WONDERFUL WALLS

Like a blank canvas, a home’s interior walls offer opportunities for creativity. Using intriguing colors, eclectic materials and state-of-the-art lighting, designers are creating fresh looks for once-mundane spaces.

Whether your tastes run toward traditional, modern or industrial chic, the possibilities are endless. Here are some tips on how to make these transformations successful.

In the kitchen, develop three layers of lighting to set the mood. Overhead and under-counter task lighting as well as decorative fixtures, such as pendants, can literally and figuratively brighten any space, says Jaclyn Anderson with Marc-Michaels Interior Design in Winter Park.

As white kitchens make a comeback, choose dark accents to provide a dynamic contrast and make the room come alive. “Don’t be afraid to pick a dramatically dark paint tone for the walls either, especially if your cabinets are white or cream,” adds Anderson.

A popular color choice is Curio Grey, a rich khaki-grey tone, by Sherwin Williams. In addition to color, a glass tile backsplash or a brightly colored sink can also instantly enliven a kitchen wall.

Collections of colored glassware used to store olive oils and vinegars arranged on the countertop, or a rustic bowl filled with fresh fruit, make outstanding accents.

Color is also an important addition to the bathroom. Use a neutral palette and accentuate with dark hues, such as a lacquered black, or go bold with sparkling aquamarine or turquoise. A tiled backsplash in the shower can create a mural-like design. That can be extended throughout the room.

On the following pages, see how some of Central Florida’s top interior designers are using kitchen and bathroom wall space to create works of art.