Style Trends: July/August 2024

Walls are the blank canvas of a room, just waiting to be brought to life. The right wall coverings can transform a space, adding depth, character, and style. From the timeless elegance of Chinoiserie to the tactile luxury of upholstered walls, there are countless ways to make your walls an integral part of your home’s design. Here are some unique wall-covering options to consider:

Paint: Endless possibilities
Paint is perhaps the most straightforward and adaptable wall covering. It offers limitless color choices, allowing homeowners to create anything from a calm, serene environment to a bold, vibrant space. Techniques like color blocking, ombre, and stenciling can add creative flair to painted walls. From matte emulsions to high-gloss finishes, each brings its own unique sheen, texture, and appearance. Moreover, paint can easily be updated to reflect changing tastes or seasonal trends, making it a perennial favorite for those looking to refresh their interiors.

Plaster: Old-world charm
Plaster walls create a sense of history and permanence. This old-world technique, used in everything from ancient Roman villas to Renaissance palaces, adds a layer of texture and depth that paint alone cannot achieve. Plaster can be smooth or textured, tinted in various hues, or left in its natural state. Venetian plaster, in particular, is known for its lustrous finish that mimics the look of polished marble. Plaster walls are durable and can be customized to fit both contemporary and traditional interiors, making them a great choice for any home. One of my favorite techniques is cross trowel. Instead of troweling vertically, you trowel horizontally, creating an even flatter, more-refined finish.

Fresco: Timeless artistry
Frescoes are wall paintings created on freshly laid plaster, allowing the paint to become an integral part of the wall surface. This ancient technique, used famously in the Sistine Chapel, brings an element of timeless artistry to any home. Frescoes can depict anything from classical scenes to abstract designs, offering a unique and permanent piece of art on your walls. While commissioning a fresco can be pricey, the result is a truly one-of-a-kind feature that can become the focal point of any room.

Wallpaper: Versatility and style

Wallpaper is a versatile option that offers an endless variety of patterns, textures, and colors. From bold, modern designs to subtle, classic patterns, wallpaper can suit every taste and style. Modern advancements have made wallpaper easier to apply and remove, making it a practical choice for those who like to change their décor regularly. Textured wallpaper can add a tactile dimension to a room, while patterns can create visual interest and depth. Whether you go for a feature wall or cover an entire room, wallpaper can significantly change the ambiance of a space.

Chinoiserie: A classic touch
Chinoiserie is a European artistic style that reflects Chinese influence. This decorative art became popular in the 17th and 18th centuries and is characterized by intricate and elaborate designs featuring pagodas, florals, birds, and mythical creatures. Using Chinoiserie wallpaper or murals can bring an air of sophistication and worldly charm to a room. The rich colors and detailed patterns create a visually arresting backdrop, perfect for living rooms, dining areas, or even bedrooms that aim for a luxurious and exotic aesthetic.

Upholstered walls: Softness and luxury
Upholstered walls are the epitome of luxury and comfort. They provide a unique, soft texture that enhances the acoustics and warmth of a room. This type of wall covering is often seen in high-end hotels and theaters but can be adapted for residential spaces to create a cozy, opulent atmosphere. Upholstered walls are especially suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, and home theaters, where a sense of intimacy and comfort is desired. The fabric choices are vast, ranging from plush velvets to refined silks, each offering different tactile and visual effects.

Wall coverings are an important element in interior design, offering endless possibilities for you to express your personal style and enhance the ambiance of a home. Whether you prefer the exotic allure of Chinoiserie, the versatility of wallpaper, the historic charm of plaster, the simplicity of paint, the luxury of upholstered walls, the timeless artistry of frescoes, or the personal touch of murals, there is a perfect wall covering to enliven your home’s walls.

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