An accent wall (also known as a feature wall) is a single wall that has been given special emphasis, setting it apart from the rest of the space. These bold beauties bring energy and focus to a design, using color, pattern, and even texture to amp up the drama. They can also save you money, offering plenty of bang for the buck and allowing for easy and inexpensive updates down the line. Wondering if you should add an accent wall to your decorating plans? Here are five reasons to consider putting this powerful decorating tool to work in your nursery.
1. Show Off Your Assets
Does your nursery have any interesting or unusual features? Show them some love! Accent walls are often used to accentuate points of architectural interest. For instance, you might choose to emphasize an attractive built-in bookcase by painting the wall around it in a different shade than the rest of the space. Have a beautiful bay window or cozy alcove in the nursery? Painting the inside walls a different color can really make these special features pop.
2. Add Visual Interest
If your nursery doesn’t have any special features to emphasize, an accent wall can make for a much more eye-catching design. A well-placed splash of color, for example, can create definition, anchoring the space and establishing a natural focal point. Introducing a rich texture, such as wood paneling, or incorporating pattern with wallpaper is another way to draw focus. Prefer something more artistic? Consider painting a beautiful nursery mural, or cover a wall with chalkboard paint and let your toddler create his or her own works or art.
3. Develop a Theme
An accent wall can provide the perfect backdrop for a themed nursery. Create a majestic woodland forest using tree decals, or transport your little one to a cabin in the Wild, Wild West using rustic, reclaimed wood. Use your imagination, and let your accent wall set the scene.
4. Make the Most of Your Space
Accent walls can also be used to alter visual perception, helping you to manipulate your space. Warm colors tend to pull a wall toward the onlooker. An accent wall in a warm hue can make a large room feel cozier or a long, narrow room feel more balanced. Cool colors have the opposite effect, making a small room seem larger. If you’re working with a small nursery, an accent wall in a soothing pastel can create a sense of spaciousness.
5. Make an Easy Update
Want to create a nursery that will grow with your child? An accent wall is an excellent way to add color to an otherwise-neutral space, allowing you to easily update your little one’s nursery to suit their maturing tastes.An accent wall is also a great place for a designer-in-training to cut her teeth. Dying to try a bright color or a bold pattern? Go for it! If it doesn’t work out, you can always paint over and start again. Looking for more accent wall ideas? Check out these 15 Creative Nursery Walls. You can also learn more about drawing focus with these simple tips for creating a focal point.
