Accent Wallpaper We’re Loving

Accent walls have long been a go-to decorating trick for adding visual interest without overwhelming a room. From boutique shops in trendy downtown areas to cozy dining nooks in suburban homes, accent walls add instant style to just about any space. The design possibilities are endless. You can choose from minimalist patterns, delicate floral prints, bold geometrics, and statement wall murals. 

In this article, we’re bringing you our current favorite accent wallpaper ideas, complete with proven decorating tips and suggestions for different rooms, so you can use this trend to create timeless, stylish spaces.

Why Accent Walls Never Go Out of Style

Long before modern wallpaper ever existed, ancient civilizations decorated interior and exterior walls with murals, mosaics, and carvings. Ancient Egyptian tombs and temples featured hand-painted walls with symbolic imagery. Roman architecture was frequently adorned with mythological scenes, and ancient Chinese palaces contained decorative wall panels and silk paintings. 

Today, accent walls serve the same purposes. They infuse resonance and beauty into the built environment and allow us to express our creativity. Feature walls act as stand-out art pieces in our homes. Styles come and go, but the core purpose remains the same. Accent walls will always play an important role in how we decorate our homes and how we connect with our space and place in time.

Stunning Accent Wall Trends

Maximalist Botanicals

Eclectic maximalism is all the rage in contemporary interior design. Bold and bright colors, contrasting shapes, and complex designs all contribute to the playful allure of a maximalist space. 

An eclectic floral print like the thorn and blossom autumn noir floral wallpaper is the perfect backdrop for your maximalist oasis.

Organic Textures

One of the clearest interior design trends in recent years is the turn toward naturalistic spaces and raw materials. Pairing a textured grasscloth wallpaper with other organic materials like wood and leather is a great way to achieve this look, especially when you opt for earthy tones like brown, tan, and rust

Retro Geometrics

The abstract patterns of the 60s and 70s are coming back in a big way. From blocky geometric shapes to groovy psychedelic swirls, mid-century wallpaper patterns are having their moment in the sun. 

If you’re looking to take part in the retro accent wall trend, try a bold 60s print like the infinity blocks olive taupe wallpaper. Then finish the look with minimalist furniture, indoor plants, and abstract art pieces.

Coquette Designs

The hyper-femininity of the coquette style is really having a moment. Soft pink hues and delicate ribbons, florals, and lace are key ingredients to perfecting this aesthetic.

If you want to embrace this beautiful and romantic interior style, use a coquette wallpaper pattern like the peony bouquet pink floral wallpaper by Cara’s Garden to create a trendy accent wall.

How To Use Accent Walls in Your Interiors

1. Choose the Right Wall

Selecting the right wallpaper and placement is crucial to making your feature wall work in your space. The best wall for an accent wall is typically the one that naturally draws attention when you enter. In bedrooms, it’s almost always the wall behind the bed. In a living room, it’s often the wall behind your sofa or fireplace. 

Try to stay away from walls with lots of doors and windows to avoid breaking up the pattern too much.

2. Think About the Room’s Purpose

Consider how you want the room to look, feel, and function in your home. What mood do you want to create? Are you decorating a playroom or creative space for kids? A home office for productivity and focus? A bedroom for rest and rejuvenation?

If you’re looking to create a sense of joy and energy, consider a bold pattern or a multi-colored wallpaper. If you want a soothing environment, opt for a soft and textured wallpaper like grasscloth or faux grasscloth in a neutral color.

3. Mix and Match Styles

You want your interior design to feel cohesive, but your furniture doesn’t have to match the exact same style as your accent wallpaper in order to achieve this. 

In many cases, mixing and matching interior styles creates a dynamic and layered look. A vintage wallpaper can look stunning with modern furnishings, while a sleek geometric pattern may complement softer shapes and fabrics.

4. Think Beyond Four Walls

An “accent wall” doesn’t necessarily have to be a wall at all. You can use ceiling wallpaper for an unexpected twist, or install wallpaper inside bookshelves, cabinets, or stair risers for a whimsical touch. This results in a space that feels curated and unique. 

5. Create Balance in Your Room

Your accent wallpaper should complement the rest of your room, not compete with it. Take risks, but aim for overall balance and cohesion. There’s a lot you can do with window coverings, rugs, cushions, and wall art to create a seamless, personalized space.

It’s a good idea to create a vision board by hand or digitally, using apps like Pinterest or Instagram. Save your favorite colors, patterns, textures, and finishing touches in one space so you can see how they work together. This will help guide you as you choose your accent wallpaper and then decorate the rest of your space.

Accent Wall Ideas for Every Room

Feature walls can work in just about any space, but you should always be purposeful about the design you choose and how you incorporate it.

Here are some ideas for how to use accent walls in different rooms:

• Living rooms: Use wallpaper to define a seating area or an architectural feature like a fireplace or built-in shelving.
• Bedrooms: Set up a cozy retreat by wallpapering the wall behind your bed with a floral or botanical print and adding wall sconces or above-bed art.
• Bathrooms: Smaller spaces like powder rooms or walls behind a vanity or bathtub are ideal for bold accent wallpaper.
• Kitchens: Opt for a faux-brick or abstract wallpaper for a backsplash or as a way to frame an eat-in nook.
• Nurseries and kids’ rooms: Try a themed animal print or a fun wall mural behind your little one’s bed or crib for a playful, cute vibe.
• Home offices: Create an accent wall behind your desk using soft blues or greens, and consider opting for faux or natural grasscloth for added coziness and sound control.

Create a Stunning Accent Wall With Mitchell Black Wallpapers

An accent wall is one of the easiest and most effective ways to make a visual statement in your space. From upscale wall murals, to colorful motifs, to textured neutrals, you can make the space your own by incorporating high-quality wallpaper into your design.

Every Mitchell Black wallpaper is proudly made in the USA. Browse our collection and book a complementary consultation through our concierge service to speak to an expert today!