Is it time to give your interior a fresh, new look? Painting an accent wall is the perfect way to define a living space, emphasize an architectural feature and create an extraordinary appearance within an ordinary room. From subtle to dramatic, begin your project with confidence and make your space your own.

Perfect placement

Placement of accent walls can be tricky, especially with different elements in each room. The key is to consider all factors in your decision. Keep in mind that an accent wall will lose much of its impact if it is obscured behind mass floor-to-ceiling draperies and large furniture. However, accent walls behind a fireplace or bookshelf are known to draw more attention to the architectural pieces. A wall that is asymmetrical or has a window-and-door combination is a not a good choice for such a project. An accent wall will provide an immediate draw; therefore, choose the wall that is farthest from the room’s entrance to create an inviting atmosphere.

Capture with colour

The colour of your accent wall makes a huge impact on the feel of a room. Co-op’s brand new line of Imagine paint has a wide selection of colours to choose from for this purpose. If you want to make your room feel wider or longer, you will want to paint the end or side wall a lighter hue, such as Mystic or Domain. Darker hues will transform your room by adding presence and maturity to your décor, so you’ll want to consider colours like Deepest Fig and Nougat. To create a bolder statement you can match the accent wall colour to your room’s decorative accessories. Typically, lively and vibrant colours are used for this type of décor, such as Coralite or Blazon Skies. For a softer and gentler contrast against your current paint colour, simply try using a deeper and darker version of your existing walls. This will create a subtle yet interesting distinction in your space.

Painting patterns

Chevron – which consists of a bold series of V’s laid out in a row – is a high-energy print and a fun way to breathe life into a quiet, ordinary room. This modern-chic pattern has the ability to lengthen and add depth to rooms. Try using it on walls in smaller spaces of your home to give the illusion of high ceilings and bigger rooms.

Striped accent walls are the perfect balance between excitement and serenity. The simplicity of a stripe pattern is engaging and not overwhelming to the rest of your home’s décor. With the versatility of stripes from horizontal, vertical to diagonal, you can interchange between playful and energetic settings with sophistication and style.

Harlequin, or diamond, patterns will add elegance and simplicity to your accent wall. Harlequin appears more refined when the iconic diamonds of this pattern adorn the walls. For subtle effects, choose lighter colours that contrast well in your diamond pattern. For bold and modern rooms, contrast larger diamonds and darker colours for more depth.

A reflection of you

Regardless of what you do with your accent wall, remember it’s all about individual taste and personality. Incorporating an accent wall, be it bold or subtle, will make a strong visual statement and add depth to your overall living space.