Accent Walls that Wow

Five Ways to Enhance Your Interior Spaces 

Enhancing a house into a more inviting home can significantly benefit from the strategic use of a feature wall. Moving beyond basic paint choices to the tactile richness of wood, particularly cedar, elevates interior design by adding warmth, texture, and a direct link to the natural world. This method, deeply influenced by the principles of biophilia, not only boosts the aesthetic appeal of spaces but also nurtures our intrinsic connection to nature, fostering comfort and well-being.

Whether drawing from the clean lines of West Coast contemporary or the cozy essence of country living, these showcased projects encourage creative thinking about the use of cedar accent walls. Let these projects inspire you to elevate your home’s design, infusing it with not just value but a profound sense of warmth and character.

Photo: Pixar Pros

California Modern Architecture

At the heart of a quaint guest residence designed by Brett Farrow, a modest yet impactful knotty cedar feature wall subtly enhances the room’s texture and depth. This carefully chosen element complements the home’s bohemian style, with its neutral palette and natural furnishings, showing homeowners how a small accent wall can make a significant difference. 

Farrow uses cedar panelling to introduce a natural, warm element to modern spaces, demonstrating that even a small addition of this wood can bring a cozy atmosphere and a tactile dimension to any room, making it feel more inviting and connected to nature. Farrow highlights the importance of cedar in creating a ‘natural modern’ aesthetic that complements the coastal setting of this home.

“Cedar is elemental, it’s fairly off-the-shelf and brings a warmth and aesthetic accessibility to what could otherwise be a cold, hard edge modern form. I also like to contrast it with concrete and natural metal colors.” 

Photo: @mjay.photography

Refined Ranch Living

Nestled within an environmental reserve of Aspen trees, “The Walls” home stands as a testament to the harmony between architecture and nature. Fifty6, a Calgary-based build and design firm, created this sanctuary with serene countryside living in mind. Among its many features, the main living area boasts a statement knotty cedar feature wall. This wall, extending from the staircase across the entire side and reaching up to the second floor, effortlessly extends outdoors, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces. This thoughtful design choice not only adds a rich texture and warmth to the space but also pays homage to the surrounding natural beauty, especially with the cedar-clad tub room in the primary suite.

Photo: Steve Gross and Susan Daley

Clean Crisp Kitchen

Who says feature walls are only for bedrooms and living areas? In a strikingly modern kitchen, where pristine white cabinets and sleek modern lines dominate, a cedar feature wall becomes a beacon of warmth and natural charm. This strategic addition surrounds the window facing the backyard, effortlessly marrying the lush outdoor greenery with the kitchen’s contemporary design. The cedar’s rich tonal range injects a much-needed warmth into the space, softening the modern aesthetic without undermining its streamlined elegance. Designed by Jeff Jordan Architects, this contemporary culinary hub is a perfect example of how natural materials can enhance modern interiors, creating a space that feels both refined and inviting.

Primary Bedroom Transformation 

In a Colorado home featured on Everyday Laura, a primary bedroom is revitalized with a cedar-stained accent wall, introducing warmth and a rich, inviting ambiance. This simple yet transformative touch, enhanced by the natural wood finish of nightstands and accented with leopard pillow covers, white bedding for the warmer months, and a calming blue throw, beautifully complements the cedar’s natural charm. This transformation showcases the power of cedar to not only add visual interest but also to create a cohesive, organic aesthetic. It’s a perfect example of how a cedar accent wall can tie a room together, making it a sanctuary of comfort and style.

Photo: Tim Bies Photography

Dramatic Wood Dividers 

In the Madison Park Tree House project by First Lamp Architecture and Construction, a Seattle-based firm, a captivating design element stands out: a divider wall, open on both sides, beautifully clad in dark-stained cedar. This unique feature elegantly separates the living and dining areas while hosting a double-sided fireplace, allowing enjoyment of the fire from both rooms. Although not everyone can incorporate a central fireplace into their home, this project illustrates how homeowners can adopt bold design choices, such as cladding divider walls in dramatic dark stains or enveloping mantles from ceiling to floor in contrasting hues. These design choices can transform an uninspired fireplace into a striking modern feature, showcasing how cedar can be used to add depth, warmth, and architectural interest to any space, making it a focal point of interior design.