Choosing the right cabinetry, materials, and colors is important when making a kitchen stand out. An accent wall is one way to make the kitchen stand out. An accent wall, by definition, is a singular wall designed completely differently from the rest of the walls. It enhances the look of a space using various materials, textures, colors, and prints and is intended to draw focus to one particular area.
In the case of small kitchens, having an accent wall can make a huge difference to the design. Despite its size, it can elevate the overall ambiance and make the space appear more inviting.Â
Unlike the rest of the interior, Accent walls require very little space to work with, so the cost for materials will be less great. Many budget-friendly ideas are being employed in creating these stunning works of art.
HOW CAN I CREATE AN ACCENT WALL?Â
The great thing about accents is that there are no limits to creating them. With the right materials and execution, you will have a wall that speaks more than volumes. Here are a few things to consider when creating a small kitchen accent wall.
What Kind of Kitchen Do You Have?
It is the age-old question one must answer before starting any kitchen design. What kind of kitchen do you have? Is it a modern kitchen? A classically carved kitchen? A kitchen that has multiple storage accessories? Or is it simply a counter cabinet with a sink? Once you have an idea of the kind of kitchen you have, you can start conceptualizing your accent wall.Â
What Is the Focal Point?
Decide on which kitchen wall will be the accent. It could be the part where the cooking is done or the part where a window is placed. Another great focal point could be the wall separating the kitchen and the dining area. Take care not to decide on too many focal points, as it could overwhelm the space and, in turn, the design.Â
What Materials and Finishes Will Be Used?
There are different kinds of materials and finishes that are used for accent walls. From patterned tiles to rough wood planks to even ordinary paints, materials and finishes must be able to withstand prolonged exposure to heat and daily wear. When choosing the right materials, always opt for the best quality. As mentioned earlier, you would want the accent wall to last a considerable amount of time.Â
Is Lighting Important in Highlighting an Accent?
Lighting plays a very important role in showcasing the accent wall. The color and brightness of a particular light can actually affect the overall look of the accent wall in many ways. A warm yellow light can make an accent wall look intimate and homey, while a bright white light can make the accent wall more modern and dynamic. It all depends on the mood you want the accent to emulate.
How Do I Balance It?
Concerning balance, it’s all a matter of choosing which one you want to focus on more without overshadowing the other. If you highlight the wall, select materials that will make it stand out. Consider the scale of the items, the size of the patterns, and above all, the overall feel.
Below are some of the most creative small kitchen accent wall ideas.
This modern kitchen wall deviated from the usual modern neutral tiles and opted instead to have Spanish majolica tiles as its finish. The unique tiles have different patterns that make the backsplash like a gallery wall, but they still enhance an otherwise simplistic kitchen. The same can be said for the floor tiles that connect to the wall, giving off a fluid-like accent wall.
Accent walls don’t have to be of a different color. In this small kitchen, the accent wall comprises two patterns with the same color gradient. The combination of bold Moroccan tiles and minimal hexagon tiles perfectly blends large prints with small patterns.
Who doesn’t love the mid-century look? This kitchen and dining room accent wall is made up of narrow, slate blue tiles that reach a certain height of the wall. The rest of the wall is accented with a modern art print of a moka pot. It accents the wall and the bright yellow dining set next to it.
This small kitchen uses a soft mint gray color for its cabinetry and a white-wash wood countertop. But bringing out the incredible design is the gray Moroccan tile accent wall. The many patterns of the tile are complimented with the mint green color and create an otherwise modern take on the famous multi-pattern look.
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A Refreshing Gray Wall
- Photo credit: rumahrumput.rumahawan
This small kitchen accent wall is made up of thin, gray tiles aligned in a vertical manner, covering the space between the counter and the base of the window. The use of these thin gray tiles helps offset the white and Calacatta white quartz countertop as well as the gray-green kitchen cabinets.
This charming, farm-style kitchen wood accent wall makes use of tall, white wood planks mounted all the way up to the ceiling. Apart from the space appearing taller than it is, the planks’ off-white shade with hints of gray and brown offset the gray cabinetry and allows for kitchen utensils and dishware to be displayed in an artistic manner.
Small, textured elongated hexagon-shaped tiles make up the entire accent wall of this compact l-shape kitchen. Set against a window with an equally modern view, the wall’s minimalist design enhances the seemingly sleek and linear kitchen with its off-white color. The use of blue-gray and oak elements further evoke the quintessential modern kitchen with functional storage and a bold and minimal design impact.
This small kitchen’s accent wall uses white, gray, and teal mosaic tiles that perfectly mimic the water waves. This tiled wall perfectly boldens the otherwise ordinary, gray flush-paneled cabinet doors. A white floating shelf terminates above the tiles, and a mounted flat-screen TV is on top.
In this small kitchen, one would notice that this particular accent wall has a small enclosure leveled off with the cabinetry. Gray and teal tiles have been employed on the wall to give the illusion of depth. These two colors have a similar tint to the kitchen cabinetry, bringing out the gray and blue-green hues. To soften the look, small shelves showcasing home accessories and various curiosities.
This contemporary farmhouse kitchen’s accent wall has simple grooves that go down, creating the illusion of a taller fence. A wooden sign with the words BAKERY hangs on the grooved wall, inviting guests to a cozy room. The grooves’ black outline is also visible in the floor rugs and the industrial pendant lamp.
This sleek and modern kitchen kitchen, conveniently located under the stairs of a loft home, has black and white French tiles placed all over the walls, effectively creating an enclave for the kitchen. The black tiles blend perfectly with the black countertop and cedarwood cabinetry. On top of the base cabinetry is a black and white overhead cabinet with glassware and other dinnerware. A cedarwood shelf is also installed next to the cabinet, and on top of it is a clay jar.
Perhaps a subtle but interesting way of highlighting a kitchen, a simplified herringbone wallpaper, was installed to bring out the white and wood farmhouse kitchen. Wallpapers are one of many budget-friendly ideas when creating an accent wall. Apart from the consistency in texture and design, the wallpaper creates a unique and stunningly modern accent.
Chevrons done in a monochromatic shade of gray and white are seen all over this green and oak kitchen’s accent wall. Complimenting the chevron accent wall are gray and white floor tiles. This combination highlights the uncannily green and oak kitchen, making it a truly modern bespoke kitchen.
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A Blend of Modern and Retro Prints Create This Amazing Accent Wall
Who doesn’t love retro prints? This kitchen is almost an homage to the 60s and 70s, where kitchen designs revolved around the popular mid-century look. Tiles showcasing a rustic red pinwheel motif are placed all over the wall. The tiles easily complement the taupe solid surface counter and the white flush paneled cabinetry.
A rising trend in many interiors is wherein designers incorporate elements of nature or biophilic design in order to promote health and rejuvenation. In this kitchen, the accent wall is located adjacent to the kitchen, where wallpaper showcasing gray-green leaves is installed. A white two-seater dining set is placed against the wallpapered wall, effectively creating a cozy and modern breakfast area.
Tiles don’t have to be plain and simple. Especially for a small kitchen’s accent wall. Off-white tiles with varying textures and patterns make up this modern, patchwork-like accent wall. The varying textures and patterns quickly complement the wooden countertop and white, flush-paneled cabinets while creating a one-of-a-kind accent wall.
This particular accent wall is located in the recessed portion of the kitchen wall. While it creates a pocket kitchen of sorts, the glossy, herringbone-etched tiles cannot easily be seen. Fortunately, this is remedied by the use of warm white strip lights that are mounted below the overhead cabinet’s base. The strip lights’ direction is focused entirely on the herringbone-etched accent wall and the stainless steel appliances, making it stand out quite effortlessly.
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The Dreamy Small Kitchen Accent Wall Ideas
- Photo credit: designinsideout77
By using paint to create a unique yellow and green marble effect, this accent wall elongates the limited space and height and highlights both sides of the kitchen. The kitchen also uses powder-brushed handles whose gold color is visible on the marble wall. The black granite countertop contrasts with the color of the white cabinets and brown laminate flooring.
The word ‘hygge’ describes a sense of coziness and contentment. The word perfectly describes the overall feel of this small kitchen accent wall made up entirely of white subway tiles that enhance a white and oak farmhouse kitchen. This accent wall gives viewers visions of freshly made home-cooked meals on a rainy afternoon. Coupled with minimal warm natural light, it is just about as cozy as a cup of coffee.
This small black and gold kitchen uses a grand idea and provides additional functionality. The accent wall is located by the window and uses a slab of gray marble as its backsplash. It reaches up to the base of the window and is topped off with a shelf made from the same marble. A column has been hollowed out and converted into some choice shelving.
For this white, flushed paneled blue cabinets, teal and light blue marble tiles were installed throughout the wall. Cool, refreshing, calming, and luxurious colors make this small kitchen eye catching accent wall stand out while complementing the simplicity of the cabinetry. A countertop made entirely of finger-jointed oak wood is placed on top of the white cabinetry to tie the whole look together.
If you love the thrill of soccer goals and anything sports related, this small kitchen’s accent wall is the wall for that die-hard fan. Gray, black, and white hexagon tiles are placed all over this small kitchen wall, making it more visual interest. Coupled with some dining chairs with orange upholstery, anyone can scream GOAL!
Small, dark gray mosaic tiles highlight this cool, industrial-style kitchen black accent wall. The minuscule tile stones bring out the slate gray cabinetry and the gray and white marble granite countertop with perfect ease. Gold and brass elements such as handles, home decors, and faucet fixtures are also highlighted thanks to the simple accent wall.
This Nordic kitchen accent wall is made up of two complimenting patterns. This is the one instance wherein employing two materials of similar color palettes but varying patterns are considered bold and innovative. The backsplash uses an off-white terrazzo slab with black, gray, brown, and ash wood specs. It’s terminated by an ash wood floating shelf that showcases some décor. On top of the frame, a wallpaper patterned with leaves and plants in the same palette as the countertop stretches up.
White faux brick tiles mounted half up as the brick accent wall highlights this quaint little kitchen. The classic kitchen cabinets mixed with the wood countertop give the perfect contrast to the tiles’ rough and seemingly unpolished texture. Coupled with a mismatched dining set showcasing the same colors, this accent wall is simple but inviting.
FAQs
What Other Walls Can I Use for the Accent?
Apart from the aforementioned walls, you can use the wall where they do meal prep or the wall that leads to the entrance or exit of the space. You can also use the wall where the sink is placed or the wall that connects the kitchen and the dining. You just need to have a focal point in mind when deciding on these locations.Â
What Kind of Accent Wall Can I Make with Paints?
You can paint a mural and make it an accent wall. Some of the most popular motifs for kitchen murals are minimalist prints and stylized drawings of ingredients and outdoor scenes. If murals are not your cup of tea, you can paint an ombre wall and make it an accent wall. Just take care not to use prints or motifs that will make the space look smaller than it is. In terms of paint, opt for odorless paint.Â
Can the Backsplash Be the Accent Wall?
Backsplashes are, in essence, the perfect kitchen accent wall; since they not only provide a break between the base kitchen and the overhead cabinetry, if any, it also enhances and polishes the overall look and feel of your small kitchen. You can be creative when making those accent backsplashes. Instead of using solid stone, you can use mosaic tiles and arrange them in a monochromatic look or even an accent wall that doubles as storage.Â
Can an Accent Wall Have Multiple Functions?Â
A goal for small spaces is to maximize the potential of every little corner. The kitchen is no exception; rather, it gives designers the challenge to create a functional yet aesthetically beautiful accent wall. One such example would be an accent wall that has hidden compartments for sauces and tools or an accent wall that hangs and displays mugs and other dinnerware.Â
