I RECENTLY READ AN ARTICLE in House Beautiful about the pros and cons of painting a single wall in an accent color. I’ve never been a huge fan of this practice, but in certain cases it can be very useful–like when you have a room with no focal point or architectural interest. “Painting an accent wall behind a seating group can define a living area–sort of like a rug, but on the wall,” explains designer Steven Sclaroff. A contrasting color can also make a wall appear to advance or recede, so it’s great if you don’t like a room’s proportions but can’t afford to remodel. And let’s face it–most of us are too cowardly to paint an entire room a bright color. But just a single wall of it, as in the example by Amanda Kyser, above, can cure your color cravings without a major commitment.

Photo: Ngoc Minh Ngo/House Beautiful