Hey Y’all, it’s Laura Lea, and today I want to let you in on one of my favorite shifts happening in interior design: we are officially saying goodbye to the “one wall wonder” and fully embracing the magic of the accent room!
Gone are the days of painting one wall a bold color and calling it a design statement. Today’s most eye-catching homes are going all in with wallpaper, bold hues, creative textures, and full-room experiences that feel intentional, inspired, and elevated.
So let’s talk about how you can confidently turn your own home into a space that reflects your personality and feels like a high-end design moment without breaking the bank.
Why Accent Rooms Are the New Must-Have
Accent rooms allow you to tell a story. Whether you’re working with a reading nook, powder room, guest bedroom, or even a laundry room, going big in a small space creates charm, character, and a conversation starter. The goal? Commitment. It’s not just about color, it’s about mood, emotion, and the kind of space that makes someone pause and say, “Wow.”
How to Choose the Right Room to Accent
Not every room needs to be a maximalist masterpiece, but here are a few spots where an accent room really shines:
- Powder Bathrooms: These small spaces are perfect for bold wallpaper and statement lighting.
- Home Offices: Energize your workday with pattern, color, and visual interest that inspires creativity.
- Dining Rooms: Make family dinners feel like an occasion with moody paint, vintage art, or a patterned ceiling.
- Guest Bedrooms: Welcome your visitors with something a little extra, it’s hospitality meets personality!
When deciding which room to start with, ask yourself:
- Do I want this space to spark joy, energy, or calm?
- Is this room underused or forgotten?
- Would I love this space more if it had more personality?
Trend Tips for Creating an Accent Room
Here’s how to take your space from basic to bold:
1. Start with a Theme or Mood
Think about the feeling you want: Luxe and moody? Light and whimsical? Eclectic and artsy? Let that drive your color and material choices.
2. Wallpaper is Queen
Skip the one-wall wallpaper and wrap the whole room instead. Need ideas? Here are a few favorites:
Luxury Picks:
- Cole & Son — Iconic British brand known for timeless prints
- Farrow & Ball — Sophisticated palettes that pair beautifully with bold paint
- Pierre Frey — A splurge, but truly a piece of art on your walls
Budget-Friendly Favorites:
- Target x Opalhouse — Fun patterns, renter-friendly peel & stick
- Spoonflower — Endless indie artist prints + affordable pricing
- Wallshoppe — Trend-forward and easy to apply
3. Layer with Texture and Decor
Once the walls are set, bring in velvet curtains, sculptural lamps, vintage frames, or even bold ceiling tiles. Let the walls set the tone, and then finish with thoughtful layering.
4. Don’t Skip the Ceiling
That’s right, if you’re really committing to the bit, bring that color or wallpaper all the way up. A wallpapered ceiling in a small powder bath? Obsessed.
Real Talk: How to Make it Work for Your Budget
Not everyone wants to spend $$$ on a guest bathroom. I get it. That’s where a peel-and-stick wallpaper moment or a bold gallon of paint from Sherwin-Williams can do wonders. You don’t have to go custom to go fabulous.
Mix high and low. Maybe you splurge on the wallpaper, but thrift the light fixtures. Or vice versa. Interior design should be personal and practical.
(Source: Decorilla.com)
Final Thoughts
Creating an accent room is all about stepping outside the “safe” zone and leaning into what makes your home yours. It doesn’t need to be perfect; it just needs to feel authentic to you.So if you’ve been toying with the idea of wallpaper, bold paint, or revamping a forgotten corner, consider this your sign to commit to the bit.
Until next time, happy decorating!
Your favorite Brazos Valley Realtor,
Laura Lea