DIY accent walls: Ideas for enhancing any space

by Judy Szablak 08/04/2024

Adding texture & style with DIY accent walls featured image

DIY accent walls are a popular choice for upgrading a space. Creating an accent or feature wall can add depth and interest to rooms of any size or shape. For a rewarding DIY project, you might consider adding texture to your chosen wall with wood slats or trim.

Stained slats

Wood slats are a stylish yet simple way to dress up a blank wall. You can arrange them either vertically or horizontally, depending on your preference. Once you cut and sand the slats to size, apply a conditioner and stain to bring out the natural wood grain and color.

This type of wood trim accent wall is incredibly versatile and can fit almost any interior design style. Choosing a stain to match other wood finishes in the space is a great way to create a cohesive aesthetic.

Angled accent wall with wood trim

While most board and batten accent walls use 45 degree angles, you can create a stunning geometric wall design by using a mixture of 30 and 60-degree angles instead. Match the paint color subtle style, or go bold with contrasting shades.

To create this type of DIY wood accent wall, you'll need to draw a design for your angles on paper first. Attach trim pieces with a nail gun and enjoy your new DIY accent wall with a striking geometric pattern.

Smooth your walls

Adding texture is a popular way to create an accent wall, but the key to perfect texture is starting with a smooth surface. Consider using backer board for your wall projects to create a perfectly level canvas for your artistic vision.

Cement backer board works similarly to drywall, but is completely resistant to rot and moisture damage. It's also inexpensive and easy to cut to size using your own tools.

When you think of an accent wall, you may think of a contrasting paint color. However, there are many ways to create texture and depth with other methods like board and batten, shiplap or wall molding. If your space needs some extra style, consider these ideas for creating the perfect accent wall.



About the Author
Author

Judy Szablak

With over 30 years in the industry, Realtor Judy Szablak has been on national television for her real estate expertise on the HGTV Network, featured on Martha Stewart Living Radio "Morning Living” , NPR radio as an expert real estate panelist, It’s Relevant News channel, and quoted in the Wall Street Journal for her in depth knowledge of Fairfield County Connecticut real estate.

She was also on the local NPR radio station (WSHU) as a Fairfield County CT real estate expert. Judy has provided multiple online respected news sources with her real estate expertise including The Daily Easton, The Daily Weston, The Daily Fairfield, The Daily Stamford and The Daily Greenwich, as well as in print in the New York Post. She is a weekly Real Estate Columnist for WestportNow.com, another real estate column "Real Estate With Judy” is syndicated through Hearst CT Media Online and seen in The Connecticut Post, The Danbury News-Times, The Stamford Advocate, The Greenwich Time, The Hour, Fairfield Citizen, Westport News, Darien News, New Canaan News and the Wilton Villager.

 Judy is also the author of the book, The Art of Buying or Selling a Home, available at all major book retailers. Additionally, Judy has been nationally recognized in a number of national real estate trade magazines, some with distribution to over 1 million members. She was featured in Real Estate Today as early as 1994 for her commitment to, and implementation of technology in real estate. Judy appeared in the Certified Residential Specialist Magazine, as she provided advice on marketing strategies and ethics in the article titled "Marketing Makeovers.”

 Judy was also featured in REALTOR® Magazine, regarding image enhancement for Realtors. She was again featured in REALTOR® Magazine, in an article on "Achieving Flow” and operating at optimal peak performance. In another article in the same publication, Judy offered guidance to fellow real estate professionals as she explored the topic of implementing and maintaining personal websites. She has appeared in The Council of Residential Specialists Magazine, which featured her ideas regarding technology. Additionally, Judy authored an article on marketing and technology for the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Online Magazine. On two occasions, in 2015 and 2017, she appeared as a featured agent in Top Agent Magazine. I have a few other websites- www.TheCtrealtyBlog.com www.CtHomesAndRealEstate.com www.BestWestportHomes.com www.ThePetitePowerhouse.com www,SzablakConsulting.com