Step Up Your Wall Finishes

Each year we see some new and interesting ideas emerge on how to step up wall finishes. The year 2021 has brought forth these ideas through a combination of bold finish materials, architectural details, and color. Today’s trends to take your wall to the next level include funky wallpapers, different applications of wood, and new places to add a daring pop of color.

The first reaction we get from most people when we suggest wallpaper for their space is not always a positive one. That is because it has built up this bad reputation from the past of being old-fashioned or troublesome to apply. But what most people don’t know is just how advanced wallpapers have become and how beautiful these new, contemporary textures and patterns can make a space look. Wallpapers are available in all types of materials like vinyl, grasscloth, fabric, and of course your most basic material, paper. They can also be applied in a number of ways. Some are peel and stick, some are spray and stick, and some require a paste to stick. Depending on who is applying it and their level of expertise as well as patience will determine which route to take. We love a good DIY but highly recommend hiring a professional to make sure it goes up nice and straight as well as adheres to the surface correctly.

Yes, wallpaper is definitely a love it or hate it type of finish. Our team at A. Clore interiors has fallen in love with a bunch of fun, eye-catching wallpapers lately, so much so that we actually starting applying it to ceilings too!  A picture is worth 1000 words so let’s explore this further through some design eye candy!

 

 

How absolutely breathtaking is this detailed peacock wallpaper?! It has this bold pattern displayed in a way that is sophisticated yet light and airy.

 

 

 Maybe you wish you had an office area but don’t have any free space in your home…Have an extra closet that you really don’t need? This desk nook was created from an old closet space. We added a neutral patterned wallpaper inside to emphasize this special area and give it a hint of personality.

 

 

 

 

Powder bathrooms are some of our favorite places to apply wallpaper because they add character into an unexpected space of the home and create an experience for your guests. This paper yells big, bad, and bold. Take a closer look! Yes, those are dragons indeed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you haven’t already hopped on board the wall paneling or shiplap trend then it’s not too late! We continue to see new ways to apply wood to walls in different patterns and finishes. The style of your home plays an important part in deciding how to go about this type of wall design. For example, a more modern style home is suited for a linear shiplap or geometric patterned wood application where a more traditional home is suited for a wall paneling with trim or chair rail.

 

 

In this office, we used a simple linear wood paneling applied in a varied grid pattern also known as board and batten. This paneled wall painted in the same color as the surrounding walls creates a subtle accent while framing the displayed artwork and continuing a feeling of symmetry within the transitional styled space.

 

 

This modern shiplap look is simple yet stunning. A great deep contrast was created here with a black paint finish against light-toned wood.

 

 

This geometric application of board and batten form these shapes and shadows that makeup quite the focal point.

 

Paint is probably the easiest and most cost-effective way to change a space and add color. This year we see big trends in the application of color. I know we are talking all things wall finishes but have you ever thought of bringing that wall finish up to your ceiling? Or maybe onto a door that essentially acts as a puzzle piece to a wall? Below is just a glance at just how daring you can get with paint and color. There’s even some interesting ceiling wallpaper paired with these bold colors.

 

 

 

In both this bedroom and dining area, the bold colors and ceiling wallpapers harmonize to create very dramatic and moody spaces.

 

 

Here you see the use of blue paint on an interior double door. This not only forms a defined separation between the two rooms but also shows one way that you can add a pop of color to a minimalistic space.

 

 

Who said ceilings had to be painted white? Step out of the box, find a color you love for your walls, and continue that onto the ceiling. This trend works especially well in a midcentury modern or boho-styled space. The application of this trend in the bedroom pictured above fits in perfectly with the aesthetic and storyline of the room giving us the feeling that we are going back in time and turning those black and white photos into color.

 

All of these different wall finishes whether it be wallpaper, wood paneling, or paint, create new meaning and enhance what already exists architecturally. Stepping up your wall finishes allows you to set the tone for your space, tell a story, and evoke a certain set of feelings and emotions. We highly encourage you to take a leap of faith and try one of these trends for 2021, a year of taking back what is ours- our freedom and happiness!

 

Thank you for being an A.Clore Interiors Blog reader…..

Don’t forget: you can find us on Facebook – “like” us to keep up with the latest and greatest!

You can always find more design inspiration on our Pinterest and Instagram pages!

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The Many Sides of Red

“There is a shade of red for every woman” -Audrey Hepburn

“Everything utilitarian needs a little red edge” – Reno Dakota

The Color Red

Red is a warm, primary color. It is a bold and symbolic hue that is often associated with strong emotion. Red grabs our attention, pulls us in, and makes us aware of its presence. It calls us to action and gets us motivated. If you are looking to create a cozy and intimate space, red is the way to go. This catching color reminds us of beautiful things in nature like sweet strawberries, delicate roses, falling autumn leaves, and calming sunsets. Let’s not forget red is also a symbolic color of our great country, representing hardiness and valor. The flat
lay below incorporates a mix of red, white, and blue, inspired by our beautiful star-spangled banner.

How Red Affects Mood & Behavior

Did you know that all colors have a different psychological effect on us? The human mind processes colors in diverse ways causing us to feel and act differently. Colors affect how we react to sounds, smells, taste, and time. Some colors can even help heal sick patients and aid in their recovery.

Red is often associated with love, danger, anger, excitement, fire, strength, confidence, and luxury.  In Chinese culture, red is very popular for weddings and acts as a symbol of happiness. Bright, warm colors like red are also quite prominent in the restaurant industry, a perfect choice to stimulate the appetite of consumers. If you think of it there are tons of fast-food places that use red, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Chick-fil-A, Sonic, Pizza Hut, and Dairy Queen, just to name a few. The reason behind this is simple, red is bold, catches our attention, and somehow makes something in our brain say, “Hmm I could go for some food”. Not only does this hue cause change in mood and behavior but studies show that it can physically cause our body temperature to rise and make us feel warmer.

All these emotions and meanings behind just one color! Because red is so lively and simulating it should be used in moderation and with care. As designers, we take into consideration these effects that color has on the human mind to help us determine the best use and fit for each space. We suggest using red in entertainment spaces such as the living and dining rooms. Red is also a great choice for window treatments, pillows, and accent furniture. Here you can see how red steals the spotlight in a dining nook. The drapery, art piece, and accessory tray all pull red from the seating creating a fun layering effect that fills this small space with excitement.

This nightstand is a perfect example of using red on a piece of furniture to create a fun accent and carry it throughout the room within the artwork and area rug.

Colors That Pair Well with Red

There’s no doubt that red makes a statement on its own but that doesn’t mean you have to pair it with neutrals to make a space look great. Many times, red looks best when paired with colors that are just as vibrant and eye-catching. Check out the interesting mix of patterns in this photo! The scheme in this living area uses red in combination with blue, teal, and green making a space that is daring yet visually appealing to the eye.

Red’s complement is green and although most of us associate those colors with the holiday season they can be combined in a way that is not so literal by using variations of the hues. To avoid making your space look like a holiday party we recommend pairing it with a sage green or mint green. Other select colors that work well with red are teal, navy blue, peach, and yellow. If you choose to take the neutral route but still want to create a dramatic ambiance, use black, white, or gray or a combination of all three to really make the space pop. In this unique bedroom, we placed red accents on a neutral black and white background adding to the already existing moody vibe of the artwork.

Thank you for being an A.Clore Interiors Blog reader…..

Don’t forget: you can find us on Facebook – “like” us to keep up with the latest and greatest!

You can always find more design inspiration on our Pinterest and Instagram pages!

Connect with us on Google+ and LinkedIn

Visit our Website for more information on what we are about and how interior design can change your life!

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