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The Case for the Anti-Accent Wall
Go ahead, paint everything the same color (even the trim)
Do you want change in your life starting with the new year? So do I. Come 2011, diversity and unique accents will no longer be tolerated in my home. Individuality is getting thrown out with 2010 to be replaced with homogeny. Am I scaring you yet? Fortunately, soon we will all be rejoicing because for 2011 I am doing away with the accent wall. While I'm on the topic, I am also eliminating the impossibly difficult to achieve crisp white trim and ceiling. For 2011, monochromatic rooms are in.
Why is it that there needs to be a clear demarcation between wall and ceiling? Why does a chair rail need to be high gloss white when the rest of the wall is matte charcoal grey? I asked myself these very questions as I tore the painters tape away after painting my own chalkboard accent wall to reveal an uneven paint edge and a few black paint spots on my white ceiling. Some designers and home owners have praised and practiced the single color look for years, but I see a surge from behind this year. No longer reserved for the bold and eclectic, everyone from your mom to your cat is going to be getting their mono-color-room paint on.
Why is it that there needs to be a clear demarcation between wall and ceiling? Why does a chair rail need to be high gloss white when the rest of the wall is matte charcoal grey? I asked myself these very questions as I tore the painters tape away after painting my own chalkboard accent wall to reveal an uneven paint edge and a few black paint spots on my white ceiling. Some designers and home owners have praised and practiced the single color look for years, but I see a surge from behind this year. No longer reserved for the bold and eclectic, everyone from your mom to your cat is going to be getting their mono-color-room paint on.
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| Over the years it has become more acceptable for your home decor to call from many different styles and eras, and with the growing popularity of sites like The Selby, traditional homes have experienced a renaissance with the contemporary and modern set by pairing old with new. Painting all wall details the same color updates traditional moldings. |
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Architect Treff LaFleche says, "Blending the finish and color tends to emphasize the functional purpose of architectural trim and creates a more understated and contemporary composition."
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In a room like this traditional Victorian, the classic detailing mixed with the monochromatic walls and contemporary furnishings creates a cohesive union. There is nothing distinctively antique or modern about this room collectively, yet the individual pieces that compile it are able reveal each of their distinct styles.
When all architectural elements have been treated equally, there is no longer a color differentiation to distract your eye. The true beauty of this column detail and texture can be more clearly appreciated and admired.
| Using the room itself, as a monochromatic backdrop for decor allows you to paint darker. "It envelops you in color," says interior designer Garrison Hullinger. "With no separation between wall and ceiling, it is easier on the eye." Treff LaFleche also advocates using deep colors. "In the absence of contrast between trim and wall, the stronger colors appear lighter and softer." |
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| Using dark colors on all surfaces can be surprisingly effective in smaller rooms. Although many people tend to steer away from dark colors when it comes to confined spaces, interior designer Terri Symington advises just the opposite for this trend. "I find it to be a real problem solver with rooms that are very small in size. By eliminating contrasts in color or shades on the ceiling and walls and trims it simplifies the room's lines and will de-emphasizes the room's smallness." |
Furniture can also be painted to camouflage with the walls. The armoire in this pink bedroom is only visible because of its hardware and mirrored front.
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The wood in the panel doors is much more pronounced.
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Really want to create a monochromatic wall? Built-in cupboards and cabinets recede into the pale green background so that the pattern of the slate flooring is the only detail you really notice in this room.
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by Amoroso Design
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| Once you have created a seamless backdrop, furnishings no longer compete with your walls for attention. The simple arrangement of Eames chair, oversized mirror and banister detailing is much more striking and prominent. |
by Allison Cosmos
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Although I am preaching the removal of all contrasting trim, it still has a place within this trend. For this dining room, designer Allison Cosmos maintained the white crown molding with silver walls and a silver ceiling flanking it. A small accent of white along the trim maintains a continuity yet still allows the hint of silver in the framed art to advance into the foreground. "You are not distracted by the colors outside the palette, and you can focus on pulling the room together as a whole," notes Allison.
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If you're not satisfied with only painting your walls the same color, go one step further. Once your redecorating rant reaches the bathroom, tile every surface you can sweep a trowel on.
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| If you're not a fan of grout, you can always just go with solid marble slabs. I would advise against this approach if you are attempting to appear sensitive to the economic times.
Are you ready to say goodbye to your accent walls and crown molding? |
Ideabook updated on Feb. 8, 2013.
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I'll also pass on the laundry room and that tiles bathroom. Would rather have my cabinets be the focus at eye level, than a floor.
When it comes to painting, I never use tape. A stiff short-bristle 1" artist's brush and some patience can cut the work in half with flawless results.
I painted walls and ceilings throughout in a soft white/grey...it really opened up the space and makes a lovely contrast with the warm oak floors and blinds!!
Can't imagine doing anything different again...I absolutely love it!
I read this idea in Martha's mag several years ago and tried painting the trim in same colour family room & liked it. Recently, I recalled this et voilà, your idea book appears. Thank You!!
Tile with sunflower is incredible; however all that tile is a bit much & would be expensive.
I've been finding white ceilings jarring for quite a while now. Just haven't had the courage to paint mine yet. My plan is to paint them 1/2 the shade of my walls. I think white walls work when you have very light walls but if you have a darker wall color, it cuts up the room and makes it look unfinished.
Love that pink room! So energizing.
Hi vikkikiss...you should definitely pose your question in our questions section for more opportunities for a response to this question. I would also be very interested to hear how people feel about implementing this trend in only one room of the house.
I would think though, in the absence of high end furnishings, the room and furnishings should match. Can't imagine anyone wanting to accent cheap, mismatched furnishings, like so many of us on a budget are currently stuck with.
Madkins - I would love to see pics of your master bath. I bet the gray/black combination is stunning!
Thanks!
I have several small rooms upstairs, and we are opening up the three rooms (kitchen, LR, tiny foyer) into one big space. So I'll be having to paint that all one colour anyway. But I still want my upstairs rooms to each have their own colour. Other articles said "keep the trim the same in all of them, will help unite". Ha! I'll be doing the opposite! Yay! I guess I'll still have to use rather complimentary colours, rather than all the ones I want, but this is just GRAND.