If these walls could talk

Local designers share the latestwall treatment trends

By AMY STUMPFL
For Brentwood Home Page
Whether you prefer bright colors and bold patterns or perhaps a more subtle, sophisticated look, walls can transform a space like nothing else. From simple paint and wallpaper to wood paneling and elaborate faux finishes and murals, walls say a lot about your personal style – as well as current trends.

Of course, trends come and go. And what’s hot today can quickly fall out of favor. Take wallpaper, for example.

Don’t Get Hung Up on Your Walls When it comes to remodeling their walls, homeowners want to create a dramatic look – not a traumatic experience. Consider these tips to ensure a successful project. Do your homework “There are so many wonderful design blogs out there now, it makes it easier than ever for homeowners to explore the possibilities,” says Dana Tucker of Bella Tucker Decorative Finishes. “Online tools – such as Pinterest, Google+ and Sherwin Williams’ color visualizer – also have made it easier to share ideas and information.” Work with what you have There are many different ways that a homeowner can incorporate current design trends into their space, according to Annette Valentine of Valentine Interiors. Use updated accessories, such as accent pillows, vases and florals, to freshen up traditional wall treatments. New accessories combined with current furniture and lighting trends, can make the space a transitional haven. Save the walls ‘til last “Settle on your furniture and fabrics first, before choosing wall colors and treatments,” Tucker advises. “So often, people take the opposite approach, trying to make their furniture fit in with a chosen wall color. But when you think about it, it’s much easier to go out and spend the money on a couple of gallons of paint, as opposed to a new sofa.” Balance is key Color and scale can make or break a design. Avoid choosing a patterned wallcovering that is so large it competes with the other design elements in the space. Bolder patterns and colors tend to be most successful in spaces you move through, as opposed to those areas where you spend a lot of time. Don’t be afraid to let go of the past “A common mistake is beginning a new project with one or more elements you really don’t like, believing you can work around it or make it look better once new elements are added,” says Annette Valentine. “If you don't like it now, it probably won’t help to spend time and money wrestling with attempts to salvage it.” -- Amy Stumpfl

“Looking back through history, the use of wall coverings has been a constantly evolving industry – from Dorothy Draper in the 1920s using large graphic floral prints, to the funky graphic designs of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s,” says Madeleine Bloom, an interior designer with Valentine Interiors in Brentwood.

“In the ’80s and ’90s, wall coverings became so over used that people started looking for a change and began to use techniques such as faux finishing to create a more subtle look for their interior spaces. In the 21st century, we are seeing the tables turn as history begins to repeat itself. In the design industry, chromatic prints are back, and in many cases, are used to replace art,” Bloom added.

And while wallpaper is still being used minimally, most homeowners are steering away from the traditional four-wall approach with border accent. This is especially true for those who may be concerned with resale value.

“Wallpaper can be a real turn-off for potential buyers,” says Dana Tucker, who owns Bella Tucker Decorative Finishes along with husband and faux artisan, Brooks Tucker. “Nothing will update a room quicker than pulling down those borders. It’s not that wallpaper is necessarily out, but you have to be careful not to overdo it.

“Avoid using a busy pattern on all four walls. Instead, if you really love a particular pattern, consider featuring it on just one wall – which creates a unique focal point for the room.”

In terms of colors and textures, Tucker says that the industry is moving away from the Tuscan browns, reds and golds that have been so popular locally. Instead, homeowners are experimenting with the so-called “new neutrals” – including various shades of white, gray and blue.

“We’re seeing more and more people using neutral colors to unify a space,” she says. “In fact, by painting the ceiling and walls the same color, you can really open up a small room. It’s an optical illusion, but the ceiling will still look one or two shades lighter than the walls. And it’s much warmer than a stark, plain white ceiling.

“People are paying more attention to ceilings, in general,” Tucker adds. “We’re seeing more patterns and treatments on the ceiling, paired with neutral walls. Think of your ceiling as a fifth wall – it’s a great way to warm up a room and make a statement.”

Tucker also is seeing a growing interest in customized patterns using stencils.

“As an industry, we’re moving away from textures and more into patterns. We’re seeing more metallic paints, creating a shimmery effect. We’re also using stencils to create an updated, custom look, including all-over graphic patterns. Stencils offer homeowners the high-end look of wallpaper, but they’re much more affordable and easier to replace down the road.”

Such was the case with Joanna West, who recently worked with Bella Tucker to create an elegant new look for the dining room of her Princeton Hills home.

“I’m pretty traditional, so I didn’t want anything over the top,” West says. “But I was tired of the way the room looked and wanted something a little more sophisticated. I honestly wasn’t sure what I wanted, but in talking with Dana and Brooks, they quickly got a sense of my style.”

Brooks used a stenciled mural treatment that mimics traditional DeGournay style wallpaper – complete with a hand-painted bird motif.

“It’s just phenomenal – it totally transformed the room,” West says. “This is definitely not what I had associated with the idea of faux finishes or stencils. It’s truly a work of art – everyone who sees it comments on what a dramatic difference it makes to the room.”

Best of all, Bella Tucker was able to work within West’s budget.

“DeGournay wallpaper is extremely expensive because it’s hand-painted on silk,” Tucker explains. “This mural treatment achieves the same timeless effect, offering a beautiful focal point for the room at a fraction of the cost.”

West agrees, noting that she was pleasantly surprised by how easy the Bella Tucker team made the project.

“I was really amazed,” she says. “We kept the same basic color scheme, and they were really great about using the accessories I already had, while still offering an updated look. And if I ever get tired of it, I can simply paint over it because it’s not wallpaper. It was so easy, and I couldn’t be happier with the result.”