Joanna Gaines: ditch painted accent walls for this easy home upgrade

Show summary Hide summary

• When paint feels flat: why materials win for accent walls
• How Joanna Gaines turned a breakfast nook into a design moment
• Best materials to consider for a lasting accent wall
  • Tiles: pattern, polish, and variety
  • Wood and shiplap: warmth and architectural interest
  • Brick tile and lightweight masonry
  • Unexpected options: playful and budget-friendly
• Practical rules for choosing an accent wall material
• Installation tips and budget-savvy choices
• Design pairings that elevate an accent wall

Paint alone won’t always give a room the personality it deserves. Interior designer Joanna Gaines recently showed how swapping paint for textured materials can transform a small space. Her approach adds depth, height and a focal point without major construction. Read on for practical ideas you can use in kitchens, breakfast nooks, and cozy corners.

When paint feels flat: why materials win for accent walls

Paint can be quick and affordable. But it often lacks dimension. Materials like tile and wood introduce pattern, shadow, and tactility. Those qualities make a wall feel intentional.

Small rooms benefit the most. Vertical patterns can create the illusion of height. Natural tones add warmth. And durable surfaces resist scuffs in high-traffic zones.

How Joanna Gaines turned a breakfast nook into a design moment

On a recent series, Gaines chose materials instead of color to anchor a breakfast nook. The space had big windows and modest ceiling height. Rather than a coat of paint, she installed vertically oriented rectangular tiles.

The result was immediate. The tile lines echoed the window mullions and lifted the eye. The wall felt taller and the nook appeared more spacious. It’s a simple trick that relies on proportion and texture more than color theory.

Best materials to consider for a lasting accent wall

There is no single right choice. Think about mood, budget, and how permanent you want the treatment to be.

Tiles: pattern, polish, and variety

• Porcelain and ceramic tiles offer endless colors and shapes.
• Vertical subway or elongated rectangles draw the eye upward.
• Textured or hand-glazed tiles add artisanal charm.
• Tile is low-maintenance and suitable near dining or food prep areas.

Wood and shiplap: warmth and architectural interest

• Shiplap creates clean horizontal lines that read as classic farmhouse style.
• Cedar and reclaimed planks add richness and a lived-in feel.
• Wood can be finished in many tones or left raw for organic texture.
• Consider moisture levels; use treated or sealed wood near kitchens.

Brick tile and lightweight masonry

• Brick tiles mimic an exposed-brick look without heavy structural work.
• They bring rustic texture and visual weight to a space.
• Choose thin brick veneer if you need a lighter installation.

Unexpected options: playful and budget-friendly

• 3D wall panels and molded boards add sculptural interest.
• Upcycled materials — like remnant metal or patterned wallpaper — create unique looks.
• Even unconventional items, when thoughtfully arranged, can read as design-forward.

Practical rules for choosing an accent wall material

Think long term before committing to a nonpaint finish. Tiles and wood are durable, but not always easy to change.

• Match scale: Use larger tiles or wider boards in rooms with high ceilings.
• Consider light: Shiny surfaces reflect brightness; matte surfaces absorb it.
• Plan for installation: Some options are DIY-friendly. Others need a pro.
• Test samples: View materials in the room at different times of day.
• Mix textures: Pair a textured accent wall with simple furniture to avoid visual overload.

Installation tips and budget-savvy choices

Even a modest budget can deliver big impact. Prioritize the wall that will be most visible when you enter a room. That choice gives the greatest return.

• Install vertical tiles to make a low ceiling feel taller.
• Use peel-and-stick options for temporary rentals.
• Combine painted trim with a material center to balance permanence and flexibility.
• Reuse salvaged boards or reclaimed tile for character and savings.

Design pairings that elevate an accent wall

An accent wall should complement nearby finishes. Consider how the wall will interact with windows, cabinetry, and lighting.

• Pair warm wood with cool metals for contrast.
• Let patterned tile be the room’s statement and keep textiles simple.
• Use recessed lighting or wall washers to emphasize texture.