9 Showstopping Accent Wall Ideas From Fixer To Fabulous' Dave & Jenny Marrs
An accent wall is a great way to make a statement in your home while maintaining a chic and refined sense of style. Choosing a singular wall to feature bold patterns, complementary colors, or unique textures can make your home feel more modern and dynamic. This design choice is versatile and completely customizable, which is why experts like HGTV's Dave and Jenny Marrs swear by the power of a stunning accent wall, whether it be created through paint, brick, tile, wood, or wallpaper.
The Marrs are stars of HGTV's popular home makeover show "Fixer to Fabulous." The couple uses their carpentry and design skills to collaborate in transforming dated, dull properties into dream homes. Accent walls appear frequently in the show as a stunning solution to dress up a big boring wall.
Whether you prefer airy, farmhouse-inspired designs or more artsy wallpaper trends that the "Fixer to Fabulous" team swears by, accent walls can be perfectly tailored to your personal taste. Effortless color schemes, visual textures, and natural materials can all work together to achieve harmonious depth and design in rooms. Here are some of the best accent wall ideas to liven up your home from the expert team behind "Fixer to Fabulous."
Exposed brick adds character and depth
Using a rustic material for your accent wall like exposed brick can create a warm and inviting ambiance. Many older homes already feature brick walls, and instead of covering up the brick with boring drywall, the historic material can he highlighted as a statement piece. Jenny Marrs believes that exposed brick makes a room feel more charming and that natural sunlight can make a brick wall feel more open and airy. Choosing brick in your home's design can give it a historic appeal.
Fun tiling makes a room pop
According to Jenny and Dave Marrs, fun and colorful tiling can make a room pop. Ditching plain paint jobs for pastel hues and intricate patterns is a simple way to elevate your space. You can contrast the elaborate tiles with neutral-toned walls to avoid overwhelming the design. Ceramic tiles come in a variety of art styles and patterns from abstract mosaics to classic checkerboard and can add depth and texture to any room. You can also find affordable tile options to add character to your walls without breaking the bank.
Natural wood adds a dramatic flair
In one episode of "Fixer to Fabulous," Dave Marrs utilizes a traditional Japanese method of wood treatment called shou sugi ban to create a dramatic bedroom accent wall. Jenny Marrs shared on their website that he accomplished this "by taking strips of wood and burning them into a multi-tone effect," (per Dave & Jenny Marrs). She emphasized the nice contrast the natural wood creates in the room and said that "white walls, white ceiling[,] and white curtains keep things looking bright and airy. Plus, there's lots of natural light coming in through the windows."
Mix floral patterns with muted colors
For a cozy design that doesn't overwhelm, the Marrs recommend mixing floral patterns with muted colors. Wallpapers that feature delicate floral patterns complement neutral tones perfectly without making the room feel too cluttered or busy. Jenny Marrs has often mixed soft pink paint or another muted tone with a flower-design wallpaper to add a whimsical and unexpected look. Fresh patterned wallpaper can be applied above understated wainscotting or paneling to create an airy and cheery space that doesn't feel too crowded.
Add depth with a built-in bookshelf
An accent wall doesn't have to be limited to wallpaper and paint color. You can also add depth to your room's design with a built-in bookshelf. "One of our favorite things about this cozy bedroom is the built-in bookshelf [—] it's not just functional, it's a statement piece!" Dave and Jenny Marrs shared on Instagram. They continued, "Nothing beats curling up with a good book in a space that's both beautiful and practical!" Adding an accent bookshelf to your wall creates a functional storage solution that's also stylish.
Use woven decorations to make a statement
Another great way to draw attention to an accent wall is with large wall décor pieces. In one episode of "Fixer to Fabulous," the duo hangs woven fiber baskets above bench seating to add a cozy, textured element to the space. Incorporating natural fibers is a great way to effortlessly elevate a living space, especially when contrasted with bright lighting and fresh paint. Jenny Marrs shared that "For décor, we had fun adding lots of Peruvian-inspired fabrics, textures[,] and colors throughout the space," (per Dave & Jenny Marrs).
Painted brick gives rooms a pop of color
While exposed brick can bring historical charm to your living space, painted brick is a fun way to incorporate more modern, playful design elements. When remodeling the Goodyear family's home, the Marrs shared that "Adding pops of color and tearing down walls brought their living room to life. With a blue-painted brick exterior, it made sense to use the same color on the fireplace." The vibrant blue brick pairs nicely with the natural wood furniture, making the space feel creative and unique.
Fun angles create beautiful detail
Using fun angles in wood features is a stunning way to turn boring walls into a visually interesting accent. Paint the wood with a pop of color to make the design really stand out and add depth and variety to your living space. Jenny Marrs shared on Instagram that a teal wood accent wall Dave and Matt installed for the show creates interest in a classic bedroom design. Playing with angles in the wood design is a great way to give a room a more modern, unique feel.
A mural can give a wall personality
A colorful and expressive mural is a wonderful way to draw attention to an accent wall and let your personality show through your room's design. In one of the Marrs' remodeling projects, mauve cabinets were installed with a breathtaking mural in the center. Jenny Marrs explained on Dave & Jenny Marrs that the mural was commissioned from artist Buddy Whitlock and was inspired by the homeowner's interest in Arkansas, Bentonville, and maps. Using a mural as a statement piece on an accent wall allows you to express yourself through the design you choose.