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19 Kitchen Accent Wall Ideas Trending in 2023

By: Andrew Saladino | 5 min

Kitchen with green accent wall

Are you looking to add an eye-catching element to your kitchen without committing to a full remodel? Kitchen accent walls are an affordable and easy way to elevate your design with a kitchen trend and create a personal touch.

Whether you're fond of quirky wallpaper, bright pops of color, or unique tiles and textures, an accent wall gives you the freedom to incorporate the elements you love without overwhelming the entire kitchen. Here are a few of our favorite kitchen accent wall ideas to add a pop of personality to your space.

1. Modern Cement

Modern cement kitchen accent wall

Cement walls have a bad rap for coming off as cold and unwelcoming, but utilizing them in modern kitchen designs can create a calm and even warm ambiance when styled correctly. Pair it with warm wood tones and simple cabinet hardware to complete the industrial vibe.

If the natural cement look doesn't appeal to you, it can also be painted, stained, and glossed to create a one-of-a-kind accent wall.

2. Stone Backdrop

layered stone accent wall in kitchen

Interior stone accent walls can add texture and depth to a kitchen and come in a variety of colors and shapes. Limestone, travertine, sandstone, and slate are the most popular, but cheaper options like stone veneer tiles are also available. Stone backdrops not only look great but are flame-retardant and resistant to high humidity -- perfect for a backsplash or above the stove.

When choosing a stone backdrop, be sure to consider your kitchen lighting. You'll want to accentuate the stone's natural texture and veining to get the full effect.

3. Geometric Tiles

Kitchen with geometric tile backsplash behind stove

Geometric tiles create a one-of-a-kind look that instantly draws the eye. Shapes can range from basic square tiles to the ever-popular honeycomb taking center stage in today's kitchen and bath designs.

With an infinite number of sizes and textures to choose from, these tiles can add dimension, shimmer, color, shape, and movement to your kitchen, making them works of art themselves.

If you plan on updating your backsplash, geometric tiles are a great waterproof and easy-to-clean option!

4. Dark Tones

Black kitchen accent wall by white cabinets and wood backsplash

While a dark kitchen may be a bit too dramatic for some, a black, navy, or emerald accent wall can help visually enlarge the space. A dark wall can create a nice contrast that makes the rest of your kitchen seem brighter by comparison. Dark tones are also easier to keep clean, making them a smart choice for high-traffic areas like your kitchen.

Compliment dark accent walls with brightly colored textiles and artwork to keep your kitchen cozy and inviting.

5. Mixed Textures

Stone kitchen accent wall in kitchen with wood backsplash

Accent walls that use either real or faux building materials such as brick, wood, stone, or tile provide a striking contrast against surrounding flat walls. These textures add greater dimension that allows you more control over the light and space within your kitchen.

Adding texture to your kitchen doesn't have to involve laying bricks or even putting nails in your walls. Self-adhesive tiles that replicate waves, brick, and intricate 3D designs are available for easy installation.

6. Chalk Wall

Chalk wall with drawings and grocery list in kitchen

Both easy and affordable, the chalk wall has become a staple in many modern kitchens, especially those with children. Chalk walls allow you to transform a wall into a family message hub — a convenient place to jot down your daily schedule, grocery lists, or display your kid's doodle of the day.

It's important to note that chalk walls can generate a lot of dust, and colored chalk is known to discolor flooring or painted walls nearby. If this is a concern, a whiteboard wall offers the same convenience as a chalk wall without the mess.

7. Marble Finish

Kitchen with white and gray marble backsplash

A marble accent wall or backsplash makes an elegant statement piece in any kitchen. Often associated with timelessness and class, marble's distinct veining and luster can't be replicated in any other natural stone.

With a wide range of colors to choose from, a marble accent wall can suit any design from traditional to ultra-modern. Marble is often a great choice for backsplashes because it's durable and easy to clean, in addition to being beautiful.

8. Gallery Artwork

6 photos of beach landscapes on kitchen wall

Accent walls are an optimal place to display your favorite prints and photos, and some have taken this concept to the max. Gallery walls are brimming with artwork that often fills the entire space.

Some gallery walls are designed with an array of mismatched art in a variety of mediums, creating an eclectic and cozy environment. Other people may choose to display similar-style photos in matching frames. Whatever your style, a kitchen gallery wall presents a great opportunity to showcase your personality at the heart of your home.

9. Tropical Wallpaper

Red, white, black tropical wallpaper with leaves and flowers on kitchen wall

Transform a corner of your kitchen into a tropical oasis with fun, vibrant wallpaper reminiscent of your dad's favorite Hawaiian shirt. Prints featuring lush tropical foliage and colorful birds have made a comeback to modern design. While these prints are often very busy, they can add a playful twist to an otherwise contemporary kitchen.

10. Mosaic Design

Backsplash with small blue and white tiles in random pattern

Creating a mosaic accent wall is by no means a quick project, but — with a little patience — you can create a vibrant piece of art that demands attention.

Mosaics are created by arranging small colored pieces of tile, glass, or stone together to create intricate pictures and patterns — but don't let this simple definition limit your creativity. You can create a mosaic with pieces of broken dishes, CDs, mirrors, shells, and other unconventional materials.

11. Rustic Farmhouse

farmhouse style kitchen with wood shiplap accent wall

If you want to embrace a rustic look or decor that is more cottage chic, then shiplap, vintage wallpaper, brick, and reclaimed wood paneling are popular choices. Don't shy away from distressed materials and uneven textures – these imperfections will help you achieve that rustic charm.

If you prefer a painted accent wall, choose muted, warm colors. Whites, creams, browns, sage, soft blues, and deep navy are all excellent choices.

12. Black and White Pattern

Black and white chevron pattern accent wall across from kitchen

If your walls are feeling a little bland, a black and white pattern can help you infuse some drama into your decor. Whether you go with simple pinstripes, bold checkerboard, mid-century starburst, or monochrome Spanish tile, black and white patterns have the uncanny ability to work with most kitchen design styles.

13. Pop of Color

Blue accent wall in neutral-colored kitchen

Much like how a pair of shiny red shoes can take a neutral outfit in a bold new direction, choosing a bright color for your accent wall can add some unexpected spice to an otherwise safe design. Try a pop of vibrant fuschia, green, or blue coupled with fun printable art.

14. Accented Ceilings

White shiplap accent ceiling in kitchen

When choosing which wall to highlight, don't forget to look up! Painting, paneling, or wallpapering to your kitchen ceiling makes for an unexpected twist to a space that's often undervalued and underused. An accent ceiling can give your kitchen more height by drawing the line of vision up. Dark colors or materials can add length to a space when paired with neutral trim, while lighter colors can help mask harsh design elements like slanted ceilings.

Accent ceilings can also help harmonize finishes in a space. For example, if you've installed cherry glaze cabinets in your kitchen, you could use wood paneling the same color on your dining room ceiling to unite the two spaces.

15. Natural Materials

kitchen with natural wood backsplash and cabinets

Bring the outdoors in with a kitchen accent wall composed of natural stone, wooden slats, metal, concrete, or a sheet of polished marble. No matter your style, more natural materials can be found in almost every design aesthetic, from classic to art deco.

Some examples of natural materials you could use include:

  • Shiplap showcasing the wood's natural grain
  • Wood ends to emulate a stack of logs
  • Marble with natural texture and veining
  • Weathered steel paneling for an industrial rustic look
  • Copper sheeting that will give both color and sheen

16. Modern Wood Slats

Wood slat kitchen accent wall in front of window

Slat walls are quickly replacing traditional shiplap as the wood accent wall of choice. This trendy, multi-dimensional look is not only easy to install but presents an endless possibility of colors and textures. Slat walls are made of thin slices of wood, laid vertically or horizontally with equal space between them, and can be stained or painted as you see fit.

17. Pastel Paint Colors

pastel pink kitchen accent wall with pale blue fridge

When we think of pastel, images of nurseries or spring dresses are usually top of mind. However, pale-hued paints can bring subtle sophistication to a design without being overwhelmingly girly.

When paired with vintage gold accents, greenery, natural wood tones, and a black-and-white backdrop, a pastel-colored accent wall can add a playful yet classy element to your kitchen.

18. Color Block

Yellow kitchen accent wall to the left of blue and black accent wall

Have trouble choosing between two colors for your accent wall? You might want to try both. Color blocking is one of the newest trends in modern design that involves incorporating two or more shades to create a contrasting and vibrant effect.

If you're going to attempt color blocking, get creative with abstract shapes that frame your kitchen in new and unexpected ways.

19. Plant Wall

Large shelf with multiple plants behind dining room table

If you don't mind a little upkeep and are blessed with a lot of natural light in your kitchen, you may have the perfect environment for a plant-dedicated wall.

Houseplants are popular, especially if you're spending more time at home. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but plants can also help improve air quality in your home by naturally removing carbon dioxide and pollutants.

If you like the idea of having fresh herbs on hand, hanging planters are another great plant-centric option for your kitchen accent wall.

Kitchen Accent Wall FAQs

Accent walls add a sense of excitement to your space, but it can often be difficult to determine what will work best for your kitchen.

Which Wall Should Be an Accent Wall in Your Kitchen?

The accent wall should typically be the focal point of your kitchen. If you're unsure which wall that is, try walking into your kitchen and note the first place that draws your eye. Walls with distinctive architectural features, such as a slope or an arch, are also good choices for an accent wall.

What Do You Put On Your Kitchen Accent Wall?

Geometric tile, marble, metal sheets, wood paneling, stone, brick, and durable wallpaper are all popular choices for kitchen accent walls. Keep in mind that kitchens are high-traffic areas, so materials that are easy to clean and hard to damage may work best.

Is a Kitchen Accent Wall Out of Style?

Although certain design trends go out of style, accent walls themselves still play an important role in design because of their ability to add personality and flair to a space.

How Do You Do Accents in a Kitchen?

Choose an accent wall design that's eye-catching, inviting, and most importantly, reflects your personal style! The kitchen is the hub of your home, and your accent wall can help tie the entire concept together.

Has designing your accent wall inspired a need to update the rest of your kitchen? If you're looking for more design inspiration, check out our other kitchen ideas like these kitchen cabinet trends or organization tips for your kitchen.

Browse our selection of kitchen cabinets to continue DIYing the kitchen of your dreams.

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