A properly designed accent wall can add a pop of refreshing color or a smooth transition that is easy on the eyes. Adding depth and contrast to a plain room can be as simple as changing the color of one wall, but as with most painting projects, it is a challenge to pull off tastefully. Here’s a list of what you should do when creating an accent wall, as well as things you should avoid.
DO:
- Choose a color within your palette
Choosing the right color can often be the trickiest part about adding an accent wall. While looking for that perfect hue, look around the room and determine what the main color scheme is. Then pick your accent color that sticks out while remaining in sync with the rooms overall feel.
- Pick the right finish
It’s easy to get excited about the accent color and completely forget about the paint’s finish. We suggest matching the sheen with the type of room. Semi-gloss or high gloss paints have the most amount of shine and do well in less formal areas, such as the kitchen or breakfast nook. For a more elegant feel, choose accent paint with a matte or flat finish. These are ideal for dining and living rooms.
- Listen to the room’s architecture
Choosing the right accent wall is just as important as choosing the accent color. The best accent walls are usually the first wall you see when you walk in a room. Rooms with significant structure such as a fireplace or columns also make ideal placements for an eye-catching accent.
- Properly prep the wall
As with any paint project, it is essential to remove flaking paint, clear debris, and patch all holes and cracks thoroughly from your accent wall before going near it with a paint brush.
DON’T:
- Forget to clean the wall
This step is especially important but often forgotten. Walls, like all household surfaces, get dirty and should be cleaned well with trisodium phosphate and water and a sponge. Don’t ignore the trim either.
- Choose a muted or tinted color
The best rule with a color design is to have three colors, your base, your mid color, and an accent. The base color should represent most of the room and is more likely to be neutral. The mid color can be darker and is the next dominant color. The accent is supposed to contrast or compliment the other colors. A neutral accent with fall short of making a statement within your palette.
- Be afraid to go bold
An accent wall is the perfect place to go bold in your home. It represents only a small portion of the visible space of a room and is unlikely to be overwhelming. It also it a snap to change out if you decide on a different color down the road. Using patterned walls, stencils, wood, tile, is all within the realm of possibility on an accent wall. Don’t be afraid of incorporating texture, multiple colors, or whatever your design desires.
Are you looking to go bold in your Florida home? Contact the paint professionals here at West Coast Painting at 941-320-0332 to discuss how an accent wall can liven up the space in your rooms. We offer consultations and free painting estimates.