While I don’t have statistics to back up my claim, common sense allows me to state we spend much more time looking at our walls than our floors and ceilings. All that dedicated “eye time” puts a lot of pressure on our walls to help deliver the look we desire. Since our walls do so much for us, I think you’ll agree that they deserve to be treated well. Which brings us to the topic of this blog – wall treatments. We’ll examine various treatment options to help you create a solid strategy for those important vertical spaces in your home.

Wall Treatment Options:

1. Number one on my list, and always in my heart, is paint. Paint, paint, paint! It’s affordable, your options are almost limitless, and it’s very DIY and budget friendly. Nothing makes a room feel updated more than a new color on the walls. Usually you can paint a space within a day or two (especially if you enlist the help of a friend and bribe with wine). It’s also a great option for those new to DIY. Lots of tips and tricks can be found online, including at The Redesign Habit, to help ensure your painting experiences goes smoothly. Buying quality paint is key. You get what you pay for with paint, and if you go cheap, you’ll probably spend more in the long run with multiple coats needed for a decent result.

2. Wallpaper grabs the number two spot. If you watch home improvement shows, you know wallpaper is back, baby! (Shout out to you wallpaper enthusiasts.) Options abound with styles and colors to suit every taste. Want to give this option a try? Keep these things in mind:

• Wallpaper can be expensive. So, if it’s beyond your budget, you might consider treating just an accent wall and painting the other walls.

• Wallpaper can be challenging to put up and stay up. Make sure you read and follow all the directions for your particular paper. Make sure to plan out your pattern in advance. Fixing boo-boos can be more difficult than the original hang.

• If you’re not experienced and are doing a large space, hiring someone may be wise to ensure you love the result of your investment.

3. Faux finishes are a great option, ranging from a simple plaster look to a mural painting. Going faux allows you to create a unique look affordably. The only limit is your imagination. You can use stencils to create patterns, or special paint rollers and tools like rakes or combs to create a unique texture. My biggest tip for faux newcomers is to practice first to refine your technique and discover the look you like best before your “live performance.” You’ll find countless ideas online, as well as interesting faux tools at your local home stores and online. You might start in your own home by taking a look in your drawers and storage for unused items that might create an amazing new look. 

4. Ah, the façade. Another compelling DIY option, especially for those who are patient and good at calculating. This category includes everything from stone and wood facades to peel and stick tiles. Check online to see all the different products available and what tools you need to complete them. You’ll need to brush off your basic math skills to figure out the best way to lay out your pieces for a balanced, elegant final result. Fail to measure and plan and you could wind up with that perplexing tiny strip at one end that JUST DRIVES YOU CRAZY AND YOU CAN’T STOP NOTICING!

5. Rounding out today’s list are dimensional choices. Molding strips can create faux panels on your walls. You could add molding strips and make a chair or art rail.  Beautiful crown or base molding can add a sense of style, from contemporary to formal, and everything in between. Prices will vary greatly depending on the type and size you choose. Don’t forget to factor in color. Depending on your desired result, you can add color and contrast by painting whatever dimensional aspects you’re adding. Some color choices will make them stand out. Others will help them blend in. There’s no rule that molding can only be wood-toned or white. Why not be daring? You can always repaint if you don’t love the end result.

Armed with this info, your vertical spaces are bound to inspire. So do your research, get creative, and have fun.

Now, what will you do next to love where you live?

Please feel free to reach out to us at The Redesign Habit and ask questions or simply share a project that you are working on or have completed.

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