The Do’s and Don’ts of Accent Walls: How to Choose the Perfect Feature Wall for Any Space

Accent walls have become one of the most versatile tools in interior design – a simple, impactful way to shift the mood of a room, spotlight a key feature, or bring personality into a space without a full redesign. But as with most design choices, success lies in intention. Done well, an accent wall elevates a space. Done poorly, it can feel distracting or out of balance. Styleast breaks down the dos, the don’ts, and the design thinking behind getting it right.

First Things First: What Is an Accent Wall?
In its simplest form, an accent wall (or feature wall) is any wall that differs from the others in colour, texture, or finish. It doesn’t have to be bold or dramatic – even a neutral variation can create depth. Should you have one? If you want an easy, cost-effective way to add interest or highlight something specific in your interior, the answer is a confident yes.

The Do’s: Purpose, Personality, Proportion
Every accent wall should have a reason for being. Use it to define a function, like anchoring the TV wall in an open-plan living room, or to enhance an architectural feature such as a fireplace or moulding. Bedrooms thrive on feature walls behind headboards, while kids’ rooms are perfect canvases for playful patterns. Bathrooms and guest loos benefit from a statement tile or textured finish that turns a utilitarian space into something memorable. Even transitional areas, like stairwells or passage ends, can come alive with a tone or texture shift.

The Don’ts: Avoid the Wrong Wall
Resist the urge to accent a wall that highlights an awkward proportion or architectural flaw. And don’t overwhelm the room – one feature wall per space keeps the eye focused where it matters. Be mindful of how colour alters perception: the right dark tone can add depth to a small space, but the wrong placement can shrink it.

Led by interior designer Bridget Meier, Styleast delivers thoughtful, sensory-rich spaces shaped by over 15 years of local and international design experience. Supported by a team of passionate, qualified designers, Styleast offers a full interior service: sourcing, decorating, and creating environments that clients truly love to live in.