kitchen design

Our Favorite Kitchen Accent Wall Tips & Tricks

When remodeling your kitchen, you don’t want to overlook an accent wall. It may not be the first design element you’re thinking about considering you need to choose cabinetry, flooring, countertops, and more — but it shouldn’t be ignored! An accent wall is a perfect way to elevate your kitchen. Whether your design style is eclectic or a bit more reserved, there’s an accent wall for you. We’ve put together a few of our favorite accent wall designs to help you narrow down which option is right for your kitchen.

Ocean-Inspired


If you’re a fan of white kitchen cabinets and countertops, you may be looking for a way to incorporate a bit of color into your otherwise sterile space. Why not be bold with an ocean-inspired accent wall featuring blue-green hues in a funky pattern? This accent wall makes an otherwise calm room feel lively and inviting! Plus, you can pair it with beautiful wooden elements seen on the smaller accent wall — why have one accent wall when you can have two?

Board and Batten


A board and batten wall will leave your guests anything but bored when they enter your kitchen! If you don’t want to add too much flair to your kitchen, you may want to consider creating a one-of-a-kind accent wall in your eating area. Board and batten accent walls have become extremely popular in recent years, but the best part about them is that they are completely customizable to your design preferences! Whether you prefer a traditional board and batten pattern or something a bit funkier like these geometric shapes, it’s an easy way to elevate the look and feel of your space.

Wood Panels


When remodeling a kitchen, most homeowners express their desire to create a warm and inviting space. If that’s your goal, you can’t go wrong with a farmhouse-style kitchen. But instead of opting to go the traditional route, add a bit of flair to the space by installing a wooden accent wall that ties in with the other natural wood elements in your space, including your flooring, kitchen table, dining chairs, and more.

Bold Color


Just because you want to incorporate an accent wall in your kitchen doesn’t mean you need to install funky tile or another textured element. Instead, you can simply paint the wall a contrasting color from the rest of your kitchen to draw the attention of your guests! This neutral kitchen features white cabinetry and gray countertops but features a bold red accent wall with recessed shelving to display and assortments of colorful trinkets. Creating an accent wall can be as simple as picking up a can of paint from the hardware store!

Chalkboard Wall


If you are looking for an accent wall that is both attractive and functional, look no further than a chalkboard wall. Are you constantly losing your notepad where you keep track of items you need from the grocery store? Do you need to remember an upcoming appointment? Create an interactive area in your kitchen that your entire family can enjoy with chalkboard paint. This paint allows you and your family to write on the wall with chalk — without installing an actual chalkboard!

Gallery Wall


Are you a collector of art? Do you take a lot of photographs of your family on vacations or daily outings? Have you created any pieces of work that you’d like showcased? Build a focal point in your kitchen that combines multiple pieces on one wall to create a cohesive gallery for guests to admire when they step foot into your kitchen. Whether you want to opt for something more modern like a black wall and artistic faces or something more traditional like portraits of your children and family, a gallery wall is a perfect way to add some life to your kitchen.

Brick Wall


A brick wall is one of the most classic choices for an accent wall — and for a good reason. You’ll often find them in older homes that were constructed with brick, allowing the brick to be exposed in certain rooms of the home. However, newer homes may have brick added in afterward as a way to elevate a space. A brick accent wall adds a sense of warmth and comfort to any space, which will make your guests feel right at home the moment they step through your door. You can add open shelving to the wall for some added texture or you may paint the brick wall to seamlessly blend into your existing space.

Wine Rack


Want to take your kitchen design up a notch? Incorporate a custom wine rack accent wall that features some of your favorite bottles of wine that you’ve collected while traveling the world. It can be customized to the size of your kitchen. This wine rack accent wall is the perfect conversation starter anytime you are hosting a dinner party.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which wall should the accent wall go on?

There isn’t a right or wrong answer when it comes to deciding which wall your accent wall should go on. In most instances, you’ll find the accent wall placed opposite of the kitchen’s entryway so it is the main focal point when people enter the room. However, this may vary depending on the layout and shape of your kitchen.

How big should a kitchen accent wall be?

The size of your accent wall will be determined by the square footage of your kitchen. If you’re working with an oblong room, it’s recommended that your accent wall is one of the shorter walls versus the long wall to balance the oblong shape of the room. This will help create a more proportionate vibe in your space. However, if your kitchen is square, you don’t need to worry about the size of your accent wall.

Should an accent wall be darker or lighter?

Opting for a darker, complementary color for your kitchen’s accent wall will help create a cozier environment for your family to relax and dine in. Keep in mind that dark colors can make a room appear smaller, so if you have a smaller kitchen you may prefer a lighter-colored accent wall to make the room feel larger than it is.

Are accent walls a trendy design element?

Although accent walls are trending right now, they aren’t going out of style anytime soon. They play a key role in elevating a space and helping to draw the eye around the room.

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Published by
Andrew Saladino

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