What do you think of accent walls? Dakota Johnson, who is at least partially famous for her excellent interior design taste, strongly dislikes them.
In a recent lie detector test for Vanity Fair, the actress revealed her 'design hot takes.' When asked by the interviewer if accent walls are ever a 'good look,' she responds, 'No,' and then doubles down when the interviewer questions, 'Never?'. Fair enough.
It's certainly true that the question of whether or not accent walls are still on trend would garner a range of answers depending on who you ask.
On the count of the classic image of the accent wall as a single brightly painted wall in an otherwise neutral space, I definitely agree with Dakota that they tend to look dated, a garish hangover from the '90s.
However, I don't agree with Dakota that accent walls always look bad. What I mean by this is that there are dozens of different ways to do an accent wall, and many of them are actually very cool. For instance, you could create an accent with a gallery wall, pieces of art, or a sheet of wallpaper.
One of designers' favorite ways to make an accent wall look chic and current is through the use of a wall mural. Whether you use wallpaper or paint, this style feels refreshingly modern, yet adds the brightness and whimsy integrated with a traditional accent wall.
Shop the wallpaper mural edit
This beautiful landscape adds drama and beauty to any space. Available in various materials and sizes.
If you prefer bold colors, this blue and white nature design can easily be turned into a mural panel – this one allows you more flexibility with size if you want something wider. Its tiled design feels distinctly European, like something you could find in The Blue City of Porto.
If you want a few mural panels that match, this wall art offers the same effect. This set of three is printed on linen canvas and depicts trees, florals, and birds in a colorful scene.
Of the mural trend, James Mellan-Matulewicz, Creative Director of Bobbi Beck tells Homes & Gardens: 'Framed murals will be the go-to choice for homeowners looking to bring personality and luxury into their interiors without major renovations. This technique mimics the look of curated artwork, offering endless opportunities for customisation through patterns, themes, and sizes.'
The look is popular because of its inherent fun, similar to the draw of a traditional gallery wall.
Anne Puukko, design expert at Feathr Wallpapers, explains: 'It’s a style that invites you to play, mix, and match the ornate with the understated. This trend proves that you can live like royalty and still have a space that feels personal and alive.'
What are the best wall mural ideas for 2025? James recommends: 'Chinoiserie and botanical patterns will remain favourites, while abstract and custom murals will cater to those wanting modern sophistication.' Honestly, I think even Dakota would have to approve.
To summarize, Dakota Johnson doesn't think that accent walls can ever look good, while many interior designers think it depends on the style. What is your opinion? Let us know in the comments.
