When it comes to designing a bedroom that feels like a true retreat, the right paint color can completely shift the mood of a space. California-based DIYer and content creator Leslea Ferguson proved this with a stunning makeover in her modern rental home. By painting just one wall in a deep, moody neutral, Leslea created a warm, restful haven that shows just how powerful a primary bedroom accent wall can be. 

From Builder-Grade to Bold 

Leslea’s home, a new rental built in 2023, was a blank canvas. “The bedroom started as a plain builder-grade space with all white walls,” she shares. “After living here for over a year, I was ready to give it some personality.” With four daughters and a pet tortoise in tow, she wanted a space that felt like her own: calm, inviting and cozy.

Before

After

Instead of tackling the entire room, Leslea focused on just one wall behind her bed, proving you don’t need to paint all four walls to make a huge visual impact. 

Why Shade Was the Perfect Choice 

Leslea initially considered Current Mood, one of our moody greens, but ultimately chose Shade (a deep greige) for its versatility. “I loved that Shade felt dramatic but still neutral. It brought out the tones in my furniture and decor without overwhelming the space,” she explains. 

With only one window in the room, lighting played a big role in the decision. “Shade looks beautiful during the day, but at night, it’s dark and moody in the best way,” Leslea says. “It changes with the light and gives the room such a cozy vibe.” 

A Transformation in Tone 

The impact of the new accent wall was immediate. “It totally changed the room,” says Leslea. “It went from sterile and flat to warm and inviting. It made everything else in the room stand out more: my headboard, artwork and side table.” 

Leslea’s light beige headboard, which used to blend into the white wall, now pops against the rich backdrop. A large piece of artwork above the bed also gained new dimension and contrast. “That artwork is my favorite piece in the room now,” she says. “The color Shade makes it feel so elevated.” 

A Moody Color That Still Feels Restful 

Dark paint colors can feel intimidating, but Leslea’s space is a great reminder that moody doesn’t mean gloomy. The key? Choosing a hue that leans warm and pairs easily with existing pieces. 

“I wanted something that would ground the room and still feel calm,” Leslea explains. “Shade is that perfect in-between. It has depth, but it’s not stark or cold.” 

Simple Styling Tips to Complement a Bold Wall 

With a bold backdrop in place, Leslea kept the styling warm and understated to balance the mood. “I repainted my side table a deep green to add more richness. It looks amazing next to Shade, and ties in with other green accents I’ve used,” she shares. 

Other Smart Moves 

Contrast is key. A light headboard or bedding helps anchor the space against a darker wall. 

Lean into layered neutrals. Earthy, muted tones pair beautifully with a greige like Shade. 

Let one piece shine. Whether it’s artwork or a sculptural mirror, let your focal piece be the star against the accent wall. 

Leslea’s approach to painting was all about efficiency. “When cutting in, I used a deeply saturated brush and went over the edges with horizontal strokes. It gave better coverage and helped reduce the number of coats,” she notes. 

And while she didn’t need any fancy techniques, she did appreciate our formula. “I was shocked by how thick and smooth the paint is. And there’s barely any smell, which is so important when painting indoors.” 

A Space That Finally Feels Like Home 

Now that the room is complete, Leslea couldn’t be happier. “It finally feels like my space,” she says. “It’s calm, it’s cozy and it really reflects the mood I wanted for a primary bedroom.” 

Whether you’re decorating your first home or refreshing a rental, her advice is clear: Don’t underestimate what a single wall can do. With the right paint color and a thoughtful approach, a primary bedroom accent wall can deliver serious style with minimal effort and maximum impact.