This nook becomes more important due to color contrast with the rest of the bedroom.

[Traditional Bedroom[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-bedroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_715~s_2107) by Seattle Architects & Designers Goforth Gill Architects

Here it's the negative space...the use of the darker color to make the walls recede so the architectural angles are highlighted in white...the clerestory windows, the skylight, the angled ceiling...

[Modern Bedroom[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/modern-bedroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_715~s_2105) by San Francisco Architects & Designers Rossington Architecture

Using a block of color also allows you to "furnish" a space that might otherwise be difficult due to location or size. This stairwell wouldn't be half so interesting without the textured wall (don't know if it's wallpaper, leather or another technique...)

[Contemporary Entry[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-entryway-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_741~s_2103)

Think about openings framing views and wanting what you see to be attractive and coordinate well with where you are standing...a preview of what's to come, a vignette of what is. You get to define what the viewer sees and what will be revealed.

[Contemporary Entry[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-entryway-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_741~s_2103) by Coupeville Architects & Designers Stig Carlson Architecture

[Contemporary Entry[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-entryway-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_741~s_2103) by Washington Architects & Designers FORMA Design

[Asian Entry[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/asian-entryway-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_741~s_2102) by New York Interior Designers & Decorators PURVI PADIA DESIGN

Art niches defined by color, shape and lighting.

[Modern Entry[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/modern-entryway-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_741~s_2105) by Other Metro Interior Designers & Decorators Ugljesa Kekovic

lots of pretty examples. I need this in my house to add detail where there's none!

Isn't painting one wall a contrasting color against rules? I'm not into rules, but keep reading not to. Moving color into other rooms is a great view with contrast. I like some of room concepts. Not sure if I could pull this off without another "eye".

I don't think painting an accent wall is against the rules at all....whoever's rules they are. In fact using color on one wall can serve a very useful purpose as illustrated above...it can help change the dimensions of the room visually, it can bring warmth and/or drama, it can furnish a space that is otherwise unfurnishable, or be an inexpensive way to decorate a room. It can help define spaces that would otherwise blend in. It can highlight architectural details. It can bring weight to an area that might not otherwise have it. All sorts of reasons to use color blocking. Granted it's a matter of taste and some people don't like accent walls...but they can't dictate to the rest of us what we might enjoy.

In my house, I used color to help unite spaces...so the wall color in the DR went on the ceiling in the library, and the wall color in the library went on the ceiling in the foyer. The eggplant accent wall in the library went up on the coffered ceiling in the enfilade between the 2 rooms.

If some don't like it...too bad. They need not tarry then and be on their way.

Thanks for creating this post, Annie! As you know, it's very timely for me :-) I think all of these are lovely examples and they've given me a lot to think about. Last night my husband and I spent a lot of time looking at things from all the different angles and it really did help to answer a few of our questions. I think things will become clearer still once we paint the family room.

The wonderful thing is - it's JUST PAINT! It's so easy to repaint or change something if it doesn't look right. At least, that is the case in my situation - no tall vaulted ceilings or crazy features to contend with. Just a few pesky walls that are giving us trouble.

I'm sure there are some who will not like what we've done in our house, but we like it. Our house is large (to us) so the dark, warm walls help make it feel more intimate and personal which is what we're used to. Also, in my opinion, the all white walls, cheap, dark trim and outdated fixtures make our seem....temporary or something. The color brings personality.

I can repost my picture here to add to the collection.

What a beautiful collection you've made Annie and we can all learn from the examples. I thoroughly enjoyed viewing them and reading the explanation. Thank you.

Thank you for a well-written and illustrated post, AnnieDeighNaugh. This one is a saver, for sure.

Nice post Annie!

Beautiful pics Annie! :)

Thanks for the post and collection of vignettes. This reminds me of the window treatment thread. As you may recall, I'm dealing with your suggestion on an accent wall, with whether to paint or paper my dining room wall (at the opposite end of the LR in a merged DR/LR space). I'm sampling papers right now, and looking at paint swatches.

Thanks for the kind words.

Here's color blocking as art.

[Spaces[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/home-design-ideas-phbr0-bp~)

[Modern Living Room[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/modern-living-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_718~s_2105) by Other Metro Photographers Evelyn Muller

[Contemporary Basement[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-basement-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_747~s_2103) by Washington Architects & Designers Studio Santalla, Inc

[Contemporary Kids[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-kids-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_24653~s_2103) by Carlsbad Interior Designers & Decorators Klang & Associates

[Contemporary Family Room[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-family-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_720~s_2103) by Sydney Architects & Designers Scott Weston Architecture Design PL

[Contemporary Kids[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-kids-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_24653~s_2103) by Other Metro Architects & Designers SVOYA studio

When I was a teen, my parents (of limited means) graciously let me color-block the walls of my bedroom. I always wondered how many coats of Kilz it took the subsequent owners to cover it... but what fun it was for me!

This is a great collection of photos, Annie--thank you! I think they illustrate that color-blocking (for grown-ups, anyway) works best when it's dictated by the architecture of the room.

Annie, thanks for starting this thread! Even though I think I would say no to an accent wall, many of the examples you've shown I would have in a heartbeat. It's more than just going, oh, I see what you did there, you painted one wall a different color. The effects are pretty amazing and something I could never come up with all on my own.

Before I redid my kitchen (basically open space with my dining/living room), I had an accent wall in my dining room that went into my kitchen. I repainted when the kitchen was done and opted to paint everything the same because I have some odd edges where starting/stopping a color is a little tricky.

Thanks for the tread Annie! I like that you have updated the terminology from "accent wall" to "colorblocking". Some of these are lovely.

Great examples Annie. Thank you for taking the time to find all these. I have always been a fan of "accent" walls or colorblocking. I think its a great way to add interest, and it is "just paint". Easy to change.

When its done right, it really can make the room.

Gooster, I'll be anxious to see what you finally decide. I sure liked the rust on your wall...very dramatic. And it adds a nice balance to all that's going on on the fireplace wall.

Thanks everyone for the kind words. I'm so glad you are finding this collection of pics helpful. I so love what color can do to a room and would love to see if any of these inspirations work for you. And of course feel free to add any inspirations you might find...I'm sure we'll all enjoy seeing them.

Exterior color blocking can include changes in materials, colors, textures and finishes.

[Contemporary Exterior[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-exterior-home-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_736~s_2103) by Potomac Architects & Designers Workshop11

[Farmhouse Exterior[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/farmhouse-exterior-home-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_736~s_2114) by Austin Landscape Architects & Designers B. Jane Gardens

[Beach Style Exterior[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/beach-style-exterior-home-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_736~s_2110) by San Clemente Architects & Designers James Glover Residential & Interior Design

[Rustic Exterior[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/rustic-exterior-home-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_736~s_2111) by Crosslake General Contractors Lands End Development - Designers & Builders

[Modern Exterior[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/modern-exterior-home-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_736~s_2105) by Menlo Park Architects & Designers Ana Williamson Architect

[Rustic Exterior[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/rustic-exterior-home-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_736~s_2111) by Crosslake General Contractors Lands End Development - Designers & Builders

[Rustic Exterior[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/rustic-exterior-home-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_736~s_2111) by Banner Elk Architects & Designers Christopher Kellie Design Inc.

[Farmhouse Exterior[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/farmhouse-exterior-home-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_736~s_2114) by New Canaan Home Builders Olson Development LLC

Using color blocking to create architectural interest where there is none.

[Modern Living Room[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/modern-living-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_718~s_2105) by Amsterdam Interior Designers & Decorators ijzersterk interieurontwerp

[Contemporary Living Room[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-living-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_718~s_2103) by San Francisco Home Stagers Spaces design

A flat ceiling becomes angled.

[Contemporary Bedroom[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-bedroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_715~s_2103) by Portland Interior Designers & Decorators Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

A flat wall gets wainscoting in paint.

[Eclectic Bedroom[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic-bedroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_715~s_2104) by Houston Interior Designers & Decorators Laura U, Inc.

[Contemporary Bedroom[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-bedroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_715~s_2103) by Miami Interior Designers & Decorators Nicole White Designs Inc

So continuing to play with an accent wall, here is the first pic I posted.

[Contemporary Bedroom[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-bedroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_715~s_2103) by Gainesville Photographers Morgan Howarth Photography

Now what happens if we remove the color from the wall?

Or if we change the color?

To dark brown...

To navy?

To teal?

And what a neat way to change up a room for little money...change the pillows, maybe the lamp shade and you've got a whole new look and spirit to your room.

The other thing it does is allow you to decorate with a strong color that you like, but wouldn't want to be surrounded by. I wouldn't want a whole room of the teal, but it's pretty as an accent.

This post was edited by AnnieDeighnaugh on Mon, Dec 9, 13 at 23:20

Great inspirations Annie! I love many of those spaces!!!

Take this one I posted above.

[Contemporary Living Room[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-living-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_718~s_2103) by San Francisco Home Stagers Spaces design

Now take that instead as a solid color wall like the rest of the room. Can't you just hear the poster now...we bought this house and they put this plain fireplace in the wall, and got this one door on the side. It looks so lopsided...any suggestions as to what I can do to fix this?

We (me included) would typically be adding book cases or more furniture and can remodel and have a window installed, change the door to a solid one, etc. etc. Most likely, increasingly expensive suggestions.

Yet look at how effectively simple paint and a few pics fixes the issue.

Very often, we do color blocking with flooring, though we may not think of it as such...use area rugs, material and color changes in the flooring to define seating areas, walkways, separate rooms in open spaces.

[Contemporary Living Room[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-living-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_718~s_2103) by Cambridge Architects & Designers LDa Architecture & Interiors

[Traditional Living Room[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-living-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_718~s_2107) by Minneapolis General Contractors Stonewood, LLC

Wow, the pictures of the room with the plain fireplace and white chairs -- before and after -- are amazing to me (who has no "sense" for doing these things, but recognize a good thing when I see it!

Talk about "trompe l'oeil" -- I thought that Bay Area fireplace example actually was protruding from the wall.

AnnieD: I'm still muddling through the possibilities... test swatches are probably next, and WP samples are on order.

I have really enjoyed looking at all these pictures and seeing how they change with the use of color (and different colors) on the walls. Thank you so much for posting these, Annie. Unfortunately, because I'm not a professional or even a color expert, it is not so easy for me to transfer this information to my own home/needs.

Great post Annie! I'm going to use that nook idea at 8.29.

nature person, I'll let you in on a little secret...I'm neither a professional nor a color expert. Just someone who spent too much time sniffing her box of crayolas!
;)

I learn a lot by doing these threads as it gives me a chance to focus on a particular aspect of decorating and analyze what the decorator did and to what effect. It helps me understand what problems they were dealing with and how it was solved. It inspires me. And if I didn't do it, I'd just be flipping through pictures and saying, that's nice...not understanding what's going on and not focusing on the details that make it work.

Thanks for sharing this bit of information, Annie. I feel encouraged and have actually learned quite a bit from these boards since beginning. I only wish I had more time to spend on it, because I really do enjoy it.

Your thread is great and I am finding myself going back to it repeatedly. Thank you again!

annie- wonderful thread... reminds me of reading Sarah Susanka's book, Creating the not so big house. I have a better understanding of architecture and space planning than interior design.

If you havent read this book, you should consider it. I think you would really enjoy it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Creating the not so big house

Lambs ear, we spent a lot of time with her books when we were building...lots of good design principles in there.

Ceilings are another area where adding color can change the look of the room and the feel of the space.

The orange is hardly present in the room without the ceiling. With it, it becomes a major statement.

[Contemporary Porch[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-porch-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_726~s_2103) by Houston Interior Designers & Decorators Laura U, Inc.

Navy ceiling makes a white bath more substantial.

[Traditional Bathroom[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-bathroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_712~s_2107) by Mercer Island Architects & Designers knowles ps

Here's the bath with a white ceiling instead.

This post was edited by AnnieDeighnaugh on Thu, Dec 12, 13 at 9:20

Color contrast can highlight architectural features in the ceiling.

[Beach Style Bedroom[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/beach-style-bedroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_715~s_2110) by Charlotte General Contractors Andrew Roby General Contractors

[Traditional Family Room[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-family-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_720~s_2107) by Madison Interior Designers & Decorators Julians Interiors

Painting a ceiling can bring it down to a more comfortable and cozy living level.

[Traditional Bedroom[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-bedroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_715~s_2107) by Grand Rapids Architects & Designers Visbeen Architects

Painting a ceiling can reinforce a color scheme

[Transitional Bedroom[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/transitional-bedroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_715~s_2112) by Naples Interior Designers & Decorators Interiors By Agostino's

Perhaps too much so...though it is easier to live with shocking pink ceiling than shocking pink walls....

[Contemporary Kids[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-kids-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_24653~s_2103)

Someone asked about accent walls, so I thought I'd revive this thread as it still holds together well.

Here's a great use of color. The dark wall at the end of the studio apartment helps hide all the electronic clutter, keeping the room's overall feeling as one of clean minimalism, and yet provides a clear destination for guests away from the sleeping area.

San Francisco Urban Studio · More Info

Love the use of texture on the wall behind the bed. (Great for earthquake country...no need to worry about a picture falling on your head!) Note how the texture is enhanced by the lighting, how it contrasts with the softness of the bedding and the color of the wall texture is repeated in the ceiling to make it more cohesive. Modern and yet comfortable and inviting.

Melissa Wright Parade Home · More Info

The repetition of the pink accent wall makes this asymmetrical space feel more comfortable and unified though geographically, the dining room is futher away.

Cool House Tour 2008 · More Info

A lot of color blocking is used in contemporary spaces, but it is well used in this traditional room. Wallpaper everywhere would make this room too busy and too precious. Just the single accent wall however, harkens to the past, highlights the architecture, reinforces the color story in the plaids and makes this room comfortable for men as well as women.

Buffehr Creek Residence · More Info

The dark paint here really highlights the view...if it were all white, it would wash with the background. The dark gray picks up on and repeats the distant tones in the view.

Christoffersen · More Info

The majority are too much color for my taste, and seem to lean more toward the contemporary, not a friend of mine. I absolutely love the Buffehr Creek Residence with the wallpapered accent wall! It's neutral palette is not one which would become tiresome after awhile, as I think the more colorful ones might. Like all things, it's all a matter of personal taste.

Thanks for reviving this thread, great inspiration. I have multiple rooms to paint when the weather cools down in my new house. I'll have to bookmark this!

Hadn't noticed this was an old thread - but this time I'm glad to see one revived! Great inspirations! (And I'm doing an accent wall in my kitchen, and one of the same color in my living area.)