How to Make Over a Room with an Accent Wall… Plus My Living Room Makeover
When I first moved in, I wanted to paint every room! But when I considered the cost, time, and effort it would take to paint (and paint back when I'd move down the road), that dream got a little smaller.
I wasn’t sold on the idea of an accent wall at first. I couldn’t get past thoughts of random walls painted hunter green, rose, or country blue… I must’ve been traumatized by bad examples in the 80s.
But when I checked out some examples of how an accent wall can be great when done properly, I was sold. An accent wall would save me time, money, and most importantly, infuse my space with uniqueness.
Here are my favorite tips for painting an accent wall in your home:
- Choose a wall that includes a focal point or interesting architecture, such as a fireplace.
- If your room lacks a focal point, create it with the accent wall. Upon entering the room, use the wall that your eyes naturally rests upon.
- Test your paint color options in the room before taking the plunge. You can do this by buying sample paint pots and painting a large piece of foamboard. Compare it to your decor and observe how the color changes during the day, evening, and in artificial light.
- If you’re creating an accent wall in a bedroom, your best bet is to paint the wall in which the head of the bed sits. This helps anchor the bed as the focal point.
- Another option is to select the wall that receives the most sunlight, as it will reflect its painted color on the other walls of the room.
- Paint your accent wall a bold color. It’s the perfect balance between infusing your space with stand-out color and going overboard.
- Take your time cutting in! Because this wall will pop out and be more on display, you want your lines to be crisp.
Actually, I painted almost two accent walls. 🙂 I created an L-shape by using the longest wall in the living room, the one that starts in entrance of my apartment, and most of the wall that includes my patio doors. I chose these walls to draw the eye into my living room upon entering and to give this room an enveloping effect of color.
For my accent wall, I chose aqua because it would be harmonious with my existing decor of navy blue and cobalt. But the shade had to be perfect: bright, yet mature and sophisticated. It also had to be a shade that would easily coordinate with a new color scheme if when I change it in the future.
Finally, perfection came in Behr’s Opal Silk, a shade of aqua reminiscent of the sea.
My living room also received a makeover with some of the decor. I changed the curtains on the patio doors to sheers in a soft aqua color that matches the walls. (Teresia from IKEA.) I did this to give the illusion of more width in the room.
navy cobalt blue gray aqua living room accent wall makeover The Decor Guru
I also added more houseplants to the room. To accommodate the extra plants, I whipped up a few macramé hanging baskets. The shelves I’ve had for some time; I revamped these by painting them with the same wall paint. The milk glass on the shelves add a vintage, yet modern feel to the room.
One of the biggest changes in the decor was in a simple swap of wall art. I originally had my DIY inkblot art hung in the corner behind the sofa, but my DIY distressed Absinthe poster was a much nicer fit.
I also restyled the wall where my TV and Expedit bookshelves sit. To reflect the limited natural light my living room receives, I hung a wall mirror here. The mirror also adds more color by reflecting the hanging plants and the painted accent wall opposite it. More macramé and houseplants were used to help soften all the angles in this area.
That’s it! I haven’t shown you the entrance or dining room yet, as I’m still adding some finishing touches to these areas. Be sure to check back for these updates and more, as I work my way through decorating this new home of mine!
What was your first paint color? What do you think of accent walls? Does your home have an accent wall?
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What a big impact the accent walls make! I especially like the mirror over your tv and how it reflects the aqua to that side of the room, makes it look like artwork instead of just a mirror.
Thank you! I appreciate the comment and your stopping through!
It looks quite lovely and serene. I love the color, too. Great job!
Thanks! I love the color too and always will! Thanks for commenting!
Lovely lovely color! I like to paint accent walls in L-shapes, too. Like how the light still sweeps through the room. Looks like a great place to sit and relax.
Thank you! I appreciate your comment.
Looks calm and peaceful. Great job on the makeover. Please come share at Bacon Time linky, it just started again this morning.
Thank you! I appreciate your stopping over to comment!
I grew up and lived in rentals up until I was 21. My husband and I bought a house and I have been on a mission to paint every single wall. We first did my son’s room Stonington Gray by Benjamin Moore. Then I painted a Hexagon patterned accent wall in the living room. I recently finished up the living room and adjacent hallway with a bright, slightly grey teal. I love painted walls, and you are so lucky that you have that option in a rental!
❤
Ah yes, I remember your hexagon wall! Yours was so unique and creative, it stuck in my mind (that’s saying a lot considering how forgetful I can be!). Thank you for commenting and stopping over!
I am a fan of accent walls–love yours!
I’ve become a fan too! Thank you and I appreciate your commenting!
such a gorgeous color! your living room looks spectacular, nicely done! 🙂
Thanks for the compliment and for stopping over!
Hi. Visiting from Huckleberry Love Linky tonight. First time and happy to have found you as we both love home design. Great colors and I like the two accent walls you featured. I’ll follow your social media. Great to meet you!
Dana
Yay! Thanks for clicking over, following me on FB and commenting! Great to meet you also!
Such a relaxing color. And I love your plants and the art nouveau print!
Stopping by from the Much Ado About Monday party. 🙂
Thanks! Love them too! I appreciate your stopping through!
That’s a nice shade you have selected
Thank you!
Love the paint color! I lucky are you to be able to paint your apartment?!
Thank you! Yes, I am lucky!
So beautiful! When we move, I am so going to have to beg you to come help decorate 🙂
How kind of you! Eventually, I will be able to design/decorate. 😉 Thanks for your comment!
I love the color you chose for the accent wall! How great it is that you’re able to paint in your apartment because it really makes a difference! I’ll be featuring this post at the next Frugal Crafty Home Blog Hop!
Thanks for your comment and for featuring me! I love that I can paint finally!
Great tips! I don’t have an accent wall, but I am thinking of making one.
Thanks! The greatness of an accent wall is less work and commitment. Go for it!
Wow! The paint color made a huge difference – it looks great! I love the way you provided contrast by using the royal/navy blue. Great job!
Thank you! So thankful I can paint here!
Your accent wall looks great! Such a serene color!
Thanks! I appreciate your comment!
things i love: that you made it an L-shape…i’ve really never seen an accent wall done that way and it adds so much interest! i also love how you painted the wall shelves the same color as the wall. they add texture without being busy, and really show off those wonderful white vases. great job on a great room!
Thanks! I appreciate your feedback and your taking the time to comment!