Advice

Accent Walls: The Best Way to Add Depth to Your Design

Adding an accent wall can drastically elevate the design style in a space. Because it is just a single wall, it can be the easiest way to direct focus, create depth, and even take an "outside of the box" risk. Check out my favorite five accent wall ideas you can do!

1. Paint

This is by far the simplest and most cost effective. I am a huge fan of using highly saturated colors to create a statement when painting an accent wall. Challenge yourself to a bolder color and if you hate it, it's easy to change!

An accent wall doesn’t have to be those vertical spaces. Don’t forget about that fifth wall, the ceiling. By painting this kitchen’s ceiling, we were able to draw the eye all the way to the beautifully barrel vaulted feature.

I love how just the navy wall of this kid’s bedroom painted creates depth and allows lighter objects to pop.

2. Molding

Putting molding walls got a bad reputation when so many builders decided to put a single piece of molding around the room called a chair rail (literally one of my least favorite things). However, molding on a wall can look super sophisticated. From the traditional picture frame molding to the more contemporary box molding. 

A staircase can be a forgotten space which is why it is the perfect place to add molding to really punch up the design.

tall tufted headboard against a wood paneled accent wall

Taking a traditional molding and turning it into something special with this square geometric designed wall using molding.

3. Wallpaper

Yes, wallpaper is still in, in fact, it never left. I have used wallpaper in no less then 100% of my recent projects and with the endless possibilities of patterns and styles wallpaper can work for everyone. It really does make me overly excited. 

Sometimes just one wall is all you need for wallpaper. This creates the perfect layer for this grandmillennial office space.

The perfect teen girl’s wallpaper. It's bold and beautiful and it only needed on the feature wall.

4. Tile

I love a tile accent wall! I use them frequently in bathrooms, bars, and even in bedrooms and other spaces. There are some really amazing tiles that will wow you and create huge impacts in a home. 

blue floating bathroom vanity with under cabinet lighting

Having fun with a wall of accent tile in a bathroom can bring so much style to your home.

An accent wall tile doesn’t have to mean the entire wall. In this design, we decided to only do it in the nook behind the bar. It helps draw the eye in and layers in the sex appeal.

Using tile that starts in a shower and continues beyond the normal boundaries makes this small bathroom feel grand. Use this to trick your eye and make your tighter spaces truly expand.

5. Wood

I tend to lean more towards the modern use of wood as an accent wall, but for clients who love that "farmhouse" style, you can also use reclaimed wood. 

using wood modern slats as an accent wall

Wood used in a more contemporary fashion to define this TV wall. This decorative wall with evenly spaced wooden slats for a sleek and contemporary look.

For this covered outdoor design, we wanted to add texture with a shou sugi ban accent wall. Shou sugi ban is a traditional Japanese method of preserving and weatherproofing wood by charring it with fire. The charred surface is then brushed and oiled to create a durable and attractive finish.

6. Living Wall

Creating a living wall as an accent is a unique and beautiful way to bring nature into your home. The result is a stunning and sustainable accent wall that adds life and color to any space.

Steps to Creating the Perfect Work From Home Office Space

Creating the perfect home office space can be a challenge, especially if you have limited space or are working with a tight budget. But with a little creativity and some careful planning, you can create a functional and stylish home office that will inspire you to be productive and efficient.

First, consider the size and layout of your space. If you have a dedicated room for your home office, you may have more flexibility in terms of layout and design. But even if you only have a small corner of a room to work with, you can still create a functional and comfortable space.

Next, think about the tasks and activities you will be doing in your home office. Do you need a large desk for your computer and other office equipment, or will a smaller workspace be sufficient? Do you need storage for files and documents, or can you keep them digitally? Consider what you will need in your home office and plan accordingly.

Once you have a clear idea of the layout and functionality of your space, it's time to think about design. Choose a color scheme that is both calming and energizing, and incorporate colors and patterns that will inspire you and boost your mood. Add personal touches, such as family photos or artwork, to make your home office feel like your own.

When it comes to furniture, choose pieces that are both functional and stylish. A comfortable and supportive chair is essential, as you will be spending a lot of time sitting. A desk with plenty of workspace and storage is also important, as is lighting that is both functional and ambient.

Finally, consider incorporating plants and other natural elements into your home office design. Not only do plants add a touch of life and color to your space, but they can also improve air quality and reduce stress.

aqua and pink interior design accents

By following these simple tips, you can create the perfect home office space that is both functional and stylish. With a little effort, you can create a space that will inspire you to be productive and efficient, and that you will enjoy spending time in.

10 Ways to Add Color to Your Home

Adding color to your home can be important for a variety of reasons. Color can affect our mood and emotions, so choosing the right colors for your home can help create a warm and inviting space that makes you feel happy and comfortable. In addition, using color in your home can also be a great way to express your personal style and add visual interest to a space. Adding color can also be a practical way to help define different areas or zones in an open floor plan, making a space feel more cohesive and functional. Here are 10 easy ways to add color into your home design.

TEN: Add colorful throw pillows or blankets to your living room or bedroom

NINE: Hang colorful artwork on your walls

modern art in traditional home

EIGHT: Use colorful rugs to define spaces and add pops of color

modern home design using shades of blue

SEVEN: Add plants with colorful leaves or flowers to bring life and color to your space

pink orchid on coffee table

SIX: Use colorful dinnerware and glassware to add a pop of color to your dining table

organic boho style plates and cups

FIVE: Incorporate colorful accents, such as vases or lamps, into your decor

colorful entryway design

FOUR: Paint one wall in a bold, vibrant color as a focal point

transitional bedroom design with teal wood paneled wall

THREE: Use colorful window treatments, such as curtains or blinds, to add color to your windows

custom hot pink interior design

TWO: Add colorful furniture, such as a brightly colored sofa or armchair

ONE: Use colorful wallpaper to add pops of color and style to a room.

hanging pendants over night stands

Color Crush: Shades of Pink

Color Crush: Shades of Pink

Pink is in the house! I haven't seen an interior color trend take over so quickly since shades of grey and I have to admit, I am on board! Shades of pink even made me Top 5 things I just can't get enough of for Spring. Here are some of my favorite examples of pink being used in todays interiors.

5 Easy DIY Projects to Deck out your Dwelling

We are all spending more time on…well..having more time on our hands. Meaning, this is the perfect opportunity for us all to tackle those easy DIY projects in our home. The greatest part about it all is it won’t cost you much money and will make a huge impact on your emotional well being. Check out my suggestions on what you can do to make the time go by a little faster while beautifying your surrounding.

1. Paint!

A can of paint costs next-to-nothing for the huge impact it will make. Not to mention, some of us have left over paint cans hanging around; so why not use them? Adding a pop of color to your front door showcases your personality and painting an accent wall in your home creates visual interest and depth.

Bold painted blue craftsman style front door in Lake Oswego, Oregon.

2. Tidy up and declutter!

While some of us have a junk drawer in our homes (most of us) and others may have a junk room, now is the time to clean out and organize. A cleaner space will help us be more productive, organized, and happier!

pantry-storage-solutions Portland, Oregon decoration

3. Deep Clean

You may be thinking, “Duh, Kevin, of course I should clean.” I am not talking about the every-day cleaning, i’m talking about that cleaning you do every now and then; grout in kitchens and bathroom, baseboards, windows, and furniture vacuuming (you read that right). Did you know that vacuuming your furniture will get all of the years of dust, skin cells, and dirt off of it? It instantly breathes new life into furnishings and will help extend the life. Don’t forget to unzip those cushions and vacuum inside the casings as well!

37_MasterBath_02_DSC_7811.jpg

4. Art projects!

Add a bit of you into your home with custom arts ant crafts! Some of us have transitioned from CEO to stay-at-home and are now having to juggle entertaining out little ones. A great project is allowing your family to create something special for the home. From rock painting to framing a painting you created, this will add that pop of personal!

Displaying homemade art projects in a downtown Portland, Oregon condo

5. Change out your light bulb

Lighting is so important. We have all been in that zoom meeting where someone has terrible lighting and they look like that are giving an anonymous witness testimony or live in a yellow covered world. Lighting has different warmths that give off a yellow, white, or blue tint. My recommendation is 3000 kelvin, perfect balance of warmth and white. Uniform light temperature through your home will create the perfect ambience for you to enjoy!

Portland, Oregon home decorator presenting proper lighting design.