Painting an accent wall dark gray in the sunroom to draw your eye to the beautiful outdoor scenery. You don't have to paint a whole room to make a statement, just pick one wall to focus on.
When we moved into our stone cottage 4 years ago, both Roger and I hated this room. Not only is it an addition but it doesn't really fit the style of the cottage. It also was really dirty when we moved in and had yellow walls (not my favorite paint color).
At first we were going to just use it as storage but I removed the window blinds, cleaned it up, moved some furniture in.
It felt like a different space.
All the sources for the sunroom are listed at the end of the post. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
With a new appreciation for the space, I knew that I could make it even better with a coat of paint.
We moved the furniture to a more suitable position to take in the outdoor view and painted the walls. I also replaced the broken ceiling fan with a new hanging light.
What a difference from the mess that it was when we moved in!
We enjoyed the space so much more with the walls painted gray but I had this nagging feeling that I wanted a change. When we first moved in and realized we could make this space more livable I always envisioned the walls a dark, rich color.
Of course when it came time to paint the first time I chickened out and went with a safe color, light gray. I had used this color before and loved it so I knew that it was a good choice.
To satisfy my desire for dark paint, I did go ahead and paint the back door the dark gray that I had envisioned for this room.
All was good for a while but that nagging feeling came back (as they usually do).
I stewed on it for a while and finally decided to go for it, since I already had the paint. Once I started though I had a change of heart and decided to just paint a feature or accent wall. That way if I hated it, it would be easier to repaint.
How to choose a feature wall
I wanted my feature wall to catch the eye and draw you to our beautiful views of the trees. It's the first thing you see when you walk through the kitchen so it made the most sense.
With the accent wall chosen it was time to start.
Before I started painting though, I decided to make another quick change by replacing the light with a ceiling fan. It can get warm in here in the summer so a fan is the right move. I love the sleek look and it makes the space more comfortable when it's hot out.
It took me a while to do this little update but I love how it turned out!
It really makes the window frames pop and draws your eye towards the outdoor view.
The rest of the room has remained the same. The opposite wall has a photo gallery with some of our family memories along with the painted cabinet from the entryway. It's almost too much for this room but I can't give up the storage.
Here's a sneak a peek of our newly painted kitchen island. I told you I've been busy painting all the things.
So, what do you think...
Do you think accent walls are outdated? Would you do one in your home?
Check out our sunroom updates...
Sunroom Makeover - Phase 1
Thrifty Ideas for Decorating the Sunroom
Progress and a Video Home Tour
Room Sources
- light gray paint Benjamin Moore Gray Owl, 50% strength
- dark gray paint (accent wall) Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron
- ceiling fan
- stool with painted legs
- faux fur stool - DIY by me
- sectional sofa - Pottery Barn (discontinued)
- striped rug
Kim Purvis says
The dark paint looks sooo good! I Love it! Pinned.
Kristi says
Thanks so much, Kim! I love the change!
Barbara Chapman says
I do love an accent wall and have had one at our past two houses. Love how yours really makes the sunroom dramatic now!
Happy fall and getting those projects done,
Hugs,
Barb 🙂
Kristi says
Thanks Barbara! I'm loving a dramatic wall color and can't wait to do it again. 🙂
Doreen says
I love the accent wall. The fan was a wise choice too. I have an accent wall in my bedroom. It's the wall my headboard is against.
Kristi says
Thanks so much Doreen! Since I've done this I've been looking at other rooms to create an accent wall. 🙂
Maria says
Wow what a way to make the room pop! Love it
Kristi says
Thanks so much Maria! I love the change!
Michelle Leslie says
Wow Kristi, it sure does make a huge difference. Love how the dark color acts as a backdrop/frame to that beautiful scenery outside. Good on you for going with your gut
Kristi says
Thanks Michelle! It was scary to go that dark but I'm so glad that I did it. Now I have to restrain myself from doing it in every room. 😉
Marty says
I love it, what a beautiful change. It really does bring your eyes to the trees outside. Gorgeous.
Kristi says
Thanks so much, Marty! I'm really loving the change. 🙂
Siong says
I personally preferred it white.
I think the dark color distracts from the beauty of the outside view.
But The room is beautiful, I love the dramatic plant in the corner.
Vicki Brawley says
Your changes are perfect! I love the accent wall and love the family pictures too. The ceiling fan is great!
Kristi says
Thanks so much, Vicki! It's finally starting to look like the room I've been envisioning. 🙂
Anne Horning says
I still love an accent wall but I wouldn’t be brave enough to go so dark! It’s definitely an attention getter and shows off the windows beautifully. Love your home, mine is a small brick ranch that I wish had your front porch! We gutted and remodeled about 4 years ago and I’m trying to convince my husband to put a half bath in part of a large closet after seeing yours! Wish me luck!
Kristi says
Thanks Anne! It took me 4 years to work up the courage but I'm so glad that I did. I really love it!
Our front porch is a work in progress. I'm looking forward to finishing it.
Best of luck convincing your husband to add a half bath. It's the best thing we've done in this house. You can't beat having another toilet. 😉
Marlene Stephenson says
I love it and looks so refreshing, opens up that room to that lovely view.
Kristi says
Yes, it really does draw your eye out to the beautiful view! Thanks Marlene, I appreciate you stooping by. 🙂
Carla Erickson says
Look the dark wall! Beautiful room! Looks very inviting!
Kristi says
Thanks so much, Carla, I appreciate it!
Darlene says
That wall makes the room stunning! You made the right choice. I Love it! Good job Kristi
Kristi says
Thanks so much, Darlene! I'm so glad that you loved the darker, more dramatic feature wall! I'm really wanting to do it in another room now. 😉
Toni says
I love the boldness of the wall and always admire others who have the courage to do that. I wonder about painting that storage cabinet the same color to add some balance to the room? Just an idea. Very cute and fresh looking.
Kristi says
Thanks so much Toni! I'm so glad that I finally painted it dark. I'm loving the change! As for the cabinet..it was black when it was in the entry. I finally ended up painting it in a lighter color and immediately found an old chest to take it's place. Now it's sitting in the sunroom waiting on a new paint color...back to black. I just have to work up the energy to paint it again. 😉
MrsSW says
Hi Kristi - great job on the sun room - that dark wall is certainly dramatic.
What is the tall plant in the right corner? That's also very dramatic.
Sheila
Kristi says
Thanks so much, Sheila! I'm loving the darker, more dramatic wall color. 🙂 The plant in the corner is dear Ethel. She's my rescued bird of paradise that is thriving in her sunny corner.