Accent walls are officially dead – here's what designers are doing instead

Let’s be honest: the once-ubiquitous accent wall is officially a design relic. From skinny jeans to bucket hats, trends have a way of fading faster than a poorly applied coat of paint. Experts are united in their verdict – it’s time to move on.

The fifth wall: a rising star

Instead of a single, bold splash, the focus is shifting dramatically upwards. Designers are embracing the ‘fifth wall’ – the ceiling – as the new canvas for sophisticated visual interest. It’s a surprisingly simple shift with a huge impact, and one that’s completely transforming interiors.

A chorus of opinions

“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!” But the opinions on how to elevate the ceiling are far from uniform. Six leading designers offer vastly different approaches, all centered around the same core concept: draw the eye upwards.

Wallpaper wonders

Designer Sara Malek Barney emphasizes the importance of treating the ceiling with the same care as the walls. “I consider it the fifth wall,” she explains. “When it’s treated with equal regard to the vertical walls of a room, it can elevate the space and create a sense of balance.” From subtle wallpaper patterns to dramatic Art Deco-inspired designs, the ceiling is proving to be a surprisingly versatile platform for personal expression. Jeanne Barber adds, “Wallpapered ceilings look complete and purposeful.”

Drenching the room

Others are taking a more audacious approach, ‘drenching’ the entire room – including the ceiling – in a single, saturated color. Kristen Peña, a champion of bold hues, urges clients to “jump in with both feet and drench the whole room—even the ceiling!” Think Christopher Stark's moody burgundy kitchen, a testament to this fearless strategy.

Color blocking & texture

Designer Emilie Munroe advocates for strategic color-blocking, pairing contrasting shades to create visual drama. “Accent ceilings are the only accent ‘walls’ that our team specifies on projects,” she notes. Miranda Cullen, founder of Inside Stories, suggests playing with metallic finishes, “Metallic elements…nothing catches the eye – or the light – quite like a metallic ceiling.”

Architectural illusion

And for those without inherently striking architectural features, designers are employing clever tricks. Diane Rath highlights the rise of “faking architectural details” with paint and wallpaper. “Wraparound wallpaper treatments call attention to ceiling height changes,” she explains. “Painted lines that mimic wainscoting or paneling add a timeless, grounded feel.” These techniques, she argues, are “bold, creative, and far easier than a full renovation.”

The bottom line

So, forget the single accent wall. The ceiling is the new frontier of interior design, offering a wealth of possibilities for adding depth, drama, and a touch of unexpected sophistication to any space.