When you first moved into your home, livening up those plain white walls was number one on the interior design to-do list. Bathing the living room, family room, and dining room in color brought new life into your home, but as the years have gone by, those restrained shades of pale yellow, beige, and taupe have lost their liveliness.

If you want to reintroduce some personality and color to your living space, creating an accent wall is the perfect solution. An accent wall can add texture, depth, and dimension to your home—as long as you do it right. We’ll show you how to design the perfect accent wall for your home in a way that will add beauty and value to your space.

Determine Which Wall Will Be the Accent

Your project begins with selecting the right wall. Your best choice for an accent wall is the one that is, or will be, the focal point of the room. This could be the wall behind your bed, your television, or your fireplace. The easiest way to determine which wall to use is to ask yourself where you direct your eyes even when every wall is the same color.

Pick a Bold Color

Speaking of color, the next step is selecting the right hue. Because you’re only working with one wall, this is your opportunity to select a color you might have been reluctant to use on all four sides. A burst of red, orange, or yellow could be warming and appetizing—a perfect choice to put behind the china cabinet in your dining room. For a more cerebral vibe, choose cool colors like blue or green—think the wall behind your den’s inlaid bookshelves. Whether you go warm, cool, or even neutral, select an accent color that complements the room’s other colors but still draws attention.

Consider Adding Texture

Adding texture and pattern to your accent wall can create a unique and eye-catching feature. Textured wallpaper, stone veneer, wooden paneling, or even a hand-painted mural can add depth and nuance to any room. If you prefer a bit more restraint, opt for wallpaper with a delicate pattern or stencil a subtle geometric pattern onto a painted wall.

Don’t Keep the Wall Blank

To really make this wall a focal point, it’s essential to accessorize. This takes a keen eye—remember, you want to complement, not compete with, your fireplace or TV. Consider adding a stunning piece of art, a large mirror, or a unique shelving unit to your accent wall. A collection of family photos is a great way to decorate your dining room, keeping the family around the dinner table in spirit.

Maintain a Cohesive Design

Part of knowing how to design the perfect accent wall for your home is realizing there’s a thin line between accenting and clashing. While a unique and distinct design is key, don’t forget that the wall is still part of a larger space. Make sure you maintain a cohesive design with your overall color palette, furniture choices, and decor styles. With the right approach, your accent wall can capture your personal style, enhance the look and feel of your space, and breathe new life—and value—into your home.

The post How To Design the Perfect Accent Wall for Your Home appeared first on Luxury Home Digest.

Install Bigger Windows

It might seem obvious, but installing larger windows is the most effective method for increasing natural light throughout your home. Windows are the primary gateway for sunlight into your home. Increasing their size allows more sunlight to penetrate your living spaces. This could involve replacing small windows with larger ones or even adding new ones where there were none. Large floor-to-ceiling windows can dramatically influence a room’s light, creating a bright, airy environment. Moreover, they offer an unobstructed view of the outdoors, fostering a deeper connection with nature. This can positively impact mental well-being. Bay windows are a more traditional style that also invites more sunlight into your home. It’s worth exploring the many different types of designs when choosing new windows for your home to ensure you pick the ideal one for your needs.

Hang Up Large Interior Mirrors

Hanging large interior mirrors can significantly enhance the natural light in your home. When you strategically position mirrors opposite windows, they reflect sunlight back into the room, doubling the amount of perceived light. This tactic brightens the space and creates an illusion of a larger room, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, mirrors with decorative frames can serve as stylish focal points in your décor. In rooms where window installation isn’t an option, using mirrors becomes an invaluable tool for dispersing light and eliminating dark corners.

Use Light Wall Colors and Keep Ceilings White

Light colors, such as soft whites, beiges, and pastels, reflect more sunlight than darker shades. This helps brighten the room and create a more open and airier atmosphere. Keeping the ceilings white enhances this effect even further. White ceilings act as reflectors, bouncing light back into the room. This combination of light walls and white ceilings can significantly increase the overall brightness of your home, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. By selecting the right color palette, you can make your rooms look larger and more inviting while maximizing the use of natural light.

Consider Skylights and Sun Tubes

Skylights and light tubes introduce another effective method for bringing more natural light into your home. By installing skylights, you take advantage of the overhead sunlight, particularly in rooms with limited wall space for windows. This brightens up the room and adds an element of architectural interest. On the other hand, light tubes use reflective materials to channel daylight from the roof into any room in the house. They’re particularly useful in darker areas like hallways or bathrooms. Both skylights and light tubes are cost-effective solutions for reducing electricity usage during daylight hours by maximizing the presence of natural light.

Follow these tips for increasing natural light throughout your home and ensure a brighter, more comfortable environment for you and your family. Your home reflects your personality, and the way light interacts with your space plays a crucial role in setting its mood and feel.

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