Finishes with Finesse

Look no further than your walls.

Today's options in decorative finishes give do-it-yourselfers infinite opportunities to transform their walls from drab to dazzling.

All it takes is a little know-how, the proper tools and a creative touch. After all, walls are much like an artist's canvas. So why not use the space to express yourself?

What's Old is New Again

The renaissance of wallpaper as the decorative finish of choice is the talk of the interior design industry.

"We're in the throes of the biggest comeback in home design in the past decade," says Given Campbell, a Tampa-based wallpaper designer who sells her chic, hand-printed papers to an international clientele. "The renewed popularity of wallpaper marks one of interior design's biggest turnarounds."

While the true origin of wallpaper remains a mystery, historians believe its use began where paper was invented, in China. In fact, as early as 200 B.C., the Chinese were appearing to have been gluing rice papers to their walls.

Wallpaper made its American debut in the early to mid-1700s, and has experienced varying degrees of popularity throughout its history.

Why is it hot again? Not only are there multitudes of patterns and colors from which to choose, today's wallcoverings are easier to install and care for than ever before.

Sherwin-Williams, one of the world's largest paint producers, launched its own collection of wallcoverings in 2005. Washable, durable and mildew resistant, EasyChange wallpaper features a special backing stronger than those found on conventional papers. And it doesn't shrink or expand, making installation easier.

Available in a variety of patterns, EasyChange wallpapers also peel off in single sheets. There's no need to scrape, steam or apply chemical strippers; the paper is removed without wall damage simply by pulling each sheet by one of its corners. Once removed, the paper can be repasted and hung elsewhere, even in a new home if you move.

In addition to ease of installation and removal, today's wallpapers offer numerous other advantages.

Wallpaper can, for example, effectively hide wall imperfections that paint and other finishes cannot. They also brighten dark rooms and add charm and character to areas with little or no architectural interest.

Vertical patterns give the illusion of height in low-ceiling rooms, while horizontal designs seem to expand space in cramped quarters.

With an estimated life span of seven to 10 years, thanks to scrubbable surfaces, wallpaper can also be considered an extremely economical decorating choice.

Colorful Statements in

Contemporary Wallcoverings

Today's wallpapers demand attention with captivating color combinations, intriguing textures and mood-invoking patterns.

According to David Bradford, an interior designer with Suncoast Paint & Design Center, the season's hottest color combination-in fashion and home decor-is brown and blue.

"Fashion trends always dictate the color palette in the home furnishing industry," Bradford says. "Everything starts with fabric."

In terms of patterns and colors, Bradford adds, homeowners can select wallpaper that complements a paint color, a chair cushion or an area rug. Or they can choose a pattern that dramatically ties an assortment of colors together.

In his position as manager of Suncoast Paint & Design Center's four d?or stores in Clearwater, Ocala and North and South Tampa, Bradford sees distinct geographic differences in wallpaper choices.

While North Tampa homeowners opt for contemporary designs, South Tampa residents lean toward more traditional patterns.

Throughout Florida, however, tropical themes ranging from palm trees and sailboats to beach scenes and birds of paradise are always fashionable.

At Lowe's of Plant City, home d?or team leader Shelly Wheaton reports a growing interest in textured wallcoverings, such as tweeds and grasscloth, which add tactile interest.

In this region of the state, Wheaton says wallpapers with country themes that boast earthy colors, roosters and striped patterns are also in vogue.

Whatever pattern you choose, today's wallpapers can increase the resale value of your home and provide a reflection of your own unique personality and style.

The Real Deal on Faux Finishes

In recent years, the use of faux finishes has become a true art form. Fortunately, it's a skill that's easily learned and, with practice, can bring an ethereal beauty to bare walls.

Faux finishes can be used on a range of surfaces, including sheetrock, drywall, plaster and wood. By blending light colors with soft techniques, they can make small areas look larger. Or by using darker colors and bolder techniques, a faux finish can make large areas seem more intimate.

At Home Depot in Pinellas Park, interior designer Melissa Lee describes a growing trend toward darker, more vibrant gemstone shades of blue, lavender, gold and green with light faux finishes, which are applied using traditional sponging, ragging and brushing techniques. Equally alluring, she notes, are the ever-popular crackled paint, sand-washed, granite and Venetian plaster finishes.

Most exciting, however, are this season's brushed metal finishes, which tend to be pricier but are worth their weight in gold for their breathtaking beauty.

Vicki O'Donnell, manager of paint and home d?or at Lowe's of Plant City, says the effect is achieved by applying a pearlized glaze in copper, silver, gold or bronze atop a solid base coat. The final result: a subtle, yet distinctive glow that softly filters throughout the room.

Step-by-step how-to's on applying more than 20 popular faux finishes, including brushed metal, are available in the Project Center at www.lowes.com.

New Dimensions in

Wall Finishes

Flat walls have quickly become pass?as three-dimensional wall applications have emerged as another hot home d?or trend.

Introduced earlier this year, Wall Flats by Inhabit are embossed wall panels made from molded bamboo paper pulp.

Promoted as "simple, modern, versatile and 'goof-proof,'" the dimensional wall tiles feature an automatic pattern repeat and can be painted to match any interior wall color after being primed with a drywall sealant. Adhesive tabs affixed to each panel make installation a breeze.

"Wall Flats instantly bring that 'wow' factor to a room," says Jennifer Tuttle, an Indianapolis-based graphic designer who co-owns Inhabit with her husband, Michael. "With the right lighting, the effect is really quite dramatic."

Measuring 18 by 18 inches, the panels are available in five contemporary designs. Each box of 10 panels covers 22.5 square feet of wall space. Wall Flats can be used to transform an entire room, a single wall or even to create freestanding pieces of art.

Additional information about Wall Flats is available at www.inhabit?living.com.

Two years ago, Fold Bedding, a San Francisco Bay-area firm that designs bedspreads, throw blankets and pillows, introduced "Wallter," an innovative collection of geometric wall applications.

The three-dimensional panels are made of lightweight wood with a peel-away, adhesive backing for easy installation. Already primed with white paint, Wallters can be painted with two coats of interior spray paint and arranged to create a commanding combination of light and shadow in any room.

"Design options are only limited by the size of a wall," says Linda Geiser, who co-owns Fold Bedding with her husband, Max. "The geometric designs add an interesting architectural element to any wall."

Available in a variety of shapes, including starbursts, hexagons, circles, squares and teardrops, Wallter is available locally at Orange in Valrico, or online at www.wallter.com.

six Ways to Spruce up

Your Wall Space.

Add ambiance to your home by trying one of these easy wall-finish techniques.

. Paint one wall an eye-catching color. The season's hottest accent colors are sensual shades of maroon and burgundy, says Vicki O'Donnell, department manager of paint and home d?or at Lowe's in Plant City.

. Paper one wall. Choose a design that enhances, integrates or offsets colors in your room's palette or subtly introduces a new pattern that complements your decorating scheme.

. Try an easy-to-apply mural for instant drama. Available in a variety of sizes, murals bring breathtaking views of majestic mountain peaks or even the Manhattan skyline indoors. A collection of 150 exotic, picturesque and whimsical wall and door murals is available online at www.sherwin-williams.com.

. Create hand-painted stripes from floor to ceiling or below a chair rail on freshly painted walls. Start by taping the wall at equal distances around the perimeter of your room. Then paint between the (tape) lines to create a look that's all your own.

. Apply a border. While borders are traditionally used to complement wallpaper patterns, they work equally well on plain, painted walls. "Borders pull in all your colors and can be used to create an interesting focal point in any room," says interior designer David Bradford, manager of Suncoast Paint & Design Center's four d?or stores in Tampa, Clearwater and Ocala. His recommendations? Apply a border around a china cabinet or sofa, or frame out a doorway, window or archway. You can also use a border to create a chair rail, or miter the corners and design an innovative "headboard" behind the bed.

. Pick a modern, made-to-order wallpaper. Tampa resident Given Campbell puts a new spin on wall d?or with her vivid contemporary wallpaper collection that was recently featured in House & Garden magazine. She has a growing national and international clientele. "With the appropriate artwork, any design is possible," she says. To see Campbell's original wallpaper designs or to place an order, visit www.customdesignprojects.com.