Zebra Print Wallpaper For Bedrooms Design

Split Your Colors with Two-Toned Walls

There's no need to choose between two paint colors — use both to add dimension and interest to your walls

Shawn Gauthier

June 29, 2012

I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected, not decorated, and that homes should always be as comfortable and functional as they are chic. In addition to writing for Houzz, I work as the Head Copywriter for Layla Grayce and Zinc Door.

Color is one of the easiest things to compromise in the home. It's hard to choose the right paint color for your walls with so many options out there. If you've narrowed it down to two hues, there's no need to choose — two-toned walls can add dimension to a space and help you compromise on color choice.

Although these walls are often inspired by horizontal molding, there's no need for this architectural detailing to get the look in your home. Any wall, any color and any style can benefit from this technique.

Use two neutrals on your walls to add subtle dimension. Placing the lighter color on the top half visually heightens the ceiling.

Two neutrals set the scene for a variety of looks. In this space designed by Betsy Burnham, anything from bold brights to zebra prints take new light against the two-toned wall.

Dark shades can add drama to a space, but sometimes they're overwhelming on a full wall. Choose a two-toned look and to balance a dark and light color for a sophisticated and fresh look. Notice how the rug mimics the wall, pulling the style into the space.

Pair a dark shade with bright white for a crisp look that feels at home in traditional and modern rooms. This paint color is actually a deep brown, but if you want something more bold, go straight for black and white.

Consider painting your wall with different shades in the same color. This bright and cheerful nursery remains soft and sweet when accented with light purple.

Light blue is paired with a darker hue in this boy's bedroom for a classic look that will grow as he does.

If you're loving this season's neon trend but are a little wary of going all out, splitting your wall color in half may be the perfect compromise. Pair a hot shade, like this bright pink, with a neutral for a combination that's balanced but bold.

In this dining room, a bright coral looks ultra sophisticated when paired with beige. Leopard print chairs in a similar hue pull the color scheme into the space.

Try playing with opposite sides of the color wheel for a playful combination that looks great in kids' rooms — like in this youthful green and pink girl's room.

Creating separate areas is tough in shared rooms, but this designer cleverly used two-toned walls to do just that. Blue linens on the bottom bunk and green on the top emulate the walls, helping define each sleeping space.

Remember, two-toned walls don't have to be exactly split in half. A small strip of a light color on top of a darker shade will still add visual height to the ceiling and dimension to the room's decor.

If you're designing a home or adding molding yourself, consider installing it on curved windows and corners for a two-toned wall with a little extra personality.

Don't feel like you need to stay between the lines of your molding either. The beautiful detailing in this room has two strips of molding. The designer carried the green through to the top strip and then switched the color for a slightly different take.

You can also get this look without molding. This elegant and chic bathroom proves it can be done with stylish panache.