Interior designers love using accent walls — you find them all the time in living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms and foyers. And in bathrooms, too.
It may not be the most intuitive place to put one, but there’s no better way to infuse a room that too often feels cold and clinical with new energy.
Whether you use paint, wallpaper, murals, photos or textures, bold or subtle contrast can turn your bathroom into an inviting and intriguing refuge to use for self-care.
Which wall?
This is the first question, and it can be one of the most confusing ones to answer because most if not all of the walls probably has a plumbing fixture. You can work above and around the sink, vanity and mirror with a panoramic scene, add a distinctive tile over your bathtub and/or shower or even paint the ceiling sky blue or sunny yellow.
If you can’t decide, go with the wall opposite the doorway.
Which design choice?
Some of this will be determined by the level of humidity in your bathroom and the kind of materials you’re able to use. You’ll need to look for waterproof vinyl wallpaper or seal your paper wallpaper to protect it from moisture.
You probably won’t want to hang any original or antique art in there.
But the right kind of wallpaper, especially peel-and-stick options, can add exciting traditional or modern designs or a mural to your accent wall so your bathroom will be unforgettable for everyone who uses it, including your family.
Most types of paint will work fine in a bathroom, and different kinds of paint and effect choices that can make it distinctive including limewashing, rag rolling, color washing and feathering. Use your imagination and talent (or that of a professional house painter) to create the mood you want in this inner sanctum.
Tile is one of the most popular choices and can create a striking focal point, particularly if you choose a bold or decorative tile. You can also play with the layout, trying a herringbone subway tile or basket-weave pattern.
