Ceilings Rise as the New Accent Wall Trend

Once-popular accent walls are fading from the interior design scene, deemed by many professionals as a sign of a poorly designed space. However, designers are shifting their focus to a surprising new trend: the ceiling.

The ‘Fifth Wall’ Takes Center Stage

Designers are increasingly treating the ceiling as a crucial element of a room’s design, often referred to as the ‘fifth wall.’ This area, typically overlooked, is now receiving significant attention.

“I wish everyone would read the memo that one wall of color is not the way to go,” says interior designer Kristen Peña. “Be bold and be brave!”

Experts agree that the ceiling is gaining prominence. Texas-based designer Sara Malek Barney emphasizes the importance of treating it with equal consideration as the other walls, stating, “I consider it the fifth wall, and when it is treated with equal regard to the vertical walls of a room, it can elevate the space and create a sense of balance overall.”

Designers are employing various techniques to incorporate visual interest, including wallpaper extending from the wall to the ceiling and color-drenching – applying a bold color to both the walls and ceiling.

California-based designer Kristen Peña advocates for understanding a client’s motivations behind wanting an accent wall, suggesting a more impactful approach like color-drenching to convey confidence in the space.