Accent Walls: Bold Beautiful, and Back in Style

Tina Wright • September 9, 2025

Is one wall really enough to make a statement? Absolutely, when it is done with purpose and creativity.

A bold room with a yellow sofa in front of a wall covered in a huge floral wallcovering with white and pink flowers.

Oversized floral murals turn any wall into art, instantly transforming a room with color, scale, and personality. Paired with clean-lined furniture and vibrant accents, this space feels both modern and timeless.

Ready to add personality and depth to your space without a full remodel?

Why Accent Walls Still Matter

Accent walls have never really gone away, but they have evolved far beyond the single “darker paint wall” many of us remember from years ago. Today’s accent walls are bold, layered, and intentional. They do not just fill a space; they transform it. From adding warmth in a living room to creating focus in a home office, accent walls bring depth, personality, and an elevated designer’s touch.

The Power of Texture

Texture is leading the way in modern wall design. Paint is no longer the only option. Instead, we are seeing:

  • Grasscloth wallpaper: Its organic weave adds both warmth and sophistication while catching light in subtle ways.
  • Wood feature walls: From rustic barnwood to sleek vertical slats with integrated lighting, wood brings depth, acoustical benefits, and a sense of natural beauty.
  • 3D and upholstered panels: Felt tiles or fabric-covered panels soften echoes in open-concept living spaces while doubling as sculptural art.

These surfaces do more than look beautiful, they can actually improve the comfort and sound quality of a room.

Modern living room with wooden accent wall, large windows, and neutral-toned furniture.

Living Walls: Bringing Nature Indoors

Green walls, also known as vertical gardens, turn a blank wall into a vibrant living feature. They clean the air, promote wellness, and connect us to the outdoors. In a modern home, they create balance: sleek design paired with living greenery.

This trend is especially appealing in kitchens, home offices, or anywhere you want a sense of calm energy.

Wallpaper and Murals Make a Statement

Today’s wallpapers are fearless. Oversized florals, metallic foils, abstract brushstrokes, and playful geometrics can transform a single wall into a work of art. Murals also offer a custom, one-of-a-kind feel — whether you prefer dreamy watercolor landscapes, bold cityscapes, or even subtle hand-drawn motifs.

[Insert image: bold floral wallpaper in a powder room]
[Insert image: artistic mural wall in a contemporary living room]

Because wallpaper and murals can be changed out more easily than tile or wood, they offer a flexible way to refresh a room without a full remodel.

Lobby with staircase and large abstract mural in shades of red, orange, and brown. Leather couch and coffee table visible.

How to Choose the Right Accent Wall

The most successful accent walls are always intentional. Here are a few guiding principles:

  • Placement matters: Choose a natural focal point — behind a bed, around a fireplace, or at the dining table.
  • Complement, don’t compete: Your accent wall should enhance the room’s style, not overwhelm it.
  • Balance with the rest of the room: If the wall is bold, keep surrounding furnishings more subdued. If it is textured but neutral, you can layer in more color and pattern elsewhere.

Accent walls are no longer an afterthought, they are a powerful design tool. Whether you choose the warmth of wood, the drama of wallpaper, the freshness of greenery, or the sophistication of metallic finishes, one well-designed wall can completely redefine a room.



When thoughtfully executed, your accent wall becomes more than a backdrop. It becomes the heartbeat of the space, bold, beautiful, and unforgettable.

Tina Wright launched The Design Journal in 2024 as a space to share expert insights, timeless design principles, and practical tips for creating beautiful functional homes. In 2025 she expanded her reach by writing, a monthly local newspaper column, offering readers a deeper dive into the art of interior design. As the owner and principal designer of Fine Interiors of WNC, Tina brings over 30 years of experience to her work, transforming homes across the Southeastern U.S. with her client-focused approach and passion for design. Whether through her newspaper column, blog, or one-on-one consultation, she is dedicated to helping homeowners make timeless, thoughtful, design choices.

Yellow couch and ottoman in a room with exposed brick accent wall, large white framed art, and coffee table.

A brick accent wall brings depth, character, and a timeless sense of history into a home. Its natural texture adds warmth and visual interest that paint alone cannot achieve. Whether left raw for an industrial edge or softened with limewash for a more refined look, brick proves how powerful texture can be in creating a focal point that feels both grounded and inviting.

Dining room with orange chairs, turquoise grasscloth wallpaper, abstract art, glass table, and hanging globe lights.

Grasscloth wallcovering elevates this dining room with its organic weave and subtle sheen, adding depth and texture that paint alone cannot provide. The teal backdrop anchors the space with sophistication, while its natural fibers introduce warmth and tactility. Paired with bold orange chairs and modern artwork, the grasscloth creates a perfect balance between timeless elegance and contemporary energy.

A living wall transforms this outdoor lounge into a lush sanctuary, blending architecture and nature in perfect harmony. Layers of greenery create a dynamic, textured backdrop that is both visually striking and restorative. Whether used indoors or outdoors, living walls bring wellness benefits by purifying the air, softening acoustics, and connecting us to the calming rhythms of nature, turning an ordinary wall into a vibrant focal point.

Bathroom with peacock feather wallpaper, gold sink, mirror, and sconces.

In a small powder room, bold design makes the biggest impact. Metallic peacock feather wallpaper shimmers with jewel tones of blue and green, while gold accents in the mirror, lighting, and sink add layers of glamour. The combination of reflective surfaces and rich pattern transforms this compact space into a true showstopper, proving that powder rooms are the perfect canvas for daring design.

Examples of hanging pot rack and magnetic stip for knife storage.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • FAQ: Do accent walls make a room look smaller or larger?

    Answer: It depends on the material and color. Darker shades can make a room feel more intimate, while lighter textures and reflective surfaces can create the illusion of more space. Placement is key.

  • FAQ: Which wall should I choose for an accent wall?

    Answer: Select a natural focal point. In bedrooms, the wall behind the bed is ideal. In living rooms, fireplaces or media walls work beautifully. Avoid accenting random walls without purpose.

  • FAQ: Are accent walls out of style?

    Answer: Not at all. They have simply evolved. Instead of one solid color, today’s accent walls use texture, pattern, or materials that add richness and dimension.

  • FAQ: Can I use wallpaper in high-humidity areas like bathrooms?

    Answer: Yes, as long as you choose the right type. Vinyl-backed or water-resistant wallpapers are designed to hold up well in moisture-prone spaces. Always consult with a designer or wallpaper installer about the best option.

  • FAQ: What is the easiest way to update an accent wall without a full remodel?

    Answer: Wallpaper or peel-and-stick murals are a great option for quick, impactful change. Even a fresh coat of bold paint can transform the space if chosen thoughtfully.

We Would Love to Hear From You!
Have you ever faced a design challenge in your home, big or small, and found a creative solution that worked for you? Whether it was a clever layout tweak, a bold color choice, or a DIY fix that made all the difference, your experience might inspire someone else. Feel free to share with me, send photos to Tina at fineinteriors@msn.com. I always enjoy hearing from readers and clients, it’s how the best design conversations begin.