Your Bath: Treat Yourself to an Accent Wall
Jazz Up the Bath or Shower With Stone, Paper, Color and Light
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected, not decorated, and that homes should always be as comfortable and functional as they are chic. In addition to writing for Houzz, I work as the Head Copywriter for Layla Grayce and Zinc Door.
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design... More »
Bathrooms tend to be smaller spaces, but don’t let that factor stop you from having a little fun. Instead of feeling intimidated by minimal square footage, use it to your advantage. Less space means less to decorate, less stuff, and less time and money (score!). If you’re feeling like your bathroom could use a pick-me-up (even if you're one of the lucky bathroom owners where space is on your side), consider jazzing it up with an accent wall. For the most part, all it requires is paint or wallpaper, and the results could be transformative.
Survey the current status of your bathroom(s) and then take a look through these pictures… you may just become inspired to give your space a much deserved upgrade.
Survey the current status of your bathroom(s) and then take a look through these pictures… you may just become inspired to give your space a much deserved upgrade.
If your bathroom is already painted, consider adding an accent wall in a complementary color. Think about sponge painting for an additional textural element.
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| Okay, okay. This bathroom isn’t exactly small. However, its entire personality changed with the addition of this incredible onyx accent wall. Not only does it create an immediate focal point in itself, but it also draws the eye to this beautiful bathtub. As if it could get any more savvy, the designer installed backlighting to give the wall an ethereal glow. |
For a very sleek, contemporary feel, ground your shower and bathtub with a bold color like this royal blue. Note: if you decide on a curbless shower beside your tub, think about installing a handheld showerhead that will reach your bath. Not only will you then be able to enjoy it in the tub as well, but also it will make bathing the kids much easier.
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| If your bathroom is done largely in whites or neutrals, think about adding an accent wall done in wallpaper with some sort of pattern. Along with the runner, chandelier and throw pillows in this example, it adds warmth and texture. This woman is surely a fan. |
Have exposed brick in the bathroom? Turn it into an instant accent wall! This bathroom has a more modern look going for it, but the exposed brick lends it a bit of charm from a different era.
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| If you’re look for a shot of glamour in your otherwise black-and-white bathroom, go for the deep red accent wall. It’s equally sophisticated by day as it is at the end of a long day when you’re relaxing by candlelight. |
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by chotinan55
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| If you’re bathroom has the space, consider creating a separate seating area for hair, makeup or whatnot (this will lessen traffic at the sink vanity). Indicate that it’s a different area with an accent wall. This graphic wallpaper pulls in the red from the velvet cushions as well as the black found in the sink vanity to remind us this is all still one room. |
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| Complement rich cabinetry and woodwork with an exciting shade of purple above the sink. It will instantly update the space. |
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| If your bathroom is without windows and therefore sunlight, brighten it with a primarily white color scheme enhanced with a textural accent wall. Lighting is key in window-less spaces: go soft with dimmers for a cozy, elegant feel. |
by RLH Studio
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Obviously the purpose of an accent wall is to outfit just one wall, but that doesn’t mean you can’t carry hints of the design throughout the space. Using the same paper to border the remainder of the bathroom creates cohesion between the vanity and shower spaces.
| Marble can be a pricey investment, so instead of going all out, make a statement with shower walls. The floors are also marble in this example, but to save even more money, consider tiling the floors and leaving the marble to the shower. It will provide an elegant little punch to the space. |
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| Don’t be afraid of black, especially if you have a natural light source as great as this. The contrast between the black accent wall and white furnishings is uber contemporary-chic. |
Every bathroom needs a mirror above the sink, so why not cover the entire wall? This is a great trick in the teeniest of bathrooms, as it will instantly make the space look larger. Think about pairing a distressed mirror with an updated vanity for a look both sophisticated and eclectic.
More:
Chic and Moody: Dark, Seductive Bathrooms
6 Elements of a Pretty Powder Room
Browse more photos of bathroom designs
More:
Chic and Moody: Dark, Seductive Bathrooms
6 Elements of a Pretty Powder Room
Browse more photos of bathroom designs
Comments
Denise Vilim Thanks for the idea and inspiration Shawn! I just decided when I remo my guest bath, I am definitely painting one wall a different color.
2 years ago · Like
Shawn Gauthier So glad you liked it aprilaries! It's such an easy thing to do (for the most part), and can really change the look of your bathroom! Have some fun with it! :)
2 years ago · Like
Danielle These are just fabulous...I can't even pick a favourite! Thx for putting this together girl.
2 years ago · Like
Shawn Gauthier Thank you mizd!! There are really some fun ideas, aren't there? So glad you enjoyed it!! :)
2 years ago · Like
Ideabook published on May 19, 2011.
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