Software
Houzz Logo Print
webuser_355507847

I need help choosing an accent wall color

Most of my living room is painted natural linen by SW, which I love. My accent wall is a stairwell wall. The accent wall is currently light green and I hate the color. I originally wanted a dark gray-green but my husband said the darkest he was willing to go was SW kind green. We’re repainting it 3 years later. Now my husband is no longer afraid of dark and moody colors. We both love the idea of painting the accent wall urbane bronze. We also decided to purchase new seating furniture, an entertainment center and tables. I researched what color furniture would look great with urbane bronze and natural linen. Light oak/ white oak was the number one choice. Light ashy wood perhaps could have worked as well. Whole searching for furniture my husband chose a black leather couch and 2 black leather reclining chairs. I was leaning towards beige furniture but my husband really wanted the black. While shopping for the tv entertainment center, I really didn’t have much say in that either. Husband chose a really dark, black/ brown, rustic oak stand because he liked the fact that the fireplace and cabinet lights changed colors with a remote. Of coarse we also got a matching end table. I don’t hate the black couches or the dark furniture. I’m just second guessing painting the accent wall urbane bronze now that everything is so dark. Maybe it could still work? Or should I lean towards a different color? I love an organic, earthy feel.. and I love warmth!

Comments (21)

  • last year

    Update: the carpet that you see in the second photo (staircase wall) is current. We no longer have the orange hardwood floors that you see in the first photo

  • last year

    First we need pictures of all 4 walls in the room. Not to rude but the sofa and dark wall say man cave to me, is that the look you want? And your console choice is rustic. You covered all the hardwood with carpet? Your decor looks shabby chic/cottagey so I think you need to tell us your style.

  • PRO
    last year

    Perhaps lean into the dark man cave look. Your husband seems to be the decision maker here, is he the primary user of the space? How about painting the whole room in a darker color for a cozy vibe? Even if you don't want a dark color, then paint the stairway wall the same as the rest of the room for a cohesive look.

  • last year

    jck910- I just want a comfy, earthy, warm living room

  • last year

    jck910- this sectional is old. We had to get new furniture because our old sectional was ripped in multiple areas thanks to our dog. Imagine the first photo with brown-black furniture and imagine the second photo with carpet.. yes we carpeted the living room.. also not my choice. I give in to my husband because he’s persistent in getting his way after I do most of the design research. He doesn’t do any research and sometimes has a nonchalant attitude towards our home decor.. that is until we need to purchase things and he finds something he really likes. He has to have his way. I know I need to put my foot down more but right now I’m just asking for accent wall suggestions. The dark furniture is purchased and we’re not taking it back. How do I make this space more feminine?

  • last year

    I would just paint the wall the same color as the rest of the walls. I'm with you as far as thinking there is already a lot of dark furniture in the room, so no need for more darkness. However, is there a door to the outside not showing in the picture next to the shoerack? Does this wall take a lot of abuse since it's at the bottom of the stairs (people bumping into it every day?)? If so, a dark color would probably hide the scuffs and dings better.

  • PRO
    last year

    As I mentioned previously, paint the stairway wall in the same SW Natural Linen.

    You could add some pillows and throws in more feminine patterns/colors, perhaps a floral or a paisley? You could also change out the curtains--get panels in a natural linen and have them reach the floor. Bamboo shades would add nice texture to the room. Artwork on the walls could warm up the space and make it less masculine. Some greenery in the form of plants is always nice. A persian style rug over the wall to wall carpet could provide you with a color palette from which to draw. Another option is an upholstered ottoman.


    Of course all this would need to be approved by your husband, if he agrees that the space needs to be more feminine. Or you could claim another room and decorate it it for YOU.

  • last year

    Great suggestions thank you

  • last year

    I would not chop up the space by adding an accent wall. Add pattern draperies, something on a contemporary design.

  • PRO
    last year

    Also, hasn't he ever heard the expression "happy wife, happy life"?

  • PRO
    last year

    Every thing mounted in this house is mounted TOO HIGH!!!








  • PRO
    last year

    I agree with Diana Bier Interiors that painting the wall along the stairway wall the same SW Linen would give your space a more cohesive look. I suggest however that you paint the railing in black.

    You say you no longer have the same hardwood floors but didn't mention what you have as new flooring, would be interesting to know.


    All the dark manly looking furniture is definitely a big change from the cottage decor you seem to presently have.

  • last year


    Leather Recliner Sofas & Reclining Sofas · More Info


    Harvard Square Renovation · More Info


    Belvedere (Marin) Contemporary Living Room · More Info


  • last year

    Some more current photos.. earlier I was at work and couldn’t take them. This is what the living room looks like right now

  • last year

    Current window and accent wall

  • last year

    Njmomma I like this! Thank uou

  • last year

    You

  • last year
    last modified: last year

    Agree that all 4 walls should be the same color. Why is your husband is making all the decisions for a space you both use? I would also remove all the tiny decor items, fake window and shutters, fake greenery and fake plants.

  • last year

    Jenn-z9b-AZ I’m taking all advice. Would you replace the decor or leave walls blank?

  • PRO
    last year

    I don't have the dimensions of your room but have you ever tried moving your sofa to face the TV and bring your 2 armchairs to be part of the conversation area with a coffee table in the centre?



  • last year

    I would replace the decor. It no longer goes with the leather sofas and chairs that you have now.


    Those sofas and chairs are a bit more contemporary. Take a look at the inspiration pictures I posted.