Unexpected Style for Your Wall
Go Beyond Paint and Paper with 3D, Plaster, Copper, Tile, Marble and More
Any designer will tell you that adding paint or wallpaper will instantly change the look and feel of any room. Imagine taking it a step further with unique wallcoverings or treatments for a new element of texture, depth and visual appeal. Hungry for some glamour? Try silver leafing. Craving a touch of the organic? Consider a wall of wooden tiles. Regardless of the treatment, these options are sure to complete your space with a show-stopping touch of unexpected style.
3D wallcovering. This example is from WallArt, which uses the fibrous residue of sugarcane as the base of its material. Therefore, not only is it chic and unexpected, but it’s also 100-percent recycled, biodegradable and eco-friendly.
Venetian plaster. Venetian plaster is a finish using thin layers of plaster that are then burnished to create a smooth surface. It’s a great way to create a unique illusion of depth and texture through a wall treatment. The application process is similar to painting, but it takes more drying time than a normal painting process. It may take longer to complete, but you won’t regret the finished product.
Oversized wood paneling. Before you cringe and instantly revert to dated '70s décor, check out this contemporized version of wood paneling that is perfect for today. Instead of thin vertical panels, think oversized rectangles. Contrast the direction of the grain per tile for added interest.
Copper. Enhance your space’s drama with an oxidized copper wall. Its natural sheen and patina will look especially enticing under accent lighting.
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See more of this house.
Tile mosaic. Tile is an everyday bathroom material; take it to the next level by arranging it in a bold, large-scale mosaic. These English roses make the bathroom feel like a garden oasis.
Cut-outs. Consider cutting openings into your walls to look into the next room — open space always helps an area feel lighter and airier. For a kick of added interest, paint the insides of the cutouts; they double as an artistic piece.
Marble. Marble floors always seem to steal the show. Why not a marble wall? The natural veining and color variation of the marble turns the wall into a statement mural.
Geometric detail. Top your treatment (in this case, Venetian plaster) with an interesting geometric pattern. The unexpected use of a harlequin diamond design creates an air of mid-century chic in this sophisticated dining room.
Clay paint. Add a little pizzazz and texture by choosing clay paint vs. traditional. You can apply it to plastered walls, drywall or other surfaces, and best of all, it’s non-toxic.
Wood tiles. Replace traditional ceramic tiles with a wood tiles for an organic effect. Choose woods of varying grains and install the individual tiles at different depths for a 3D illusion.
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See more of this house
Molding. Molding is a great solution for adding architectural detail on any wall space. Instead of going only around the base or where the wall meets the ceiling, consider several horizontal and vertical panels for a contemporary display.
Stone. Create a natural accent wall in your bathroom with a stone application. In this example, the designer used washed river rock set in a layer of grout to capture the look of an outdoor sanctuary.
Silver leaf. The juxtaposition of this silver leaf wallcovering with mid-century furnishings contemporizes the space with a glamorous touch.
8 Great Ways With Silver Leaf
8 Great Ways With Silver Leaf
Hang a series of sculptural art. If completely re-doing your treatment seems like too big an undertaking, jazz up your space in a simpler fashion. Hang a sculptural art piece where the wall meets the ceiling, the result will still be a wall with a totally different attitude!
Next: Ceramic Art Goes Vertical
Next: Ceramic Art Goes Vertical
















