Vibrant wall paint colors are becoming increasingly popular for brightening up homes and personalizing spaces. Adding texture to these vivid colors can add depth and interest without wall paper or pattern that could clash with other designs in the room.
Venetian Plaster adds Old World Charm
Venetian plaster is a technique of adding color and texture to the wall by applying thin coats of colored plaster to the space. The first coat will prime the space; the second will add deep crevices and grooves, while the third evens some of them out. These layers and then sanded down with different levels of pressure, which results in areas of the wall gaining extra smoothness and shine, while others remain matte and rough.
The result is a worn, plaster wall in a rich, deep color that goes all the way through. Older homes and formal spaces, such as dining rooms with heavy furniture, will especially benefit from this beautiful technique.
Faux Finish to Give Walls Multiple Looks
Faux painting is a technique used to “fake” or mimic another look. This could mean using paint to create modern looks like leather, or more rustic ones like stone. Faux painting also uses different techniques to merely add interest and pattern to the walls.
Some faux painting techniques include colorwashing, for a casual and multidimensional look, combing, for a textured, wallpaper finish and strire painting, which creates the appearance of fabric on the walls.
These techniques can use one or more colors of paint, as well as unusual paint applicators, such as rags, rubber squeegees which have been cut into combs, and even toilet brushes. Faux painting can range in difficulty levels from extremely easy, and able to be completed by an amateur to extremely difficult and best left to a hired professional.
Stencils add Decorative Elements to Walls
For a subtle border, or discreet accenting in corners of the room, consider using stencils to create an even look. Plastic stencils can be purchased at many craft stores, or can be made with stiff poster board and scissors.
By placing a stencil on an area of the wall to be painted, and sponge painting, or rollering over it, a transfer will be left that can be repeated around the room.
Before beginning any paint job, whether in a DIY capacity, or by a professional, be sure that the paint color choice is correct by using small amounts of the paint color in question on a piece of poster board. Look at it from all areas of the room, in many different lights and times of day before finalizing the choice. Some types of faux painting can also be first tried out on the poster board, as well, to get a feel for how they will compliment the space.
Try to compliment the space in question by utilizing design elements already present in the room. Pick up a print from a pillow or rug to recreate on the walls in either a “fabric” inspired faux painting technique or with a stenciled border. Keep family rooms and kid’s rooms more casual with sponge painting or colorwashing, while updating dining rooms and living rooms with more formal looks.
Whatever the style, be sure to pick colors that inspire and that will show off the finishes to best effect.
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