

An accent wall provides a visual focal point in any room and is a great way to add color and personality to a home. It can make a huge difference in a small space by drawing attention to the art on display, or providing a bold backdrop for decorative accessories. An accent wall doesn’t have to be large—sometimes just painting one section of a wall can make a considerable impact on your space. Whether you’re looking for vibrant colors or neutrals, here are 16 of the best paint colors for your accent wall.

1. Burnt Sienna by Benjamin Moore 

benjaminmoore.com

Warm terracotta hues have been everywhere in recent years, from clothing to graphic design to home decor. Benjamin Moore’s Burnt Sienna is the perfect example, and will bring an earthy, grounding effect to any room in which it’s used. The hue adds warmth to a room with dark wood furniture or dark floors but can also be utilized in a more sparse, modern space to add a splash of color among otherwise neutral hues.

2. October Mist by Benjamin Moore

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Benjamin Moore’s 2022 Color of the Year is October Mist, a sage paint color that’s at once fresh and calming. The brand describes the color as “evocative of the stem of a flower, this gently shaded sage anchors and uplifts.” It’s a great choice for rooms that would benefit from some color, but where a bold or dark hue would be unwelcome. A green accent wall in a bedroom or nursery is a particularly good choice.

3. Incarnadine by Farrow & Ball

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Those looking to add a bold visual statement to any room should consider a deep crimson like Incarnadine by Farrow & Ball. It would make a striking addition to a dining room or a living room filled with vintage treasures. In fact, it was inspired by the work of David Hicks at Barons Court in the 1970s. It’s a particularly excellent choice as a backdrop for art.

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4. Violet Petal by Benjamin Moore

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Violet is known to be an uplifting color that inspires creativity and imagination. The warm undertones of pale violet make it ideal for spaces where you want to relax after work or school, like the bedroom or living room. Violet Petal by Benjamin Moore is a strong enough color to use for an accent wall but isn’t such a bright color that it feels childish.

5. Railings by Farrow & Ball 

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Black is a perennially popular choice for accent walls because it’s timeless and provides a major impact. Black paint on an accent wall gives off an illusion of depth because it contrasts so sharply with lighter elements in the room. It does, however, tend to absorb light rather than reflect it like lighter colors do, so it’s best used in spaces that have plenty of natural light. Railings by Farrow & Ball is described by the brand as a “soft black” that’s “more blue than black. ” It’s inspired by the color of ironwork and makes for a dramatic yet classic addition to any interior space.

6. Corn Stalk by Behr

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Yellow is one of those colors that can bring warmth and energy to any space, but it will also help make a room appear brighter and more open. Corn Stalk by Behr is a great choice for those who don’t necessarily want to make a huge statement but rather subtly bring yellow into a room. It’s a mid-tone buttery yellow that would look great in a kitchen.

7. Art and Craft by Dunn-Edwards

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Choosing a neutral color for an accent wall may not seem like an obvious choice, but opting for a neutral in a slightly darker tone can make a major impact without introducing any bright hues. Warm browns are subtle and inviting—they don’t draw attention to themselves but instead add warmth to the overall feeling of a room. Art and Craft by Dunn-Edwards looks great with other warm-toned shades like cream and blush.

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8. Frank Blue by Sherwin-Williams

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Blue is known for being a soothing color, but a bright blue like this one by Sherwin-Williams adds plenty of energy to a space. The best part about a bright blue accent wall is that it works well with almost any decorating style, from contemporary to traditional. Frank Blue coordinates well with other cool neutrals like gray, making it a perfect choice as an accent wall in a room that already has light gray walls.

9. Evergreen Fog by Sherwin-Williams

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Sherwin-Williams chose Evergreen Fog as their 2022 Color of the Year, so it will probably be a popular choice in the months to come. The brand describes the color as “a versatile and calming hue, a chameleon color of gorgeous green-meets-gray, with just a bit of blue.” They go on to say, “It’s a simple but sophisticated wash of beautiful, organic color for spaces that crave a subtle yet stunning statement shade.

10. Mink Violet by Benjamin Moore

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Looking to add some color without introducing a rainbow hue? Consider a neutral-toned purple like Mink Violet by Benjamin Moore. It’s described as a “moody violet with warm, dusted red undertones” that could act as a bolder alternative to something like mid-toned gray. It can coordinate with either warm or cool-toned colors, including blue, yellow, and cream.

11. Studio Green by Farrow & Ball

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A dark green accent wall evokes evergreen forests and English hunting lodges, bringing both a sense of nature and history to any space. It’s sophisticated, luxurious, and yet feels practically like a neutral. Studio Green by Farrow & Ball is chameleon-like, appearing nearly black in rooms with dim lighting and brighter green in well-lit spaces.

12. Sunwashed Brick by Behr

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Blush hues have been everywhere for the last few years, and it doesn’t look like the trend is abating. While pink tones have typically been considered feminine, they’re evolving to have a reputation as an on-trend neutral. Choosing the right tone, however, is paramount to avoid a space looking like a child’s nursery. Behr’s Sunwashed Brick is soft and sophisticated, and would make a punchy accent to a living room or bedroom.

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13. Breathe by Graham & Brown

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Choosing a pale color for an accent wall adds contrast and visual interest without becoming the focal point of the space. It’s also a perfect choice for those who aren’t ready to commit to painting a full room. Pale blue, like Breathe by Graham & Brown, is not only soothing and calming but it’s also very versatile, working in nearly any room of the house.

14. Babouche by Farrow & Ball

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When used as an accent color, bright yellow can be incredibly effective. Yellow is great for adding warmth to a room and it’s also a great complementary color for green tones. It’s bright and sunny, but it can also be too intense for some spaces. Babouche by Farrow & Ball is inspired by the yellow shoes worn by Moroccan men and makes a major statement if used in the right space.

15. Peppercorn by Sherwin Williams

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Dark gray has long been a popular choice for accent walls but can look completely different depending on the tone and color temperature. Sherwin-Williams’ Peppercorn is a crisp, cool gray that looks beautiful in rooms with white trim and crown molding. It also works well on kitchen cabinets, adding a moody accent to any kitchen.

16. Hague Blue by Farrow & Ball

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The impact of a dark blue accent wall on a room can be dramatic because this color is often associated with power, elegance, and wealth. Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue has been popular for years because it evokes a classic European atmosphere that never goes out of style. It was inspired by painted Dutch woodwork and is named for The Hague. A dark teal accent wall in a color like this one is the perfect choice for an accent in living and dining rooms.

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Accent wall in the living room - 35 best living room design photos with an accent wall

Apartments Neva Towers 1

Martynov and Gatilova Architectural Workshop

The living room is combined with the kitchen-dining room space. The island arrangement of the sofa forms a composition around, the kitchen is ergonomically placed in a niche. The interior is built on halftones and warm shades, warm oak on the floor is emphasized by elegant inserts and brass details; comfort and sophistication are added by custom-made wall panels with integrated TV.

Country house in Maslovo

BW buro

Inspiration for homeliness: medium-sized open living room in white tones with wood trim in a modern style with bookcases and shelves, white walls, porcelain stoneware floors, a standard fireplace , tiled fireplace front, TV on the wall, gray floor, beamed ceiling, brick walls and accent wall Vorontsov park in modern style

Blokhina Ksenia

Design ideas for a large contemporary style open plan living room with white walls, horizontal fireplace, wall mounted TV, beige flooring, tiered ceiling, light parquet flooring, metal fireplace front, partial wall paneling and accent wall

Ownby Design

Ownby Design

Photo Credit: Mark Boisclair Photography
Pictured: Contemporary living room with stone fireplace front and accent wall with

7

Modern Villa - Living Room

Risinger Homes

Casey Dunn Photography
Pictured: modern living room with black walls, horizontal fireplace, accent wall and carpet on the floor, no TV

Contemporary Family Room

Idea design: medium sized modern style living room with black walls, TV on the wall, accent wall and carpet on the floor without fireplace

521 Bolsa Ave

Cefalia Development

Fresh design idea: modern style open plan living room with white walls, horizontal fireplace, metal fireplace front, wall mounted TV, beige floor and accent wall - great interior photo

Beach Bush House Living Room

Camilla Molders Design

Residential Interior Decoration of a Bush surrounded Beach house by Camilla Molders Design Architecture by Millar Roberston Architects Photography by Derek Swalwell

St Luke's Mews, Notting Hill, London

Domus Nova

A fresh design idea for a front, country-style open plan living room with white walls, medium-toned parquet floors, a potbelly stove, wall-mounted TV and accent wall - great interior photo

San Francisco Heights

ODS Architecture

Living room corner built-in sofa with light wood trim and quartzite fireplace surround with black accents and white limestone floors over radiant heating. Cool new lighting and custom pillows and upholstery complete the arrangement.

Atlantic Beach Contemporary Kitchen

The Cabinet Shoppe

bench storage cabinets with white top Jessie Preza
Pictured: Large modern style front, isolated living room with concrete floors, brown flooring, white walls, wall mounted TV and no fireplace accent wall

Contemporary Model Home

Design InSite

Ann Cummings Interior Design / Design InSite / Ian Cummings Photography
Home Inspiration: Contemporary Playroom with Accent Wall

Renovation

Cuppett Kilpatrick Architects

Stylish Design: Mid-sized modern living room with bookcases and shelves, gray walls and accent wall - the latest trend

Library

Jerry Jacobs Design, Inc.

Inspiration for home comfort: fusion living room with bookcases and shelves and an accent wall

Modern classic in 5-star residential complex

Maxim Maximov

Living area with seating area, open shelves and console table.
In the photo: a medium -sized living room in a modern style with gray walls, a mid -tone parquet floor, brown floor, wooden walls and an accent wall with

オーダー で 叶える ・ な 暮らし

Class S Interior Design (住吉 さやか さやか さやか さやか さやか さやか さやか さやか さやか さやか さやか さやか さやか さやか 住吉 住吉 住吉 住吉 住吉 住吉)

Inspiration for home comfort: medium-sized modernist open plan living room with gray walls, freestanding TV, accent wall and tulle windows

North Tustin - Addition and Remodel

Pacific Coast Builders, Inc.

This living space is part of a Great Room that connects to the kitchen. Beautiful white brick cladding around the fireplace and chimney. White oak features including: fireplace mantel, floating shelves, and solid wood floor. The custom cabinetry on either side of the fireplace has glass display doors and Cambria Quartz countertops. The firebox is clad with stone in herringbone pattern. Photo by Molly Rose Photography

A Hint of Coastal Elegance

Collins DuPont Design Group

Designed by Amy Coslet & Sherri DuPont Photography by Lori Hamilton
Original design example of a mediterranean-style living room with gray walls, carpet, wall-mounted TV, multicolored flooring, coffered ceiling, wallpaper on the walls, wood walls, and an accent wall without a fireplace

Interior accent wall: useful decor tips

House in Tangier, designed by Cassandra Karinsky. In tourist booklets, Moroccan Tangier is called the "white city". It is in this color that the locals have been painting the walls of their houses for centuries. Without disturbing the harmony, the designer diluted it with dark blue — one of the walls in the living room is painted in this color. A blue sofa is matched to her tone.

Photo
Gaelle le Boulicaut

Ideal for small spaces

A wall painted in a contrasting color is perfect for small spaces. This technique will allow you to beat a cramped room, especially if you use a deep saturated shade. Painting one of the walls in a small room a rich dark color (or black) will create visual depth in the interior, making the space appear larger.

A room dedicated to Madeleine Castaing at the Saint James Hotel in Paris is designed in turquoise tones. A contrasting navy blue hue adds depth to the space.

Photo
Antoine Baralhe

Lots of styles

You have several options for this fashion trend. In addition to paint and wallpaper, there are ways to play not only with color, but also with texture. For example, using panels that mimic brickwork or wood. You can drape the wall with a cloth or lay it out with tiles or mosaics. For a children's room, an interesting option would be a wall painted with slate paint. A child can boldly paint and paint such a wall with colored crayons, without fear of incurring the wrath of their parents.

Trianon decorative panel, design by Carlo dal Bianco, Bisazza.

Photo
Bisazza

A way to divide space

Apartment of Patrick and Laurence Chavannes in Lyon. Its interior is built on panoramic wallpaper, including the interior of the owner's eldest daughter's room. Now it is decorated with wallpapers with the image of New York. What will be on this wall in a couple of years is unknown. The interior of the room changes as often as the tastes of the maturing hostess.

Photo
Anne-Catherine Scoffoni

Contrasting one or more walls in a room is a great way to divide up space. For example, an open living room can be easily divided into zones (living room, dining room, study, etc. ) if you use different wallpapers or paint colors for wall decor. At your request, one space will turn into two, or even more.

Apartment in Madrid. Designed by Gonzalo Pardo and Ana Torres.

Photo
ImagenSubliminal.com

The main accent of the interior

When planning your interior, keep in mind that the accent wall is the very first thing everyone will see when they enter the room. This is the focal point that will stand out and distract attention from everything else. To make the interior look more harmonious and balanced, it should have two or more accents. Therefore, to “support” the accent wall, it is better to choose pieces of furniture or accessories that match in color.

Kitchen, Kitchens Titarev. Bar stools, IKEA. Apartment in Krasnodar, project by Ksenia Lysenko.

Photo
Mikhail Chekalov. Style: Sofia Kalbazova

The accent wall is tiled with Zigzag, Popham Design. Cassandra Karinsky's project to Tangeree.

Photo
Gaelle Le Boulicaut - Photographer

The right choice of color

An inept accent wall color can ruin a space. To avoid this, give up random shades, even if the color itself is bright and you really like it. A red wall in a pastel interior is too much! The color palette of your home should be unified and clearly planned. Therefore, choose a color for a contrasting wall based on the overall range of the interior, including furniture, finishing materials and textiles.

Designed by Julia Sheipunas.

Change the accents

A bedroom in a Parisian apartment designed by decorator Pierre Jovanovich. One of the walls is sheathed with cork panels from top to bottom. This technique made it possible to hide the door leading to the dressing room.

Photo
Catherine Scotto

It is not necessary to build an interior around an accent wall. Art objects will give originality to the interior. Instead of papering or painting one wall, choose art pieces that match the style and mood of your home decor. Framed photos or paintings that you like and are in tune with the overall style of the interior are what will give your home a personality, creating a memorable image.

Project by Liljencrantz Design.

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