Decorating or painting a single wall in a kitchen is a decorating technique with a lot of history. Whether changing its color, using a different material, or leaving it uncovered, revealing the internal structure, this is a way to give a much more original and unique touch to any space. This trend is known as kitchen accent walls because the intention is to highlight one of them above the rest to achieve a special effect; putting the ‘accent’ on one in particular so that it becomes the protagonist and all eyes go there.
Although we are sure you have seen it somewhere already, its options and possibilities go far beyond what we might think. Today, we want you to rediscover this trend, and who knows, maybe you’ll be inspired to create your own kitchen accent wall. Let’s get started!
What exactly is it?
If we stick solely to the name, it’s probably difficult at first to understand what we’re referring to, but the term “kitchen accent walls” simply refers to a wall that is different from the others. This is, of course, intentional because the surface itself is conceived as a decorative object, aiming to give it prominence to have a visual impact. It’s a technique that, with minimal effort, highlights the area and enriches the overall decoration of the house.
Although it can be applied to any room in the home, it is most commonly used in the living room. As it is where most time is spent, guests are received, and where the majority of the decoration is. The choice of the type of kitchen accent wall cannot be random, as it will depend on the colors of the other walls, the floor, existing furniture, the amount of natural light the room receives, as well as the size of the room and the textures that exist (on the sofa, cushions, curtains, etc.).
Another element to consider is the feeling we want to have in the room: do we want order or warmth? Our purpose will also condition the choice, as ultimately the changes we make in our homes are aligned with our interior.
How to get it?
In addition to giving a different and unique touch to our space, accent walls are also often used to visually separate areas that do not have physical barriers. Either way, the process to get them is the same. You’ll have to take certain characteristics into account:
Location
Always remember that kitchen accent walls can be applied in all types of cooking areas, each one different from the other. It all depends on what you want to achieve and the current layout you have.
Our recommendation is to analyze the space at different times of the day to observe how the light enters and for how long; you may discover that an area remains a bit darker and is the perfect wall to give a bit more prominence to. If you want to put a wall of this style it’s best to choose the one that is the most clear and receives the most light. Keep in mind that this space needs to be practical above all, so it doesn’t make sense to put an accent wall at the expense of removing all utensils.
Color
This decision will be determined by the effect you’re aiming for. Keep in mind that cool colors will help perceive the room as larger and more spacious. So, you may need to add some touches of wood or natural elements to bring a bit of warmth.
On the other hand, warm colors will shrink the space a bit, but in exchange, they will offer a cozy, safe, and comfortable atmosphere. Remember that you can also add touches of wood to reinforce that cabin-like ambiance.
Types of accent walls
Here are some types of accent walls that are commonly used and generally successful. You’re sure to find a model that fits your project.
Painted
This is the most popular way to apply this resource since it’s very easy and economical to paint a wall a different color. You can choose practically any shade, but make sure it fits with the rest of the room’s colors. Typically, since walls tend to default to lighter colors, a darker color is chosen to create contrast, even giving it an elegant and sophisticated touch. An example of this is the interior design project of a New York home, where the blue wall adds contrast to the dining area.
With wall panels
One of the best ways to give importance to a wall is by covering it with some material, such as metal or wood. Additionally, this allows us to give it a three-dimensional and original touch. If you live in an area with a lot of humidity, we recommend that you choose PVC panels, as they resist mold.
With tiles
An option that is starting to become a trend is covering a wall with tiles, both on the exterior and interior of a home. It is linked to the return of nature and handmade objects and materials. Additionally, tiles are a practical material, easy to clean and maintain.
With wallpaper
Along with paint, wallpaper is one of the easiest and simplest options to completely transform a space. You can choose from hundreds of eye-catching and colorful designs with various patterns. Since it’s not a very moisture-resistant material, avoid using it in areas where water condensation is possible, such as in the bathroom or basement.
If the wallpaper has a bold and striking pattern, and you’ve left the rest of the walls bare, consider choosing decorations that are more understated or minimalist.
As you can see, there’s no perfect option. Everything depends on the goal you have in mind, the room you want to change, and the budget you have. Once you have these three points clear, you can choose the option that best suits your perfect kitchen accent wall. If you’re not sure how to choose the right one or how to combine it, you can rely on Manuel Torres Design.
Our goal is to offer a comprehensive service with the highest quality, maximizing the available resources and minimizing the time spent on project execution. The result of a good project is the result of a good client because design is not an expense but an added value for you. Just get in touch with our team so we can start working our ‘magic’ to discover the decoration of your dreams.
The images used in this post do not belong to Manuel Torres Design, unless otherwise indicated. Credits for these images belong to other companies, photographers, and professionals. We appreciate their contribution in inspiring our content and recognise their work.
