How to Accent Walls 3 Ways With One Paint Color

My sister’s suburban Chicago home has crisp white interiors with plenty of transitional, unfussy, Scandinavian style. She has begun to move beyond her formerly minimalist ways, adding interest with help from the easiest, cost-effective, and tried and true trick in the book: PAINT. Since I am asked about paint colors every single day, today we’ll consider: a versatile medium grey paint color you might want to sample, as well as tips for How to Accent Walls 3 Ways With One Paint Color.

You’ll see the same grey paint used as a stripe accent, for stencil drama, and to highlight a niche.

My sister is the hugest supporter of this blog and always willing to take photos and help. She collects my paintings, and most of the artwork pieces in her home were created by me.

An important note about how one grey paint color was used as an accent in three different ways...the color was adjusted based upon the room’s light conditions. In a bedroom which receives plenty of daylight, the color was used at full strength. In the more dim living room, it was cut with white to 60%. And in a hall with no windows, the color is at 40% strength.

For more designer advice about choosing the perfect paint color for your projects, see THIS and THIS.

This post contains affiliate links which I hope you will use since they won’t cost you a penny extra yet may earn this blog a small commission.

How to Accent Walls 3 Ways With One Paint Color

Grey Paint Color: BENJAMIN MOORE San Antonio Gray

If you’re dreaming of a serene, timeless, and tranquil bedroom retreat for yourself…make sure you SEE THIS with its mood board and sources created especially for you!

Easiest way to see if a color is right? Order samples to be delivered to your door with Samplize (a peel and stick sheet of “paint” to stick on your wall and easily move around to other walls!).

Paint Color Accent Idea No. 1: Wide Stripe

To break up an expanse of white on a living room wall, a wide stripe of Benjamin Moore San Antonio Gray (at 60% strength) adds contrast and architectural interest.

Here’s a peek at the living space before anything was moved into it.

A laser level can make taping off the area to be painted easy peasy.

Rolling on the paint is also a walk in the park…no cutting in at the ceiling!

Paint Color Accent Idea No. 2: Stenciled Statement Wall

A stenciled statement wall is one of the most cost effective ways to add drama–in this case, bold drama–to a bedroom wall. Benjamin Moore San Antonio Gray (at 100% strength) was rolled over the base color (Sherwin Williams Pure White).

Favorite Sources for Stencils I Have Used

Find them HERE and HERE.

Keep in mind that using a great big stencil = much less time! My favorite stencil of all time is called Fortuny: find it here.

Find the post where I used that stencil in a dressing room RIGHT HERE.

I think it’s helpful to see the process of such an undertaking so you know what to expect should you choose to follow suit. At this point of the process (see above), you might think ‘what in the world have I done!?!’ But keep going! It’s only paint, and it only takes an afternoon of work.

What a transformation! My sister has added completely different accent colors and bedding since these photos were taken – proof positive that this grey and white stenciled wall is fairly neutral and easy to work with.

More ideas about stenciling

Cement tiles vs. Stenciled Tiles

Faux Handpainted Tile Stencils

Paint Color Accent Idea No. 3: Solid Accent Niche

What a difference when you paint a wee niche a contrasting color. In this case, Benjamin Moore San Antonio Gray (at 40% strength) adds importance and depth to this entry area which doubles as wine storage and a bar area when company comes.

My Sister Lived in New York for Years, and Here’s a NYC Townhouse My Sister Will Love to Tour…Maybe You Will Too…peek inside!

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

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