I would paint the whole wall, not just behind the fireplace as in your inspiration pics....your pond reminds me so much of ours!

I'm not really a fan of accent walls, but that doesn't mean it wouldn't work for you. In your case, IMO, an issue is that all four of your walls are (probably) the same in terms of overall size and in their role in the room as it were. In your first inspiration picture, it's not an accent wall, is it? Isn't it just part of the chimney that was painted? In the second picture, the square footage that was painted is so narrow as to seem to be a column, not an entire wall.

However, if you do an accent wall, I think it would look best if the accent color were also the only color or the main color in your furnishings and other decor as well. That's another reason why the rooms in your inspiration pictures work, IMO. Have you chosen those things yet?

Also, it sounds as if you haven't completely settled on Revere Pewter for the main wall color, is that right?

It's easier if you find your accent pieces/fabrics first, then choose paint color from those pieces. I've fallen into the trap of painting first and always regretted it when I started trying to find decor to coordinate with my walls. That being said,I would probably use a slightly darker shade of the same color for the accent wall, rather than a contrasting color. You should get some paint samples and paint a few spots here and there to get a better idea of what the color will look like in the room at different times of day. Colors can change a lot with changing light. Also, you'll want to make sure the color goes well with the color of the fireplace. You have a gorgeous fireplace and a wonderful view out those windows!

I absolutely love the use of color in that room with the orange. I agree that the reason it works is that the majority of the room is neutral. Also, the windows and fireplace lend themselves to carrying just the right amount of the bold accent color around the room.

If the whole fireplace wall had been done in orange, it would be too much and it would detract from the windows.

If you are considering a bold accent color just make sure you know how it is going to look in relation to and from adjoining areas.

The beauty of that "orange" room is that new window treatments, pillows and a little bit of paint would change the entire room. If I were using grey walls, I'd find myself a gorgeous fabric in some striking shade of pink or purple, but that is just my taste.

I did a chocolate color above mine several years ago, still love it. I agree with others, I'm not sure I would have done it if it didn't jut out separately from the other walls. Not sure how it would flow that way. I'll post it from various angles ... these are cell phone pics, sorry they look so washed out and strange. Santa didn't bring me a new camera this year. ;-)

The other walls are all a dark cream color, with this one accent:

This post was edited by Miz_M on Wed, Jan 16, 13 at 15:35

Pic 2

Last pic.

I love that first inspiration pic!

I am also not a fan for the most part of accent walls. I do like them in the inspiration pictures where there is a separation.
I would do yours all in the pewter.

Miz M., your fireplace and wall is beautiful. Colors are perfect. So cozy.
I love that first pic also. I love that coral/orange color. It is a pretty gold, actually it looks similar to my dining room sw blonde, when the sun is shining in.
I just dont want that in my family room.
I really am trying to achieve a contemporary look, clean and fresh. Similar to these. I do love the revere pewter and greys, but don't know what accent color yet. Actually was loving a pale coral and pale blue, or gold and blue. Oh, this could drive me insane, and believe me that road is getting shorter and shorter every day.

Here are my inspiration pics.

Thanks for all the advise and please, I would love to hear any advise or comments. They really help me!

I did mine 2 shades darker~
Life is short...go for it! :)

You inspiration photos work because the color has been added to the chimney breast, which is a separate mass from the rest of the wall.

Since you don't have that, and if you decide on a lot of contrast, I think your best bet would be to add slender, simple ceiling to floor drapery panels in a color very similar to your other three walls (pale gray, if you choose Revere Pewter) on both sides of your windows to break up the accent colored wall.

Thank you, Sueshine! :-)