Walls - we take them for granted. They protect us, create cozy spaces and serve as the “skin” of every room. Yet we often forget how important they are and do not consider their treatment.
Wall covering has changed. Grey is over. Even builders are offering two or three shades of tan as standard procedure. People want choices in color. My clients are now asking me, “What color should we paint the walls?” Before, I would have had to carefully suggest color.
Colorfully painted walls are bright, strong, bold, and exciting, adding mood to a room. Even subdued colors add mood. With color, rooms have personality and style, and make a statement about the occupants. You can create your own style with color and not spend too much money.
Do not be afraid to paint each room a different color - particularly bedrooms where there is a door and natural stopping point. Open areas generally need to be unified; however, an accent wall in a contrasting color can be interesting and easily achieved.
There are several other ways to cover a wall. Wallpaper is back and we still see faux finishes and Venetian plasters. Faux finishing adds color and texture. It can resemble marble, natural materials or stone effects, as well as glazing and combing.
Venetian plaster is a three- to four-coat process and is very smooth. Whatever color you choose is mixed into the plaster, giving it greater depth and durability.
Fabric on walls is fabulous. Besides the look it adds an acoustical element to the room. The foam or Dacron padding is applied to the walls and then fabric is attached over it. Any fabric can be used, and in most cases, it is less expensive than wallpaper - it depends on the cost of the fabric. Another advantage is that it does not damage the wall when it is removed.
Fabric can also be applied directly to the wall with glue. If you choose, you can add wood or metal as accents in a design, such as squares or diamonds, these accents can be purchased ready-made and all you have to do is glue them onto the fabric covered wall.
If you are handy, you can personalize and make your own wallpaper by cutting out pictures from a magazine or using personal pictures. You can also paint a faux finish on heavy paper and tear it into large pieces and glue them onto the walls overlapping the pieces. With these techniques you never have any seams.
A rich and surprising look is to carry ceramic tile high up onto walls, even to the ceiling. It is washable and the colors and texture choices are endless.
Vinyl tile can be used in the same way. For instance, vinyl tile that looks like cork, used on the wall adds a feeling of warmth. It is great in a child’s room because it is fun, washable and relatively indestructible.
Ideas, new ideas and your ideas - today’s design is all about finding what is right for you. Have fun and remember that walls have no feelings - you do!
Barbara Kaplan, design enthusiast, offers personal interior design consultations for guidance, ideas and solutions to make your home and lifestyle truly yours. Contact her at [email protected].
