The $79 billion dollar home furnishing industry is making interior design possible for everyone. Today’s homeowners have the ability to create professional looks on their own.
Pinterest and blogs provide plenty of inspiration for decorating. You too can create the latest design trends in your home.
Create a new look by changing your current furniture and fixtures. It isn’t all about what goes in the room though as you can’t forget about your walls.
A DIY accent wall compliments that new industrial or french country decor that’s trending this year. Try one of these accent wall ideas to compliment that interior design project.
1. Color Blocking
Instead of choosing one color, choose a few complimentary colors. There is no limit to the number of colors used.
Draw a scale outline of the wall on a piece of paper. Draw out the intended pattern to get an idea of what it will look like.
Measure the wall and tape off the first color’s sections. Remeber that the wall on the inside of the tape edges is the part getting painted.
Paint the first color onto the wall, use two coats. Peel the tape off and then apply new tape for the next paint color.
Continue this process with each of the colors. Most accent walls feature geometric patterns.
Triangles or squares are the most popular. The whole or a part of the wall can feature the color blocking.
2. Temporary Wallpaper
For those who have hung traditional wallpaper, this is nothing like that. Temporary wallpaper is one of the easier DIY accent wall projects.
First, choose a pattern that compliments the feel of the room. This project will use the wallpaper, scissors, level, ruler, and a craft knife.
Do not trust the molding, corners, or ceiling to be level. Create a plumb line and work off of that.
Place the wallpaper pieces on the wall one at a time lining up the edges. Use the knife to cut around window frames and in corners.
Temporary wallpaper is designed to line up on the edges, so no overlapping. Save patching for the end to avoid wasting the pieces.
3. Stenciling
Accent wall patterns usually have two colors but this isn’t a hard rule. Start by painting the entire wall the base color.
Choose a point on the wall to start with the accent color. Tape the stencil to the wall to prevent it from moving.
Use a stencil brush and the dry method to paint the wall showing through the stencil. Stipple, do not swipe.
Traditional brushing motions will push paint under the stencil. Use a paper towel to dab off excess paint.
Mark the guide points on the wall with a pencil. Move the stencil to the next position and paint again.
Repeat the process until the entire wall in covered. Once the first accent color is dry, apply the second accent color if desired.
4. Wood and Stone Planking
Wood paneling will compliment trending interior design styles. The first option is to use printed wallpaper.
While it looks realistic, it isn’t the real thing. Two other options involve putting actual planks on the wall.
Decorative wood planks are available at a hardware store. Nail or wood glue them to the wall.
Be sure to add spacers between the planks while mounting. Using pennies is an easy way to space the planks. This also works to keep the planks level.
Another option is to buy a panel system with tongue and grooves. Work from one side of the wall and bottom to top.
Making sure the panels are level, slide the tongue and grooves together for a secure fit. Then nail or glue the panels into place.
5. Tile
Tiling doesn’t have to stay in the bathroom or kitchen. Consider the size and color of the tile for the best fit in the room.
Tile the entire wall or a part for different looks. If using smaller tiles, look for ones with webbing backing to make the project faster.
Spread tile glue on a part of the wall in a thin even layer. Place the first row of tiles along your starting point.
Be sure to only apply the glue where you are ready to place the tiles. The glue will start to cure as soon as it is on the wall.
Continue to place the tiles in a pattern that looks appealing. Once the glue is dry, apply grout between the tiles.
Clean the excess grout off of the tiles. Allow the wall to dry well before you start using the room again.
6. Picture Gallery
Create a large gallery on an accent wall in a bedroom or living room. Use varying sized frames to add dimension and interest.
Mix in some decorative items such as a planter, candle holder or mirror. Place pictures in some of the frames.
In other frames place colorful paper or fabric. Choose material that has colors and patterns that will accent the rest of the room.
7. Watercolor Painting
Create a serene and artistic wall with a multi-color watercolor painting. The blending and spreading of colors across the wall add a unique look.
This accent wall design comes as temporary wallpaper with the pattern. A custom look is also possible with paint.
Buy water-based paint, a brush, and a spray bottle. Dilute of some the paint and use the brush to apply it to the wall.
Use the spray bottle to create dripping effects. Continue to apply paint and water until the wall looks as desired. The goal is to have random splashes of color.
Accent Wall Ideas
If painting is an option, consider color blocking, stenciling, or watercolor. Temporary wallpaper can give your wall a more detailed pattern or scene.
Tiling is the most labor-intensive accent wall. It is the most permanent and the most durable.
Wood or stone planking will add some natural texture to the room. If these accent wall ideas are too much, a simple gallery is an option.
Try to get creative in the size and placement of the frames. Incorporate unexpected items in the display.
Now that the walls look great, read this guide for flooring options for your home.