Sunday, 21 July 2013

Decking the Walls

Wallpaper can be a stylish, modern way to update a room. (photo: Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images)
Painting and finishing the walls can yield major results without a major overhaul.
Wallpaper or an accent color on one wall can add vibrancy and make a bold statement, says Meyer. She looks to decorative plastering and stenciling to keep up with trends.
"You can even incorporate murals, either right on the wall or on panels," she said, adding that painting on panels is better for those who may not plan to stay in their home for long.
In terms of trim, she says less is more. However, Ashley Thompson, a designer at Raleigh, North Carolina-based Design Lines, points out that trim styles vary based on people's preferences.
"So often they don't like a space, but they aren't sure what it is about it they don't like and it ends up being the crown molding," she said. "Usually, we like to transition from a single crown to a double crown. If you change that, you can update any space."
She also says wainscoting can add depth to a space, especially in the dining room or bathroom. In the kitchen, she says, the backsplash — the section of material added onto the wall behind a sink or a counter — has potential to speak loudly.
"You can choose a neutral ceramic tile, you can put granite or marble, or you can go really bold," she said. "There are endless ways to make a statement with a backsplash."
Thompson also says wallpaper is a great way to modernize a home, but it can be pricey.
"I hate to even throw it out there, but you'd be amazed at all the contemporary, bold wallpaper that's out there," she said, adding that large-scale florals or geometrics (such as the harlequin design) are particularly stylish choices.
"Wallpapers really offer that wow factor we like as designers," she said. "It adds up quick, but it can give you a lot of bang for your buck."

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