Bring Your Kitchen to Life With a Gorgeous Accent Wall (2024)

Room Design

Kitchen Design

By

Sarah Lyon

Bring Your Kitchen to Life With a Gorgeous Accent Wall (1)

Sarah Lyon

Sarah Lyon is a freelance writer and home decor enthusiast, who enjoys sharing good finds on home items. Since 2018, she has contributed to a variety of lifestyle publications, including Apartment Therapy and Architectural Digest.

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Published on 02/26/23

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Bring Your Kitchen to Life With a Gorgeous Accent Wall (2)

Many people hear the phrase "accent wall" and a living room, dining room, or bedroom comes to mind. However, accent walls can shine in many other spaces, too—and that includes the kitchen.

While the kitchen is primarily a utilitarian space, you should of course focus on incorporating accents that speak to your preferred design aesthetic too. Adding an accent wall—whether by hanging wallpaper, painting a mural, or going another route entirely—is an excellent way to make your kitchen feel a little more custom, no matter your budget or whether you rent or own.

If you find yourself craving some accent wall inspiration, you'll want to keep scrolling to admire the 20 beautiful kitchen accent walls that we've rounded up below.

  • 01 of 20

    Install Luxe Looking Tile

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    Say hello to moody tile. This black design is a fun twist on classic subway tile and is oh-so-sleek.

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  • 02 of 20

    Install a Makeshift Backsplash Using Wallpaper

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    Install a makeshift backsplash using regular or removable wallpaper. It's ultra cost-effective, and if you opt for a peel and stick option, you can easily switch up your look as you wish.

    8 Designer-Approved Wallpaper Trends We're Loving for 2024

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  • 03 of 20

    Get a Bit Funky With Your Pattern

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    Why not get a bit whimsical? If you love eclectic design, this hat print wallpaper surely is for you. Who says your kitchen can't be a bit quirky?

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  • 04 of 20

    Brighten Up Your Kitchen With Cheerful Florals

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    Fresh flowers, anyone? Even during the darkest days of winter, your eyes will be treated to a gorgeous scene in the form of this cheerful wallpaper.

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  • 05 of 20

    Don't Neglect Those Little Walls

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    Even the smallest walls deserve a little attention. Here, a black and white floral design adds pizzazz to this kitchen doorway.

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  • 06 of 20

    Use Wallpaper to Section Off Your Space

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    A printed wallpaper featuring oranges couldn't be sweeter. It also helps create definition between the food prep area of the kitchen and the island and dining portion.

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  • 07 of 20

    Paper the Wall Surrounding a Window

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    Why not wallpaper around your window? Here, a fun blue and white print looks right at home among the other bold patterns in this breakfast nook.

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  • 08 of 20

    Enhance Your Galley Kitchen in a Snap

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    If you have a galley kitchen, you may be wondering what exactly to do with that empty wall that stares at you all day long. Wallpaper is an excellent solution, and you can even jazz things up further with a mirror, as seen here, or a bit of art. Gallery wall, anyone?

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  • 09 of 20

    Say Yes to Adorable Gingham

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    Gingham reminds us of picnic blankets and all things charming, and here it looks darling as an accent wall pattern in this large kitchen. Whether you paint your own pattern or find a wallpaper print you love, it's easy to recreate this look in your own home.

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  • 10 of 20

    Add a Food-Themed Print to the Kitchen

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    When life gives you lemons, hang them in the kitchen. This citrusy wallpaper looks right at home in this transitional style cooking space.

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  • 11 of 20

    Put Your DIY Skills to the Test With Board and Batten

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    We commonly see board and batten accent walls in spaces like the living room, dining room, and bedroom, but that doesn't mean you can't install one in your kitchen if you'd like. This moody green color is majorly on trend too.

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    Make a Subtle Change With Gray Tones

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    This dark gray accent wall is subtle and is ideal for those who are drawn to a simple aesthetic in the kitchen. Minimalists, this one is for you.

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  • 13 of 20

    Let Your Kitchen Reflect Your Personality

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    Bright pink floral wallpaper isn't just for kids' rooms; it can look right at home in the kitchen too. Given how much time you spend in your kitchen prepping meals and cleaning up, you should be surrounded by colors and patterns that make you happy.

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  • 14 of 20

    Add Visual Interest to Your Dining Area

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    If your kitchen table isn't positioned near a window, consider giving the wall behind it a bit of a makeover so that you'll have something beautiful to look at as you eat. A wallpaper mural or some pops of paint will do the trick in no time.

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  • 15 of 20

    Say Goodbye to the All-White Kitchen

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    If most of your walls are covered in tile and you're not sure what to do with that little area covered in white paint, wallpaper it. This peppy floral print adds so much vibrance to this otherwise neutral kitchen.

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  • 16 of 20

    Get Creative With Chalkboard Paint

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    Chalkboard walls are fun for all ages. Kids will enjoy drawing on them and leaving notes to one another, and adults may use them to make grocery lists and write down important to dos. That said, you can also turn your chalkboard wall into an artist's canvas, as we see here.

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  • 17 of 20

    Embrace Your Artistic Side

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    Murals depicting inspirational phrases or favorite quotes aren't just for the outdoors. If you're looking for an impactful way to add a burst of energy to your kitchen, consider replicating a look like this one, which is totally attention-grabbing and unique.

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  • 18 of 20

    Paint Some Geometric Shapes

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    If geometric shapes are calling your name, paint a few on your kitchen wall to add some character to an otherwise all-white room. There's really no right or wrong way to do this design wise, so don't be shy about grabbing that paintbrush and seeing where your inspiration takes you.

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  • 19 of 20

    Go All in With a Stunning Mural

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    Who needs backsplash tile when you can install a mural instead? If you're feeling crafty, you can even try to create a work of art all on your own. Here, a vegetable scene is perfectly fitting for this prep space within the kitchen.

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  • 20 of 20

    Bring the Outdoors in With a Floral Design

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    Doing the dishes won't feel like such a drag when you can look up and admire a beautiful mural. This floral creation adds so much life and color into the kitchen and is truly a work of art.

Move Over, Accent Walls—Try the Accent Door Trend Instead

Bring Your Kitchen to Life With a Gorgeous Accent Wall (2024)

FAQs

Which wall should be the accent wall in a kitchen? ›

Backsplash Wall: Consider transforming the wall above your kitchen's backsplash into the accent wall. This choice allows you to seamlessly integrate the accent into the existing design elements, such as countertops and cabinets, creating a cohesive and visually pleasing look.

What does "accent wall" mean? ›

An accent wall or feature wall is an interior wall whose design differs from that of the other walls in the room. The accent wall's color can simply be a different shade of the color of the other walls, or have a different design in terms of the color and material.

What wall should be the accent wall in a living room? ›

For example, in a living room with a TV, the best wall for an accent wall is typically the wall where the TV is. A TV is already a natural focal point providing a great area for an accent wall. The wall behind the couch can also be a good focal point, as it might be the first wall you see when you walk in the room.

Where not to put an accent wall? ›

If the room already has a lot going on, an accent wall may not be the best choice. It could make a busy room feel too crowded. In addition, you want to choose somewhere that a wall will stand out—not a dark corner where it will be forgotten.

What is the most popular color for a kitchen? ›

According to kitchen design and painting experts, the most popular color for a kitchen is tied between navy blue and white. Home stagers and listing agents often suggest painting the kitchen a fresh white color to make the space look larger, cleaner and inviting.

Are accent walls out of style in 2024? ›

Accent walls have consistently remained a go-to design choice for homeowners looking to update their spaces with ease and style. Given their versatility, timelessness, and emotional impact, it is highly likely that they will continue to be in style in 2024.

What colors make a room look bigger on an accent wall? ›

What Colors Make a Room Look Bigger? “Airy blues and crisp white hues are ideal for small spaces,” says Molly Lynch, a Benjamin Moore color expert. “Blues recede, which can give the illusion of opening up a space,” she explains.

Are accent walls still stylish? ›

Whether you're a trendsetter or prefer a timeless design, you always want your home to be in style. So, if you've been asking yourself, "Are accent walls out of style?" we assure you that they're definitely on-trend, and we don't see that changing anytime soon.

What is the rule of thumb for accent walls? ›

In order to not overpower your room's color scheme, professionals use a little rule called the 60-30-10 wall color rule to maintain the space's color balance. Simply put, 60% of your room will have the dominant color, 30% should primarily be the secondary color, and 10% the accent color.

Are accent walls old fashioned? ›

Wall paneling as an accent wall has become more popular recently, it's ideal if you want to create a traditional finish mimicking the centuries-old style. In this contemporary living room, it's been taken further and used in a thoroughly modern way and with color.

Are accent walls good or bad? ›

While accent walls can be a beautiful addition when used correctly, they can also be distracting and seem out of place if not done properly. Too bright of a color on an accent wall in an already busy room can make it feel chaotic or cluttered.

Should an accent wall be lighter or darker? ›

It is usually suggested that an accent wall be darker than the other walls to create depth and drama, but this is not always the answer. If you intend for your ceiling to be the accent, and the ceiling is low, a lighter color is often the correct choice.

What is the best color for a bedroom? ›

White and light gray could feel clean and spacious

While not strictly a color, white and very light grays are a popular choice for walls and bedding. A soft white or gray creates a peaceful and clean ambiance. They can make a small bedroom feel more spacious and airy, promoting a clutter-free mind.

Is it OK to have an accent wall in every room? ›

It's also important to avoid having multiple rooms with accent walls as that can get a little overwhelming.

How do you choose which wall is the accent wall? ›

Functionality: consider how the accent wall will serve its purpose in the room, whether it's to create a focal point or add depth and dimension. Cohesion: choose an accent wall that complements the overall design aesthetic and ties in with other elements of the room, such as furniture and decor.

Should accent walls be the same color as kitchen cabinets? ›

To maintain a light and bright kitchen, avoid sharp contrasts in your wall color and cabinetry color, the shade you choose for your kitchen walls should be somewhat similar to your kitchen cabinets. A sharp contrast between your walls and cabinets will create a visual boundary, and make your kitchen look even smaller.

What type of walls should be in a kitchen? ›

Granite, slate, marble, sandstone, quartz natural stone walls in the kitchen are very popular, because they are easy to maintain, they are durable and they have a noble and romantic effect, no matter whether you decide on a rustic or a luxurious look.

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