Accent colors can transform and elevate any space or design. Strategically placing bright, bold hues draws the eye, creates visual interest, and makes a memorable statement. When used effectively, accent colors have high visual impact that packs a powerful punch.
In interior design, accent colors are applied sparingly to key areas, rather than throughout an entire space. This targeted approach makes accent colors stand out and creates a dynamic, energizing vibe.
Choosing where to add accent colors takes careful thought and planning. Some areas naturally draw focus and serve as prime placement for eye-catching hues. Other locations blend into the background, so accent colors there get easily missed.
To maximize visual impact, here are 8 high-impact places to use accent colors:
1. Front Doors
The front door sets the tone for the entire home. Painting your front door an accent color delivers curb appeal and creates a great first impression.
Opt for rich, saturated hues like emerald green, cobalt blue, or mustard yellow on your front door. Avoid muted, muddy colors that will fade into the background. Choose a color that contrasts with your home’s exterior for the biggest visual impact.
Paint the door itself in your bold accent color. For added flair, extend the color to exterior trim, shutters, planter boxes, or other coordinating elements. Avoid overwheloning the entryway with color. Instead, let the front door be the star and accentuate it with neutral tones elsewhere.
Painting the front door an accent color broadcasts personality and individuality for all to see. When driving up, guests are greeted by an eye-catching focal point before they even enter your home.
2. Artwork Backdrops
Accent walls provide the perfect backdrop for displaying artwork. The dynamic color pops against framed pictures, photos, paintings, tapestries, and more.
Choose artwork and an accent wall color that complement each other. Cool tones like blue, green, and violet pair well with warm metallics, woods, and neutrals. Warm reds, oranges, and yellows match nicely with black, white, silver, and cool photographs.
Keep the artwork as the main focal point by selecting an accent wall color a few shades deeper or lighter. The accent color boosts visual interest in the artwork without competing for attention.
Float artwork directly on the accent wall or place it on shelving and easels in front of the colorful background. The accent wall becomes part of the art display itself.
3. Interior Doors
Transform plain, boring interior doors with a fresh coat of eye-catching accent color. Painting doors a bold, lively hue makes them stand out as a decorative focal point.
Try complementing your front door’s color with the same hue on interior doors. Tie everything together by using the same accent color on shutters, trim, moulding, or other architectural details.
Alternately, select a contrasting accent color that pops against the walls and ceiling. Avoid matching the door color exactly to your wall color, as the doors will just blend in.
For smaller interior spaces like powder rooms, painting the door an accent color makes it feel like an extension of the wall. This makes the room appear larger.
Beyond just painted slabs, consider coloring interior door frames, casings, and built-out trims to highlight architectural details. Accent colors on interior doors punch up any room with pizzazz.
4. Kitchen Cabinets
The kitchen is the heart of the home. Painting the lower cabinets an accent color infuses this busy space with vibrancy.
Stick with a classic, uniform cabinet color on the uppers to maintain balance. Try complementing black, white, gray, or neutral uppers with a vivid green, blue, red, or yellow below.
The accent color on the lower cabinets creates visual interest in the space you utilize most. It adds dimension while allowing the countertops, backsplash, and floor to shine.
If your kitchen layout has an island, paint it an accent color that pops against the other cabinets. The island becomes a functional focal point. Top it off by displaying fresh flowers, fruit, or decorative items on the island.
Beyond cabinets, use accent colors on kitchen trims, window frames, pendant lights, stools, or hardware. A little color goes a long way in the kitchen.
5. Bathroom Vanities
In bathrooms, painting the vanity an accent color makes a stylish statement. Place your vibrant hue beneath the sink on cabinet doors and drawers to create an eye-catching foundation.
Pair colorful vanities with neutral wall tile, natural stone counters, chrome fixtures, and mirrors. These materials complement without overpowering the vanity’s accent color.
Paint just the drawers or the lower doors an accent color, while keeping the upper portion neutral. This visually expands smaller bathrooms.
Tie your bathroom together by using accents of the same color on the rug, towels, shower curtain, accessories, or an abstract wall pattern.
A colorful vanity gives your bathroom an invigorating feel. Start your days energized by getting ready surrounded by vibrant hues.
6. Interior Trim
For a cohesive look throughout the home, use accent colors strategically on interior architectural details and trimwork. Try painting baseboards, crown moldings, door casings, wainscoting, and chair rails the same accent color to add visual interest.
Match this trim color to details like your front door, interior doors, or kitchen island. Tie everything together for a pulled-together look.
Colorful trim complements plain white walls with classic neutral furniture. It also pops against bold patterned or textured wallpaper.
In formal spaces like dining rooms, accent colors on trim and moldings lend an elegant, sophisticated feel. In casual settings like dens, bright trim adds upbeat contrast.
Beyond moldings, use accent colors on the fireplace mantel, ceiling beams, bookshelves, cabinets, or built-ins. Just take care not to overdo it. Stick with accenting 2-3 architectural elements for balance.
7. Furniture
Liven up furnishings by splashing accent colors on furniture like sofas, chairs, ottomans, tables, and bookshelves. Paint or upholster furniture in vibrant hues that contrast everything else in the room.
If purchasing new furniture, look for pieces that come in the accent colors you want. Many brands offer armchairs, sofas, and ottomans in a rainbow of fabric shades.
For budget-friendly pops of color, try updating thrift store finds. Freshen up eclectic furniture with bright accent paint or new throw pillows and cushions.
Place your colorful furniture strategically as a striking focal point. Angle a painted chair to face into the room. Float a bold sofa against a neutral wall. Use color thoughtfully rather than going overboard.
The right accent furniture energizes living spaces while showcasing your personal style. It creates an instant conversation piece.
8. Backsplashes
Make a splash by installing an accent-colored backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom. This eye-catching design element adds visual depth, dimension, and style to any room.
Try boldly colored ceramic, glass, or stone tile, arranged in fun patterns. Or create a colorful mosaic from irregularly shaped tiles. Accent backsplashes look equally fab behind sinks or stoves.
Balance an exuberant backsplash with simple cabinetry and neutral countertops. Let the backsplash shine without competing colors and patterns overwhelming the space.
Beyond tile, consider colorful glass, stainless steel, or tin backsplashes. Paint a graphic pattern right on the wall. There are endless possibilities to showcase your unique personality.
An accent backsplash energizes your space with cheer and charm. It brings a smile each time you cook, wash dishes, or get ready in the mornings.
FAQs About Using Accent Colors
Accent colors add spice, vibrancy, and visual delight when used thoughtfully. Here are answers to frequently asked questions about maximizing the impact of accent colors:
How much of an accent color should be used in a space?
Stick to the 20-60-20 rule – 20% main color, 60% neutral, 20% accent color. Too much accent color overwhelms. The best approach is to use it strategically as a detail, rather than an overall scheme.
How do you choose an accent color?
Consider the mood you want to create, choosing energizing shades like yellow, orange or red for cheer, or cooler hues like blue, violet or green to calm. Accent colors should contrast with your main color scheme to stand out.
What are some go-to accent colors?
Classic accent colors include navy, emerald, marigold, coral, turquoise, violet,brick red, mustard, chartreuse, teal, and periwinkle. But any vivid shade that excites you works!
What should you avoid when selecting accent colors?
Steer clear of dated color combos like burgundy and teal. Avoid matching loud patterns and colors that clash. Don’t pick accent colors that blend in with your main palette. The accent should contrast.
How do you use accent colors in home decor?
Use accents minimize to avoid visual chaos. Paint a front door or piece of furniture, highlight architectural details, or install an accent backsplash. Bold prints and patterns in accent colors work well for pillows, throws, and window treatments.
What are accent colors good for?
Accent colors add visual interest, highlight unique details, make spaces more lively and cheerful, create focal points, define areas in an open floor plan, and display the homeowner’s style.
How do you accentuate with color?
Place accent colors strategically in areas where you want to attract attention, like front doors, wall trims, furniture pieces, backsplashes, and artwork. Contrast vibrant accents with plenty of neutral colors and textures for balance.
What colors make a room look bigger?
Light, bright, airy colors like off-white, pale blue, light gray, and soft yellow make small spaces appear larger. Dark accent colors can make rooms feel more intimate. Save deeper hues for accent walls, trims, furniture, and artwork.
Should you avoid bright colors in a small space?
Not necessarily. Bright accent colors add energy. Just apply them sparingly – on a front door, an accent wall, a colorful artwork, or a vivid rug. Then balance it with neutral walls, floors, and furniture.
Conclusion
Strategically placed accent colors transform ordinary rooms into extraordinary spaces. Vibrant hues highlight architectural details, create focal points, and infuse energy.
Concentrate accent colors in specific high-impact spots for maximum visual appeal. Prime locations include front doors, artwork backdrops, interior doors and trim, kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, colorful furniture, and backsplashes.
Follow basic guidelines to pull off accent colors successfully:
- Stick to the 20-60-20 rule for well-balanced color distribution
- Choose hues that contrast your main color scheme
- Select vivid, saturated shades for maximum impact
- Apply accents judiciously to avoid overwhelming a space
- Highlight key details like doors, trim, furniture and backsplashes
Get creative with bold, beautiful accent colors to bring new life wherever you live, work and relax. Surround yourself with an energizing palette personalized to your unique style.
