(ARA) - Each room of your house evokes different emotions and the way you
design them sets the stage for some of the most important moments in life. Creating
the perfect setting is a balancing act of putting the right things together.
The textures you add, the colors you combine and the sheens that are present
all work together to set the stage.
In the world of design, old things are new again. "Distressing is currently
one of the hottest trends for any interior wall in your home," says design
specialist Jessica Kilpatrick of Wagner Spray Tech. Using texture and color
on your walls is one of the most effective ways to recreate a time or place
from the past and there are many alternatives to accomplishing that. Hiring
a professional painter to apply a faux finish is one option.
Traditional faux finish effects require multiple coats of paint, with drying
time in between each coat, and take a couple of days work. It can cost thousands
of dollars, depending on the size of your room. Kilpatrick offers an alternative,
"Creating textured walls mimics the look of old-world charm and can be
created in less than half a days work if you have the right tools." With
a simple faux finishing kit you can get the same look that professionals provide
and you don't have to be an artist to do it.
Faux finishing combines complementary colors and layers to create the look
of texture using paint. Hardware or paint stores stock many different types
of specialty rollers and applicators such as wool, fresco, colorwash, rag or
stone. Depending on the atmosphere you want to create, you can apply different
textures for different rooms in your house. In a kitchen, you might try colorwashing,
which creates a somewhat washed out but clean, crisp look. Fresco is a texture
that can work nicely in a den where you might want to create a scholarly appearance.
For an entryway, the dual stone rollers could be used to create the feeling
of sturdy surrounding walls. Wool roller covers provide a texture that resembles
suede and can help create a warm, inviting atmosphere in a living room.
WallMagic from Wagner offers a wide variety of fast, easy and foolproof tools
for faux finishing. Using a patented dual roller approach, WallMagic combines
your colors on the wall all in one easy step, dramatically cutting painting
time. Most kits include an instructional video with detailed step-by-step instructions
and color selection guidance. Whether you're interested in a rag, sponge, wool,
or colorwash texture, WallMagic demystifies the process into an affordable weekend
project that will transform your home. With the WallMagic dual roller system,
faux finishing requires no more preparation than a typical home painting project.
Getting the look you want is simply a matter of choosing colors and textures
that fit your decor. "Combining colors creates a wide variety of dimension
and personalized effects," Kilpatrick says. When selecting colors for faux
finishing, the more dramatic the difference between the colors, the bigger the
statement you'll be making (think dark red and dark brown). Choosing color combinations
where the colors are more similar to each other creates a more subtle effect
(such as yellow and cream). For rooms where you want to make a bold statement,
use a strong solid color scheme like pure reds, blues and yellows. For a more
mellow feeling, use cooler blues, greens and purples -- they'll provide subtle
color that doesn't overpower. If you want something neutral but updated, today's
shades of brown, beige, gray, white and taupe create a modern yet conservative
look.
Once you've chosen your colors, the rest is easy. The WallMagic dual roller
system includes a patented divided paint tray and a dual two-color roller. This
allows you to simultaneously blend two or more colors onto the wall without
smearing paint or overblending. "The dual roller does the work for you,"
explains Kilpatrick. Simply pour a small amount of each color into the divided
paint tray, load your dual roller, and start painting using a criss-cross arching
motion. The dual roller is a foolproof way to create beautiful dimension without
the mess, hassle and time. Edging is fast and easy and clean up is a breeze.
All roller covers are washable and reusable.
Fabrics, accessories and artwork can be combined with texture to pull your
style together. Kilpatrick says, "Aged items and timeless pieces are a
distinctive way to personalize one's home." Add lighting and a touch of
crystal to the room to make it glamorous or simply combine the materials of
your choice to keep it peaceful and uncomplicated.
Think of your walls as a blank canvas where you can begin to set the stage
as you wish. Maybe it is the rustic charm of an old Scottish manor, the timeless
appeal of maps and books or the elegance of a French chateau that gets your
attention. Adding the right texture and perhaps a few new accessories can bring
those places to your home in an affordable way.
Look for WallMagic at most home center and paint stores, including Sherwin
Williams, Lowe's and Home Depot. For more information, visit www.wagnerspraytech.com
or call (888) 925-6244 for expert advice on faux finishing.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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