Why Accent Walls should be your next home improvement project
What are Accent Walls?
An accent wall, also known as a feature wall, is any single wall in your room that has a different design, shade, material, or fixture that sets it apart from other walls. You can easily identify an accent wall in a room because it draws your attention towards it. It is also usually the wall that dominates the rest, and is the first thing you notice once you enter the room. This change, albeit a small change in color or material, is enough to create visual impact and bind the theme altogether. Accent walls allow your creativity to shine. It is one element you can manipulate freely and creatively, where you can experiment with textures and materials that can suit you and your lifestyle better. Accent walls also help create a seamless transition from one area to another, one that clearly states āHey, youāre already in the next room.ā
The concept of accent walls has changed over time, which is one of the reasons why this is a staple in interior design. The materials that were commonly used before are probably materials that cannot be used now. Moreover, people learn to adapt in the type of space they have- whether it is big or small, or if the home is situated in a rural area or the city. In the past, the extravagance in oneās homes were usually reflected by their dark and warm colors, or excessive patterns. Now, these are being replaced by minimalist, neutral colors. In the present, there is a wide selection of materials to choose from depending on your personal preference, or the functionality you want the wall to be. Despite all these iterations, the effect of having an accent wall is just the same, drawing visual attention and making the space a lot more interesting.
Can any wall be an accent wall?
An accent wall can only be truly effective if you choose the right wall. It can be the dominant wall in the room. It can also be the wall directly in your sight. Afterall, no room is the same. You also need to consider how it will interact with other elements in your home. While there are no absolute rules that tell which one should be the accent wall, there are ways you can check if it is the right one in your home.
Usually, the dominant wall is treated as the accent wall. It is usually the first thing you see once you enter the room, and is always in the guestsā view. As much as possible, it has a wide space to accommodate the design intended for the wall, with minimal or less interruptions. Pieces of furniture or home accessories should not block the accent wall to direct the audienceās attention towards the wall, and not the elements around it. One option is to use your fifth wall, the ceiling, as the accent wall. Certain colors may cause the room to look smaller or bigger depending on the color of the ceiling.
There are several materials you can use for your accent wall. It is recommended to use a lightweight material so it doesn’t add too much weight to the structural integrity of the home, but you can also use other materials that certainly add depth and character to an otherwise blank wall.
1. Paint
The most common, inexpensive, and quick material to use in accent walls is paint. One major advantage of paint is that it can be used anywhere- even in wet areas like bathrooms, without the fear of being damaged from constant water and high humidity exposure. Another advantage is that it can be easily replaced just in case you want your accent wall to follow up the latest interior design trends.
2. Wallpaper
Wallpaper is inexpensive and simple, yet brings out a lot of visuals in the space. It is not limited to block solid colors, it comes around with a lot of patterns, suitable for every personality, whatever age the occupants may be. It is easy to remove, just as easy for it to be installed.
3. Brick
Bricks have an innate feature that tells the story of your house. It reminds you of home, of warmth, and a family togetherness. When used at home, natural elements like stone, wood, and brick not only bring great texture, but also create a peaceful atmosphere.
4. Wood
Wood is a timeless material that comes in both dark and light colors, in large and round grains, and in warm or cool undertones. Wood is a good way to ground ourselves to nature, away from the busy city life, to appease our mental health and to make us more productive.
5. Stone
If you want texture, stone is the way to do it effectively. It is bold and strong, but comes off as subtle in the eyes and can also be an interesting piece in your home.
6. Tile
Tiles give off both color and texture in one material. Some also give off a matte or glossy effect, which allows your mind to wander visually. With a variety of choices available at hand, tiles cemented its place as one of the most popular materials to use in accent walls. Like paint, tiles are a durable and an easily adaptable material that can be installed anywhere at home, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
7. Wall Panels
Vertical claddings provide a natural depth and character to a neutral wall. It is durable and resistant to termites and other infesting insects, which keeps the material from looking old and dull even when used for a long time. Wall panels are quick and easy to install, perfect for homeowners who want a quick and inexpensive home renovation.
8. High Pressure Laminates
A laminate wood accent wall creates a cozy, warm feel. By opting for laminates as an accent wall, youāll have your pick of any wood color you desire. It has a wide variety of options in solid color laminates and wood finish laminate sheets for every interior. Laminates can be painlessly attached to the wall, as itās light and durable. Laminates check both design and functionality of the space by having a high quality material available for use in any parts of the house.
There is no limit in creativity in terms of decorating accent walls. In fact, even multiple frames of photos alone can be used. After selecting the material and the colors for the accent wall, you can complement it with appropriate painting, lighting, or accessories. Remember to choose the material with respect to the size of the space, the lighting, and other characters in play to produce an effective accent wall thatās sure to break visual monotony.
Where you can buy laminate sheets
Laminate sheets are composed of multiple layers of materials, combined together using high heat and pressure to improve the surface finishes of furniture, tables, cabinets, ceilings, etc. The result is a durable and compact material thatās impact resistant and visually appealing. Aside from variations in color, laminates also have varying surface finishes like matte, natural texture, and glossy that can be used in several applications.
HPL sheets are available in selected Polylite stores and all Decocity stores nationwide. With various locations accessible to you, convenient and faster transactions are possible. Lamerra HPL laminates are available in solid and wood grain colors that would be suitable in any design style required, giving you the freedom to express your own personality and flair in your interior. Contact a trusted high pressure laminate supplier in the Philippines for more details.
