How To Choose An Accent Wall And Design That Fits Your Style

If you are looking to spruce up a room, an accent wall may be a great option! This design style is a fun way to add a focal point to any space. However, with so many different accent wall ideas to liven up your home, you may be wondering how to choose a look that suits your overall aesthetic. House Digest spoke exclusively with Erika Dale, Interior Designer and Founder of Erika Dale Interior Design, to hear her thoughts on designing an accent wall for your home.

The first decision to make when thinking about adding an accent wall to a room is to select the location. "When deciding which wall to choose for your accent wall, look for the main focal point of the room when you enter the space," Dale explained. "The primary wall that draws your attention is the one that naturally calls for an accent wall to really pack a punch." According to Dale, if you try to choose a wall that isn't naturally the center of attention, this can lead to a competing look and cause the accent wall to have less of an impact. Some of the most popular spots for an accent wall include the respective room walls your bed, sofa, fireplace, or bathroom vanity sits against. A dining room's back wall, the first wall seen when you walk into your entryway, or a recessed alcove can also be good choices. 

Once you have chosen which wall (or walls, if you are updating multiple rooms) you want to enhance, you can move on to thinking about how to design the beautiful bedroom accent wall that will transform your space. According to Erika Dale, when deciding on a look, you will want to think about what you love. You'll also want to do some research for inspiration and so you know some of the do's and don'ts for designing an accent walls, according to HGTV Stars.

"If you are a pattern lover, you may find yourself drawn to incredible wallpaper accent walls with lots of color," Dale explained exclusively to House Digest. "If you love a sophisticated, refined aesthetic, a picture molding or wainscoting accent wall in a muted mid-tone may be just the thing for your space." Research can help you get an idea of what may work well in your home, but don't worry about what's en vogue. If there is a design that is going out of style that catches your eye, you will be happier having it in your home than choosing an up-and-coming trend that you are on the fence about or downright dislike. "Go with your heart, as it will ensure you love it for a long time," Dale said.

While you don't want to choose a design simply because it is trendy, understanding what is popular can help you get some inspiration to decide what will work best for your home. Doing your own research or talking with an expert can also help you get an idea of what to choose. When House Digest spoke exclusively with expert Erika Dale, she described some of the most popular accent wall design choices and her thoughts on those options.

"I personally think the days of a simple paint accent wall are waning, as people are gravitating more toward accent walls with more texture, pattern, or craftsmanship," Dale said. "Wallpaper, wainscoting, beadboard, picture molding, wood slats, and other patterns made from woodwork (such as cool linear or abstract geometric patterns) are all really fun choices to make a statement." With so many different styles to choose from, deciding on an accent wall can initially seem a little overwhelming. However, if you follow Dale's advice and take your time, you can find what will work best for your home. And, when you are ready, you can try easily creating a stunning accent wall with a clever DIY, or if your dream accent wall is grander than your DIY abilities, you can always ask a professional for help.