What are the current trends in wall coverings?
If you are like many people, you may get sick of looking at the same old colors of paint on your walls, or the same old pictures or paintings hanging on the walls. You long for a change, but you're not interested in renovating your entire room or even spending the time and money to simply repaint your room. So what is one way that you can change the look of your room? The answer is found in wall coverings. These decorating sensations can be very affordable, while offering you the chance to change the appearance of your room. But how do you choose what kind of wall covering would be good for you? And what are the current trends in wall coverings?
Wall coverings are more than just a versatile home decorating product. They are fashion for walls. And just as your personal tastes dictate whether or not you wear cotton, denim, or polyester, your choices in decorating your home should be a reflection of your personality. Today there are more choices than ever before to decorate your walls. But how does one choose from the thousands of styles and patterns available?
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One way to choose a wall covering is to examine your lifestyle and choose something that will complement and reflect the way you live. For example, if you are a well educated, well traveled and busy individual, you should look for a wall covering that evokes feelings of relaxation and comfort. It should create a refuge from your stressful life. Wall coverings should make your home more comfortable, luxurious, natural, and, in general, easier. They should be easy to put up and pleasant to look at.
Today's wall coverings are not just something to take up the expanse of a bare wall. They are a means of expression, just like a painting, photograph or sculpture. One of the trends that go along with this is using wall coverings to cover spaces not normally covered, such as ceilings and furniture. They are also being used as accent walls (on just one or maybe two walls) to draw attention to a particular feature of the room.
The wall coverings of today are no longer expected to be a similar pattern or color scheme from room to room. Today's trends see wall coverings with bold, eclectic patterns and colors. They may even clash from room to room. The hottest, most popular colors include bright reds, coral, blues, silver, orange, eggplant, sage green, and browns. The biggest trend in colors is adding earth tones (such as brown or green) to your walls.
Although textures are still popular, most people are shying away from paint-like patterns. They prefer woven-type textures (reminiscent of textiles that you might find in Mexico or Guatemala). Texture adds a sense of depth and interest to a room. Wall coverings can now be found in textures simulating that of wood grain, bricks, stucco and cork. They are also available in textures as wild mock crocodile skin or fake fur. However, these latter styles may be a while in forming a trend.
And after years of "boring" walls, wall coverings with designs are making a come-back. The prints may vary from pictures of animals or flowers, to little squiggles or abstract shapes. There is also an increase in the demand for Asian-style wall coverings, including designs of bamboo motifs, calligraphy, fans, etc. Another trend is seen in the increase in "mural" wall coverings, depicting scenes in action (an example of this might be a street of Paris, or a carousel in action).
Remember that your wall coverings should reflect who you are and your personality. And don't worry about going too wild-after all. You can always take it down if you hate it.
