The trend in home decorating today is more eclectic than ever before. Homes that were decorated done in a single motif throughout are now spaces comprised of multiple themes. While some individuals still choose to express the motif primarily through room décor, others immerse the room in the overall theme from the top of the ceiling down to the floor.That means that walls today aren’t necessarily just covered in paint or wallpaper. In order to add rich texture into the room, today’s walls often receive a specialized paint treatment, dimensional wallpaper, a stucco look, leather look or burnished design. Fabric and other materials may also be added into the mix in order to create something fun, unique, and exciting.
Instructions
1. Add a textured look through specialized painting projects. There are dozens of ways to add a textured look with simple paint. These include sponging, ragging, stippling and many other designs. Paint the wall a base color and then sponge, rag or stipple a second or even third color on top.
2. Dip a sponge lightly in the chosen paint color, wiping off any excess. Lightly press the sponge against the wall in a criss cross pattern to achieve the desired look. Continue throughout the wall space as planned.
3. Use a second complimentary color, a metallic, glitter or opalescent paint watered down slightly to make a "wash." Brush lightly on the wall over the base color. Take a rolled up rag and roll it over the area just painted with the wash. Continue rolling until the desired effect is achieved.
4. Use either a paint or a wash to stipple more color onto the wall with the ends of a paintbrush or feather. Add additional colors or washes to achieve a multi-layered look.
5. Use pre-textured paints to create a granite or marble look on one or more accent walls. These pre-textured paint kits are available through most home improvement stores and many of the larger arts and crafts stores as well.
6. Use dimensional wallpaper with a built-in design or pattern. Whether it is left white or painted a color to match the décor of the room, this stunning new addition to the wallpaper world offers an upscale look to a tried and true wall treatment.
7. Employ a wall mural. There are several ways of accomplishing this concept. Pre-made wall murals with a tropical theme, sunset or sunrise, mountain motif, woodland wonderland, and more are available through most large home improvement stores. Another option is to make your own by choosing a favorite photo and having sections of it blown up into poster size pieces at a local photo store. Then apply each piece using a standard wallpapering technique.
8. Hand-paint or stencil a design onto the wall. Talented artists can use their skill to create a one-of-a-kind wall space. Those without natural artistic talents can still utilize this method through the use of stencils. There are hundreds of options available in today’s marketplace as well as instructions on how to make one from scratch. Mix and match motifs or carry a single theme throughout.
9. Try the new rub-on wall designs available today. These typically come in particular motifs like a garden, a Tuscan vineyard, a jungle motif or something similar in nature. The process is simple. Each section of the design is taped to the wall and then rubbed off onto the surface. The next section is lined up with carefully provided markings so as not to break-up or destroy the overall image. Once the entire scene is in place, it looks like a hand painted wall mural.
10. Use joint compound or stucco to add a light texture to the wall. Using a trowel like those used by masons, scrape plain or pre-tinted joint compound onto the walls. Use a semi circle application for a more polished look, a “V” application for an interesting design, or a free form application for a more avant-garde look.
11. Panel one or more walls of the room. Paneling today isn’t limited to just wood tones. It also comes in patterns, designs, and built-in textures that look like linen, parchment, or even alabaster.
12. Install bead-board or wainscoting to one half of the wall (usually the bottom half) and polish off with a beautiful chair railing around the top. Leave it in its natural coloring or paint it in a color that matches the room’s décor.
13. Wallpaper one or more walls with fabric. There are hundreds of materials to choose from that can help add a wonderful touch to any room. Use a tartan plaid for a library, burlap for a family room, satin for a romantic bedroom, or chintz for the perfect little girl’s room.
14. Hang tapestries to add texture. In this case, bigger can actually be better. Purchase pre-made tapestries or make one from scratch using an interesting fabric with a pattern or design that fits into the room’s décor.
15. Add both dimension and interest through wood, stone, brick, tile, or mirror. Choose one wall for the accent and cover it entirely or develop a specific pattern that is used on one or more walls. For example, use ceramic tile to mark the center of the wall space all around the room much in the same way that chair railing is done. Use brick to create a false fireplace, drawing and painting the fire in the center. Use rock to create a unique archway effect around a key piece of furniture. Use weathered wood to make a new version of paneling around the room. Create a giant mirror with mirror panels. The possibilities are almost limitless.
Related posts
Use a level to ensure that your bands of color are perfectly horizontal.A small dark room can be a challenge for the do-it-yourself decorator. Whether you're redecorating an office, playroom or be...
Handmade fans are beautifully decorative pieces to set up or display on the wall. They can be inexpensive, but can add style and allure to your wall. Oriental style wall fans are available in all...
A stairwell wall presents vertical challenges.Painting a stairwell wall requires the use of a special ladder with extendable legs. There are many kinds of stairwell designs, and so planning the pa...
Little girls applying makeupLittle girls love to dress up, experiment with makeup and try out new hairstyles. If you do not have a separate room to turn into a dressing room, you can create one wi...
How to Design a Room for My Wedding ReceptionA wedding reception is a joyous occasion that celebrates the union of two people. Planning a successful wedding reception is all in the details. From c...
