Skip The Painted Accent Wall & Try These Trendy Alternatives For A Sleek, High-End Look

Choosing a bold color for an accent wall is a quick, simple way to give a space more personality without having to renovate an entire room, but such a popular design choice can also seem passé to some. If you are looking for a sleeker, high-end way to accent your home, try coating your wall with a plaster finish. Finishes like Venetian plaster, Roman clay, and microcement are all trendy materials that can add visual depth and texture to walls that's not achievable by flat paint alone.

All three types of plaster finishes are applied with a trowel rather than a paintbrush, and are available in a range of colors and sheens. However, these choices do have subtle visual differences that drastically alter their aesthetic. Venetian plaster is known for its elegant, layered texture reminiscent of carved marble, while Roman clay has a softer appearance and a rich tone that gives walls a natural hand-crafted look. For those who prefer modern decor, the glossy, polished finish of microcement might be the perfect way to elevate an accent wall. Between these options, it should be easy to choose an accent wall and design that fits your style.

As its name might imply, Venetian plaster can give accent walls a Mediterranean, old-world feel. It's a type of lime wash made by mixing limestone, marble dust, and occasionally a coloring agent. It has a smooth, reflective surface for an elegant, sleek finish. Additionally, since it's basically liquid stone, Venetian plaster is extremely durable and can even help soundproof a space.

Alternatively, the vibe of Roman clay is a bit more casual. It's also a putty composed of natural materials, but its main ingredient is gypsum, not marble, leading to a warmer, cozier final product. Roman clay is not super shiny, making it a better choice for rooms with a more organic design scheme. It's also a great place to start when styling a rustic home. During application, Roman clay can be made completely smooth, or you can make trowel marks during the project for a handmade vibe.

Microcement creates a smooth, continuous surface anywhere it's applied. Made of a special cement mixture, it's durable, waterproof, and can give a room an industrial edge without being overwhelming. This material also tends to be much less expensive than other plaster finishes, making it a more accessible way to add visual interest to your accent walls.

While slapping a coat of paint onto a wall is certainly the easiest way to update a room, it doesn't always offer the impact many people are after. But since plaster finishes are applied by hand, they inherently bring a touch of craftsmanship to any room they're used in. Whether you opt for a bold shade of Roman clay or embrace the natural creamy tones of Venetian plaster, the permanence of these finishes makes them feel intentional and one-of-a-kind. Plaster finishes are also able to resist damage and scratches better than other wall coverings. When it comes to a finish that feels as good as it looks, it's hard to beat plaster.

A plaster finish is perfect for those who are ready to move beyond an everyday painted accent wall, but want something subtler than dramatic wallpaper or paneling. Of course, you don't have to limit yourself to only using plaster finishes on accent walls. Venetian plaster is also stunning applied to exterior walls, while microcement can be a great choice for the bathroom.