An accent wall has always been a practical and affordable interior design solution to add color without renovating an entire room.
+ 10 Decorating Mistakes Designers Immediately Notice When Entering Your Home
Indeed, accent walls will likely always have their place, especially because of their convenience and cost-effectiveness. However, like any decorating trend, there are stylish approaches — and others that are now outdated.
With the rise of more cohesive and layered interior design styles, bold accent walls can now feel noticeably out of date.
We spoke with interior design experts to identify the top accent wall trends in decline — and which modern alternatives you can use to update your spaces with sophistication and originality.
1. Accent walls with no architectural context fragment the space and are losing popularity
When people think of an accent wall, many still picture a single wall painted in a contrasting color. This practice, while easy to execute, has passed its peak. According to Cathleen Gruver, lead designer at Gruver Cooley, “colorful accent walls with bold colors but no architectural connection are starting to feel dated.”
She notes that painting just one wall out of fear of being too bold visually fragments the space. The new trend is “color drenching” — covering the walls, baseboards, and even the ceiling in a single tone. This creates a visually cohesive, immersive, and refined atmosphere.
Gruver adds that accent walls can still work — as long as they’re intentional. She suggests using wood slats, custom wallpaper, or decorative tiles instead of relying solely on paint to add texture and integration to the space.
2. The wall behind the bed has lost its visual impact
For years, highlighting the wall behind the bed with a bold color was a common way to add visual interest to a bedroom. According to designer Christopher Boutlier, this approach is now overused: “a navy blue or emerald green wall behind the headboard, with the rest in neutral tones, feels predictable.”
Today, the preference is to paint the entire room in a rich, welcoming color to create true depth and unity. If you want contrast, consider textured materials like plaster, natural wood, or an upholstered headboard instead of relying only on paint.
3. Painted graphic shapes and arches have lost their appeal
During the DIY boom, painted arches and geometric shapes became popular for their ease of application. However, Boutlier warns that while they may look great in photos, they often appear artificial in real life.
Instead, he recommends integrating color and architecture. Highlighting moldings, trim, or ceilings with complementary tones is a more sophisticated way to add creativity. In spaces with actual arches, paint can be used strategically to follow the wall’s original shape and create an enveloping effect.
4. Painted brick or wood slat walls have become generic
Painting exposed brick or wood slats white was common in farmhouse or modern rustic homes. Today, this solution has lost its uniqueness and may feel generic.
Boutlier advocates honoring the original material: “a mineral or lime-based paint offers a refined finish and allows the natural texture to breathe.” If the wall is already painted, there are ways to restore the brick or wood, bringing back its authenticity and natural charm.
5. High-gloss lacquered walls are outdated
Walls with a shiny, mirrored finish were once a symbol of luxury, but today they can feel overly theatrical. Boutlier suggests using gloss sparingly — for example, on ceilings or small cabinetry.
For a sophisticated effect, he recommends finishes like satin plaster or paints with a soft sheen that reflect light subtly and elegantly.
6. Chalkboard paint walls feel messy and outdated
Chalkboard walls were trendy for their function and creative appeal, but in practice, they accumulate dust and lose their charm over time.
Jo Rich of Raydoor recommends more modern and practical alternatives like framed chalkboard panels or magnetic boards, which offer the same utility without sacrificing aesthetics.
7. Two-tone painted walls awkwardly divide the space
The trend of painting half the wall in a different color can feel visually disjointed. Rich explains that instead of cutting the wall in half with paint, it’s better to highlight built-in niches, bookcases, or fireplaces to create depth without disrupting the room’s flow.
8. Chevron and herringbone patterns were once trendy — now they feel dated
These patterns were widely used in the 2010s and are heavily associated with the DIY style of that era. Jamilyn Trainor and Farook Member point to textured finishes like limewash or artisanal paints as elegant alternatives that bring personality without excess.
9. Ultra-dark walls can weigh down a space
Colors like black and charcoal gray were once trendy for their dramatic effect, but in spaces with little natural light, they can feel oppressive. Instead, dark earthy tones like olive, rust, or clay in a matte finish bring warmth and sophistication.
These tones pair well with natural materials like wood, rattan, and linen, creating a cozy, modern atmosphere.
10. Ombré effects feel dated
Ombré walls, with their gradient color transitions, are reminiscent of the 2010s and already feel outdated. Rich suggests more contemporary alternatives like geometric murals or strategically placed color blocks, which are easier to update and more modern. For an even more durable option, consider using decorative tiles instead of paint.
Source: House Digest
This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
