Stories

Lately, our homes have become makeshift schoolrooms, gyms, and offices; but above all else, our homes are our safe-havens. Across cultures and time, we’ve curated our home’s aesthetic to accommodate the many activities we host. As we spend more time at home than ever before, it’s become even more important to promote positivity and balance through design. When searching for an opportunity to bring new energy into your space without a complete overhaul, look no further than the blank canvases that surround you. Accent walls are a perfect way to add some flare to your space and can help set the tone for your overall aesthetic. Let’s take a look at some of the accent wall trends we’re loving right now.

Color

In anticipation of this year’s trends, the Nord Room writes, “We are rethinking the way we live. It is less about how we think certain rooms should look. And more about how we feel in our homes.”¹ We couldn’t agree more! This year, we want to relax – to decompress. Consider adding earthy, peaceful tones to the space around you. These tones will provide a grounding experience. Think caramels, rich browns, forest greens, deep blues or burnt yellows and oranges; colors reminiscent of the tranquility we find in nature. If you aspire to apply some extra zest, include a patterned wallpaper to your accent wall.

Shape

Incorporating organic shapes into your design can make for a softer, more inviting space. Curved shelving is a great way to increase the capacity of your accent wall and break away from tradition. When painting or adding wallpaper, consider using free-form shapes. This can add some excitement to an otherwise plain wall. Top it off with some décor to fit your aesthetic. House Beautiful’s Hadley Mendelsohn confirms, “The more unique, the bigger the statement when it comes to wall decor and art. A good way to switch things up a little is by choosing artwork that doesn't live within the confined borders or a rectangular or square frame.”² The possibilities are endless – a wall of mirrors, framed botanicals, or 3-D art.³

Texture

In 2022, texture is here to play. “With more time spent indoors than ever before, we’re all seeking to strengthen our connection with nature. This has simultaneously inspired a resurgence in natural surfaces—think stoneware, terracotta, marble, and travertine being used across the board from backsplashes to bathtubs, furniture, and decorative objects.”⁴ These surfaces are perfect for an accent wall. Utilizing new materials can relieve the monotony of traditional enclosed spaces. Creating a textured surface for your accent wall is also a great opportunity for a DIY project. An easy and quick method is sand paint, which adds a gritty texture to your surface of choice. You can purchase paint premixed with sand or add a silica sand additive to your favorite paint color. Get creative with it! Use a variety of brushstroke techniques to develop a unique texture, all on your own.

_{[1] Astrid, “Interior Design Trends 2022: Styles, Décor and Color,” The Nord Room, 27 February, 2022, https://www.thenordroom.com/interior-design-trends-2022/.}

_{[2] Hadley Mendelsohn, “58 Transformative Wall Décor Ideas You’ll Want to Steal Immediately,” House Beautiful, 8 April, 2022, https://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/g2262/gallery-wall-inspiration/.}

_{[3] Ibid.}

_{[4] Elise Taylor, “Interior Design Trends to Know in 2022—And What’s on Its Way Out,” Vogue, 3 January, 2022, https://www.vogue.com/article/interior-design-trends-2022.}