Accent Walls That Make Your Home Special

Adding Accent To Your Home

Recently, my wife and I purchased our first home together since we married this last year. It’s a modest ranch-style home built in 1975 but in a neighborhood we love. We wanted to add some touches to it that truly made it ours and would give it some flair. Before we moved in we raised the sunken living room floor, vaulted the ceiling in the main living areas and added a large exposed wood beam, we tore out a couple of walls to for a more modern, open feeling and we are adding an entertaining island off the kitchen to create a gathering place for us and guests. Along with this, we are adding accent walls to two of the main rooms to bring forth a more dramatic and eye-appealing look.

An accent wall can totally transform a room, taking it from boring and drab to bold and exciting. Accent walls create a new focal point for your space, add liveliness and contrast, and are typically a very inexpensive DIY project.

The Starter Accent Wall

You can easily add an accent wall to your room in one afternoon by applying a new paint color. Deep blues and bright oranges are common choices for accent walls but choose a color that will complement your existing decor and overall design aesthetic.

Interesting textures

Bright, contrasting paint is a good starting point, but there are other options for accent walls that are even more eye-catching and distinct. Floor-to-ceiling wood planks can make your home seem both rustic and modern all at once and provide a natural, outdoors-inspired feel. It’s more work than simply painting a wall, but it’s still relatively inexpensive. You can source the wood from pallets on Craigslist and stain it yourself before attaching it to your wall. It takes a little extra elbow grease, but it’s worth the effort. 

Patterns, Murals, and More

Paint and wood are bold enough on their own to transform a room, but they’re still subtle compared to other accent wall options. A chalk paint accent wall is a creative idea for any room and makes for some fun moments when you’re entertaining. There are also endless options for wallpaper and stenciling if you want some patterns or you can get bold with a mural or over-sized art print.

Stone, Rock and Brick

 

Adding stone or rock to create an accent takes your home to a whole new level. But be sure to consider the type of surface you want to put in. For instance, don’t use a rustic brick if you are looking for a modern look or vise a versa. But this level of accent is sure to make your home more unique.

Get Personal

You might consider adding something personal on the wall to make it “yours”. Old barn wood from a relative’s farm building would be a special touch that has true sentimental value. Or a piece of metal or some family history trinkets let’s your guests know your home is not like the “Jones'”.

Whether you go simple or elaborate, an accent wall can make your home special and show your personal style.


Scott C. Dickinson is a real estate broker and author that lives in Vancouver, WA. He can be reached at ScottYourBroker@gmail.com or www.scottdickinsonauthor.com. Follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/YourBrokerScott and Instagram at www.instagram.com/YourBrokerScott .