Asian
Paints has a wide collection of textured paint. Royale Luxury Sheen Emulsion is
an exquisite emulsion paint that provides a luxurious finish. It is a
water-based, 100 per cent acrylic, interior wall finish, which lends a soft
regal glow to the room. High stain resistance and good anti-fungal properties
are its highlights, making walls easy to clean and maintain for years. It can be
applied on all types of smooth plasters, false ceilings, concrete, asbestos
sheets, etc, and has textures ranging from sponging to brushing, and ragging to
combing. Another product of Asian Paints, Tractor Emulsion, promises
value-for-money, offers excellent smoothness and an elegant, rich finish. It is
also very durable, and lasts a couple of years more than distemper.
As
part of their value-added service, the company has painting themes and designs
that can be customised to your preference. For example, the colour schemes and
design elements they provide for children’s rooms, under the Kids’
World collection ranges from garden scenes to underwater themes and cool blue
hues to playful colours. From suggestion to execution, the experts ideate on the
basis of your needs and will help transform your room’s personality.
Alternatively,
if you don’t mind getting a little messy, you can try painting the
tasteless walls yourself. Although it might seem like a simple option, if
you’re trying this for the first time, you might want to read some
instruction manuals or else your visualised Picasso masterpiece might end up
looking like a five-year-old’s artwork! Techniques like rag rolling,
stencilling, combing, bagging, sponge painting, glazing, etc, will add
character, and are usually applied only after the walls have already been
painted once. Of these, stencilling is rather easy and the design cannot go too
wrong!
Get
Stoned
Stone,
in all its forms, has an endearing quality that will remind you of Nature. Stone
walls can be treated to conserve the original and natural exposed feel. Leaving
stone walls partly exposed and partly finished lends an interesting ambience to
the décor. If you like a jagged look, plaster your wall with comfortably
sized rocks or stones. For this, you will require professional help and
architectural advice. A simpler way to get a stone finish is with a brick
effect. Add a layer of bricks to your existing wall, after which you can either
paint it or leave it bare to get a naked look.
A
stone mural is also a neat idea. Select one portion of the wall, and make a
collage using tiny pebbles and stones of various sizes and colours, stuck on
with the right kind of adhesive. Their irregularity will make an interesting
piece of art, and you can either make layers of different colours or have a
combination of many stones to get an oceanic, aquamarine finish.
However,
the most ancient use of stone can be dated back to that of marble, for example
the Taj Mahal. These rocks of architectural décor will never go out of
style. Marble and granite are being used in abundance, not only to create
textures on walls, but also as design elements. Marble of different colours is
customised and hand-cut to make intricate designs by placing the stones together
and laying them on walls and floors. Just don’t go overboard with the use
of stone or you might end up disliking the bare look all the time!
The
idea is that no matter which one you choose, the mood, charm, ambience,
personality and style of your room are affected and defined by your walls. It
could be just one, or a combination of a few treatments, it is entirely a matter
of personal preference. After all, doing up your home should not drive you up
the wall!
Working
alternatives
Panelling
This
is a handsome wall treatment that adds to the richness of the décor. Long
lasting and generally easy to maintain, it acts as a perfect foil to hide
otherwise visible switchboards, wiring, etc. Panelling can be done in fabric,
with veneer, laminate, cane, bamboo and even jute. ‘Chattai’ is the
most common and inexpensive natural fibre, and it lends a very rustic look to
the décor.
Mirrors
and glass
Using
mirrors is an expert’s favourite method of visually expanding space. A
variety of mirrors, and various processes done on them form a wonderful backdrop
to a contemporary interior. You can also partly etch glass, partly frost it or
even fuse it. The possibilities of decorating with both are
amazing!
Frescos
Art
done directly on the walls is called a fresco. You can create a landscape or a
setting on the wall giving it a two or three-dimensional effect, as opposed to
hanging a painting. Only few enjoy such artistic pleasures and can live with
them over a period of time. This form of décor dates back to
Michelangelo, whose famous works adorn the Sistine Chapel in Rome. In India, you
can sample these paintings in the palaces and ‘havelis’ of the
Marwari community in Rajasthan.
Wallpaper
A
very simple way to make your home look different is by plastering your walls
with wallpaper. Although this concept is not widely used, it’s easy and
rather inexpensive. Marshall’s, one of the famous names in wallpapers,
have a wide range of colours and themes from cartoons for children to floral
prints and geometrical designs.
