skip to main content
Software
Integrations
Mobile App
Expert Support
All-In-One Platform for Construction and Design
See Pricing
Schedule a Demo
Talk to Sales: (888) 316-4595
My builder uses Houzz Pro to plan the timeline and give detailed estimates and daily updates with photos of progress, and provide invoices at pre-agreed key points in the build. This made the whole experience much more efficient and stress-free.
Steve W.
Client of Cribbs Construction
Learn More
Ideas
Discussions
Houzz TV
Houzz Research
Sign In
Houzz Logo Print
Explore DiscussionsFeatured Home DiscussionsFeatured Garden Discussions
Design DilemmaDining RoomPaint
ashley_dodd69

Accent Wall Debate

7 years ago

How do you guys feel about accent walls?

Are they a dated concept?

What would be a updated alternative to them?

What could make a room complete when painting a accent wall?

For instance, I am planning on maybe painting the top half of the back wall to my dinning room and adding chair rail to divide the space. ( not asking for paint selections). For some reason I think painting one wall will make it look incomplete, while painting the whole room would make it not blend in with the house. Thoughts? I should add I am keeping my home mostly neutral without browns or tans or any bold colors.

If I were to paint the room, should I paint the complete room or just do a accent wall?

Featured Answer
  • PRO
    7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Accent walls aren't necessarily dated, but they need to make sense for the space. A feature wall works best when it highlight an interesting architectural feature for example. I don't suggest adding a chair rail. It doesn't suit your style of home and they often make a space feel choppy. If you're moving in a year or two I say keep things more neutral

    Comments (14)

    • 7 years ago

      How about some wallpaper on your feature wall? Quiet or dramatic.


      Riverside Residence Two - Miami, FL · More Info


    • 7 years ago

      I mostly love accent walls. Don’t care if they’re dated. even if they

      are, they’ll be back in style in a year or two.


      the wall you would paint would be the large blank wall with the 2 sconces? I think it could look nice.


      The wallpaper suggestion is awesome also

    • Related Professionals

      Rome Interior Designers & Decorators · La Grande Interior Designers & Decorators · Omaha Architects & Building Designers · Joplin Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Petersburg Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Roanoke Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Evanston Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Macon Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Pittsburg Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · San Francisco Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Hannibal Interior Designers & Decorators · Fergus Falls Bathroom Remodelers · Temecula Bathroom Remodelers · Macon Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Logan Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
    • 7 years ago

      I also love accent walls. I think some type of graphic wallpaper or mural, similar to what apple-pie posted would look fab.

    • 7 years ago
      I should have mention this isn't my forever home and when I sell in a year or two I hope it is able to sell.

      What are some good temporary wall paper designs that are easy to remove and install and arent two busy?
    • 7 years ago
      Yes I decided to axe out the idea of a chair rail.
    • 7 years ago

      If you are planning to move in a year or two I wouldn't do an accent wall.

    • 7 years ago

      Not a fan generally. I think they are dated now. I do have one in a dining room to show off a collection but I wouldn't do it today. I may paint the entire room.

    • 7 years ago

      I am not a fan of accent walls in terms of one wall that is randomly painted a different color from the rest of the room. That is a dated concept. What I do like, however, is IF there is a focal wall in a room, to highlight that wall with wall paper or some other product like Stikwood (but not paint). I think texture and subtle print are the better way to go than color.

    • PRO
      7 years ago

      I agree with Sina Sadeddin Architectural Design accent walls are not dated but they do have to make sense and have a purpose in your space.I think you can benefit from an accent wall, It will help this room look warmer and more inviting. I would do the wall where the sconces are.use only paint (given the fact that you will be moving out in 2 years,) that is how you can have the most impact with minimal expense/effort (and it can easily be painted over before moving out)

    • 7 years ago
      last modified: 7 years ago

      I think making an accent wall where the two sconces are would have a very dramatic effect and define the space. It can also give you a chance to add a touch of color to the room. It can be painted over very easily when you decide to sell. Wall paper, while nice, would be way more expensive and much harder to change later. A pretty mirror or piece of art between the lights will give the room a finished look.

    • 7 years ago

      what about metallic paints on texture walls

    • 7 years ago

      If you like a do it yourself project, what about a wall stencil? Mimics wallpaper, but less expensive. I did this years ago in our bedroom with a damask stencil for a tone on tone look.






    • 7 years ago
      Oh my m, that is really pretty. I was actually going to do a stencil in the spouse office, never thought for the dinning room. Great idea
    Related Stories
    Just One Wall: When the Accent Wall Works
    By Kit Pollard
    Full Story
    25
    KIDS’ SPACES12 Dreamy Accent Walls for Baby’s Room
    By Christine Tusher
    Subtly sophisticated to full-on fantasyland, these painted and papered walls give a child an imaginative start
    Full Story
    28
    WALL TREATMENTSIdea of the Day: Tin Tiles Create a Striking Accent Wall
    By Becky Harris
    A bachelor's bedroom has the industrial style he loves but also is warm and comfortable
    Full Story
    49
    DECORATING GUIDESThe Case for the Anti-Accent Wall
    By Annie Thornton
    Go ahead, paint everything the same color (even the trim)
    Full Story
    58
    WALL TREATMENTSGetting the Accent Wall Right
    By Becky Harris
    Celebrate a Glorious Color or Material Without Overpowering Your Space
    Full Story
    13
    BATHROOM DESIGNYour Bath: Treat Yourself to an Accent Wall
    By Shawn Gauthier
    Jazz Up the Bath or Shower With Stone, Paper, Color and Light
    Full Story
    4
    WALL TREATMENTS7 Alternatives to the Painted Accent Wall
    By Jennifer Ott Design
    Create a focal point in a room without having to bust out the painting supplies
    Full Story
    18
    FEEL-GOOD HOME50 Out-of-the-Box Ideas for Bedroom Accent Walls
    By Janet Paik
    Neon signs, gallery walls, wood and dramatic paint add personality and budget-friendly flair to these bedrooms
    Full Story
    48
    COLORWhy Accent Walls Are Here to Stay
    By Jennifer Ott Design
    Trendy or not, feature walls are a design element that endures
    Full Story
    114
    BATHROOM DESIGN10 Eye-Catching Bathroom Accent Walls
    By Gwendolyn Purdom
    Well-chosen expanses of tile and unexpected texture make these feature walls shine
    Full Story
    15
    Sponsored
    More Discussions
    Painting Hipped Vaulted Ceiling
    8
    Help with exterior paint color ideas
    18
    can painted white cabinetry look colder depending on the p sheen used
    11
    of a all 1600sf. one story house. hardwood chose
    7
    Would YOU Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets AND Countertops?
    4