One of the most critical aspects of interior design is accent colours. Why? Because accent colours are mainly responsible for adding depth and contrast to any space, creating balance and visual punch.
And what better way to live up to the drama of your colour scheme than accent walls in bold hues? From brazen jewel tones to rich dark blushes, you can create a visually appealing space that will never go out of style.
In this article, we’ll let you in on a secret on how to make your wall pop with accent paint colours.
Understanding Accent Colours
An accent colour is a supplementary shade that you use as a finishing touch to your primary colour. It’s a complementary tint added to enhance the colour scheme of your space.
So, when you design any room, you have a dominant paint colour, and a foundation shade that serves as the colour of your signature furniture pieces.
The colours that you splash across your walls don’t just elevate the visual appeal of your room. More than anything, it gives your space the “feels” you want to achieve.
Red is passion, while blue is soothing. Yellow is cheerful, while green is balance. Orange is enthusiasm, while purple is creativity. These hues stir specific psychological responses that can impact mood and human behaviour.
Top Accent Colour Trends for 2025
From jewel tones to earthy shades, these colours are everywhere. So, if you’re itching to be on trend, dig into these trendy accent paint colours in 2025.
Bold Jewel Tones
Bold jewel tones have enraptured the design trend. It beautifully complements any room where you want to evoke spontaneity.
These decadent colours have depth and don’t feel too bright or overwhelming. They’re rich in hue with a whisper of blackness, which only heightens the drama. This makes them perfect as an opulent furnishing to your main paint.
Here are some popular jewel tones that you can choose from:
• Emerald communicates prosperity and elegance.
• Sapphire evokes wisdom and royalty.
• Ruby captivates passion and power.
Earthy and Nature-Inspired Hues
Another accent colour that’s becoming trendy nowadays is nature-inspired hues such as earthy olive green, muted green, warm terracotta or clay brown.
These shades are cosy and refreshing, exuding a grounding and calming atmosphere. They’re also very versatile and can work well with a range of shades.
While earthy tones may seem unusual for an accent colour, it gives a robust visual appeal to your room without needing to use fancy design.
Rich Dark Colours
From deep navy and charcoal to forest green, these rich dark colours are known to be sophisticated and refined.
For starters, deep navy is a timeless shade commonly linked to the vast night sky. It gives off this serene fortitude, excellent for cultivating a peaceful and graceful ambiance in a space.
Meanwhile, charcoal is a sleek colour that is very modern. It’s darker, which makes it more dramatic and intense.
On one hand, forest green exudes the lushness of trees and the nature outdoors. It’s an accent colour trend that is organic and very much connected to the natural world, promoting a relaxing and outdoorsy vibe. Plus, this shade is deep, which adds sophistication and versatility for interior design.
As you can see, the beauty of using dark colours revolves around depth and sophistication. They make a striking contrast to the lighter main wash, bringing more energy and visual engagement to the space.
Moreover, rich, dark hues are tied to luxury. When you use them as accent colours, your room absorbs that sophistication while maintaining harmony.
Choosing the Right Accent Colour
If you pick your accent colour right, you’re already making a transformative step in your living space.
Consider Your Space
Here are some tips for selecting colours based on room size and lighting:
• If you have a small room, use neutral or light tones. These shades can make a small space feel airy and open.
• If you have a bigger room, opt for deep tones. These shades are more intimate and can keep the space from feeling too expansive or open.
• If your room catches plenty of natural light, use bold colours, as the light keeps them from being too dense and intense.
• If your room has little natural light, opt for warmer shades. This way, the space will feel brighter and livelier.
Colour Pairing Techniques
Do you want to effectively complement your accent colour trends with your base colours? If you do, take heed of these techniques.
• Pick an accent colour that strikes a contrast to your main shade, such as light walls with dark accents. In doing so, the accent gives more pop to your colour scheme.
• Stay true to the 60-30-10 rule. This means that 60% is your dominant colour, 30% is the secondary shade and 10% is an accent colour. This decorating rule will help you maintain harmony while still making the accents stand out.
• Use your accent colours with restraint, being selective in highlighting specific features in the room like pillows, lighting or artwork. This allows your dominant shade to take centre stage while your accent colour provides personality without drawing the focus away from the main elements.
Techniques for Application
Want to learn how to maximise your accent paint colours? Follow these techniques.
Accent Walls
Choose the right wall that draws attention effortlessly, such as the fireplace or the wall behind the sofa. Stir away from any wall that has too many windows that might disrupt visual flow.
Then, prepare the wall and remove any dust or debris. If needed, fix any cracks or holes, ensuring that the surface is thoroughly clean. Remember, a well-prepped wall is central to a flawless finish.
Finally, when you’re applying your accent colour that is in contrast to your original wall shade, it’s best to coat it with primer.
Using Accessories
Pick décour items in neutral tones and then incorporate your accent colours in the little elements, such as the bright rug or vibrant pillow. This is so you can cohesively and purposefully tie the other details of the room while allowing your accent colours to shine.
You can also use artwork as a focal point and choose the ones that feature your accent colours. Art pieces are a great way to display your bold accent shades.
When using accessories with accent paint colours, start small and experiment; allow yourself creative freedom without overdoing the space.
Painting Techniques
• Before applying any paint, always prime the wall.
• Use a high-quality painter’s tape and apply it firmly to ensure the paint doesn’t bleed through.
• Don’t rush application and allow drying time.
• Cut in carefully around the edges, using a quality brush.
• When you’re done painting, use a puffy knife to carefully remove the painter’s tape. Just ensure that it’s dry to the touch to achieve a smooth finish.
Practical Tips for Implementation
If you do it right, you can elevate any space in your home with all the accent colours in the world.
Testing Colours
Some colours look very different on the walls than they do when you’re just looking at them. There’s the surrounding decour and most importantly, the light factor to consider. So, it’s best to sample your paint on a small patch with the light before giving it a go.
This is how you get a preview of your paint colour and make the necessary adjustments.
DIY vs. Professional Help
DYIng is great when you want to learn a new skill and work on your own schedule. However, if you’re dealing with a larger and complicated project, it’s best to hire professional help.
Experts have the skills and experience to achieve a more precise finish in a shorter time frame. They also have access to quality tools and materials to ensure a safe painting process.
And if you ever plan on selling your home in the future, professionals can add more value to your property. They can produce a visually appealing painting job and extend its lifespan as well.
Conclusion
As you can see, accent paint colours are really important. They can add dimension and visual dynamism to your space. If you take heed of this guide and do it right, you can put together a room that brings contrast but still feels in sync.
In whichever way you want your accent shades to be represented, it will never fail to create intrigue and drama in your room.
So, embrace accent colours. Experiment with bold hues for a personalised touch. Bring energy and individuality to creating a space that is truly your own.
If you need experts on your side, reach out to A One Korean Painting. With a new coat of paint, we can bring life back to your otherwise boring chamber.
