Skip the Expense of a Full-Blown Renovation Project
Accent walls are a convenient way to add personality and style to any room without the expense and hassle of a full-blown renovation project. When it comes to materials, not all are created equal. Tile or thin brick veneer are an excellent choice of material for homeowners who want a durable, unique, and high-end look.
In this article, we’ll cover all the basics with a special focus on tile or thin brick veneer. Before starting your project, understanding the design elements will enable you to make the right choices and avoid mistakes. We hope to help you make informed decisions about your wall so that your project will turn out just as you envision.
An Uncomplicated Renovation Project
Accent wall creation will cause minimal disruption to your space and daily routine compared to other types of renovation projects. Why? Since only a portion of a room is being updated, the scope of work is smaller. This type of project typically doesn’t require major structural changes. In most cases, minimal preparation will be required. Projects can often be completed in a couple of days.
Just One Wall: Easy on the Budget
Since you’re working with just one wall instead of four or more, your budget can go further than you might expect. We encourage our clients to go ahead and choose high-end, unique, and durable materials regardless of the cost (unless the wall is huge).
Think of it like this: You will spend about 75% less on labor and materials than for a project involving all the walls in the room.
Materials like elegant marble tile, stunning glass mosaics, or rustic thin brick veneer might feel out of reach for a full-room project, but with one wall, you’re only spending a fraction of what you would for a larger-scale renovation project.
Focus your budget on a single standout feature. Maximize impact without breaking the bank. Accent walls are a smart investment.
Tile or Thin Brick Veneer vs Other Wall Coverings
Do you want your accent wall to be a truly unique and durable design feature? Paint can fade and chip. Wallpaper may peel. Skip these common wall coverings and opt for higher-end materials.
Here are some ideas:
- Batten shiplap, although overused in recent years, can still provide a classic rustic look.
- Wood is ideal if you’re going for warmth or a rustic look. Wood with a sleek finish can add sophistication. Wood-look tile is a great alternative for water-exposed areas.
- Thin brick veneer can also provide a rustic appearance. With different styles and textures, other vibes can be achieved, for example, a loft or industrial look.
- Metal panels, such as steel, aluminum, or copper, can create a striking impression.
- Plants can be arranged on a wall to create a vertical garden. For homeowners looking to incorporate natural elements, this would be ideal. Be prepared to spend more time on maintenance, though.
- Gallery walls can serve as fantastic focal point. By grouping artwork, framed photos, or other items together, you create a striking focal point that offers the same visual impact as a traditional accent wall.
- Stacked stone can make an earthy yet sophisticated impression, especially when paired with dramatic lighting.
- A fabric wall can create a sense of softness. The texture is cozy and inviting compared to other wall coverings.
- Built-in floor-to-ceiling cabinets or shelves are a functional and stylish way to create the visual impact of an accent wall.
- Murals are a great way to give large-scale artwork the attention it deserves.
- Tile is versatile and durable, offering a high-end look. Ceramic, porcelain, glass, subway tiles, wood-look tiles, mosaics, 3D tiles, and more…
By incorporating texture and style, your wall can be more than just a different-colored wall. It can be a conversation-starting, attention-getting feature wall.
Why choose tile or thin brick veneer?
Aside from their durability and ease of maintenance, these materials come in a wide variety of patterns and designs, so you can easily find the exact color and texture to fit your overall design scheme. Choose from a variety of finishes, from soft matte to high gloss.
Thin brick veneer tiles are lightweight, but they add the same heavy texture, complexity, and character of traditional brick walls to your space without the need for costly additional structural support to handle the heavy weight of real bricks.
Choosing the Most Appropriate Accent Wall
Which wall should you choose? The answer to this question depends on the layout and flow of the space, as well as the focal point of a room, that is, the first place one’s eyes tend to land upon entry.
Many rooms have an obvious focal point, like a fireplace, large window, shower wall, backsplash over a stove, the wall behind a bed in a bedroom, etc. Your wall can be useful for drawing attention to unique architectural features like crown molding, picture or bay windows, built-in shelves, vaulted ceilings, and statement doors. It should help highlight an existing focal point if one is apparent. In any room where there is no obvious focal point, your feature wall can become the focal point the room needs.
Are accent walls outdated?
Some people claim accent walls are outdated, but this has not been our experience. Many interior designers refresh older existing ones with modern materials. The ongoing popularity of this design element demonstrates that it transcends the trends that come and go.
Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when planning your project:
- Too many accent walls in one room can be overwhelming. Although some larger rooms with complex layouts can benefit from more than one, in most cases, one is enough.
- Avoid putting an accent wall in a small or over-cluttered room.
- Choosing the wrong wall can throw off the room’s balance. If you’re unsure, try a temporary wall. Find out whether it will work in your space by using virtual tools or peel-and-stick paper.
- Improper material selection can bring undesirable results. For example, clashing colors or the wrong texture can diminish the appeal of a room. In high-use areas where splatters, moisture, dust, soot, or other contaminants may be a concern, be sure to select a wall covering that is easy to keep clean.
Hire a Professional Tile Installer
For materials like tile or thin brick veneer, achieving a professional and precise appearance will require the skills and experience of a reputable tile installer, especially if intricate patterns or cuts are involved. Hiring a professional can make all the difference. Uneven surfaces, custom layouts, working around fixtures, and other challenges can be a source of frustration for DIY homeowners. For truly exceptional results, entrust your tile or thin brick veneer wall project to Copher Tile & Stone.
by Alice Dean
Copher Tile & Stone proudly stays up to date on tile installation with ongoing education with Mapei Technical Institute, Ardex Academy, the National Tile Contractors Association, Laticrete, and Schluter. Copher is a Certified Tile Installer (#1644).
