The New Accent Wall
Sometimes, all it takes to completely transform a room is one wall. Accent walls have long been a favorite tool of designers, but today’s trends take the idea far beyond a simple coat of paint. From bold colours and textured finishes to natural materials and statement-making wallpaper, the modern accent wall is less about contrast and more about creating depth, character, and a focal point that reflects personal style. Whether it’s in the living room, bedroom, or even a hallway, the right accent wall can instantly elevate a space and turn the ordinary into something unforgettable.
In this example we used flooring to create a cottage accent wall that created a mixed-use format for various wood tones in a neutral environment.
As designers we have various ways to incorporate an accent wall into a project. From gallery walls featuring art to using stone in creative textures, we can add interest, depth and perception to almost any space. We look forward to an opportunity for an accent wall in most of the spaces we design!
Influencing Space Perception
Accent walls not just about adding colour or texture—it’s about shifting the way we perceive space. A darker or more dramatic shade, for instance, can make a wall seem to pull back, giving the illusion of extra depth. On the flip side, a lighter or brighter accent can bring a wall forward, making a room feel more intimate and cozy. Placement matters, too: highlight the shorter wall in a rectangular room, and suddenly the space feels wider; emphasize the longer wall, and you’ll stretch the room visually. Even patterns play a role—vertical lines can draw the eye upward, making ceilings feel taller, while horizontal details expand the room sideways.
Most importantly, an accent wall creates a natural focal point. It helps the eye settle, bringing balance and intention to a space that might otherwise feel plain or awkward. With just one wall, you can transform the perception of an entire room.
An example of drawing the eye upward in Project Nahma. The accent fireplace wall creates depth perception and adds to the sprawling height of the great room. With the Corten steel fireplace, the stone accent wall takes on yet another layer adding to the majestic feeling overall.
Using the shorter wall in this elongated basement walk-out allowed us to create drama and impact with a stone treatment.
Ship lap across this entire wall, meant that doors could disappear and give the space perception of one long constant designed wall.
Adding Visual Interest
An accent wall creates visual interest in interior design by breaking up uniformity and giving the eye a place to land. Instead of four matching walls, a single wall in a contrasting colour, pattern, or texture adds variety and depth—turning a plain space into one that feels layered and dynamic. In the case of this bathroom design we did for a client on Balsam Lake, the two-tile contrast creates movement to prevent the monotony of the same tile throughout.
The wood tile created visual pattern that aligned with the other wood tones used throughout the build. The slate tile accent wall then provided contrast instead of all four walls being uniform.
Another example in our Project Nahma build demonstrates the power of an accent wall in context of bathroom design. The wood tile wall, breaks up the expanse of tile and creates the illusion of a separate space within the greater shower zone.
Using wallpaper as a back drop for shelving, meant an upstairs ensuite nook became interesting and decorative.
Using vertical shiplap in this bedroom created visual interest for the bed to take centre stage in an otherwise plain room.
Visual interest is created in this space by using art to frame the stove focal point.
Bold Statements
An accent wall creates a bold statement in interior design because it instantly commands attention and sets the tone for the entire room. By breaking away from uniformity, it introduces contrast—whether through a striking colour, dramatic pattern, unique texture, or even a different material like wood, stone, or wallpaper. This contrast draws the eye, establishing a natural focal point that highlights the best features of a space, such as a fireplace, headboard, or artwork.
The boldness comes not just from the wall itself, but from the mood it creates. A deep navy or charcoal wall adds drama and sophistication, a vibrant jewel tone energizes the space, and a patterned or textured wall brings in personality and character. Essentially, an accent wall acts as the room’s “statement piece.” The below example of an entry featuring a painted accent wall in a bold green, becomes intentional and elevates the small space. It also creates a memorable visual by introducing the colour.
Paint is still a tried-and-true approach to make a bold statement for an entry! The historical green works in tandem with warm cabinetry tones to create a cottage feel.
Wall paper also works to create an accent feel in a small upstairs office. The floral print creates a cocoon feeling for the homeowner opposite the expansive outdoor views.
This turquoise tile makes for a surprising bold statement in an unexpected way for this ground level powder room.
Shelving as Accent Wall
Using shelving painted in a bright colour can create the same impact as a traditional accent wall, but with an extra layer of function and personality.
When shelves are painted in a bold or contrasting shade, they immediately draw the eye in—just like an accent wall does. The colour acts as a backdrop that defines the area, while the shelving itself adds depth and structure. Because shelves hold books, art, or decorative objects, the display naturally becomes part of the focal point, layering interest and texture over the colour.
Brightly painted shelving also builds dimension. The pops of colour peeking through between items create rhythm and movement, making the wall feel lively and dynamic. It’s a clever way to get all the drama of an accent wall while also highlighting your style and giving everyday items a stage. In the below example, the grey barnboard wall provides yet another pop of flatter colour amidst the display.
An example of how shelving becomes an accent wall in this Sandy Point cottage. The contrasted paint colour choice, draws the eye in.
Shelving as an accent wall in our Gull Lake project. The wood tones against the stark white create a warm and cottage feel for the homeowner’s collectables.
Built-ins frame the stone fireplace while providing colour and a place to display personal collections.
Windows and Doorways as Accent Walls
Using windows and doorways as accent walls is all about celebrating architectural features that are already natural focal points in a room. Here’s how it works in interior design:
Framing the View: A wall of windows instantly acts as an accent by drawing the eye to the outdoors. Whether it’s a garden, cityscape, or waterfront, the view becomes the “art,” and the windows frame it beautifully.
Natural Light as Design: Large or uniquely shaped windows create drama through light and shadow. Paired with bold trim, contrasting paint, or surrounding textures, they function like a living accent wall that changes throughout the day.
Doorways as Statements: Grand entryways, arched doorways, or even double doors can serve as an accent wall by emphasizing shape and symmetry. Highlighting them with color, molding, or wallpaper can make them the centerpiece of the room.
Blending Function and Style: Unlike traditional accent walls that are purely decorative, windows and doors bring both form and function. They connect spaces, provide flow, and when highlighted as accents, they elevate the room’s architecture.
This dining room window acts as a natural focal point drawing the eye in and elongating the room.
A doorway creates a focal point with a glimpse into a well-lit powder room.
A curtain wall of windows frames our Balsam Lake project. The windows create drama as well as accent the great room with the lake view.
Our Sturgeon Lake kitchen project uses a bank of windows along a renovated wall to frame and accent the view to the lake. The windows also work to create dimension for the kitchen layout.
A doorway at Corn Cob provides a view through to the entry and our designer used art to create a focal point in the distance.
The doorway leading to a window view acts as a transitional element in this Sturgeon Point historical kitchen update.
Accent walls may have started as a single bold paint choice, but they’ve grown into so much more—becoming a key design element that adds depth, personality, and balance to a space. What was once a quick way to break up a neutral room has transformed into a tool designers use to define spaces, highlight architectural details, and infuse homes with individuality.
Looking ahead, we will see a shift with accent walls, toward layered designs—mixing textures, incorporating lighting, or blending bold colours with sustainable materials. Instead of just one wall standing out, the future points to accent walls as immersive experiences that shape the mood and flow of a room.
Accent walls will always do what they do best: create impact. Whether subtle or dramatic, they anchor a space and give it a story. Designing in the Kawarthas lends us the opportunity to bring in organic and textured materials, creating even more possibilities for our client’s spaces.
For more of our Home by Tim + Chris projects you can view our Project Portfolio
