Wall coverings (or wallpapers) are not as popular as they were a number of years ago; however, they are still a good option to consider when decorating a wall because there are many different patterns, textures and colors to choose from to fit any budget. Also, wall coverings can add interest to a room and can cover any defects on a wall. Wall coverings come in vinyl, papers (with vinyl backed coating) and handprinted papers, grass cloth, and other natural fibres such as linen, etc. Wall coverings that are inexpensive are usually hard to work with, not as durable and more difficult to apply.
Another option for covering a wall is to apply fabric, which adds interest, texture, ambience and a unique look. Different fabrics can be chosen from to cover a wall. Some of the more popular choices are linens, cottons (particularly muslin), silks and sheer fabrics. Depending on the fabric chosen, you can either create a soft and airy looking wall or an exquisite luxurious looking wall.
Fabric can be stapled directly to a wall, hung like drapes, glued to a wall, gathered or shirred (a form of gathering) to create the desired look. Besides adding flare and warmth to a room, fabric can also cover an imperfect wall; however, one of the disadvantages is that placing fabric on a wall can be quite costly and time-consuming (particularly if there is a lot of sewing of the fabric involved).
Different types of tile (such as stone, clay, ceramic, granite or even mosaic) can be applied to a wall to give a more natural type look or a more decorative type look (with ceramic tiles there are many different colors and patterns to choose from). Often tiles are used on only a portion of a wall as opposed to all the way up a wall and are mainly used on walls in the kitchen or bathroom (where surfaces need to be kept clean and can be easily wiped down). Additionally, tiles are often used on fireplaces to give a more dramatic look. One of the biggest advantages of using tiles is that they look fabulous and, depending on the finish, can either add warmth, color, texture or pattern to a wall. However, one of the disadvantages is that tile can be one of the more costly choices for walls.
Adding wood to a wall can add a beautiful natural warmth to a room. Wood paneling can be used to cover the whole wall or it can be used to cover the lower part of the wall (this technique is called wainscoting and can look fabulous and elegant in a room). Wainscot panels can be ordered pre-cut or they can be custom ordered to match the other woods within the room (for example, doors and/or moldings). If wood is going to be added to walls, it is most likely going to be added to walls in the living room, dining room, study, family room or even in basements. Some of the other benefits of using wood are that it acts as a great insulator and it can cover flaws and imperfections on a wall. One of the disadvantages of wood paneling is the cost, as it can be expensive to cover a wall in wood.
In addition to the above, you can also give a wall a more finished look by adding trim and moldings (such as chair molding, crown molding, baseboards and case molding). Chair molding is a molding strip that runs the width of the walls and is normally about 30″ to 36″ off the floor. Chair molding looks fabulous when it is similar to the other moldings used in a room and is painted the same color. Chair molding creates a line for the eye to follow.
Additionally, crown moldings and cornice moldings can beautifully finish off the top of a wall and give an elegant look. Baseboard moldings (especially nice wide ones) can add a finished appearance to the bottom of a wall and case moldings can nicely trim doors and windows.
One thing to keep in mind when putting various types of molding within a room is to ensure that the moldings are of the same color and similar styles.
Accessories are one of the most important items in making a house a home. After all, accessories express the personality and individuality of a home owner. They can include unique decorative items, cushions, throws, lamps, mirrors, plants, flowers, candles, artwork, screens, sculptures, heirlooms, collectibles, etc.
One of the keys to bringing the decorative look together is to have a balance of complementing items with contrasting items. For example, if your client wants to decorate a family room with a "tropical and worldly feel about it," you may decide to place complementing cushions decorated with palm trees on each side of the sofa and loveseat and add a contrasting cushion with pineapples (contrasting in pattern, texture and color) in the middle of the sofa to add interest and finish off the look. Some important tips to keep in mind when accessorizing are:
Adding accessories to a room can be one of the most fun and rewarding parts of decorating because accessories can breathe life into a room, and add color, warmth, texture, drama, personality and pizzazz.
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