While the main surfaces of our homes, such as walls, floors, and ceilings, are generally designed with a uniform appearance, it is the accents and details that give life and interest. That is why accent walls can be such a great interior design idea! When you add an accent wall to your interior painting plan, it allows you to bring in a bold touch of color without overwhelming the area.
Not every room needs an accent wall, and not every wall is suited to be one. First, we will take a look at what characteristics an accent wall should have, and then we can talk about color ideas.
Where to Paint an Accent Wall – Interior Painting Tips
There are three main questions to consider when determining where to put an accent wall: size, shape, and orientation.
Size: An accent wall should not be too large. The whole idea of an accent is that it should add a bit of flavor to the room, not become the dominant flavor in itself. In a rectangular room, you should usually choose one of the shorter walls rather than a longer one to be your accent.
Shape: Since the accent color you paint on the wall will naturally draw the eye and make the shape stand out, it is important that the wall be a pleasant shape. This generally means you should avoid walls that have significantly asymmetrical portions, or many interruptions from doors and windows. Also, don’t choose a wall that runs continuously out of one room and into another, since the accent color would need to continue into the next space as well.
Orientation: Your accent wall will become a focal point in your room, so you want to make sure you don’t put it in a place that makes the room feel off-balance. If the position of your furniture and the layout of the room create a natural front and back to the space, one of those walls should be the accent. Using a side wall can change the feeling in a distracting way.
How to Choose an Accent Color
If you have a formal space, one stately way to add an accent paint color is by choosing a darker shade of your main wall color. This draws the eye and achieves the effect of an accent wall, without changing the feel of the room too much. Rich, deep colors such as dark blue, crimson, forest green, leather brown, and even some grays can also bring a welcome variety while keeping the formal tone.
Some homeowners, especially here in Portland, prefer a more trendy, eclectic vibe, and are looking for a more adventurous accent wall color. In this case, the sky is the limit! Black is a surprising, moody look, while many other bright and bold colors are also great possibilities. Buttercup yellow, old-lady-hat purple, lime green, Caribbean turquoise… there are so many great options! Just make sure you don’t clash with the existing décor, and let your creativity run wild!
In addition to colors, you can also think about patterns. Stripes, chevrons, wallpapers, faux effects… your accent wall is a place to express your individuality and personality!
Sundeleaf Painting
While the interior painting decisions about your accent wall can be daunting, some people are even more daunted by choosing their Portland interior painting company. At Sundeleaf Painting, we would love to make that choice easy for you! Take a little time to get to know us, and we are confident you will never need to look for another Portland painter!
For over 90 years, Sundeleaf Painting has been serving the Portland region with exceptional craftsmanship and attentive customer service. We have painted many of the most exclusive, high-end homes in and around Portland, and discerning homeowners know their homes are in good hands with us.
Besides interior painting, we also offer exterior painting, concrete cleaning, power washing, kitchen cabinet painting, and a full range of wood refinishing services. Contact us for a free estimate today!
