April 14, 2025

Pro Design Tips for Office Interiors: Accent Walls

Samantha Butcher, Senior Interior Designer at Arium AE, shares some of the top tips for accent walls in today’s office interiors.

Accent walls are a timeless design element that continues to elevate new office interiors by adding visual interest and personality to your workplace. If you are aiming for an inviting atmosphere or a peaceful, focused environment, an accent wall can transform your workspace into a welcoming space. A feature wall can enhance your company’s branding message, improve wayfinding, create memorable focal points, or an artistic expression, leaving a lasting impression. From bold dramatic statements to subtle, calming tones, the possibilities are endless. A well-designed accent wall not only enhances your office’s aesthetic but can create a soothing environment, helping employees feel more connected and at ease. In today’s hybrid work environment, bringing employees back to the office requires spaces that make them feel comfortable and motivated to be there. A feature wall can foster a sense of community engagement, creating a space to encourage social interaction and community building. Accent walls are a wonderful way to serve as a focal point and incorporate employee-centric design, enhancing both comfort and productivity by creating a space that fosters well-being and engagement. Ready to enhance your workspace? Our expert design team can help you craft the perfect accent wall that aligns with your brand and vision. Keep reading for expert tips on how we can help you design the perfect accent wall to improve your office interior.

WALL SELECTION – Picking the Right Feature Wall

When selecting an accent wall for your office, focus on creating a central focal point that draws attention and sets the tone for the space. This could be the first wall that captures the eye when entering the room, making for a perfect spot to highlight key features of the space, like a reception desk or company logo. To ensure your wall stands out, try and pick a wall that is symmetrical and free from visual distractions. A clear unobstructed wall will allow your accent wall design to enhance the space, helping create a welcoming atmosphere that can be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This is particularly important when encouraging employees to return to the office after adapting the space for hybrid workstyles, where the goal is to create a comfortable, inviting environment that enhances productivity and connection.

MATERIAL SELECTION – Choosing the Perfect Finish

Navigating material selection can be complex, but with our design expertise, we can help you choose finishes and materials that complement your space.

There is a range of finishes available for your accent wall, offering limitless design possibilities. To narrow down the best options, it is essential to align your material choices with the surrounding design and overall atmosphere you want to create. For instance, if you want to evoke a calming, natural ambiance, consider incorporating materials like reclaimed wood, stone, or a biophilic green wall. Accent walls can be a unique way to incorporate sustainable practices into your workplace, using eco-friendly materials and designs.

To enhance the feel of your space, you can apply color theory to influence mood. Color theory plays a vital role in architecture and interior design by influencing the perception, frame of mind, and functionality of space. Understanding how colors make people feel allows designers to create environments that align with specific goals. For instance, warm colors like red, orange, or yellow can stimulate energy and attention, making them useful in communal areas or creative spaces. In contrast, cool colors such as blues and greens evoke calmness and tranquility, making them useful in spaces where concentration is key. Additionally, neutral tones like grey, brown, and white can create a balanced, timeless environment, often complementing accent walls or branding elements.

Large format graphics, like custom decals or wallpaper, are an opportunity to incorporate different elements such as nature, culture, or branding. Using bold, geometric, oversized patterns can introduce a contrasting, modern-contemporary feel. For a more innovative look, consider using materials such as laser-cut metal, glass, and layering mediums or integrating lighting, such as a wall that evolves with the lighting throughout the day. When selecting materials, it is important to consider the attributes and how they will perform in the space. Ask yourself: How will it appear from a distance? Does the finish have a texture that can only be seen from up close—how will the wall look thirty feet away compared to five feet? Consider the scale and the detail of the material. For instance, opting for larger laminate panels may provide a cleaner, more cohesive look compared to smaller panels with visible seams. By incorporating a feature wall, you can create and improve your interior office styling.

Durability is key for a high-traffic area. A feature wall in an elevator lobby will experience more wear and tear than one behind a reception desk. It is important to choose materials that can withstand the demands of the given environment without fading or deteriorating over time.

WALL FUNCTION – More Than Just a Visual Statement

While accent walls are often recognized for their aesthetic appeal, they can also serve important functional roles within your office space. Thoughtful design and placement of the feature wall can communicate key messages and enhance the overall user experience. In a large open space, an accent wall can serve various purposes within an office. Reflecting on company culture and history are ways to incorporate company heritage and locality into the office design. In larger open spaces or elevator lobbies, a feature wall may act as a landmark for wayfinding, helping users mentally navigate the space and designate spatial zones. In conference rooms, an accent wall offers an opportunity to showcase products, reinforce the brand, or even foster creativity and discussion. Meanwhile, in main office areas, a strategically designed accent wall may enhance employee morale by displaying uplifting imagery to create a positive environment.

Well-chosen feature walls can make your office feel more inviting and comfortable, allowing employees and guests to feel more at ease. By creating a visually engaging yet welcoming atmosphere, these design elements can help transform the office into a space where everyone feels valued and invited. By considering both functional and aesthetic aspects of the accent wall, you can create a space that not only looks great but also improves workflow and overall well-being within your office.

No matter what the finish, function, or placement, an accent wall is an opportunity to display your brand identity while elevating the atmosphere of your workplace. At Arium AE, we specialize in designing spaces that seamlessly blend sophisticated design with practical, functional solutions. As a full-service integrated design firm, our collaborative team of over 35 professionals, including interior designers, architects, engineers, planners, and green building experts, all work together to deliver innovative, tailored design solutions.

Ready for an office refresh? A memorable accent wall can elevate your entire workspace. Arium is here to assist. Let’s bring your design vision to life.

Contact us, and let’s start discussing your next project.