Why We Love a Limewash Accent Wall

In a city full of hard lines and fast movement, there’s something deeply calming about a wall that looks hand-touched and timeworn. That’s part of the reason limewash paint has become a favorite among designers and creatives in New York. It’s quiet, textured, and brings subtle depth to even the simplest of spaces.

If you’re considering trying a limewash accent wall in your apartment or townhome, you’re not alone. This finish has made its way from old European buildings into modern interiors as a way to add softness and character without clutter.

Limewash is a mineral-based paint made with natural lime and pigments. It dries to a matte, chalky finish that reflects light in a soft, uneven way, almost like plaster. Instead of masking texture, it highlights it. Limewash leaves behind visible brushstrokes and tones that feel warm, layered, and lived in.

If you’re used to crisp white walls or perfectly smooth eggshell finishes, limewashing walls might feel like a risky design choice, but that’s why it’s quickly becoming a favorite of many New Yorkers.

A limewash accent wall works best when it’s an intentional design choice that sets the tone for the entire space. It’s especially useful in rooms that need a little warmth or visual interest but can’t accommodate many decorative elements.

Right now, we’re loving limewash accent walls for:

• A dining nook in a railroad apartment
• A small bedroom wall behind the bed
• The entryway in a prewar walk-up
• The main living wall in a minimalist loft

Rather than bold palettes, limewash goes for the subtle charm.

We’re big fans of Portola Paints limewash. This collection is formulated with slaked lime and natural pigments, applied in layers with a brush. The result is a finish that reacts with the surface it’s on and ages beautifully over time.

Choose from an earthy, curated color palette that leans into soft natural tones like Solaris and North Woods, to earthy hues like El Coyote and La Conchita. Whether your style is industrial, vintage, or understated-modern, Portola’s range gives you options that don’t feel overly polished.

One of the biggest advantages of limewash on textured walls is that it plays with what’s already there. If your apartment has slightly uneven plaster or exposed brick, limewash enhances it instead of fighting it. Even over drywall, it creates depth without needing perfect conditions.

That said, it does require some prep and technique. This isn’t a slap-on-a-coat situation. Limewash needs to be applied in thin layers with a specific brush technique to achieve the cloud-like movement that makes it so distinctive. If you’re not a confident DIYer, our team is ready to help walk you through it.

At Janovic, we’re excited to show you our collection of Portola Lime Wash in an array of memorable shades. If you want something fresh but aren’t sure where to start, our design team is here to help you decide where and how to use it. Whether you want to test a sample or talk through your vision for a specific wall, we’re here to help.

Contact us today or visit one of our NYC paint stores, and let’s pick the perfect limewash for your apartment. We are located throughout the New York City area, including near Manhattan, SoHo, Chelsea, Long Island City, Gramercy Park, Hell’s Kitchen, Lower East Side, Throgs Neck, The Bronx, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Uptown West, Yorkville.