Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding delivers rendered wall look at heritage home refurbishment

The Hardie™ Architectural Collection by James Hardie is introduced as a significant advancement in facade design, specifically tailored for modern Australian homes. This collection aims to simplify the creation of contemporary designs by providing a curated range of fiber cement cladding solutions that offer both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. It addresses a gap in the market for high-quality, pre-textured facade options, making it easier for architects, designers, and builders to achieve complex design outcomes without extensive bespoke work. The collection features three distinct cladding styles: Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding, Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding, and Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding. Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding is characterized by its smooth, matte finish, which provides a rendered look without the traditional masonry and wet trades required for rendering. This results in a cleaner, more efficient installation process and offers a durable, low-maintenance alternative that resists cracking and staining commonly associated with cement render. Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding offers an aesthetic that emulates the industrial sophistication of softly-brushed concrete. This style is achieved through an embedded texture within the fiber cement, allowing for the visual and tactile qualities of concrete to be incorporated into a facade without the weight, cost, and installation complexities of actual concrete. It provides a contemporary, minimalist look that is both robust and visually appealing. Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding reimagines traditional vertical timber battens by offering fiber cement boards with a thick profile and a distinctive angled edge. This design creates a dynamic play of light and shadow, adding depth and visual interest to a facade. Available in two widths, 200mm and 300mm, it allows for versatile design configurations, from uniform patterns to mixed-width arrangements, enhancing the architectural expression of a building. A key benefit across the entire collection is the use of James Hardie's innovative Hardie™ fibre cement material. This material is renowned for its durability, resistance to rot, fire, moisture, and pests, ensuring a long-lasting and low-maintenance facade. The pre-textured nature of the cladding significantly reduces installation time and complexity, as it arrives pre-primed and ready for paint, eliminating the need for additional rendering or specialized finishing trades. This efficiency contributes to faster project completion and reduced labor costs. The Hardie™ Architectural Collection is designed to be fully compatible with the existing James Hardie system, including its internal and external corner accessories. This ensures seamless integration and a consistent aesthetic across the entire build. The collection provides design flexibility, allowing for a monolithic look when a single texture is used or a more complex, layered facade when different textures and profiles are combined. This versatility enables designers to create unique and personalized architectural statements that reflect modern design principles. Ultimately, the collection empowers architects and designers to realize ambitious modern home designs with greater ease, efficiency, and confidence. It offers a practical and stylish solution for contemporary residential architecture, delivering sophisticated aesthetics and performance through innovative fiber cement technology. The collection is positioned as a comprehensive solution for achieving high-end architectural finishes in a streamlined manner. #HardieArchitecturalCollection #FacadeDesign #ModernHomes #FiberCementCladding #JamesHardie #ContemporaryArchitecture #BuildingMaterials #HomeExterior

The article details the exterior designs of the finished homes from 'The Block' competition, focusing on the use of James Hardie's fibre cement cladding products. Each house's design approach and the specific products used are highlighted, along with judges' comments. Tom and Sarah-Jane's House 1, the winners of the Landscape and Facade week, utilized Linea™ Weatherboards to achieve a cottage aesthetic with a soft grey palette against Shale Grey cladding. Axon™ Cladding was incorporated to connect the cottage with a modern pavilion, creating a breezeway also painted in Colorbond Shale Grey. The judges commended the juxtaposition of old and new elements and the harmonious color scheme that extended to the landscaping and fencing. Rachel and Ryan's House 2 featured Linea™ Weatherboards on their cottage and a combination of Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding and Axon™ Cladding for a mixed, striped look on their modern extension. This design incorporated Woodland Grey and Dune colors, which were praised for blending with the natural landscape and stone elements. Ankur and Sharon's House 3, the largest on The Block, featured Linea™ Weatherboards painted in Accent White Wool for the country cottage facade. Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding in Basalt Colorbond was used for the shed, creating a calming and uncluttered look that complemented other corrugated materials. The design's majestic appearance and the contrast between the old timber cottage and the modern cantilevered pavilion were noted. Dylan and Jenny's House 4 showcased a striking exterior using Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding and Axent™ Trim for a Board and Batten aesthetic. The soaring columns against the cladding on the pavilion facade were highlighted, creating a sense of grandeur. The white-on-white scheme at the front of the house was deemed charming, while a darker Hammer Grey was used for the rear extension, giving it a contemporary feel. Their tiny house was also a significant addition. Omar and Oz's House 5 impressed the judges with the seamless transition between the old and new parts of the home. The re-cladded cottage used Linea™ Weatherboards, with a soft grey and white color scheme that paired well with the landscaping. The judges appreciated the contrast between the traditional country-style verandah and the modern extension. Finally, Scotty Cam's cottage, the only original dwelling on the site, was wrapped in Linea™ Weatherboards by James Hardie for both the cottage and its modern extension, ensuring a cohesive look. The garage doors were painted Woodlands grey to offset the white of the original home, resulting in a sensational finish that blended the Australian homestead style with modern elements. #TheBlock #HomeInspiration #ExteriorDesign #FibreCementCladding #JamesHardie #LineaWeatherboards #AxonCladding #HardieFineTextureCladding #Renovation

The article explores various wall finishes that introduce texture and visual interest into interior spaces, moving beyond traditional flat paint. It highlights how textured walls can add drama, depth, and luxury, while also reflecting a homeowner's personal style. Expert designers emphasize the versatility of these finishes, noting their applicability in diverse rooms and their ability to create unique environments. The piece details nine distinct textured wall options, offering insights into their characteristics, application, and suitability for different areas of a home. Limewash paint is presented as a finish with both historical roots and contemporary appeal, known for its breathable qualities and soft, nuanced color effect. The article advises professional application for optimal results due to its layered nature. Grasscloth wallpaper is re-introduced as a modern option for subtle texture, offering depth and natural beauty, and is recommended for creating interest without overwhelming a space. It also points out the practical benefits of strength and durability. Plaster, including gypsum, lime, and clay plaster, is discussed for its raw, contemporary, and versatile nature. Clay plaster is particularly highlighted for its environmental benefits, humidity regulation, and unique soft texture and natural pigmentation, making it suitable for low-toxin homes and older properties. Limitations, such as unsuitability for areas with standing water or high abrasion, are also mentioned. Venetian plaster and Tadelakt are introduced as more luxurious and durable plaster options for specific applications like bathrooms and kitchens. High-gloss paint is featured as a way to introduce texture through reflective qualities, capable of bouncing light and adding a sense of glamour. The article emphasizes the need for perfectly smooth walls for this finish and suggests professional spray application for best results. Wood paneling is discussed as a classic trend experiencing a resurgence with richer woods, offering warmth and character. Practical considerations for wood, such as movement over time and fire treatment requirements, are also outlined. Tiles are presented as a method to add texture, color, and pattern to unexpected areas beyond kitchens and bathrooms, suggesting their use in living or dining rooms to create focal points or link spaces. The article also mentions upholstered walls, particularly in velvet, as an opulent way to add texture, though noting practical considerations for households with children or pets. Exposed brick is explored for its industrial charm and visual draw, with advice on keeping it natural or lime washing it to maintain its breathable properties. Finally, metallic paint is introduced as a way to add subtle pizzazz and a luxurious sheen, with a focus on gold and brass-effects for their warmth and versatility, noting that modern formulations are also eco-friendly. The article concludes by offering guidance on selecting the best textured finishes for high-traffic areas and wet environments like kitchens and bathrooms, prioritizing durability and ease of maintenance, and suggesting specific products and techniques for these challenging spaces. #TexturedWalls #InteriorDesign #WallFinishes #HomeDecor #LimewashPaint #GrassclothWallpaper #PlasterWalls #HighGlossPaint #WoodPaneling #DecorativeTiles #MetallicPaint #UpholsteredWalls #ExposedBrick

The resurgence of plaster walls in contemporary interior design signals a shift towards warmer, more textural aesthetics, moving away from the starker minimalist trends of the past. This subtle, yet impactful, wall treatment has become a hallmark of what is now often referred to as 'warm modernism,' a style that emphasizes comfort and natural textures. The article highlights that this trend has gained significant traction, appearing in high-profile residences from New York City to Los Angeles, including the homes of celebrities and designs by renowned architects and interior designers. The appeal of plaster walls lies in their inherent warmth, depth, and unique textural quality, which creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow within a space. Unlike perfectly smooth, painted surfaces, plaster offers an organic, hand-crafted feel that introduces character and a sense of history. This distinct visual and tactile experience is described by some designers as the 'umami of architecture,' capable of transforming an ordinary space into something extraordinary. The natural variations and imperfections in plaster applications ensure that no two moments are exactly alike, providing a living, breathing quality to the walls. The historical context of plaster is also explored, demonstrating its long-standing presence in architectural and design traditions across various cultures and eras. From ancient Egyptian tombs and Roman stucco to 15th-century Italian marmorino and 20th-century movements like 'Mizner Mediterranean' and Tuscan styles, plaster has consistently played a significant role in interior finishes. Its current popularity is attributed, in part, to leading artisans like Kamp Studios, whose work has been featured in numerous high-profile projects and has helped re-establish plaster as a prominent wall treatment in contemporary design. Designers, such as Vanessa Alexandra and Gregory Rockwell, frequently incorporate plaster into their projects, noting its ability to soften modern interiors and create an inviting atmosphere. Rockwell advises applying plaster to all walls and ceilings in a room for a cohesive look and suggests that passageways and areas with abundant natural light are ideal for showcasing its unique qualities. He also emphasizes the importance of creating samples to ensure the desired effect. For those seeking a more accessible approach, brands like Portola Paints offer lime wash and Roman clay paints that replicate the raw, textural appearance of traditional plaster, allowing for DIY applications. The broader implication of this trend suggests a desire among homeowners and designers for interiors that are more tactile, authentic, and connected to craftsmanship. In an increasingly digital world, there is a growing impulse to engage with physical materials and handmade elements. Plaster walls, with their inviting texture and rich history, fulfill this desire, offering a sensory experience that contrasts with mass-produced finishes. This movement towards 'warm modernism' and the embrace of natural, textural materials like plaster reflect a broader appreciation for bespoke details and a more organic, lived-in aesthetic in contemporary home design. #PlasterWalls #InteriorDesign #WarmModernism #HomeDecoration #TexturalFinishes #DesignTrends #Craftsmanship #ArchitecturalFinishes #WallTreatments

Plaster, a versatile and timeless material, offers a wealth of opportunities to enhance the character and aesthetic of any interior space. While commonly associated with walls, designers are increasingly leveraging plaster in various applications to introduce texture, depth, and a unique artistic quality to homes. This exploration delves into seven key areas where plaster can be effectively incorporated, moving beyond conventional uses to create engaging and sophisticated designs. Walls remain a prominent canvas for plaster, with a diverse range of types, colors, and finishes available to personalize any living room or kitchen. Techniques such as Venetian plaster, limewash, and tadelakt are being utilized in contemporary ways, producing dynamic effects that interact with lighting and offer an eco-friendly alternative to chemical-laden finishes. These bespoke plaster treatments provide an organic movement and a tailored look that mass-produced wallpapers often lack. The fireplace, often a focal point in living rooms, is another ideal location for plaster. It can transform a worn fireplace into an eye-catching feature, offering a cost-effective solution to refresh existing brickwork or drywall without extensive renovations. Plaster's ability to create varied textures, from smooth to rugged, adds significant depth and elevates the overall aesthetic of the space, whether applied as a full coat or a subtle accent. Kitchens benefit from plaster through customized range hoods. Replacing traditional wood or metal, plaster offers a natural and stunning alternative. These hoods can be easily shaped and then finished with Roman clay in a color of choice, seamlessly blending with both contemporary and rustic settings while exuding a refined and elevated appearance. Historically, plaster, particularly tadelakt, has been valued for its waterproof and durable properties, making it suitable for wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and shower rooms. Its resurgence in 2024 highlights its ability to provide a seamless, luxurious aesthetic reminiscent of ancient Roman baths. The use of lime and marble dust in tadelakt creates a beautifully mottled texture, offering both functionality and visual appeal. For those hesitant to introduce plaster into a main bathroom, powder rooms serve as an excellent experimental space. The material can be applied to vanities, tub surrounds, or countertops, adding character to these smaller areas. Plaster's durability and ease of maintenance make it a practical choice for high-traffic powder rooms, contributing to a layered, textured, and warm 'Old World' design aesthetic that is currently trending. Architectural details, often overlooked, can be significantly enhanced with plaster. Elements such as millwork and crown molding, when coated in plaster, can evoke old-world charm in traditional settings or add a sleek yet inviting touch to modern spaces, preventing them from feeling too cold. Plaster effectively highlights existing architectural features, adding visual interest to plain walls and setting a distinct tone in living areas, dining rooms, hallways, entryways, and bedrooms. Beyond structural applications, plaster is increasingly being incorporated into design accessories. It transforms from a building material into a decorative finish, bringing an artistic and sophisticated element to various home items. From light fixtures and accent tables to smaller decorative objects, plaster's sculpted, unfinished appearance and off-white coloring lend an artisanal, chic, and modern quality. These plaster-made items act as sculptural focal points, adding organic charm and intrigue, particularly in modern or minimalist design schemes. Simple alternatives, such as Rustoleum Chalked Ultra Matte Paint, can also be used to achieve a similar plaster-like effect on various surfaces. Ultimately, incorporating plaster in these diverse ways offers an accessible and impactful method to infuse character and charm into any home. #InteriorDesign #PlasterFinishes #HomeDecor #TexturedWalls #FireplaceDesign #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign #ArchitecturalDetails #DesignAccessories

Dutch manufacturer Hakwood has introduced three new geometric wall tile designs, focusing on uncomplicated shapes like repeated squares, interlinked circles, and trapezoidal forms. These new additions to their wall-tile collection are designed to create patterned feature walls in various settings. The tiles are suitable for both residential and commercial applications, offering versatility for interior designers and architects. Examples of their use include patterned headboards in bedrooms, distinctive feature walls in housing developments, and outlining display areas within retail spaces. Adriaan Hoogendoorn, a technical specialist at Hakwood, emphasizes that while the designs appear simple, their proportions are meticulously crafted to resonate effectively. The choice of color placement allows for the creation of numerous unique patterns from a single tile design, providing extensive customization opportunities. To further support design flexibility, Hakwood offers an online customization tool that enables architects and designers to experiment with tile colors and create bespoke patterns. Additionally, the tiles are available in two thicknesses, 15 millimeters and 20 millimeters, which allows for the incorporation of three-dimensional surfaces to add depth and visual interest to walls. Hakwood, based in Werkendam, the Netherlands, has nearly four decades of experience in producing wooden flooring and wall tiles. The company consistently engages in collaborative projects and creative installations to showcase its products and innovative design capabilities. Recently, Hakwood partnered with interiors company Shape London to develop an installation for Clerkenwell Design Week. This installation featured three-meter-high Dutch townhouses constructed from bright-pink tiles, demonstrating a playful and impactful use of their materials. In 2016, Hakwood also collaborated with Flea Folly Architects to construct a temporary timber tunnel within the arch of London's St John's Gate, an installation that drew inspiration from the historical monastic character of the location. The new geometric wall tiles underscore Hakwood's commitment to combining simplicity with design effectiveness. The products are designed to empower designers and architects to personalize spaces, ranging from private residences to public commercial establishments. The availability of varied colors, customization options, and different thicknesses caters to diverse aesthetic and functional requirements, ensuring that the tiles can adapt to a wide array of interior design concepts. These offerings reflect a strategy to provide materials that are both visually appealing and highly adaptable, reinforcing Hakwood's position as a provider of innovative surfacing solutions. #Hakwood #WallTiles #GeometricPatterns #InteriorDesign #ProductDesign #CommercialInteriors #ResidentialDesign #Customization #3DSurfaces

This article highlights ten interior spaces that utilize custom plaster wall finishes by the British brand Clayworks to create visual interest and unique atmospheres. Clayworks emphasizes the transformative potential of clay plasters, stating they can elevate ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences through their aesthetic opportunities and the integration of contemporary material science. The featured projects showcase a diverse range of applications and finishes, demonstrating the versatility of Clayworks' products in various settings, including residential homes, hotels, shops, and offices. One featured project is the Gold Flake Demi Rustic finishes at Hundred Acre Wood House in the UK. Designed by Denizen Works, this residential space incorporates minerals resembling gold flakes into Clayworks' Demi Rustic clay plaster. The resulting seamless, light-diffusing wall surface adds depth and intrigue to the interior, providing a robust finish that complements the monumental scale of the house in Loch Awe, Scotland. Another example is The Teahouse in the UK, a collaboration between Clayworks and Sasa Works. This space, unveiled at the 2023 Surface Design Show, demonstrates the harmonious relationship between natural and handcrafted materials. Here, Rammed Earth and Fading Straw Arakabe Ombre finishes are used to create an atmosphere of balance and tranquility within the teahouse setting. The Red Room at The Connaught Hotel in Mayfair, London, designed by Bryan O'Sullivan Studio, features a striking red-to-orange clay plaster gradient. Clayworks’ technical team meticulously researched and developed several pigment proposals to achieve this fiery color ombre, creating a distinctive and luxurious ambiance within the hotel bar. For the Oro de Cacao chocolate shop in Zurich, Switzerland, by Moser Wegenstein, Clayworks developed custom pink ombre wall finishes. These finishes, made from natural minerals and pigments, exhibit a dual fade: a color transition from deep to light pink, coupled with a texture gradient from rough plaster at the top to a softer finish at the bottom, enhancing the shop's aesthetic. The Fellow coffee retail shop in Los Angeles, USA, designed by Studio Mai, utilizes Clayworks’ Rammed Earth surfaces for both walls and display plinths. The custom Rammed Earth design for this interior references California's geography, aiming to create a unique and immersive shopping experience for customers. At the Gaucho restaurant in Glasgow, Scotland, designed by Design LSM, a tough-textured rammed earth surface with grey, sand, and red hues evokes the Pampas landscapes of Argentina. This earthen feature wall contributes to a calming and comforting multi-sensory dining experience. The Room2 hotel in Chiswick, London, which claimed to be the world's first whole-life, net-zero carbon hotel upon its 2021 opening, incorporates Clayworks’ clay wall surfaces in an ombre terracotta-colored finish. These finishes were chosen for their low-carbon qualities, owing to their raw and unprocessed state, aligning with the hotel's sustainable design principles. The Self-Portrait Kings Road store in the UK, a collaboration between Self-Portrait founder Han Chong and architect Andreas Kostopoulos, features mint green clay walls with limewash-like markings and custom corrugated textures. This design leverages minimalism, materiality, and color to create an intimate, sensory retail environment free from visual distractions. In the Fulton Avenue home in Los Angeles, USA, designed by Diaz and Alexander Studio, a custom slim corrugated clay plaster was applied as a feature wall in several rooms. This addition introduces texture and irregularity, complementing the home’s soft, neutral tones and raw materials, and enhancing the residential interior. Finally, the CBRE Offices in Glasgow, UK, utilize Clayworks’ Rammed Earth collection, made from natural clay, minerals, and sand. The 10-millimeter-thick surface was applied to office walls to integrate the aesthetics of raw earth into an urban workspace, while also improving the acoustic and thermal performance of the space. #Clayworks #TexturedWallFinishes #InteriorDesign #RammedEarth #ClayPlaster #OmbreWalls #SustainableMaterials #ArchitecturalFinishes #ResidentialInteriors

In contemporary luxury home design, the focus has shifted from mere abundance to distinctiveness, with clients increasingly seeking unique and bespoke finishes. Designers like Darren Henault rarely use off-the-shelf items, preferring custom solutions that are personal to the homeowner. This trend reflects a desire for individuality, where homes become expressions of unique taste rather than conformity. Lisa McDennon emphasizes that high-end design is now about distinction, paralleling historical examples of bespoke craftsmanship such as the Taj Mahal's intricate inlays. One sought-after finish is plaster walls, which offer a soft glow and movement that paint cannot replicate. Kirsten Molz notes that plaster can counteract the coldness of modern homes, providing depth, texture, and warmth. European-limewash craftsmen are often employed to achieve this effect, creating a calming and comfortable atmosphere. Ryan White, for instance, used a plaster-sheathed snaking staircase in a Malibu home to evoke a sense of tranquility and security through its texture and appearance. Custom murals are another way to personalize a space, often chosen over wallpaper for their storytelling quality and unique charm. Ryan White commissions artists like James Mobley to create hand-painted murals, such as cherry blossoms in a primary suite, to bring the outdoors inside a modern, glass-filled home, adding a soft and personal touch. Decorative artist Joseph Steiert highlights the bespoke nature of his trompe-l’oeil treatments, which can be tailored with monograms or hidden details, appealing to clients who desire something specific to their home that no one else possesses, often leading to bragging rights. Bronze is undergoing a revival, moving beyond traditional applications to become a feature in high-end interiors. Susan Bednar Long has incorporated custom-poured bronze countertops in kitchens, appreciating its subtle color changes and instant patina. Darren Henault's work on an Upper West Side duplex showcases bronze in a stair railing, where new-cast bronze balusters exhibit a slight taper, and the handrail reflects the material's fluidity, making every gleam tell a story of modernist craftsmanship. Custom wallpapers represent a departure from mass-produced options, with designers pushing boundaries through unique applications. Henault transformed small-batch hand-marbleized William Morris paper into a lattice pattern and created a mosaic from Cannon/Bullock sheets cut into varying rectangular sizes, emphasizing that the impact lies in how the material is used rather than merely what is used. This approach results in moody and magical wall coverings that offer a level of customization not found in conventional wallpapers. Lacquer is gaining popularity for its glamorous, rich, and luxurious finish. Sasha Bikoff notes that achieving a high-gloss, mirror-like surface is costly and labor-intensive due to the need for flawless application that reflects light without showing imperfections. However, the result is considered worthwhile. Chad Graci applied lacquered ceilings in a New Orleans residence, creating a shimmering pond effect that accentuates verticality, particularly in rooms with lower ceilings. This finish offers a sophisticated and opulent aesthetic. Rare woods provide another avenue for distinctive luxury. Julie Kleiner of Massucco Warner highlights the use of specialty woods like blond Beeswing Primavera, departing from stained walnuts or bleached oaks. Achieving the subtle, even finish of these woods requires numerous steps to ensure the correct shade without yellow or streaky tones, resulting in an equally luminous and beautiful finish comparable to lacquer. Darren Henault emphasizes the importance of craftsmanship and the human imprint in these materials, noting that in an increasingly AI-driven world, the visible hand of a craftsman signifies true wealth and singularity. #LuxuryHomeFinishes #InteriorDesign #BespokeDesign #PlasterWalls #CustomMurals #BronzeAccents #CustomWallpaper #LacquerFinishes #RareWoods #HomeDecor #HighEndInteriors

While color is frequently the initial consideration when a home appears dull or flat, texture offers an equally, if not more, effective method for enhancing a room's vibrancy. Introducing texture to a space not only adds depth and dimension but also provides benefits that even color-averse decorators can appreciate. This approach extends beyond merely incorporating throws, rugs, and fabrics. By dressing walls with natural materials such as marble and wood, or utilizing paints and wallpapers that create perceived texture effects, a room can be instantly revitalized without occupying additional surface space. There are numerous creative ways to achieve wall texture. One method involves using optical illusions, such as a printed wallpaper with pearlized ink dots that mimic nailheads, as seen in a sitting room designed by Cameron Ruppert Interiors. Another option is whitewashing wood panels; if existing paneled walls need brightening, diluting paint with water and applying it with a brush, then wiping and repeating, can achieve the desired lighter shade. For a unique three-dimensional effect, paint can be applied with a flat plaster paddle instead of a roller or brush, transforming a wall into a work of art, as exemplified by a light mossy green wall in a Studio Flack design. Grasscloth wallpaper is a versatile choice, offering both printed and neutral options. A block-printed grasscloth, like the Lee Jofa selection in a California sunroom by Heather Hilliard, adds rich, dimensional texture, while a neutral grasscloth, made from natural fibers, provides warmth and more texture than other wallpaper types. Lacquered paint, with its glossy finish, can make a room feel larger by reflecting light, similar to a mirror. For enhanced comfort and sound dampening, walls can be padded with velvet, especially when installed over cotton batting, creating a luxurious and acoustically favorable environment. Mirrored walls not only enlarge a room visually but also offer an interesting backdrop for artwork, particularly antiqued mirrors which exude a glamorous feel. Faux animal skin wallpapers, such as a Ralph Lauren faux crocodile wallpaper used by designer Tom Stringer, introduce texture and a striking element to clean, classic spaces. Beyond traditional wall coverings, neutral tiles can be used outside bathrooms and kitchens, lined up on a wall in clay hues to add dimension. Concrete effect paint offers an edgy, matte texture, especially in darker tones, providing a subtle yet bold aesthetic. Embracing existing architectural elements, such as exposed brick, can create a lived-in feel. For those who find the industrial look too stark, adding splashes of paint or a wallpaper accent, combined with upholstered pieces, can introduce warmth. Large marble slabs can be incorporated into a wall to make a sophisticated statement, offering a formal yet textured aesthetic. Color-blocking with tiles can be achieved by tiling only half a wall, creating a unique transition from floor to wall, particularly effective with hexagonal patterns. For a soft, dreamy ambiance in a bedroom, upholstering walls is an option. Instead of covering the entire wall, contrasting fabric with materials like wood or concrete can add visual interest. Finally, layering multiple textures, such as color-blocked wood panels with tiles, can create an intriguing three-dimensional look. To maintain harmony, it is advisable to stick to neutral tones when employing multiple layers, preventing a chaotic appearance. #WallTexture #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #RoomDecor #DesignInspiration #Wallpaper #PaintEffects #NaturalMaterials #SpaceEnhancement

This article highlights ten residential projects that feature distinctive types of house cladding, in response to a 70 percent increase in searches for "house cladding" on Dezeen's Pinterest over the past month. Architects globally are increasingly using a variety of materials to creatively cover building exteriors, moving beyond traditional methods to incorporate both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits such as thermal efficiency and weather resistance. The featured projects showcase innovative uses of materials including recycled scallop tiles, cork, pine siding, slate, weathering steel, and ceramic tiles. The 2HIEN house in Vietnam, designed by CTA, utilizes recycled scallop tiles from the client's previous home to clad both the exterior and roof, as well as interior walls, minimizing the need for new materials. In the Czech Republic, Atelier SAD and Iveta Zachariášová selected cork for a rural house's exterior due to its thermal and weather-resistant qualities, complementing the interior's concrete walls, floors, and ceilings. Stanaćev Granados's Casa Kuvo in Chile, a cubic holiday home on the coast, employs pine siding to reflect the intense sun, integrating the structure with its natural surroundings. Angelucci Architects' Nido House in Australia involves the renovation of a Victorian brick terraced house with an extension clad in hand-cut Welsh slate tiles, covering both the roof and a portion of the facade. LCA Architetti's "The House of Wood, Straw and Cork" in Italy exemplifies sustainable building practices, using a timber structure, straw insulation, and cork cladding to create a minimalist home that harmonizes with its rural setting and reduces environmental impact. Studio Okami Architecten's Beli House in Belgium draws inspiration from 1960s design, featuring a mirrored-clad volume that reflects the surrounding woodland, integrated into a concrete and glass structure. Omar Gandhi Architect's "Mountain Beetle" in British Columbia, Canada, is a fire-resistant mountaintop retreat clad in weathering steel, designed to resemble a mountain beetle and protect against wildfires prevalent in the region. Mecanoo's Villa BW in the Netherlands incorporates ceramic tiles in shades of grey, blue, and green with a pearlescent glaze, creating a facade that changes color with the sunlight. The Nishiji Project in Chiba, Japan, by Kompas, uses traditional kawara tiles, blackened to resist salt damage, for a house and art gallery with garages on the ground floor and art spaces across three upper levels. Lastly, Rundzwei Architekten's "Cork Screw House" in Berlin, Germany, utilizes waste cork from the wine industry for its facade and roof, providing thermal efficiency and a distinctive exterior. These projects collectively demonstrate a diverse and innovative approach to house cladding, emphasizing both sustainability and unique architectural expression. #HouseCladding #ArchitecturalDesign #SustainableMaterials #ResidentialArchitecture #ExteriorDesign #BuildingMaterials #InnovativeCladding #HomeExteriors #ArchitecturalProjects

Interior timber wall cladding offers an aesthetic upgrade and enhances a home's energy efficiency. This versatile product is available in various sizes and wood types, providing homeowners with an easy-to-install and maintain solution for transforming their living spaces. Cladding can contribute to a modern look and feel, similar to wall panelling, and can be customized with different paints or wood stains to match diverse interior design preferences. Beyond its visual appeal, interior timber cladding significantly improves the insulation and soundproofing properties of a room, leading to a more comfortable and energy-efficient home environment. This makes it a valuable addition for homeowners looking to combine style with practical benefits. Installation of wooden cladding is a straightforward DIY project. The process typically involves measuring and cutting the cladding panels to the desired size. Support battens are then attached to the wall, to which the cladding panels are secured using nails or screws. This method ensures a snug fit and a professional finish. For painting, a high-quality interior wood paint or stain is recommended, with the choice of finish aligning with the room's existing decor. Priming the wood before painting is advised to achieve a smooth and durable surface, ensuring longevity and a refined appearance. Wood stains can be used to emphasize the natural grain of the timber, offering a more rustic or natural aesthetic, while paints allow for a complete color transformation. From a practical standpoint, interior timber cladding serves as an additional layer of insulation for walls. This extra barrier helps to regulate indoor temperatures, keeping the home warmer during colder months and cooler in warmer seasons. The improved thermal performance contributes to lower energy consumption and increased comfort. Furthermore, the added material layer acts as an effective sound barrier, reducing noise transmission between rooms and from outside the home, thereby enhancing the overall tranquility of the living space. The variety of materials available, such as MDF and different types of softwood, allows for choices based on specific needs, including budget, desired finish, and environmental considerations. Many products come pre-primed or fully finished, simplifying the installation and decorating process for homeowners. The selection of cladding varies in length, thickness, and width, catering to different project requirements. For instance, options include pieces ranging from 900mm to 3000mm in length, 8mm to 17mm in thickness, and widths of 94mm, 144mm, or 200mm. Pack quantities also differ, from single units to packs of nine, providing flexibility for projects of all scales. Popular finishes include natural wood tones and white, offering both traditional and contemporary styles. Brands like Wickes and Cheshire Mouldings offer a range of products, including V-jointed traditional softwood cladding, general-purpose softwood cladding, and primed slatted or round MDF cladding. These options enable homeowners to select products that meet their specific design preferences and functional needs, whether for a subtle enhancement or a complete room transformation, all while benefiting from improved home performance. #InteriorDesign #WallCladding #HomeRenovation #DIYHomeImprovement #EnergyEfficiency #Soundproofing #WoodCladding #MDFCladding #HomeDecor

Walls are increasingly recognized as dynamic canvases within interior design, moving beyond their traditional role as mere background elements to actively shape a room's aesthetic and mood. Contemporary design approaches emphasize creative wall treatments as a powerful means of transformation, focusing on how existing surfaces can be enhanced rather than solely on added décor. Color remains a fundamental starting point, yet designers are exploring finishes that offer greater depth and nuance, such as limewash, plaster, and clay-based paints, which introduce subtle variations in texture and light. Wallpaper is experiencing a significant resurgence, evolving from a simple decorative element to a bold artistic statement. Modern wallpapers feature hand-painted murals, oversized botanicals, and graphic geometrics, designed to be impactful and expressive. Their application extends beyond traditional walls to ceilings, entire room wraps, or framed segments, providing opportunities for dramatic visual effects. Architectural wall treatments, including fluted panels, reeded wood, and applied moldings, contribute rhythm and structure, giving walls a sculptural presence that elevates spaces like dining rooms and entryways into grander experiences. The trend of art-forward walls continues to grow, with gallery walls becoming more intentionally curated. These installations often blend various mediums, scales, and even three-dimensional objects, creating a bespoke feel. Techniques like painted arches, color-blocked shapes, and custom murals further blur the line between the wall and the artwork itself, allowing for a personalized expression of the homeowner's individuality. The overarching theme is one of permission—the freedom to experiment with layers, textures, patterns, and forms, transforming walls into expansive canvases for self-expression. Specific examples illustrate these innovative approaches. Cork panels can be integrated to add texture and serve as visual focal points. Wood paneling can be revitalized with a sheer colored stain, such as Sherwin-Williams Jade Dragon, to enhance depth while preserving the natural wood grain. Custom murals, like a nautical-themed de Gournay piece, create definitive statements without the need for additional artwork. Woven rattan wallcoverings introduce warmth and depth, making spaces feel inviting and sophisticated. Pattern mixing in wallpaper is also embraced, where contrasting designs can coexist harmoniously if unified by a shared color palette. For those who prefer a subtler impact, framing a natural woven wallcovering with deep green trim can evoke a boutique-hotel ambiance. Art can directly inspire wall treatments, as seen in a hand-painted Porter Teleo wallcovering inspired by kintsugi. Wainscoting offers another opportunity for surprise, with geometric wallpapers applied over it to add unexpected texture. Furthermore, coordinating wall treatments with furnishings, such as extending a floral-patterned wallpaper to headboards, curtains, and lampshades, creates a cohesive and immersive environment. In historical homes, emphasizing existing intricate millwork, including richly paneled walls and detailed staircases, brings a sense of timeless character and craftsmanship to the forefront. #WallTreatments #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #WallpaperTrends #TexturalWalls #ArchitecturalDetails #MuralArt #PatternMixing #HomeRenovation #DesignInspiration

The article introduces the 2024 'Extraordinary Faces of Home,' a compilation of talented and experienced professionals in the home design and renovation industry in Westchester. These individuals and businesses are recognized for their passion and expertise in creating beautiful and comfortable living spaces. The featured companies span various aspects of home improvement, from interior design to exterior landscaping. Blinds To Go, for instance, specializes in custom window treatments, offering a wide array of blinds, shades, shutters, and drapery. Their design consultants assist clients in selecting materials and colors that align with personal style and budget, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and functionality. All products and services come with a lifetime warranty, highlighting their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. California Closets focuses on custom storage solutions for various areas of the home, including closets, entertainment centers, mudrooms, and home offices. They emphasize superior craftsmanship and innovative designs that optimize organization and space, allowing clients more time for personal pursuits. Their process involves expert design consultation and custom manufacturing in their Westchester plant, followed by timely installation. Ai Bo Gallery presents a curated collection of contemporary fine art, featuring sculptures, photography, glass, mixed media, and paintings from emerging and established artists worldwide. Owner Glenn Aber’s passion for art, particularly from Vietnam, China, and Southeast Asia, is evident in the gallery's diverse offerings, which cater to both homeowners and interior designers seeking unique pieces. Cara Saven Wall Design, led by Caronine Garbutt, offers bespoke wallcoverings. Their team customizes designs to fit unique wall shapes, adjust colors and scales, or create entirely new patterns. Their extensive e-catalogue features over 2,000 designs, available on various substrates, including wallpaper, fabrics, and roller shades, serving interior designers, corporate clients, and residential projects. TT Interiors, founded by Tanya Tochner, provides personalized luxury interior design services. Tanya's approach is centered on listening to clients to create spaces that are both beautiful and functional, reflecting their unique personalities and styles. The services range from complete renovations to full interior design, operating as a division of ROCKS Jewelry Gifts Home. Kanter’s Carpet & Home is known for its luxurious flooring solutions. Under the leadership of Brian Kanter and his team, this 75-year-old family business offers an extensive selection of carpeting, custom area rugs, hardwood, LVP, and window treatments. They are trusted by interior designers and discerning homeowners for their impeccable design and quality. Nationwide Maintenance & General Contracting Inc., spearheaded by Marcie Manfredonia, specializes in exceptional home renovations. Marcie's transition from commercial to residential projects was driven by a desire to create meaningful and personalized spaces that evoke joy, peace, and love for individual homeowners, fostering long-lasting client relationships. Henry B. Whitaker Garage Doors, now run by third-generation owners Casarra and Jonathan Cover, continues a legacy of custom-built garage doors. What began with limited options in 1949 has evolved to offer state-of-the-art, handmade custom wood garage doors that enhance home aesthetics. They emphasize that a garage door is a crucial first impression of a home. Morano Group Landscapes + Hardscapes is a family-owned, full-service exterior company providing design, development, maintenance, masonry, interior plantscapes, organic tree care, mature tree installation, holiday décor, and poolside landscapes for commercial and residential properties in New York and Florida. Finally, Jilco Window Corporation’s Design Team, with over 70 years of combined experience, crafts “Irresistible Kitchens.” Lou Righetti, Darrin Monaco, and Sarah Zobel work with clients to weave together personality and vision with design expertise, focusing on colors, textures, and functionality to create thoughtful and thorough kitchen designs. Overall, the article highlights these businesses as key players in transforming and enhancing homes in Westchester, each bringing unique skills and dedicated service to their respective fields. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #WindowTreatments #CustomStorage #FineArt #Wallcoverings #LuxuryFlooring #LandscapeDesign #GarageDoors #KitchenDesign #WestchesterHomes

Redecorating often involves repainting or wallpapering, but texturing walls offers a creative way to add visual intrigue and tactile finishes without a complete overhaul of a room's layout or furniture. Textured wall ideas are gaining popularity, providing an opportunity to hide imperfections and add depth to a space. Professional decorators and designers recommend several methods for texturing walls, ensuring a result that is appealing both visually and to the touch. One of the simplest ways to introduce texture is through the use of tactile wallpaper. This can be a pre-printed or colored option, or a paintable wallpaper that allows for customization. Artem Kropovinsky, an interior designer and founder of Arsight, highlights this as a great alternative for those who prefer not to use powders, pastes, or sprays indoors. He emphasizes that this method provides a quick and clean way to achieve textured walls. Another accessible method involves using texturing rollers. These tools, familiar to anyone who has painted a room, come with unique surfaces like stippling or sponge-like textures. Shanade McAllister-Fisher, an interior designer, explains that stippling rollers create a delicate speckled effect, ideal for a subtle texture on white walls. Sponge rollers, conversely, offer a more rustic feel, suitable for Mediterranean or farmhouse-style kitchens, mimicking natural stone. She advises experimenting with different pressures and angles to achieve the desired effect and visual impact. For a more industrial and modern aesthetic, applying a concrete compound is an option. Chris Campos, a contractor at Gold Coast Bricklayers, suggests that drywall compound can be easily troweled onto various surfaces, including existing tiles, concrete, and drywall. This technique can result in either a rough, industrial look or a polished, refined texture, depending on the application and finishing. It also offers a cost-effective solution for updating surfaces without demolition. When seeking a more defined texture without re-wallpapering, spray-on, paint-over texturizers are effective. Artem Kropovinsky notes that these products can be applied and then painted over once dry. However, caution is advised, and proper safety measures, such as wearing a mask and goggles and ensuring adequate ventilation, are necessary due to the nature of the sprays. Finally, for a classic and enduring textural statement, a brick facade can be installed. Tim Leese of Glen-Gery, a premium brick specialist, points out that while a running bond pattern is common, unexpected patterns like stacked or herringbone bonds can add a modern or rustic touch. This method typically requires professional application due to the specialized skills involved in bricklaying or tiling. Before undertaking any wall texturing project, it's important to consider potential drawbacks. Textured walls can accumulate dust more easily, requiring more frequent cleaning. Additionally, certain texturing materials, particularly sprays and paints, can be difficult to remove if a decor change is desired. Some textures, like popcorn, may also impart an outdated appearance. To avoid this, it's recommended to align with current painting and wallpapering trends, opting for timeless options such as bricks, classic wallpapers, or drywall finishes. Techniques like limewashing can also provide an attractive, flat texture while remaining contemporary. #WallTexturing #InteriorDesign #HomeDecoration #DIYProjects #TexturedWallpaper #TexturingRollers #ConcreteCompound #BrickFacade #HomeImprovement

A homeowner successfully transformed her bedroom with a DIY wooden feature wall inspired by Instagram, achieving a stylish Scandi look for significantly less than a professional quote. Calsey Banks from Birmingham, impressed by similar designs online, decided to undertake the project herself after receiving a builder's quote of £300. Her initiative saved her £150, as she completed the entire project for just £150. Calsey sourced MDF strips from B&Q; and used no-nail glue to attach them to the wall. She emphasized that the project didn't require specialized tools, noting she only used an electrical saw to cut the MDF to size. A key to achieving a uniform look was using a divider to ensure consistent spacing between each strip. Once all the wooden strips were in place, she painted the entire wall, including the gaps, using Regency Cream by Craig and Rose Paint. Adding a personal touch, Calsey utilized the leftover MDF pieces to create a decorative picture ledge on the wall, which she positioned at different angles to enhance the overall aesthetic. This creative use of materials not only added character but also eliminated waste. Her project demonstrates that bold DIY efforts can lead to stunning results and significant cost savings. The article further showcases other examples of wood panelling, suggesting that playing with the spacing between wooden strips can personalize the look. It highlights how this popular wall trend is versatile and can be effectively used in various rooms, including dining rooms and bedrooms, particularly behind the bed for a Scandi-inspired focal point. The success of Calsey's project encourages others to tackle similar home improvement tasks, proving that impressive design can be achieved on a budget with a DIY approach. #DIYHomeDecor #WoodPanelling #BedroomMakeover #ScandiDesign #BudgetDecor #HomeImprovement #CreativeDIY