Using An Accent Paint Color
Create a Focal Point With an Accent Paint Color

Contemplating an accent color but not sure which wall or area would benefit the most by standing out?

In some cases, the accent wall is almost a given, especially if a flat screen television, fireplace or large painting dominates the wall. They are automatic focal points, perfect for setting off with a contrasting color. If there is only one large wall in a room and most of the other walls contain floor to ceiling windows or built-in cabinets and bookcases, the large wall seems designed for the accent color.

In other instances, there is no focal point. There is no reason to despair, however. Furniture and accent pieces can be arranged for a new focal point, featuring a wall to be painted in an accent color. Plenty of rooms contain more than one choice for a focal point, making it up to the owner to decide which areas to highlight. A sofa and a couple of side chairs can face the main wall of the room and an accent color on that wall, perhaps a bright red or pastel yellow, can set off artwork, shelves of books or a collection of sculptures. Imagine how pleasant it would be to sit down and relax while enjoying a cozy fire or viewing artwork on a wall painted a lively color.

Some rooms have walls that are basically the same size. However, if a room has an overly large wall, pick that one for the accent color, as it is the wall where all eyes will automatically go (you're just helping it along with the right color choice). Ideally, the accent wall should be solid, unbroken by windows or doors. It is possible to get away with one or two small windows but larger ones will detract from the wall as a main focus of the room. Once you've picked the accent wall, any large furniture pieces should be located near or against it. In most cases, it will be the largest wall in the room.

What about if the space is an open plan or loft? These living spaces don't have traditional walls which separate one area from another. By using accent colors on the walls in each section (kitchen, dining area, etc) it is possible to create a feeling of separate space within one large, unified area. Area rugs can help define each "room".

If room layouts are more traditional, consider whether the accent wall can be seen from other rooms. If so, make sure the wall color won't be disrupting and will blend with the other room colors. It can even be a sharply contrasting color, such as red or bright yellow, as long as the effect complements other rooms. A bright yellow or red accent wall could help to set off wooden floors and door trim. However, a purple wall could look out of place in a house which had walls that didn't go with purple. So consider the whole house and each room's decor when selecting an accent color.

Accent walls are perfect ways to make old rooms look new again and very cost-effective, too. After all, how much does it cost to paint only one wall in a room? Also, the wall can easily be repainted a few years later. For example, consider a traditional home, one with wood floors. An accent wall may have been painted a deep cranberry red, helping to highlight antiques. Years later, that wall could be repainted a medium to darker navy, creating a different but equally attractive effect.

Apartments can have a "cookie cutter" feel, with each wall being the same shade, usually white. By painting one wall a distinctive color, apartments can reflect the owner's personality. The same goes for housing subdivisions which have similar home models.