DIY Luxury for Your Living Room! Craft a captivating focal point in your living room with a DIY modern organic accent wall.
Inspired by nature and the latest trends, this guide details the creation of a stunning accent wall with custom shelving and ambient lighting. Perfect for our Hawaiian home, Hale o Ka’ala, this project showcases how to transform a blank space into a modern masterpiece.

Get the Look
- Modern Meets Organic: This design incorporates clean lines, natural textures (like wood), and pops of greenery for a fresh and inviting feel.
- Built-in Beauty: Custom shelving adds functionality and visual interest, displaying treasured items and creating depth.
- Eco-Conscious Touches: Opt for sustainable materials like birch plywood and eco-friendly paint whenever possible.
- Dimmable LED Lighting: Soft, directional lights highlight your favorite pieces and create a warm atmosphere.
DIY Inspiration on a Budget
This project breakdown provides a clear picture of the costs involved, with a total estimated cost of $770, including materials, lighting, and tools.
- Wood for Accent Wall (Pine, Birch, Oak, or Cedar): $50-$150 per 4’x8′ sheet of plywood – we used 4 sheets of birch plywood ($100 each) and two sheets of pine for the face ($75 each): $550
- Wood Paint and Sealer: we used Benjamin Moore Satin Primer and Paint: $50
- Dimmable LED Directional Lights: $85 ($6.30 per light from Amazon – we used 13 for this project)
- Nails, Screws, and Anchors: $65
- Sandpaper and Brushes: $20
- Level, Tape Measure, and Stud Finder: (if needed): $60
Before: A Blank Canvas



Key to Success
- Plan It Out: Measure your space, sketch your design, and consider what you want to display on the shelves.
- Quality Matters: Invest in good quality wood like birch plywood for a durable and long-lasting accent wall.
- DIY Smarts: Save on costs and personalize your project by incorporating DIY elements.

The Transformation: A Living Room Masterpiece


The end result? A living room feature wall that exceeded our wildest expectations. What was once a blank expanse of space is now the heart of our home—a reflection of our style, personality, and creativity. Thanks to a single idea from Houzz, we’ve unlocked the potential of our living room and created a space that we can truly call our own.
Why Choose a DIY Accent Wall?
- Transformative Power: A well-designed accent wall can completely change the feel of your living room.
- Express Yourself: This is a fantastic way to showcase your unique style and personality.
- Cost-Effective Upgrade: DIY allows you to create a high-impact feature for a fraction of the price of hiring a professional.
- Personal Touch: There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating a beautiful feature yourself.
Join Our DIY Journey
This post is part of our home renovation blog series about transforming our home in Waimea, Hawai’i Island, called Hale o Ka’ala (house of the fragrant mountain).
As always, mahalo for joining us at Eco-Luxe Living: Hawai’i! We invite you to explore our blog for more DIY accent wall ideas and inspiration. Get ready to breathe new life into your living room and create a space you’ll love! Happy renovating!


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