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 don’t consider their treatment.
Wall covering has changed a lot in the last 10 years. The days of Navajo white or neutral are over! Even builders are offering two or three shades of tan as standard procedure. This may not be a big difference but it is saying something about people wanting choices in color. My clients are now asking me, “What color should we paint the walls?” Before, I would have had to suggest color.
Colorfully painted walls are bright, strong, bold and exciting, adding mood to a room. Subdued colors add a different mood. With color, rooms have personality and style, and make a statement about the occupants. Personal style can be created with color and little cost.
Don’t 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, a contrasting color can bring out the architecture of a room thereby making it more interesting.
There are several other ways to cover a wall. Wallpaper is having a resurgence while faux finishes and Venetian plasters out. The color and imitation texture they were once used for is now replaced with the real thing. Options such as unique dimensional wood and metal panels, stone and many other natural materials. To see a fabulous selection of the latest and greatest in wall finishes visit Underfoot at the Scottsdale Airpark.www.underfootaz.com.
One of my favorite wall coverings is fabric. It is a wonderful look and adds an acoustical element to the room. Padding made of foam or Dacron 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 doesn’t 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 onto the fabric.
Another one of my favorites is to carry ceramic tile up onto walls. It is a rich look and usually a surprise. It is washable and the colors and textures are endless. You can even create a picture or design in the wall using different tiles and turning and cutting them into different shapes.
Vinyl tile can be used in the same way. Recently I saw vinyl tile that looked like cork. On the wall it added a feeling of warmth. Think about using this in a child’s room because it is washable and relatively indestructible.
Ideas, new ideas and your ideas! That’s what today’s design is all about. Finding what is right for you.
Have fun and remember that walls have no feelings – you do!