Decorating can be such a creative adventure when you expand your ideas to include the unusual. One area where you can stretch your decorating wings is on the walls of your home. There are so many possible treatment and colour-combination possibilities that you can really let your imagination fly. Let's review some of the better-known finishes then put our own twist on them.
Paint
Like the two-toned paint treatment in this dining room photo, courtesy of Dulux Australia, there are thousands of colour and pattern combinations possible using simple paint techniques. Patterns made through strié, flogging, dry brushing and sponging are not as popular as they once were, but they still have potential to create a dynamic space. In the past, it was fashionable to use these finishes on all of the walls in a room, which today would seem a bit overdone. You can use any paint treatment in smaller sections to create drama. A paint technique used on an upper or lower portion of a divided wall will give your space texture and depth, for example. Create a focal point by using a paint technique right on the wall and framing it as if it were an actual painting. This could be fun over a fireplace, at the head of the bed or in a dining room. Use an interesting paint treatment on a wooden staircase to mimic a carpeted stair runner. Use a paint treatment on a wooden floor in a foyer to create a unique entryway. These are just a few ideas but you get the picture.
Textural finishes
Textured wall finishes require a bit more commitment because they are difficult to remove or change down the road. They can still create a great look in the right space. Treatments with minimal texture, like an orange-peel textured finish, can be changed down the road with less fuss. Finishes with a deeper texture, like a Tuscan-plaster treatment, are a little more difficult to change. Try to decide ahead of time how much of a commitment you can make to the one you choose.
Wood or panelling
Wood finishes can be great in the right setting. Again, consider using one on the lower half of a wall rather than the entire wall to add visual interest. Panelling, for instance, can be used to create a wainscoting effect. Don't forget wood can be painted after it's installed so you can get the texture you want, but you can also have the colour and look you desire. Walls finished with wood or panelling can be painted soft white to create a rustic cottage look, for example.
Trim and moulding
Adding decorative trim, moulding and motifs to your walls can add tons of character and charm. You may note the intricate corner trim at the ceiling in our feature dining room. The trim is highly ornate but because it's used as a decorative touch and is painted out in a neutral colour it is not overpowering. You can buy all sorts of decorative motifs that can be simply hot glued to the wall to add textural touches in a non-permanent manner. Decorative millwork items like acorns or fleurs-de-lis can add a touch of whimsy to any room, for instance. Affordable items such as beads, old jewelry, wooden lettering, small mirror pieces or even children's board-game pieces or small toys can be used in the same fashion.
Wallpaper
Applying wallpaper is a fairly quick and non-permanent update that can drastically change the look of any room. The right pattern and colour can do wonders for a humdrum space. If you haven't explored what's available lately you might want to check out your options. There are even peel-and-stick appliqués that don't require adhesive and can be removed in a flash. These can be fun in a child's room but there are also grown-up designs available.
Stone and brick
Of course, if you want to create a permanent feature wall, there is always the option of installing stone, brick or tile. There are tons of great products out there in composites or a mixture of stone and composite that mimic the real thing. These provide the look you want but don't require a stonemason and are not as heavy as the authentic item would be. When applying such materials to a wall you want to ensure they will be secure so check out your options.
Fabric and textiles
If you can't paint you can always use fabric to change the look of your walls. The right colour/pattern/texture could help you create a stunning focal wall in the master bedroom. You don't have to cover the entire wall, either. Just use great fabric strategically to get the look you desire. Look for sale items like bedsheets or drapes, which already have finished edges so you don't have to sew. An heirloom quilt or clothing article (like a Kimono) can be used in the same manner.
Every wall has the potential to be dynamic. Choose your finish and go for it.
connieoliver@shaw.ca
