Kitchen Accent Wall Ideas

Wallpaper Wall

You may think of wallpaper as a thing of the past, but there are great, new, modern options that can make a spectacular kitchen accent wall.  A pop of color and pattern on an accent wall in your kitchen could be just what your kitchen needs. There are so many choices that will suit your style.  Wallpaper is a great backdrop for any other items on your accent wall from furniture to photos to art.

Brick or Stone Wall

For a more natural kitchen wall accent idea, choose a brick or stone accent wall.  When the real thing is found in a kitchen, it is a celebrated wall that adds interest to any room.  You can achieve this look by adding the real thing, veneers or even faux pieces. A stone or brick accent wall in your kitchen will add a coziness and warmth to your kitchen.  The natural pieces come in a variety of colors and shapes that can meld with any style kitchen.

Shelving on the Kitchen Wall

Another kitchen wall accent idea is shelving.  There are so many varieties of shelving and bookcases that it is really a matter of personal preference.  Floating shelves look great on an accent wall in the kitchen. Floating shelves can be lined up parallel, staggered or random.  Display anything from ceramics to photos to greenery for a beautiful focal point. Standard shelves shorter than the wall or wall to wall would also add character and function.  You could also get creative with shadow box shelves in a variety of sizes on your accent wall.

Retro Signs for the Wall

A retro sign or a collection of retro signs for a kitchen accent wall makes a nostalgic statement in your kitchen space.  Fun statements and old school nostalgia will brighten the space. Retro signs are available in a variety of materials including, but not limited to metal and wood.  The vintage signs are usually available in a myriad of happy colors. Keep with the feel of the room and use food, drink, diner, restaurant, cafe or vintage pub signs.

Paint for the Kitchen

The old standard, paint, still works great as a kitchen accent wall.  Painting the kitchen accent wall a different color breaks up the room and adds character.  It allows you to use a dark color on just one wall to add a pop of color. Darker colors across the entire kitchen would be too dark and enclosing.  Usually, two to three shades darker than the rest of the walls is a good guide if you can’t decide. Accent wall paint emphasizes the wall and draws the eye to whatever you would like to place on the painted wall.  

Related Article: Revitalize Your Kitchen with a Fresh Coat of Paint DIY Painting Tips and Tricks

Shiplap or Board and Batten for the Kitchen

If you are handy with wood, shiplap or board and batten makes a spectacular do it yourself kitchen accent wall.  Shiplap is simply wood paneling that stacks one panel on top of another. Board and batten is a type of paneling that alternates wide boards and narrow wooden strips called battens.  Shiplap or board and batten can be made to coordinate in color with your kitchen.  You can even find faux shiplap or board and batten wallpaper to spruce up your kitchen.

Photos or Wall Art

Photos or wall art can form a kitchen accent wall that will suit every taste.  Family photos, even in the kitchen, add personality and charm. Two photos beside each other or a group of three or more photos appeal to the eye.  Choose black and white or color for the group. Almost any type of art grouped together can form an interesting accent wall as well.  Mirrors, rustic pieces, metal decor or glass art can be grouped together on a wall to form the perfect accent. 

Tile on a Kitchen Wall

You can make your own work of art with tile for a kitchen accent wall.  It can be subtle or colorful and very easy to clean. You can go for a more natural look with a brick or stone tile.  With natural look tiles, you can even create structure for further detail and function. Decorative tiles come in more designs than you can imagine and can be placed on the accent wall in many creative ways to create the perfect look to accent your kitchen.

Plates or Pottery Display

Another kitchen accent wall idea is to display a collection of plates or pottery.  If you already have a collection of dishes or pottery to display, you are all set. Just purchase some hangers and get hanging!  You may want to trace templates of your items and play with the design on the wall before hanging. Move the templates around until you find your display pleasing.  If you don’t have a collection, any home goods store will have a wide array of ceramics for you to choose from. Buying new allows you to match the colors of your collection to your kitchen.

The kitchen accent wall ideas above can really set your kitchen apart from other kitchens.  An accent wall will turn your bland kitchen into a kitchen with personality. Choose a chalkboard, a collection, retro signs, cool paint or even stone or tile for your accent wall to make your kitchen pop. Your accent wall will serve as a conversation starter and add interest for years to come.