Interior Accent Wall

by Thomas Kellogg
(Leeds, N.Y 12451)

An accent wall is one wall within a room that is painted a different shade or color than the other three walls in that room. The wall that is accented is usually the first wall that is seen upon entering that room. An accent wall can be used to highlight a large focal point on or near that wall (tv, entertainment center, bed, fireplace, bookcase).

In most cases, an accent wall is a bold color i.e., orange against neutral walls i.e., white.

Or a vibrant shade against other walls of the same shade, i.e. a rich orange against other, very pale orange walls.

Other ways to use an accent wall:

• Brighten a room, enhance a design, or set off photographs of friends and family members.
• Visually enlarge or shrink a room, pull together a room's design or make a bold statement in any room of the home. Cool colors, such as blue, green or gray recede from the eye; using a cool color on an accent wall of a small room, will visually enlarge the room.
• Using a warm color (orange or gold) on an accent wall of a very large room, with high ceilings, can give the room a more welcoming appearance.
• A kitchens back-splash wall is a perfect place to put an accent color to liven up the kitchen.
• The back wall of a built-in bookshelf painted in a contrasting color will highlight your books and accessories.
• Break up the accent wall with wood strips and molding, and paint them in the trim color. (frame effect)