How to Create an Accent Wall for Fall

An accent wall can make your space feel personal and cozy, and you can easily switch out the look seasonally. To get started, choose a wall that is in full view and has the least amount of uninterrupted space. Next, pick your color. For fall, think deep, saturated tones. We went with a wine-colored indoor paint. Here are the rest of the materials and tools you’ll need: paint roller, paintbrush, carpenter’s square, chalk line, 5/8"x5/8” lattice strips, miter box and saw, 1-1/4" finishing nails, nail gun, hammer, wood nails, wood filler and a sanding block.

Choosing the right furniture and complementary colors is key in helping your accent wall to stand out. We started with a neutral cream color, then chose a deep wine hue for the accent wall, followed by equally deep and rich hues for the remaining colors.

Prep the wall using our painting tips. Next, paint the wall in the color of your choice. We went with a flat finish.

Use a carpenter's square and chalk line to mark a line at a 45-degree angle across the center of the accent wall. Measure the line from the top to the bottom of the wall.

Cut a 5/8"x5/8" lattice strip to match the center measurement. Cut the ends at 45-degree angles so the strip sits flush against the baseboard and ceiling.

Attach the piece to the wall with a nail gun and 1-1/4" finishing nails. This will be the basis for the remaining strips. It should be positioned at the left from the bottom and run to the right at the top.

About a third of the way up from the bottom, make a chalk line from the installed piece going up and toward the left. Use the carpenter's square to make the line at a 90-degree angle from the base piece. Measure the line, and cut and install a lattice strip to match using a nail gun and finishing nails. The end against the base piece will be at a 90-degree angle, and the end at the ceiling will be at a 45-degree angle. A few feet up from where the last piece meets the base piece, install another piece against the base piece at a 90-degree angle, pointed downward and to the right.

Divide the wall into four parts. Install more lattice strips in the bottom right and top center sections parallel to the first piece and at random intervals. Use the chalk line to keep the angles lined up evenly.

In the remaining sections, install more strips perpendicular to the first piece using a carpenter's square and chalk line to keep the lines straight.

With all pieces attached, sink the nails slightly with wood nails and a hammer, and fill in the holes with wood filler.

Sand the spots smooth with a sanding block, and paint all of the strips the same color as the accent wall.

Choose accessories in complementary colors. Look for a variety of textures to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.