Jennifer Weldon © 2009
BobVilaContractors.com
The final dressing of a room is the paint or wall covering. When building a new home it is typical to see paint sprayed on. The windows, baseboards, and cabinets are covered in plastic or taped off and a spray painter is used to put primer on the walls and ceiling. This same technique is often used for the base and top coats, with the detailed cut-ins being done with a roller and brush. It is common to see the same paint color used throughout the entire home.
When remodeling or finishing a home renovation project, more attention to paint and paint color is usually taken. You must coordinate the new paint color with the d�cor and theme of the rest of the home. An interior designer at a paint or hardware store can be invaluable in helping you select the perfect color, finish and texture.
A new trend in wall paint is faux painting. From the French, this term literally means to imitate something of value. The painting technique of faux painting is used to create a texture or design on a wall that resembles another finish, such as stonework, brickwork, or even wallpaper. First, a base color is applied to the wall. Then, a secondary color is mixed with a glaze compound and applied. These water based glazes can create different finishes such as high gloss, eggshell, or satin. Satin finishes are quite popular. The application of this secondary color mixture is where you can achieve different looks. For instance, you can apply this coating using plastic bags, rags, or textured rollers. Faux painting can completely transform a room.
Wall coverings have also been updated. Decades ago, traditional wall paper gave way to a more sturdy vinyl product that was easy to wash and stain resistant. New graphic technology has given us a multitude of designs to choose from, including wall murals. You can create a wall mural by installing wall covering panels, perfect for a nursery or basement wall. New trends in wall covering also include different textures now being used. Materials such as velvets, crystals, or tropical grasses are incorporated into the wallpaper to exude depth and warmth.
Do not neglect the ceiling when it comes to painting a room. The old standard of painting ceilings whites has come and gone. New trends include painting ceilings the color of the walls, or painting designs or murals on the ceiling. While low ceilings may be exacerbated by painting them a dark color, it is ideal for a home theater room to make the walls and ceiling disappear. Consider the ceiling when visualizing the entire room before you start any paint project.
More information on
Faux Finish Techniques.
More information on
Eco-Friendly Indoor Paints.
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