If you’re looking for an inexpensive and easy way to add a bit of dramatic style to your bathroom, creating an accent wall is the perfect way to liven up a room while creating an immediate focal point. Typically known as painting one wall a completely different color, accent walls aren’t necessarily limited to paint – some accent walls include patterned wallpaper, mosaic tiles, and other decorations. If you’re interested in revitalizing your bathroom with an accent wall, here’s some tips.
Pick a Wall
Before you settle on a paint color or material it’s important to decide which wall you’d like to accent. Typically, walls that feature a large piece of furniture or a large bay of windows are the natural choice. If there’s no clear architectural feature in your bathroom to build your accent wall around, don’t worry – an accent wall can create drama on its own. In situations where there’s no specific features, the most common choice is the wall directly across from your bathroom’s entrance. Once the accent wall is complete, you can add more interest with mirrors, décor, or a piece of artwork.
Choose an Accent Material
Whether it’s a coat of paint or adding a design, the next step is choosing the material you’d like to use. If you’re a minimalist at heart, consider a solid coat of paint. If you’re on the more ambitious side, the only limitation is your imagination. Textured wallpaper, geometric patterns, wall murals, weathered wood planks and chevron paint patterns can all be used to create an accent wall. For a contemporary look go for patterns in mid-century geometrics and bright colors. If the rest of your bathroom is traditional, try a subdued damask paper design.
Decide on a Color
When most people think of accent walls, bright oranges or reds probably come to mind. If that level of commitment scares you, you’re not alone – a wall doesn’t have to be bold for it to be beautiful. When choosing a color for your accent wall, it’s important to decide what color temperature you’d like. If you’d like your room to be cozy and inviting, colors like red, orange, and yellow produce warmth. Cooler colors, such as blue, purple, and green, tend to transform bathrooms into cool, restful, and serene spaces. Repeating a color already present in rugs and accessories can also help you decide on a color.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
For an accent wall with a bit more character, try experimenting with a graphic wallpaper pattern, tiles, or color blocking. Some companies’ custom make wallpapers to work with the other colors in your room, so if you’re worried about your interior decorating skills, they can offer advice. Additionally, adding decorative tile to the space behind your vanity is a cost-effective way to make a statement in your bathroom. Finally, it’s important to remember not all accent walls have to be a solid color – you can get creative with color blocking by using striped paint or wallpaper patterns for your accent wall.