The Bold Color Trend That's Replacing Accent Walls In 2026

Painted accent walls may be on the way out, but homeowners still crave a splash of color in their designs. A subtler yet still impactful way to introduce an accent tone into a room without opting for an accent wall is to paint a door and its trim so that it stands out, thus becoming an accent door. If you're scratching your head, wondering what accent doors are and why you should consider them for your home, take it from interior designer Sarah Storms, who told Homes and Gardens, "A colorful door adds a lot of impact without a lot of risk."

This is one interior design trend that's replacing outdated painted accent walls by adding the intentional use of color without going overboard. Accent doors may not be an entirely new concept. After all, trends within the last few years have utilized both painted interior and exterior doors, and there's been an emphasis on trim colors that go beyond boring white. But the trend today reflects shifting tastes for more color in our spaces. For example, Zillow has shared that more color in home design is trendy, especially with striking, earthy, and moody palettes. 

Rosedoor Solutions has also noted that 2026 door trends are "transforming doors from purely functional elements into design focal points." In the past few years, we've seen many people experimenting with accent doors, most notably on exterior doors to add more visual intrigue. Homeowners love the affordability and versatility of this design choice, making it feasible for many to achieve on their own.

Adding an accent door to your space is a lot like color blocking. Start by finding the right place to incorporate your accent color. You want the color to be visually impactful in the room rather than looking out of place. Therefore, it could be best to choose a door that can make a statement, such as a front door in an entryway, a pantry door in the kitchen, or double French doors leading from the dining room into an office nook. It's also a good idea to pick an appropriate color for your aesthetic. Add other pops of the same color throughout the room, or choose a color that is already an existing accent in your design. 

Soft and earthy colors are trending and can appear more modern and fresh than bright primary hues, which are falling out of favor. To make it cohesive on both sides of the door, TikToker deco.dwelling suggests painting the lock edge of the door the same color as the side the door opens into and painting the hinge edge the same color as the other side. Additionally, if you want an avant-garde look, you could paint multiple accent doors in different colors in a hallway. Just be sure to keep tones consistent for a cohesive look. However, this trend is not for everyone. For example, one common design trend you'll want to avoid if you plan to sell your home is using outdated, overly bold colors.