Get excited about the coolest thing to happen to paint since the accent wall: two-tone, color blocked walls. This painted accent wall idea is a modified version of the classic accent wall, and creates visual interest while adding a splash of color to a room. Also, for renters or newbie DIYers, it’s a cheaper and power tool-free way to cheat the look of architectural details — like wainscoting, paneling, or a chair rail — without dealing with the molding. 

The one tool you do need: painter’s tape, which comes standard in our handy supply bundles. To get a crisp, clean line apply the tape starting from the corner of a room and work in smaller sections of tape to ensure an even application. Press down on the edges firmly to seal so paint doesn’t bleed through. Once you’ve applied your accent color, remove the tape at a 45-degree angle approximately one hour after painting your final coat, when paint is just dry to the touch.

Need some inspiration to get you started? Here are some of our favorite accent wall paint ideas:

 @trashleymartin

A colorful coral living room

Sure teal green couches would look lovely in an all-white living room, but the addition of our punchy coral paint color, Pop, makes the entire room come alive. Channeling a very 1950’s Beverly Hills hotel vibe, it’s like taking a vacation from the comfort of your living room.

@prettyonfridays

An extra gallery wall accent piece

Some extra color can really enhance a gallery wall. Our Greige paint adds a touch of sophistication to a child’s room and this eclectic collection of paintings and art. Plus, since it’s a lovely neutral, the design of the room can grow with this color.

@ethelsclub and @helloyowie

A sunny addition to an office space

Punchy primary colors are sure to get conversation flowing in this bright coworking space. And our sunshine yellow paint color, Lemonade, is always a crowd pleaser. Choosing a color that’s complementary to other art and decor in the room but not too similar gives everything the perfect canvas to shine against.

@fraicheandco

A mismatched backdrop for kids at play

Sometimes more is more in a kid’s room — but to keep it looking balanced use a unifying color like Summer Friday, but apply it in different ways. For example, stripes on one wall and an accent color on the top third of the others feels cohesive thanks to repeating the same colors.

@aroom_to_abode

A neutral take on two-tone walls

When scoping out color blocked accent wall paint ideas, don’t feel pressured to go big and bold. Instead, pair a soft neutral like Beigeing with a traditional crisp white. This living room shows us how it’s done, using warm-toned furniture to give the space an inviting, homey feel.

@most_lovely_things

An easy way to amp up an apartment

Don’t feel like there’s a one-size fits-all-rooms way of using the two-tone wall trend. In this apartment living room, our rich and earthy coral, Pink Sky, goes two thirds of the way up the wall instead of halfway. In an open-plan space where your living room and dining room are all in a one area, this painted accent wall idea can help each zone feel more unique.

@abby.knott

A pop of color in a kid's room

A sophisticated touch in a kid’s room, a deep green that goes about a third of the way up the wall provides a grounding accent color that balances out fun character decor pieces. The result: a room that can easily be updated to reflect a little one’s changing loves. Try Current Mood to recreate the look.

Related: More simple DIY paint ideas are right this way! Read: 8 Easy DIY Home Projects to Try While You’re Stuck at Home.