10 Ways to Create an Unforgettable Accent Wall
Breathe life back into those mundane walls with these eye-catching displays
Amanda Peters
17 May 2019
Houzz India Contributor. I'm a freelance journalist who loves writing about all things travel, culture and design. My favourite pieces to write are the Houzz Tours, as I love exploring real homes of all shapes and sizes.
Houzz India Contributor. I'm a freelance journalist who loves writing about all things... More
When you have a big, blank wall to decorate, your first thought might be to make it into a feature wall. And why not, it’s a great way to create a focal point in the room. However, designing an accent wall doesn’t have to be limited to the usual – creating a photo gallery, hanging up a painting or using a wooden textured surface. Instead, embellish your bare wall with unusual textures and patterns, bold colours, cherished mementos, baskets and even plates. Read on to find out how you can finally fill that blank space.
1. Hang an unusual accessory
Who would have thought an old pair of pants could be such an eye-catching accessory? The whitewashed, rough-plastered-wall pairs perfectly with the rugged coffee table and diwan in this Delhi farmhouse. But what makes the space even more inviting is the burst of yellow and red that pulls your eye in.
Who would have thought an old pair of pants could be such an eye-catching accessory? The whitewashed, rough-plastered-wall pairs perfectly with the rugged coffee table and diwan in this Delhi farmhouse. But what makes the space even more inviting is the burst of yellow and red that pulls your eye in.
2. Chalk it up
This is an ingenious hack. Any parent knows all too well how hard it is to get paint and crayon artworks off the wall. However, like in this children’s bedroom, what if you painted an accent wall in chalkboard paint instead? This way you can let them be creative, and at the same time keep your little one’s masterpieces without resorting to scrubbing the walls after ‘play time’.
This is an ingenious hack. Any parent knows all too well how hard it is to get paint and crayon artworks off the wall. However, like in this children’s bedroom, what if you painted an accent wall in chalkboard paint instead? This way you can let them be creative, and at the same time keep your little one’s masterpieces without resorting to scrubbing the walls after ‘play time’.
3. Cover with a wall mural
This room goes from being beige to wow with the simple addition of a full-wall mural. The touch of green is subtle and perfectly blends with the warm tones of the space.
Tip:
Wall murals can be custom-made; choose from a family photograph to a picturesque or an abstract landscape. Fix it up on the wall and make sure to light it appropriately.
This room goes from being beige to wow with the simple addition of a full-wall mural. The touch of green is subtle and perfectly blends with the warm tones of the space.
Tip:
Wall murals can be custom-made; choose from a family photograph to a picturesque or an abstract landscape. Fix it up on the wall and make sure to light it appropriately.
A mural doesn’t have to just be made out of cloth. Here, an entire wall mural is done up in terracotta. This works great for the outdoors too, especially if you have the space and don’t want to do the usual cover up with green creepers.
4. Grow a living wall
The designer of this stark white bathroom livens up the space literally with a green vertical garden wall. Positioning it behind the tub lets you admire the texture up close as you take in a soak, while a rough finished log in the corner adds to the inside-outside theme.
The designer of this stark white bathroom livens up the space literally with a green vertical garden wall. Positioning it behind the tub lets you admire the texture up close as you take in a soak, while a rough finished log in the corner adds to the inside-outside theme.
5. Get creative with frames
Moriq Interiors makes a feature wall out of old frames. Mixing and matching vintage wooden frames in different shapes and sizes make the wall so eye-catching that you even miss the fact that most are empty.
Moriq Interiors makes a feature wall out of old frames. Mixing and matching vintage wooden frames in different shapes and sizes make the wall so eye-catching that you even miss the fact that most are empty.
6. Dazzle with mirrors
Swap still art or photographs for mirrors to have a moving picture. This way the reflective surfaces will always keep things dynamic. Opt for a bunch of tiny mirrors instead of one big one to keep things interesting.
Swap still art or photographs for mirrors to have a moving picture. This way the reflective surfaces will always keep things dynamic. Opt for a bunch of tiny mirrors instead of one big one to keep things interesting.
7. Play with patterned tiles
Here, Design Platform showcases a great example of how being mismatched can actually add serious style to an otherwise ordinary breakfast nook. By framing the window, this accent wall packs quite the colourful punch with mismatched Cuban-inspired mosaics.
Here, Design Platform showcases a great example of how being mismatched can actually add serious style to an otherwise ordinary breakfast nook. By framing the window, this accent wall packs quite the colourful punch with mismatched Cuban-inspired mosaics.
8. Light up a message
Yes, light, not paint! The yellow neon sign here stands out as a quirky element in this already colourful setting. It also adds an unexpected layer to the whole decor.
Yes, light, not paint! The yellow neon sign here stands out as a quirky element in this already colourful setting. It also adds an unexpected layer to the whole decor.
9. Turn kitchenware into art
So you went a little crazy shopping for mementoes on your latest holiday, and now you’re stuck with a bunch of hand-woven baskets and bowls?Natalie Fuglestveit Interior Design has a solution to turn that frown upside down. Here, an asymmetric wall display gives this living room that extra oomph, creating a travel bug vibe.
So you went a little crazy shopping for mementoes on your latest holiday, and now you’re stuck with a bunch of hand-woven baskets and bowls?Natalie Fuglestveit Interior Design has a solution to turn that frown upside down. Here, an asymmetric wall display gives this living room that extra oomph, creating a travel bug vibe.
Interior Designer Clare Morton of Studio Morton says that if you don’t have baskets or bowls, other kitchenware can work equally as well. Rather than chucking those odd plates and serving dishes or incomplete crockery sets, use them to create a beautiful wall display that oozes homespun charm. The great thing about a showcase like this is that you can add to it as more ‘accidents’ occur in the kitchen.
Tip:
First test your arrangement on the floor before you start drilling holes in the wall. To really get a sense of the layout, snap a picture of it on the floor before you commit.
Tip:
First test your arrangement on the floor before you start drilling holes in the wall. To really get a sense of the layout, snap a picture of it on the floor before you commit.
10. Lean it against the wall
The usual way to go is by hanging an artwork on the wall. But the leaning method works better when you have taller paintings to pair with low-slung furniture. Here the visual line is maintained, where otherwise, hanging tall art on a wall creates a visual plane way higher than the upper line of the furniture, throwing off the room’s balance.
Read more:
Amazing Alternatives to Wall Paint
How to Infuse Traditional Indian Elements to Your Contemporary Home
Tell us:
How have you conquered your blank wall? Have you created a wow-factor feature wall at home? Share photos with us in Comments below.
The usual way to go is by hanging an artwork on the wall. But the leaning method works better when you have taller paintings to pair with low-slung furniture. Here the visual line is maintained, where otherwise, hanging tall art on a wall creates a visual plane way higher than the upper line of the furniture, throwing off the room’s balance.
Read more:
Amazing Alternatives to Wall Paint
How to Infuse Traditional Indian Elements to Your Contemporary Home
Tell us:
How have you conquered your blank wall? Have you created a wow-factor feature wall at home? Share photos with us in Comments below.
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