The accent wall. Do you love it or leave it? I’m a huge fan of using interior paint and decorative wood trim to transform a plain-jane bedroom wall into a decorative space.

disclosure:  This post is sponsored by Sherwin-Williams®.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve done for your mom?   Check out what I did for MY MOM.  {gasp!}   Using the best interior paint by Sherwin-Williams, of course.  Only the best for moms. Wouldn’t you agree?  

One of the things I am most thankful for in my life is that my mother lives around the corner.

1.2 miles away.

After she sold the house I grew up in, she bought the cutest brick house with the perfect floor plan for grandchildren and children and cousins and visiting guests.  There’s a kitchen and a living room and a master and a dining room and a downstairs playroom and an upstairs with two bedrooms and one bath.

She wanted to get the upstairs ready for all the holiday visiting and she asked me if I would help.

And I told her I would think about it.

Just kidding.

She’s my mother.

She doesn’t take no for an answer.

Accent wall in Bedroom before picture

how to paint a wall

Here’s a before picture of the bedroom upstairs.

It’s fine.

The boring bedroom color is a Grayish khaki.

Khaki carpet.

One single window.

Hmm… would that window centered in the middle make a good accent wall?

accent wall before pic

Here’s our DIY accent wall plan of action:

  1. Add architectural interest using decorative wood trim
  2. Use interior paint color for a pop of color
  3. Help center the window with longer curtain rods
  4. Lighten and brighten up the space using white linens
  5. Freshen up the room to get it ready for guests

how to paint a wall with wood accents

1.  Add Wood on Walls

I came up with a simple, easy decorative wood trim plan to add architectural interest to the walls with an oversized harlequin pattern.

You know I love an accent wall so CLICK HERE to see 7 diy paint techniques that you can do, too. (#4 is my favorite).

This is such an easy DIY wall decor project and only took an afternoon to complete.

The decorative wood trim adds visual interest without overwhelming the space.

Here’s a close-up of the wood on the walls.  The decorative wood trim was just what this blah bedroom needed.

I’m sharing how we did this later.

After we caulked all the wood trim pieces and painted the walls. Click HERE to see my BEST painting tip ever. {you won’t believe it}.

Next we painted the wood trim and hung artwork and added new bedding and a new rug and new furniture and a new lamp.

And now?

How did our DIY wall decor turn out, you ask?  {drum roll, please}

Bedroom Wall ~ After Picture

That same space looks like this.

My mother called me this morning and told me it looked like a magazine.

She was so excited at the transformation.

how to paint a wall accent wall

2. Use the Best Interior Paint Color

And the transformation?

It’s all due to one of my favorite interior paint color of all time:

Coral Reef SW 6606.

Painting Tip:  Painting an accent wall can give you that pop of color without overwhelming or darkening the space.

wood coral accent walls project

It makes such a color statement that we only painted one wall, the accent wall.

Painting Tip:  if you want to add color and it seems a little overwhelming?

Pick one wall to add your color.

Don’t worry. I’ve got a few suggestions. Click HERE to pick the perfect bedroom wall color. {it’s foolproof}

3.  Drape Long Curtains to Center the Window

Decorating Tip:  Be bold and try drawing the eye to an imperfection instead of away.

That’s what we did by hanging these long curtains not only to center the window but also to add drama to such a strange shaped wall.

Doesn’t this before and after makeover make you so glad that the window is there?!?  I can’t believe I hated it for so long.  Cuz now I love that challenge made this DIY wall decor even better.

wood coral accent walls

I found these bright, colorful paintings for over the beds.

I love how they pick up the color of the wall and bring a few other colors along.

Just a simple pop of white and color on the coral wall.

coral accent walls

We found this lamp with this beautiful brass silhouette.

I loved it so much, I bought two for the twins’ room, too.

It goes perfectly with the small clock and the wood ampersand.

accent wall room with rug

I wanted to balance out all the color and tie in the khaki carpet with a small area rug.

This one blends in perfectly with the existing carpet.

And it adds another layer of pattern to the room.

4.  Brighten Up the Space with White Linens

We kept it simple with the bedding.

White duvet covers.

White shams.

White throw to help accent the coral.

5.  Freshen Up the Room with Details

They say ‘love is in the details’.  I would agree with all the little touches that went into making this room super cozy.

The small dresser between the beds is the perfect place for guest storage.

I changed out the knobs on this dresser and replaced them with these brass knobs I found at a local thrift store.

Changing out hardware on a piece is an easy way to change it up.

3 Interior Paint Colors To Use With Coral:

The shining star of the space is obviously this coral.

Coral Reef SW 6606 is one of my favorite corals because it goes with so many other colors.

Did you know that you can pair this wall paint with a navy like Naval SW 6244?

Or a gray/blue like Moody Blue SW 6221.

Or even go the opposite direction with your accent wall paint by keeping it plain and simple with a classic white like Alabaster SW 7008.

I’m so happy with how accent wall in room turned out.

Are you ready for one more before and after?

Oh, good.

Me, too.

Before.

After.

The room with its accent wall is ready for the holidays.

The beds are made.

The sheets are fluffed.

The curtains are hung.

The guests have a colorful new space to lay their heads.

But more than that….

…my mother is happy.

And all is right with the world.

disclosure:  This post was sponsored by Sherwin-Williams®.

All opinions are my own.

Please see my disclosure page for more information.

Want to know how to decorate your home for free?
Click here to get my FIVE BEST secrets.

Comments

    1. Image for Lorraine Lorraine

      Your makeover room is fantastic! I love the color I plan to use it in my spare room as an accent wall. The other walls are a light blue called tropical surf, it'll look great! THANKS for sharing. Lorraine

  1. Image for Jo Jo

    The Harlequin pattern, coral on coral made all the difference in transforming this room from okay to fantastic! The layers of texture (which you do so well!) is scrumptuous. Love it and know anyone who visits will feel the love.

  2. Image for Lorna Lorna

    What a beautiful and welcoming room. Plus, I’m sure your mom thoroughly enjoyed spending time with you throughout the process.

  3. Image for Stacey @ Poofing the Pillows Stacey @ Poofing the Pillows

    What a beautiful difference!! I know your mom must be giddy...maybe she does like I do and just stares at the new room over and over. :)

  4. Image for Michael Hawkins Michael Hawkins

    What a transformation! Wowza! Love that color. It makes a huge difference. And the wood trim pieces turn an ordinary wall into something special -- you're good at that! : ) We use Sherwin-Willaims paint (exclusively) at our house. It's a pleasure to work with. And always looks beautiful. Have a great weekend, Sister!

  5. Image for Sher Sher

    I love it ALL. GREAT job. May I ask about the basic white drapes? Where did you purchase? Is it an on line source? Exactly what I’m looking for.

  6. Image for Stephanie Stephanie

    You did it again!!! The room is more than stunning..it is gorgeous!!! I would love it in my home. I really like the color and the wall. It just pops!! Thank you for sharing!! xo

  7. Image for Lily Lily

    Beautiful! I understand how to cheat with the curtains to center the window. But how do you cheat the harlequin pattern? Thank you for sharing!

  8. Image for Karen Mary Karen Mary

    Oh my! This is an absolutely terrific transformation! Thanks for being such a sweet daughter for your mom; she is a lucky lady! We're in the process of getting our big old Victorian ready to put on the market so we can buy a cute little brick house now that all our babes are grown and have babes of their own. Hope we find something as perfect as your mom did! (I also have some talented daughters I can put to work :)).

  9. Image for Terri Terri

    Incredible.... gorgeous.... quite amazing you little Rock Star !!!!!! Now............... Have I got a room for you to work your magic on !! Come on out to the Sunshine State!!! lolololol... Have a blessed and joy filled weekend !!!!!

  10. Image for laura laura

    Those faux fur throws!? Need details? Where? Love them! Timely post as I get set to update my son's bedroom. xo laura in CO

  11. Image for Robbin Robbin

    I would never have picked that color from a paint sample but WOW!! What a transformation!!! Can't wait for MORE before/afters from your sweet mamas house!!

  12. Image for Norma Jean Norma Jean

    What a lovely transformation. It’s a beautiful room! And I love those polkadot containers, which I believe I’ve seen in your bathroom transformation as well. Where did you find those? Using the pretty coral color on just one wall and the harlequin design is brilliant! xoxo

  13. Image for Denise V Cox Denise V Cox

    It's a lovely room!! Coral, along with teal, has become my new favorite color. I bought a small white piece of coral attached to an acrylic base to add as an accent to my bathroom (seashore theme). I bought Rustoleum spray paint in a coral color and what A POP! Iove it!!! I'll have to come over to your Mom's to spend a weekend.. ( 🏡😁)

  14. Image for Jeannie Jeannie

    Beautiful job! I am with everyone one else on the lamp, rug, & clock. Simple but huge statement 😍 I so enjoy your posts.

  15. Image for beverlee lyons beverlee lyons

    I started following you a long time ago because you were so cute and I loved your style doing the farmhouse. I fell in love with you along the way for those same reasons, but am so impressed with your extra ordinary way of thrifting, and making things work! I want that lamp. The lamp shade! Hooray for you and your Mama! Success!

  16. Image for Mary Evelyn Denton Mary Evelyn Denton

    Love the room! I just painted the outside of my beach house in Panama City Beach FL coral reef! It looks amazing! It’s such a bright cheery color! Love your blog and always look forward to your stories!!

  17. Image for Gina Gina

    I love that your mom lives 1.5 mi away! Mine is 4. I pop in for coffee regularly or pick her up on my way to Walmart! Pretty color!

  18. Image for Sandi Magle Sandi Magle

    I've always been fond of a feature wall in an interesting color---this is exquisite for a small room and the boards enhance the roof line! Fabulous transformation!

  19. Image for Michelle Michelle

    I agree...that coral is gorgeous and its the perfect guest accommodations! I'm sending this to my sister in Texas. She's going to love this for her two grands!

  20. Image for Shirley Shirley

    WOW! What a transformation...I love it. And the best part, a good daughter who makes her mother happy goes straight to Heaven.😇😘

  21. Image for Laura Harrie Laura Harrie

    Karianne, your mother must be thrilled with the guest room transformation. Once again, you turn something plain, old and ordinary into simply amazing!

  22. Image for Jayne McLeod Jayne McLeod

    oh my...how absolutely beautiful...you did another lovely room, congratulations and thank you for making you're Mother happy too ! Enjoy ! Jayne

  23. Image for Debbie Debbie

    The room looks beautiful. So bright and cheerful. Not wonder your Mom is happy. Any tips to keep the rug in place on the carpet? I bought a beautiful runner for my bedroom and it keeps moving around. Thanks friend.

  24. Image for Connie Connie

    That's the neatest "redo" I have seen in ages. I can see why your mother is happy. Where did you get the polk dot pillows n stools. They r so stinking cute! You mailed this one. Thanks for sharing n it's neat to live near ur mother.

  25. Image for Regina Merrick Regina Merrick

    I love that the texture and color are just on the one wall - and you didn't even need headboards! Very, very cute room. Centering the window with the curtains was the perfect solution! Feels great to help Mom out, doesn't it? Happy Friday!

  26. Image for Bella Bella

    IMO, the dresser is out of scale and too small for much storage. I suggest a taller, wider piece in a walnut stain. I could not feel calm with the overbright paint. A softer coral.... this reminds me of a dorm room..

    1. Image for AnnTN AnnTN

      If it wasn't what they wanted then it would have been different than it is. Mom loves it and that's all that matters.

  27. Image for Richella Parham Richella Parham

    You are just the best. How cool that your mom is so close by--ah! I'm jealous! Sherwin Williams ought to be grateful to have you as an ambassador. That coral is so pretty! And isn't SW Duration one of the best paint products available?? Honestly, what a difference it makes to use a high-quality paint.

  28. Image for Richella Parham Richella Parham

    Okay, I'm back with another comment. I LOVE the SW website your links lead to. SO VERY COOL to see the color on a paint strip, to see coordinating colors, and to see how a room would look painted in that color! That's brilliant.

  29. Image for Anna Anna

    Colour .... Coral ..... bravo ...... blue and white are lovely in your house but great your Mum is a colour fan !! Love it . Kind Regards from Anna in England

  30. Image for Peg Peg

    I love this! KariAnne, are you the one who measures, cuts the wood, installs and paints? I have blinds to hang...can you please come over with your drill? LOL xoxoxo

  31. Image for Oretha Parker Oretha Parker

    I also love coral and red tones,you and mom did a beautiful job and I loved the architectural wood added to the wall gave depth and added interest to the room.Your use of texture gave the room the right balance of color! What a GREAT JOB! Looking forward to more designs!

  32. Image for Julie Briones Julie Briones

    I have been second guessing my thoughts on adding some wood accents to one of the walls in my living area. This confirmed that I want to do it! Thanks for the inspo, and validation! ;-)

  33. Image for MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!) MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!)

    What a beautiful job of decorating you have done, KariAnne, with your Mom's Guest Room! It's just so pretty!

  34. Image for Leslie Watkins Leslie Watkins

    Absolutely perfect. Love the color! The wall interest with that wood...the beds...and that rug. Your Mom is so lucky to have her daughter wave her magic and have a beautiful room appear!! I’m sure that you will be invited to finish the redos in the rest of her home. Who wouldn’t love that?!!❤️

  35. Image for Mary Mary

    Love this! Coral is one of my favorite new colors. Now I have to go get some at the SW paint store! Hmmm, what to use it on? Also, where did the pictires come from? They just add so much to the room! It looks great, Mom is right! Magazine for sure!

  36. Image for naush naush

    What a stunning makeover !! Absolutely fabulous. However, personally, I would be petrified to experiment with the color coral. But your moms room looks fabulous.

  37. Image for April J Harris April J Harris

    That is so lovely that your mother lives close by, Karianne! This is such a beautiful transformation. I love the colour and the wall accent you made. Thank you for sharing, and for being a part of the Hearth and Soul Link Party. Hope to see you again this week. Have a great week ahead!

  38. Image for Lisa at celebrate creativity Lisa at celebrate creativity

    Hi Karianne, the room turned out beautifully. I love the diamond shapes and you are brave to tackle not only this vibrant coral color but the mitered wood corners as well. Just lovely and that rug..... it kind of reminds me of stenciled cookies. I often think in terms of desserts. Have a great week.

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