have no fear... of the accent wall.

If you're anything like me, you might get bored with your surroundings pretty easily. About as soon as I get a set of throw pillows on my couch, I'm already over them. Once I'm used to a good piece of art on the wall, I'm ready to replace it. I'm constantly collecting bright, funky knick-knacks, colorful blankets, and even my kitchen towels can't make it a month before they are swapped for a more interesting pattern. These little changes can make a big difference in the look and feel of a room, but occasionally... you need a change that's going to make a statement.... a bold statement. I'm talking accent walls.

Paint can be intimidating. But why? It's the MOST impermanent thing in the world. But what if I don't like it? PAINT OVER IT. But what if I don't like that either? PAINT OVER IT. I still hate it. PAINT IT BACK TO WHITE AND GIVE UP.

The biggest mistake you can make is not letting yourself get creative. And the second biggest mistake is getting too brave and painting an entire room a nutso color you aren't sure about. ha. Chances are (if you're like me) even if you LOVE the color, you'll end up getting sick of it within a few months and then you have the daunting task of either painting the whole room again or just living with it. Why not keep all the walls a nice, calm, neutral color and make a big statement with an accent wall.

If you choose a wall with no window, no door, and no other funny shaped object to tape around, you essentially have a big rectangle to paint. And, if you choose a small wall, let's say in the dining room or entry way, a littler rectangle!

That's it! Tape off the ceiling, floors, and corners and have at it! With a good paint and primer, you may only need to apply one coat, and boom you're done in less than 2 hours! (not much longer than that even if you need a second coat!) And price? Depending on how big your rectangle is, a couple quarts should do the job, and you could get out of the hardware store for under 20$!! (given that you have all the various accoutrements...roller, pan and tape... if not? you're closer to 35-40$ for your first go at the big rectangle... but still! not an expensive project!) The most common misconception about painting is how much work it is. Yeah, you're right, taping off and painting an entire house or even a whole room can be a lot of work... but we are talking about a big rectangle here. A 2 hour task that will change the whole feeling of a room.

And my very favorite part about an accent wall?? VERSATILITY. Here, you have the opportunity to get crazy. Go for something bright and bold. Something unexpected. A color you thought would clash with that Mustard Seed Yellow retro chair, but actually makes it all that more interesting.

Because guess what? In a few months, you'll remember how easy it was to paint that big rectangle the first time and you'll be ready for the next exciting color! (especially now that your upcoming trip to the hardware store will be for paint only!) What the heck, paint it for every season! That's the most brilliant part about paint, you can change it a million times! Any time you get a creative whim, you can be confident that your accent wall can't let you down. And quit worrying about your decor "matching"... just take a look at some of these photos! Mix-match is IN!

So the next time you feel like your room needs a makeover...... fear not! PAINT!