The Pros and Cons of Adding an Accent Wall

JULIEN CAPMEIL

When accent walls started trending a few years ago, it seemed like a passing fad. But the trend has proven it has staying power — not everyone is happy about it.

ELLEDecor.com asked two experts for their take. Here's what interior designer and stylist Mariella Cruzado, and Jute interior designer Alison Davin say are the biggest pros and cons of punctuating a room with one stand-out wall.

PROS:

They can make small spaces feel bigger. 

Accent walls are a clever way to fake space in cramped quarters, especially when you use deep hue, like black. "One wall painted with a rich, dark color creates visual depth in a room, making it feel larger," Cruzado says.

The limited scale allows for endless styling options. 

There are so many ways you can approach this trend, including "painting and papering," according to Davin. But different textural options exist as well, such as exposed brick and wood paneling. There's also removable wallpaper for renters (or commitment-phobes). And, yes, you can choose that loud print or extra-bold color without hesitation, since it won't cover the entire room. 

They instantly (and easily) divide a space.

"An accent wall is the easiest way to divide spaces in a room. Open living areas can be instantly transformed into two — or more — defined spaces with a coat of paint or wallpaper," Cruzado advises. And that's without any furniture (or, eek, new construction) doing the work.

CONS: 

By their nature, they don't really blend in. 

"Making an accent wall the first thing you see when you enter a room will distract from everything else around," Cruzado says. "On the other hand, a room with more than one focal point will feel more welcoming and put together." 

Making a wall the show-stealer isn't always the most fun option.

 "I don't advise having your walls do the talking. Instead of painting or papering an accent wall, invest in a piece of art that really speaks to your sense of home, or put together a gallery wall of smaller pieces," Davin says. "These ideas will infuse your home with more personality and style than an accent wall," she says. 

The wrong color can be jarring. 

"I'm absolutely against those random red accent walls that try to incorporate a pop of color in a room. Your home's color palette and decor should be cohesive and planned ahead," Cruzado says.

TELL US: Which side of the design debate do you fall on? 

From: ELLE Decor US

By Bridget Mallon