Made True: Accent Wall Designs
- MT Trim Co
- Sep 30
- 6 min read
Meet Chris Betteridge. When he walks into a home, he doesn’t just see blank walls — he sees potential. As the owner of Accent Wall Designs, located in Scottsdale, Arizona, Chris has built a reputation for transforming empty canvases into conversation pieces.
The Initial Spark
Chris’s love of woodworking goes back to his high school wood shop days in Chicago, Illinois. While most of his classmates tackled straightforward projects like Adirondack chairs that came with pre-made plans, Chris pushed the limit. His ambition led him to build his parents a media center with custom cabinets and glass doors — all from scratch! That project lit a fire that never went out. Over the years, he remodeled his own homes, sharpening his skills until finally he launched Accent Wall Designs in 2023. What started as a passion became a business, one that continues to grow and wow with every build.
From White Walls to Wow Factor
Bold accent walls, wainscoting, custom media centers and the ever-popular electric fireplace installs are what Accent Wall Designs is known for. That, and the simple fact clients come to him with a snapshot from Pinterest or a rough idea in mind, and he can turn their visions into something that wows! Chris brings ideas to life, customizing every detail on-site from scratch. So how does he do that?
Embracing Technology
The introduction of AI has elevated the customer service Accent Wall Designs provides and is instrumental to its business model. Most of his clients have either recently moved into a new build home or are looking to add character to their existing home. Taking a picture of a customer’s blank wall and asking ChatGPT what it's going to look like when it’s done provides a quick and effective visual on the spot. Chris has also used AI to show potential clients what a similar build could look like by rendering versions in a new color or with minor details changed. By embracing technology, it has provided a new level of client-focused service, where homeowners have a way to see their custom project quickly, without having to wait for renderings.
See for yourself: a blank white wall > AI rendering > final product!
The Pursuit of Perfection
Ask Chris what sets him apart as a carpenter, and he’ll tell you without hesitation: he’s “way too anal about everything being perfect.” Wood, after all, is a living material. It’s unpredictable, full of character and you’ll never see the same piece twice. That’s part of its beauty. But even in the face of natural imperfections, Chris pushes for precision. Every cut, every joint, every finish is his chance to bring order to the organic. It’s a balance of respecting wood for what it is while still striving to make it flawless. That relentless pursuit of perfection is what defines his work — and what makes each build unmistakably his.
More than What Meets the Eyes
And to drive the idea of perfection home, Chris and his team take pride in the details. And that includes the details you’ll never notice. “We’ll paint areas you’ll never see because we know it’s there,” Chris admits with a smile. Every project ends with a walkthrough, clear communication and an open invitation: “call anytime, for anything.” That commitment to trust and transparency is what keeps customers coming back.
Lessons in Sawdust
If you ask Chris what advice he’d give to someone starting out, he doesn’t hesitate: “Just do it! You’re going to make mistakes, you’re going to have to start over, but you’ll learn something new on every project.” For him, missteps aren’t setbacks. They’re essential stepping stones. In fact, he believes trial and error teaches more than simply following instructions. It’s about understanding the “why” behind every cut, joint, and design choice.
Building a Team, One Cabinet at a Time
Of all his projects, one stands out: his first media wall with built-in cabinets. It was uncharted territory since launching the business, and the learning curve was steep. But with the support of his business partner, Christian, their team pulled it off seamlessly. That success didn’t just add a new skill to his tool belt — it expanded what clients would trust him with in the future. It was a turning point, proving that confidence is built one project at a time, and now cabinetry has been added to the list of custom projects that they can execute.
Tough Builds, Stronger Skills
Anything high up off the ground is always a challenge. (We agree!) Chris recalls a faux-beam build that tested his patience and skill. The ceiling trusses were run in a way that didn’t make sense, and his team had to spend an extra two to three hours “treasure hunting” where they were located before they could accurately secure their beam framing. Wrestling with weight, alignment and finishing touches forced him to problem-solve on the fly. It’s challenges like this that remind him why he loves the trade and the advice he previously gave: there’s always something new to learn.
While the extra time was frustrating (and neck-straining), the outcome was great!
Priced with Purpose
Chris is clear-eyed about the business side of woodworking. Not every client will understand the cost of custom craftsmanship, and that’s okay. “A lot of people come in expecting Kia prices, but want a Cadillac.” For him, pricing isn’t just about materials or labor — it’s about the pride of delivering high-quality work that lasts. And for clients who value that, the investment is always worth it.
Chris gives some solid advice to his peers: “You have to be OK with someone telling you, ‘I found it cheaper’ or ‘That’s more than we expected.’” If you run a business, you’ve likely heard similar phrases. But remember, “people who say this come back and end up booking with you because of how you treat them and because of the reputation you’ve built.” That matters. He also shared a humbling reminder that you will have customers who won’t question your prices or get a second estimate because they know they want to use you. For him, that’s one of the best compliments they can get!
This piece of business advice was shared with him, and now it’s time to share the knowledge. “If you land every job you bid, you’re priced too low.”
The Tool Trailer
Chris and his team roll around with a 6x12 enclosed trailer that stores all of their tools. The trailer actually serves as a rolling billboard — fully branded with what those who pass by need to know. And, sure he might have a few things outside of the trailer. “Don’t ask my wife about what’s in our garage, her car still fits, that’s all that matters!”
His top 3 favorite tools, in no order are:
SurfPrep Sander (with dust extractor)
Stud finder that shows you the width of the stud, like the Franklin Prosenser M210.
Looking Ahead
As much as Chris loves working with his hands, the future holds a shift. Eventually, he’d like to “get off the tools.” Before starting his company, most of his career was in sales. It’s evident that’s why Accent Wall Designs has found success — Chris has knack for business, client services and marketing. For now, though, he’s still in the thick of the sawdust, pouring passion into each design.
Since high school, Chris has had a dream to buy land and build an entire cul-de-sac of homes and name it after himself. And while he states he isn’t pursuing that any longer, we are all about helping fellow makers reach for the stars. So if you’re located in Arizona, reach out to Accent Wall Designs today.
On the Job and Off the Clock
When the tools are down, you’ll likely find him on the golf course or spending time with his family. They love dining out at local sports grills. And as his sons get older, he makes time to play baseball, soccer and golf with them, because the reward of spending time with them is worth all the hard work along the way.
At its core, Accent Wall Designs is a craft born from passion, persistence, perfection and purpose. For Chris, every build is about more than wood and paint. It’s about creating spaces that feel like home, supporting his family and building a business — and that’s what makes him Made True.
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