5 Accent Wall Secrets Interior Designers
Don’t Want You to Know

Hey there, neighbors! Let’s talk about one of the easiest, yet most impactful ways to completely transform a room without blowing your entire budget: the accent wall. Whether you’re sprucing up your living room, adding personality to a bedroom, or simply tired of looking at the same four walls every day, an accent wall is a great solution.

But here’s the kicker—there are a few insider secrets that can take your accent wall from basic to brilliant, and most designers keep them as their ace up the sleeve. Lucky for you, as a professional painter in Iowa with years of experience, I’m here to spill the beans!

So grab a cup of coffee, kick back, and let’s dive into the five accent wall secrets that interior designers don’t want you to know.

1. Don’t Limit Yourself to Paint

When most people think “accent wall,” their mind automatically goes to a bold paint color. And while paint is a fantastic and budget-friendly option, there’s so much more you can do! One of the simplest secrets in the design world is that an accent wall doesn’t have to be just paint—it can involve texture, materials, or even patterns.

Expand Your Horizons

Have you ever considered a wood-paneled wall or even some trendy shiplap? Adding texture to an accent wall can make the room feel more dynamic and interesting. I once worked with a homeowner who wanted to give their rustic Iowa farmhouse a bit of modern flair. Instead of painting an accent wall in the living room, we used reclaimed barn wood. The results were stunning! It added so much character, and it became the focal point of the entire home.

If wood isn’t your style, think about adding wallpaper with a fun pattern or even a stone veneer. Materials like these give the room a unique depth and personality that paint alone can’t always achieve.

Professional Painter Tip

If you do go the textured route, stick to a matte finish. It helps reduce glare and really enhances the material you’re using, whether it’s wood, stone, or a patterned wallpaper.

2. Choose the Right Wall to Accentuate

You’ve probably heard this one before: not every wall should be an accent wall. But picking the right wall is easier said than done! One of the biggest mistakes I see homeowners make is choosing the wrong wall to highlight, like one cluttered with windows or doors. That can actually take away from the impact you’re trying to create.

Find the Room’s Focal Point

The best accent walls are the ones that highlight a room’s natural focal point. In a living room, this could be the wall behind the couch or the one with the fireplace. In bedrooms, it’s often the wall behind the headboard. Basically, it’s the first wall your eye is drawn to when you enter the room.

I remember working with a couple in Des Moines who had a large open-concept living area. They couldn’t decide which wall to accent because there were so many options. We finally settled on the wall opposite their massive bay window, which created a perfect balance in the room.

Iowa-Specific Tip

Here in Iowa, where homes often have large windows to let in that beautiful natural light, make sure your accent wall complements—not competes with—those features. Rooms with lots of light are ideal for accent walls, as the sunlight helps highlight the color or texture you choose.

3. Play with Contrast, But Don’t Overdo It

Let’s talk contrast. It’s a word that gets thrown around a lot in design, but when it comes to accent walls, it’s all about finding the sweet spot. You want your accent wall to stand out, but you don’t want it to feel like it’s shouting at you every time you walk into the room.

Subtle vs. Bold

One of my clients here in Urbandale wanted an accent wall in their dining room but was nervous about going too bold. After discussing options, we landed on a soft, muted green that complemented their existing neutral palette. The result? A beautiful accent wall that brought the room to life without being overpowering.

The key is to pair contrasting colors in a way that feels balanced. For example, if your walls are light and airy, a deep navy or forest green can create just enough contrast without making the room feel chaotic. But be careful not to go too extreme—pairing an ultra-bright color with stark white walls can make the room feel disjointed.

Professional Painter Tip

If you’re unsure, you can’t go wrong with classic, timeless colors like deep blues, soft greens, or warm grays. These shades create just the right amount of contrast without overwhelming the space.

4. Test Before You Commit

You’ve heard it before—test your paint colors before committing. But trust me, it’s one of the most important steps that can’t be skipped, especially when it comes to accent walls.

Lighting Makes a Huge Difference

The lighting in your room can dramatically change how a color looks. I can’t tell you how many times a client has fallen in love with a paint swatch only to hate it once it’s up on the wall. The color that looks amazing in a brightly lit showroom might look completely different under the softer lighting in your home.

Here in Iowa, we get bright, sunny days in the summer and softer, muted light during the winter months. So it’s important to see how your color changes throughout the day and during different seasons.

Professional Painter Tip

Use peel-and-stick paint samples, or paint a small section of the wall and live with it for a few days. See how it looks in both natural daylight and artificial light before making your final decision.

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Go Bold

Iowa is known for its cozy homes and warm, welcoming spaces. But that doesn’t mean you have to play it safe with your accent wall! In fact, an accent wall is a great opportunity to go bold and make a statement.

Make a Statement

One of my favorite projects involved a homeowner in West Des Moines who wanted to spice up their living room. They initially thought about a neutral shade but decided to take a leap of faith and go with a bold emerald green. The result was stunning—it completely changed the room’s vibe and gave it a modern, sophisticated feel.

Bold doesn’t always mean bright, either. Deep, moody colors like charcoal gray or navy blue can create drama and elegance without feeling overwhelming. Plus, they’re perfect for spaces where you want to create a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

Iowa-Specific Tip

Think about where you want to go bold. High-traffic areas like dining rooms or living rooms are perfect for an eye-catching accent wall. Plus, it gives guests something to talk about when they come over for dinner or a weekend get-together.

Conclusion

Accent walls are a simple yet effective way to add personality and style to your home. By using these five insider secrets, you’ll be well on your way to creating an accent wall that not only looks great but enhances the overall feel of your space.

And remember, as your friendly neighborhood painting expert here in Iowa, I’m always happy to help you choose the perfect color or texture for your home. Whether you need a little advice or a full-on painting project, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at Zoab Painting!

Ready to transform your home? Let’s get started today!