Say Goodbye to Shiplap—Here Are 4 Wall Treatments Designers Are Choosing Instead

The article highlights a growing trend among interior designers and clients to move away from plain, flat-painted walls towards more textured finishes. Sondra Ganz of Studio Ganz notes that many clients are requesting walls with more visual interest, finding traditional painted walls to be boring. Textured walls offer a more transportive and bespoke feel, though they typically involve a longer-term commitment and may influence decor choices more significantly than a simple paint color. Several creative and daring designers shared their approaches to incorporating texture into wall designs. Becky Shea, an interior designer, advocates for bringing the outdoors in by using reeded wood paneling. In one bedroom, she installed reeded walnut paneling that extends behind the bed and onto the ceiling, creating a warm, enveloping effect. This method adds depth and visual interest without relying on traditional wallcoverings, resulting in an elevated and timeless space. Rachael Gowdridge introduced a unique method for uniform tiled walls, moving beyond typical high-gloss drama. She designed bespoke tiles inspired by a 19th-century yew tree sprig, using a repeat pattern to add whimsy. The bright white base of the tiles keeps the room feeling fresh, and extending the tiling to a monolithic basin shelf simplifies finishes and adds playfulness, especially effective in small spaces. Grasscloth is presented as a middle ground between paint and wallpaper, offering the solidity of paint with the dimension of wallpaper. Gowdridge utilized a rich green grasscloth to create a lived-in, layered feel in a room. She explained that grasscloth's natural variations in tone and weave instantly make walls more sophisticated, adding a tactile quality that softens the space and provides warmth without overwhelming the eye. Fabric folding screens, or room dividers, are suggested as a cost-effective way to add texture and define spaces. Marty Dykas used a fabric-covered custom screen to separate a dressing area from a bedroom and serve as a headboard, enhancing the visual appeal of a highly visible flat. The silky-smooth fabric of the screen contributes significant texture. Andy Barlow, head of interior design at Thesis Architecture, embraced original wood paneling in a family home built in 1914. This preserved architectural element served as a key design feature, influencing the decision to keep the kitchen light and bright to balance the darker, cozy wood tones on the main floor, ensuring the original character of the house was maintained. Exposed painted brick is another textural element discussed. Anshu Bangia, co-founder of Bangia Agostinho Architecture DPC, uncovered existing brick walls in a historic Brooklyn kitchen during renovation. Repaired and incorporated into the new design, the painted brick added texture and depth, acting as a light, airy backdrop in the open kitchen and along the stair hall, connecting all levels vertically. Patterned wallpaper remains a classic choice for adding personality and depth to walls. Miranda Cullen, a Colorado-based designer, frequently uses wallpaper in her projects. She noted that patterned wallpaper can highlight architectural features, add personality, or enhance a color palette. For example, in a breakfast nook, a subtle blue patterned wallpaper softened sharp architectural lines and created a cheerful backdrop, proving wallpaper's ability to add refined character without being overwhelming. #InteriorDesign #WallDecor #TexturedWalls #HomeRenovation #DesignTrends #Wallpaper #WoodPaneling #TileDesign #Grasscloth

In recent years, interior design has shifted towards more considered, clutter-free, and often minimalist aesthetics, influencing wall decor trends significantly. The article highlights that the era of crowding walls with numerous photographs, multiple frames, and perfectly symmetrical arrangements is fading. According to Nitin Kohli, founder and principal designer of Nitin Kohli Home, once-trendy wall decor styles are now considered outdated, with designers advocating for a departure from old-fashioned methods of filling wall space. The article identifies four specific wall decor trends that designers are moving away from. The first is macrame wall hangings, which, despite their earlier popularity for introducing a handmade, bohemian feel, have become less favored due to mass production. Candace Shure, founder of Shure Design Studio, notes that their widespread availability has diminished their unique appeal, with designers now recommending a single, curated art piece or photograph that complements a modern home aesthetic. Secondly, oversized wall clocks are no longer considered a stylish choice. While they once offered a dramatic effect, they are now seen as jarring in sophisticated homes and occupy valuable wall space, especially in smaller rooms, which could be better utilized for more elegant decor or left blank to create a sense of openness. Nitin Kohli suggests opting for wall paneling to add a fresh and personalized touch instead of oversized clocks. The third outdated trend is mass-produced art. Designers express a strong preference for unique, one-of-a-kind, or customizable art pieces over manufactured prints or canvases. Mary Patton, founder of Mary Patton Design, emphasizes that art should evoke meaning and individuality, recommending platforms like Chairish for unique finds. Finally, busy gallery walls, which were previously used to display a variety of art and photographs to create an eye-catching focal point and reflect personality, are also falling out of favor. With the rise of minimalist living rooms, excessive gallery walls are being replaced by a simpler approach, utilizing fewer, larger art pieces to create impact without overwhelming the space. Oversized typography, once a bold statement, is also seen as overused, with a preference for more personalized and subtle art. Instead of these outdated trends, designers are embracing moody blues and dark green wall paints to create cozy and elegant atmospheres, especially when paired with warm lighting, moving away from light and neutral palettes. For current wall decor trends, the article points to living room mirrors, particularly those with organic shapes. Candace Shure notes the collective preference for curves and flowing lines in furniture and decor, making sinuous or squiggly-framed mirrors a popular and impactful choice that moves away from symmetrical and predictable designs. The article suggests that these contemporary choices reflect a broader shift towards more thoughtful, personalized, and less cluttered interior spaces. #WallDecorTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #OutdatedTrends #ModernInteriors #MinimalistDesign #ArtSelection #WallPanels #OrganicMirrors

Interior design trends, much like fashion trends, are constantly evolving, with certain styles falling out of favor to make way for new and innovative approaches. One prominent trend that designers are now moving away from is the accent wall, where a single wall in a room is painted a different color or given a unique treatment to create a focal point. Designers express a desire for more comprehensive and confident design choices, advocating for bold statements rather than subtle introductions to visual interest. The emerging consensus among design experts is that the ceiling, often referred to as the "fifth wall," is becoming the new frontier for incorporating visual interest and defining a space. Traditionally overlooked, the ceiling is now being recognized for its potential to elevate a room, create balance, and express personal style. Designers are exploring various techniques to transform ceilings from a neutral backdrop into a captivating design element. One approach involves visually altering the perceived height of a room. For spaces with high ceilings, designers suggest adding wallpaper with gentle colors and unique patterns to both the ceiling and a few feet of the walls beneath it. This method helps to visually bring down the height, making the room feel less overwhelming and more cohesive. This treatment also provides an opportunity for homeowners to express their personal style through color and pattern. Color-drenching is another favored technique, where an entire room, including the ceiling, is immersed in a single color or a harmonious palette. This creates a cohesive and immersive experience, exuding confidence in the design choice. Designers encourage clients to fully commit to color, utilizing materials like lime paint, wallpaper, or plaster to achieve a bold and unified look. Color-blocking offers a more dynamic option, combining two complementary hues to create a striking visual effect on the ceiling. This method provides unique visual weight and adds an unexpected mood, effectively defining spaces within a larger open-plan layout. When attempting color-blocking, it is recommended to choose shades that are opposite on the color wheel to ensure a harmonious yet impactful contrast. Wallpaper is also making a significant statement on ceilings. Designers advocate for bold and eye-catching patterns that command attention, arguing that a wallpapered ceiling appears complete and purposeful, unlike an accent wall that might suggest an incomplete design. This technique draws the eye upward, creating interest and an illusion of height in any room. For those seeking drama and sophistication, dark and moody treatments for ceilings are gaining popularity. Incorporating metallic elements, such as dark paints with metallic sheens or actual metal finishes, can create a luxurious and dynamic effect. These metallic surfaces interact with natural and artificial light, producing a constantly changing visual experience throughout the day. This approach offers an unexpected, elevated, and impactful design statement. Finally, creating architectural details with paint and wallpaper on ceilings is a clever way to add bespoke character to a home. Techniques like wraparound wallpaper treatments highlight changes in ceiling height, making architectural features appear intentional and sculptural. Similarly, painted lines that mimic wainscoting or paneling can introduce a timeless and grounded feel, even in contemporary settings. This method offers a bold, creative, and relatively simple alternative to full-scale renovations, proving that smart design can be both stylish and accessible. #InteriorDesignTrends #CeilingDesign #HomeDecor #ColorDrenching #WallpaperCeilings #ArchitecturalDetails #ModernInteriors #DesignInnovation

Once confined to mountain cabins, 1990s basements, and Swedish saunas, cedar walls are experiencing a significant resurgence in modern interior design. This wall treatment, historically associated with rustic aesthetics, is being reimagined by contemporary designers to offer warmth and a subtle evergreen scent without the dated appearance of its past iterations. The key to this modern revival lies in a strategic approach to finish, color palette, and accompanying decor. Traditionally, cedar paneling in its less desirable form was characterized by a glossy, orange-red tint, often paired with elements like Tiffany lamps and laminate flooring, contributing to an outdated look. However, a new generation of designers is proving that the natural beauty of unpainted timber—whether pine, cedar, or oak—can be elevated to create sophisticated and inviting spaces. The core principle for modernizing this material involves opting for a light, matte finish that preserves the natural texture and color of the wood. This approach moves away from heavy stains and glossy treatments, allowing the wood's inherent character to shine through in a more refined manner. To prevent the wood paneling from appearing overtly rustic or reminiscent of a bygone era, designers are integrating vibrant textiles, bold paint colors, and striking art pieces. These contrasting elements serve to modernize the space, injecting a fresh and contemporary feel while leveraging the warmth that wood naturally provides. The juxtaposition of natural wood with modern furnishings and decor creates a dynamic and visually appealing environment that transcends traditional cabin aesthetics. Max Humphrey, a Portland, Oregon-based designer known for his Americana aesthetic, exemplifies this trend by staining wood in lighter tones and pairing it with pale furniture. This method brightens the space and updates the classic wood-paneled look. Similarly, French designer Pierre Yovanovitch has adopted this style in projects like Le Coucou in Méribel, France. He maintains a monochrome palette, such as a rusty red-dotted carpet complementing a painted ceiling in the same hue, to update quintessential Alpine pine paneling. This cohesive color strategy allows the wood to integrate seamlessly into a sophisticated, contemporary design. Frances Merrill of Reath Design embraces the cabin vibe, enhancing the rusticity of wood planks with elements like checkered table skirts, oil paintings, and patchwork quilts. Crucially, she ensures the overall design remains current by incorporating furniture with clean, modern lines. This thoughtful balance prevents the space from feeling dated, instead creating a harmonious blend of rustic charm and contemporary elegance. The renewed interest in wood wall treatments signifies a shift towards natural materials and an appreciation for their inherent beauty when thoughtfully integrated into modern design schemes, positioning them as a compelling alternative to popular finishes like shiplap. #WallTreatment #InteriorDesign #CedarWalls #HomeDecorTrends #WoodPaneling #DesignInspiration #ModernRustic #HomeRenovation #MaterialRevival

Shiplap, a popular design element famously utilized by Chip and Joanna Gaines on HGTV's "Fixer Upper," offers a tasteful method to introduce texture and visual interest to various rooms. This article provides expert insights into effectively incorporating shiplap into home design, even in urban settings where the farmhouse aesthetic might not be a conventional choice. One key aspect of shiplap is its versatility. Sweeten Founder and CEO Jean Brownhill highlights that shiplap can be installed horizontally to create visual interest across an entire room or vertically to add height, drawing the eye upwards. It can also be applied to asymmetrical or slanted surfaces for a unique, charming effect. The placement and orientation of the boards significantly influence the overall aesthetic of the space. Maintaining uniform spacing between shiplap boards is crucial for achieving a contemporary look. Nashville-based interior designer Jason Arnold suggests using a nickel as a spacer during installation to ensure consistent gaps, which prevents the look from veering into an overly rustic or country style. This uniform spacing contributes to a clean and modern appearance, as demonstrated in a guest bedroom Arnold designed, where shiplap covers an entire wall, including closet doors. Painting shiplap is almost always recommended unless a raw, rugged aesthetic is specifically desired. Rita Konig, a London-based interior designer, explains that white painted shiplap creates a clean and fresh Cape Cod-inspired look, ideal for kitchens, laundry rooms, or bathrooms. For smaller spaces that require more dramatic flair, painting the shiplap in dark or bright colors can add significant visual impact and interest. Another technique to modernize shiplap is to paint it with a high-gloss finish. Arnold notes that high-gloss paint retains the inherent texture of the shiplap while giving it a sleek, contemporary feel. His recommendation for an ultra-modern design involves covering an entire room in shiplap and applying a high-gloss white paint. For those hesitant to commit fully, shiplap can be introduced in small doses. Horizontal boards can make small spaces appear larger. It is advisable to experiment with shiplap in smaller areas, such as a powder room, backsplash, or an accent wall, before integrating it into larger parts of the home. When used on an accent wall, painting it the same color as the surrounding walls can create a subtle yet varied textural effect, maintaining a clean and modern ambiance. An additional practical benefit is its ease of cleaning, particularly advantageous in kitchens and bathrooms. Furthermore, shiplap can be effectively blended with other materials to create a contemporary urban aesthetic. Arnold suggests combining shiplap with elements like brick, marble, or concrete. The warmth of wood can counteract the coolness of materials like concrete or brick often found in urban lofts. In a kitchen, shiplap can accent a marble backsplash, or in a living room with exposed brick, an accent shiplap wall can provide balance and visual appeal. Finally, mixing the width of the boards offers another way to customize the shiplap look. While a six-inch board is a common starting point, varying board widths can create a more relaxed and unique appearance, with differences often going unnoticed until deliberately highlighted. #ShiplapWalls #InteriorDesign #HomeDecoration #FarmhouseStyle #DesignTips #ArchitecturalDetails #ModernFarmhouse #TexturalElements

The article discusses the emerging trend of decorating ceilings with carpet, positioning it as a creative alternative to accent walls, which have fallen out of favor with many designers and homeowners. It highlights that traditional decor trends such as open floor plans, TVs over fireplaces, and open kitchen shelving often spark strong opinions, but accent walls, popular in the late 2000s and early 2010s, are now considered outdated. The India-based rug company, Jaipur Living, advocates for using carpets on ceilings, suggesting it adds an unexpected texture and a unique storytelling element to a room, especially appealing to the maximalist aesthetic currently in vogue. Taylor Tolbert, Jaipur Living's visual experience lead, emphasizes that ceiling rugs introduce 'soul and softness' to a space. The article clarifies that carpeting ceilings is not a completely new concept, drawing parallels to historical practices in various cultures, including Persian, Indian, and Central Asian, where textiles and carpets were used on ceilings for both aesthetic and insulating purposes. It notes that contemporary use is a modern revival adapted for current interior design. Several factors contribute to the resurgence of carpeted ceilings, primarily a shift in homeowner preferences towards more personalized and joyful designs over strict resale value considerations. This is reflected in the growing popularity of bolder paint colors, richer fabrics, and textured elements like textured walls, heavy drapery, and canopy beds in bedrooms. Carpeted ceilings, similar to canopies and tented ceilings, impart personality and warmth, making a room feel more intimate by drawing the eye upwards and transforming a plain surface into a focal point. Tolbert points out that the choice between a neutral or a vibrant hand-knotted rug can significantly alter a room's perception. Beyond aesthetics, carpeted ceilings offer functional benefits, particularly in acoustics. Rugs are natural sound absorbers, effectively reducing echoes, especially in rooms with hard surfaces or high ceilings. This makes them ideal for media rooms, home recording studios, and open-concept spaces, creating a more comfortable and 'cocooned' environment. The article advises consulting a professional for installation due to the challenges posed by gravity and the varying weights and sizes of rugs. For lighter rugs, adhesive, Velcro, or upholstery tacks may suffice, while heavier carpets might require mounting onto a lightweight wood frame for secure installation. Natural fibers like wool are recommended for their durability. An additional advantage is reduced maintenance, as ceiling rugs do not endure daily foot traffic, requiring only regular dusting. The article concludes by exploring other innovative ways to incorporate rugs into home design beyond full ceiling coverage. This includes using rugs on specific ceiling sections, stretching them across panels to create grid-like visuals, or layering them between ceiling beams and molding for architectural flair. Framing rugs into coffered ceilings is also mentioned as a gallery-like effect. Jaipur Living's design team has further pushed these boundaries by wrapping structural elements like bars and mirror frames in carpet, demonstrating how rugs can add unique texture and pattern to unexpected areas, fostering character and conversation within a space. #CeilingRug #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #Maximalism #AcousticTreatment #TextileArt #JaipurLiving #DesignTrends

Embellishing walls with artwork and decor adds character to a space, but certain wall art styles can appear distracting, tacky, or outdated. To navigate the myriad of wall art trends, interior designers Kendall Wilkinson, Gregory Feller, and Stephanie Mahaney identify several styles that are no longer considered fashionable and offer alternatives. Non-authenticated posters, particularly framed museum exhibition posters or reproductions, are highlighted as an outdated choice by Kendall Wilkinson. She explains that these pieces often lack the depth, intention, and craftsmanship found in true art. Instead of these, Wilkinson recommends exploring accessible resources for authenticated, limited-edition lithographs and photography, such as The Selects Gallery in New York, which offers curated, collectible works by iconic and emerging fashion photographers. These provide a refined, editorial aesthetic to a room, demonstrating that art can be both personal and polished. Faux antiques are another style to avoid, as they can make a space feel inauthentic, similar to faux plants. Gregory Feller advises against using filler pieces with short-term trend appeal, such as faux antique items, clocks, signs, or shutters. He suggests seeking out genuine antique pieces or refraining from using them altogether, emphasizing the importance of artwork that genuinely resonates with one's personal style and has a story behind it. Overly themed artwork, especially pieces with explicit words like “beach” or other cliché themes, also falls into the outdated category. Stephanie Mahaney notes that such artwork can detract from a space rather than enhance it. She advocates for more thoughtful or personal pieces that reflect an individual's personality without resorting to clichés. Package deal gallery walls, which feature pre-picked artwork, are another style that Feller advises against. While gallery walls can be effective when they showcase collected pieces with personal meaning, pre-packaged sets are deemed uninspired. He encourages individuals to use their own imagination and curate their gallery walls with unique items. Traditional plaster treatments, particularly faux-finish plaster, are considered dated by Wilkinson. While she appreciates craftsmanship and historical references, she finds these treatments can appear one-dimensional. She suggests collaborating with contemporary decorative artists who can elevate the medium, citing Oakland-based Caroline Lizarraga, whose bespoke murals and expressive wall techniques transform surfaces into immersive art installations. Feature walls, once popular for introducing color or pattern, are now seen as potentially disjointed or incomplete by Wilkinson. She notes that they can sometimes look like an afterthought, suggesting a lack of full commitment to the design. Instead, Wilkinson advocates for a holistic approach, where the entire room is treated with a rich wallpaper, custom mural, or decorative paint. This creates an enveloping sense of beauty and intention, resulting in a more elevated and timeless aesthetic. Fake maps are another item Feller recommends avoiding unless they are genuinely vintage or original. He reiterates his stance against inauthentic items, stating that a fake vintage map, for example, should not be displayed unless it is actually from the era it imitates. Lastly, “Live, Laugh, Love” signs and similar farmhouse-style artwork with explicit phrases are considered outdated. Feller suggests replacing these with artwork that evokes genuine emotion, such as beloved pieces or black-and-white photographs of family and friends, rather than relying on overt textual affirmations. #WallArt #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #OutdatedTrends #DesignTips #DecoratingIdeas #AuthenticityInDesign #GalleryWalls #FeatureWalls

An interior expert, Emelia Newman, suggests that feature walls are no longer a fashionable choice for home décor and introduces four alternative homeware trends that offer both style and cost-effectiveness. The article highlights that while feature walls previously served a purpose by being cheaper due to using less wallpaper, creating impact without wallpapering an entire room, utilizing leftover rolls, and emphasizing specific areas, newer and more original approaches are now available. The first trend proposed is wallpapering the ceiling. This method is presented as a clever way to incorporate desired wallpaper designs into a room without incurring the expense of covering all walls. Emelia Newman notes that this approach is particularly effective in bedrooms, where occupants often spend time looking at the ceiling, turning it into a focal point. This technique allows for a significant visual change with a smaller investment in materials. The second trend focuses on the use of wallpaper borders. The article describes these borders as providing a touch of color and visual interest without overwhelming the space. This solution is ideal for those who wish to add decorative elements subtly and can be more budget-friendly than wallpapering large sections of a wall. Thirdly, the article discusses wallpapering inside panelling. This trend is described as creating a curated effect, making the wallpaper appear almost like a piece of art. It offers an elegant way to display a favorite design at a fraction of the cost of wallpapering an entire room, combining the textural interest of panelling with the decorative quality of wallpaper. The fourth trend involves wallpapering inside open shelving units. This technique is suggested to create a strong focal point within a room, enhancing the visual appeal of storage areas. By adding wallpaper to the back of shelves, items displayed on them are given a more intentional and stylish backdrop. These alternative trends are positioned as superior to traditional feature walls, providing similar benefits such as visual impact and cost savings, but with increased originality. The expert's advice aims to help individuals achieve a luxurious home aesthetic on a budget, moving away from outdated interior design practices. However, the article also acknowledges that not all social media users agreed with Emelia Newman's recommendations, with some expressing a preference for maintaining feature walls or personalizing their homes according to their own taste, irrespective of trends. #HomewareTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecoration #MoneySaving #DIYHomeDecor #WallpaperingCeiling #WallpaperBorders #PanellingWallpaper #ShelvingWallpaper

The article discusses five wall decor trends that interior design experts advise homeowners to avoid due to their outdated appearance and lack of timeless appeal. It emphasizes the importance of opting for enduring styles over fleeting trends to ensure longevity in home decor. Interior designer Meg Cassidy highlights that overly trendy items are likely to quickly become obsolete. The first trend identified as outdated is the painted accent wall. While previously popular for adding personality to a room without overwhelming the entire space, designers now consider it dated. Naomi Astley Clarke suggests that if a bolder or darker color is desired, all walls should be painted to create a cohesive and modern look. Interior designer Artem Kropovinsky further cautions against faux finishes like sponge painting. The article recommends embracing color drenching, where ceilings are also painted the same color as the walls, to achieve a contemporary feel and create the illusion of a larger space. Next, overly matching gallery walls are deemed dull. While gallery walls generally add personality, those with perfectly regimented, identical frames and spacing lack the organic flow cherished in modern designs, according to Artem Kropovinsky. Ginger Curtis of Urbanology Designs agrees, noting that perfectly symmetrical photo walls are becoming outdated. The alternative proposed is a more effortless, mismatched approach that tells a story and exudes character, incorporating varied artworks and different frame styles and sizes. Wall decals, which were once used to make bold statements in rooms with plain walls, are now considered temporary and unsophisticated. Devon Wegman of Devon Grace Interiors recommends framed artwork or large mirrors for a more intentional and finished aesthetic. Artem Kropovinsky specifically points out typographic wall decals as something to avoid, advocating for subtlety in wall decor. Gallery shelves, also known as floating shelves, are another trend that has fallen out of favor. Despite their utility for displaying small decorative items and framed artwork, their shallow depth and association with stark minimalism make them appear dated. The article suggests that other shelving options might offer a more eclectic and less staged look, which is currently preferred in interior design. Finally, macramé wall hangings are listed as unsuitable for creating a timeless home aesthetic. These knotted textile items, which gained popularity with bohemian decor styles, are perceived as highly trend-driven. Hebe Hatton, Head of Interiors at Homes & Gardens, advises choosing sleeker, more refined wall decor items such as mirrors or framed artwork, which are versatile and have a lasting appeal. While macramé can be used in specific contexts like bohemian bedroom ideas, it is generally discouraged for central living spaces. In conclusion, the article encourages homeowners to prioritize personal preferences while emphasizing that considered wallpaper, paint colors, art, and well-crafted mirrors are timeless choices. It also advises against over-decorating, suggesting that not every wall necessarily needs adornment. #WallDecorTrends #InteriorDesign #OutdatedDecor #HomeDecor #AccentWalls #GalleryWalls #Macrame #TimelessDesign #DecoratingTips

The "rule of threes," a long-standing principle in interior design involving grouping decorative items in sets of three, is being challenged by many professional designers. This traditional method, while easy to implement, is increasingly seen as creating a staged or lifeless environment that lacks personal touch and flexibility. Designers are moving towards more fluid and intuitive approaches to styling spaces. One prominent alternative is the "rule of what feels right," as advocated by interior designer Brad Ramsey. This approach emphasizes balance in shape, height, and texture over strict adherence to numerical groupings. Jen Baxter of Baxter Hill Interiors further elaborates on numerical choices, suggesting the use of odd numbers to introduce energy into a room and even numbers for a sense of serenity. For instance, in bedrooms, even-numbered pairings like twin embroidered pillows and matching nightstands can create a grounded and soft aesthetic, allowing layered textures and subtle patterns to breathe. Another emerging trend involves the power of a single, impactful showstopper piece. Designers like Kerith Flynn of Margali & Flynn Designs prioritize objects with significant presence that can stand alone without requiring additional supporting elements. Kristina Lawrence notes that a single, large-scale decorative bowl can make a stronger statement than numerous smaller items arranged to meet a numerical rule. Olma Fuentes of Deni + Dove Interiors echoes this sentiment, recommending a single sculptural vessel or a sweeping curved sofa to anchor a room, rather than a cluster of smaller seating arrangements. The "edit by half" rule, inspired by Coco Chanel's fashion advice, is also gaining traction. Interior designer Lauren Saab suggests that once a surface is styled, half of the items should be removed to create breathing room and allow materials and textures to take center stage. For example, a nightstand might feature just one lamp and one personal item, while a kitchen might display a single large decorative bowl instead of three smaller ones. Christine Jahan offers a practical tip: photograph a styled space in black and white to assess its balance independently of color. Embracing negative space is another key principle. Designers recognize that homes are meant to be lived in, not just admired as showrooms. Leaving empty space accommodates daily life and prevents clutter, especially in high-traffic areas like kitchens or beside nightstands. Jan Odesanya illustrates this by suggesting one cutting board, one shallow bowl for everyday items, and then ample empty space, asserting that clear space itself is a design element that performs a function. #InteriorDesign #DecoratingTips #HomeStyling #DesignTrends #Minimalism #NegativeSpace #HomeDecor #DesignFlexibility

Wall panelling has emerged as a significant decor trend, offering an affordable, versatile, and eye-catching method to transform homes. It is particularly effective for adding character to new-builds or enhancing the grandeur of period properties, a trend that began in 2022 and is expected to continue. Interior designers and specialists highlight various applications and styles of wall panelling, emphasizing its ability to introduce texture, depth, and visual interest, especially in spaces with minimal architectural features. For small spaces, vertical panelling is recommended to create an illusion of height by drawing the eye upward. Alternatively, half-height panelling can offer a less dominant aesthetic, suitable for areas behind a desk or bed, effectively creating a headboard or a compact workstation with an integrated shelf. In contrast, full-height panelling in larger rooms can prevent a sparse or one-dimensional appearance and can help define different functional zones within an open-plan layout. Beyond aesthetics, wall panelling offers practical advantages. It can be utilized to conceal storage, hide televisions, cabling, toys, and games, keeping clutter out of sight. In high-traffic areas like hallways and staircases, panelling provides a protective layer that is easy to maintain with a wipe-clean paint finish. It is also an effective solution for imperfect walls, providing straight lines and a smart framework, particularly useful in bathrooms and kitchens for hiding unsightly pipework. Modern trends in wall panelling extend beyond traditional MDF, with a growing interest in moulded contemporary styles. Polymer panelling sheets, for instance, offer 3D designs including fluted, ribbed, and Art Deco-inspired patterns, providing a tactile finish. Fluted and slatted panelling are particularly popular, with creative approaches such as using plastic gutters for chunky fluted designs. An anticipated future trend is a modern interpretation of Shaker panelling, featuring skinnier and more spaced-out slats. When selecting a style, it is advisable to consider the property's original period rather than solely following current trends. For Victorian or Georgian homes, referencing original wood moulding or panelling profiles can provide a starting point, which can then be adapted with a contemporary twist. This approach ensures that the panelling complements the historical context of the home, as demonstrated by the reinstatement of original plasterwork markings in a Victorian sitting room to frame artwork, lights, and mirrors. Colour plays a crucial role in enhancing the effect of wall panelling. There is a resurgence in integrating striking wallpaper designs within or behind panels, often paired with colour-matched mouldings. For those who find wallpaper too bold, layering earthy tones can add dimension. Pale praline shades are popular for creating an inviting, contemporary look that reflects light while providing warmth. Another approach involves using a panelled feature wall painted in a darker, contrasting colour, or colour drenching the entire room in a single shade. For a unique texture, painting walls and panelling in the same colour but using different finishes, such as matt emulsion for walls and eggshell for panelling, can create a varied effect that changes with light. There is also a suggestion that contrasting shades for mouldings, picture rails, architraves, skirting boards, and dado rails, a style reminiscent of the 1990s, might make a comeback. Practical advice for DIY enthusiasts includes using polymer mouldings due to their lightweight nature, ease of cutting, and pre-primed finish. It is essential to account for irregularities in walls, floors, and ceilings by using a spirit level or laser level and ensuring adequate space for height variations. Planning the design on all walls before starting, measuring twice, and using an instant grab adhesive for secure fixing are critical steps. Finally, applying caulk to conceal joins and gaps, and using a special primer before painting, ensures a seamless and professional finish. #WallPanelling #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #DecorTrends #ShakerStyle #FlutedPanelling #HomeImprovement #DIYDecor #ArchitecturalFeatures

Walls, often overlooked in interior design, are fundamental elements that can profoundly influence the aesthetic and atmosphere of a space. Rather than serving merely as structural partitions or backdrops for art, walls can be transformed into key decorative features that impart historical context, modern sophistication, architectural interest, or practical benefits such as sound insulation. This article explores a variety of innovative wall treatments that move beyond conventional plain-white surfaces, offering creative solutions to elevate interior spaces. One of the most accessible and impactful ways to refresh a room is through paint. Whether opting for a uniform solid color, employing a vibrant hue for an accent wall, or creating dynamic visual effects like stripes, paint offers versatility and ease of application, allowing for frequent updates to match changing tastes. Beyond paint, wallpaper presents an opportunity to introduce patterns and textures. From romantic florals to bold graphic designs, wallpaper can be applied to walls, ceilings, or even framed as art, with careful consideration of pattern scale and color to modulate intensity within a room. Fabric-covered walls introduce a luxurious and tactile dimension. Materials such as grass cloth, linen, or silk add immediate texture and a formal touch. A less obvious benefit of fabric wall coverings, especially when combined with batting or padding, is their ability to significantly reduce ambient noise, contributing to a more tranquil environment. Wood paneling offers an elegant upgrade that enhances warmth. The design possibilities range from contemporary to traditional, dictated by the size, stain, and arrangement of the panels. Molding, often underestimated, can dramatically refine a room's character. Adding a chair rail in a dining area or crown molding in a living space can create a more formal aesthetic, while applying panel molding to flat doors can infuse traditional charm. Plaster, whether a polished Venetian finish or a matte grooved texture, introduces depth and dimension. Its characteristic mottled appearance provides subtle variations and visual interest, effectively breaking the monotony of large, unadorned walls. For a highly personalized touch, decorative painting, including murals, landscapes, trompe l’oeil effects, faux bois, and gold leaf applications, can imbue a space with unique personality and artistic flair. Mirrors serve a dual purpose of aesthetic enhancement and spatial illusion. Strategically placed mirrors can reflect light, making a room appear larger and brighter. A wall composed of mirrored panels, particularly those with an antiqued finish, adds a sophisticated patina and contemporary elegance. Finally, tile, traditionally used in kitchens and bathrooms, has evolved into a versatile design element. Modern tile options include porcelain mimicking wood, durable marble slabs, and decorative terra-cotta in various colors and patterns. Creative application techniques can further transform tile into a striking graphic statement, making it suitable for a wider array of interior settings beyond its conventional uses. These diverse treatments collectively demonstrate how walls can be reimagined as integral components of a cohesive and engaging interior design. #InteriorDesign #WallTreatments #HomeDecor #DesignIdeas #Wallpaper #WoodPaneling #DecorativePainting #FabricWalls #PlasterWalls

An interior expert has declared that the era of feature walls is over, offering four alternative homeware trends that promise to introduce style and originality into a home without significant financial outlay. Emelia Newman, known for her budget-friendly, high-end home design tips, suggests these alternatives provide the benefits of a feature wall but with a more contemporary appeal. The first recommendation involves wallpapering ceilings. This technique is presented as a clever and economical way to incorporate desired wallpaper designs into a room, particularly beneficial for bedrooms where the ceiling is frequently viewed. By wallpapering the ceiling instead of an entire wall, homeowners can achieve a significant aesthetic impact while saving money on materials. Secondly, Emelia highlights her enthusiasm for wallpaper borders. These borders are described as an effective method to introduce splashes of color and visual interest without overwhelming the space. This approach allows for a subtle yet impactful design element, contributing to a curated look. The third trend involves wallpapering inside panelling. This method creates a sophisticated and artistic effect, treating the wallpaper within the panelling as a piece of art. It is positioned as a stunning way to showcase a favorite design at a fraction of the cost of wallpapering an entire room, making it an accessible option for those seeking a luxurious appearance on a budget. Finally, the fourth trend focuses on wallpapering the inside of open shelving units. This creates a striking focal point in a room, drawing attention to the shelves and their contents. This technique is presented as an exciting and creative way to enhance interior spaces, adding depth and visual intrigue to what might otherwise be plain shelving. While these trends aim to modernize home interiors and offer cost-effective design solutions, the advice has garnered mixed reactions from social media users. Some express skepticism regarding the practicality and aesthetic appeal of wallpapering ceilings, with comments suggesting that personal preference should dictate home decor choices. Despite the varying opinions, Emelia's suggestions provide distinct alternatives to the traditional feature wall, emphasizing innovative and budget-conscious ways to refresh home aesthetics. #HomewareTrends #InteriorDesign #BudgetDecor #WallpaperHacks #HomeStyling #DIYHomeDecor #CeilingDecor #MoneySavingTips #InteriorGuru

The article introduces grid walls as a rising interior design trend, poised to replace the traditional gallery wall. Unlike the often eclectic and spontaneous arrangements of gallery walls, grid walls emphasize uniformity, featuring identical frames equally spaced to create an organized, grid-like pattern. Design experts, including Bria Hammel and Nadia Watts, highlight that this design approach brings a sense of order, symmetry, and quiet power to a space, anchoring the room with a balanced structure that still allows for personal expression. Grid walls offer a harmonious blend of visual intrigue and soothing repetition, akin to a well-designed wallpaper pattern. This trend emerges as the design world leans towards a more maximalist and traditional aesthetic, with other popular trends like color-drenching, wallpaper, and skirted furniture. While these trends can lead to busy interiors, a grid wall introduces a sense of decorum and visual calm, preventing the space from becoming overwhelming. Danielle Domingues of Collins & Co. Interiors points out that grid walls refocus attention on the content within the frames, particularly promoting the display of family portraits in a sophisticated and timeless manner, countering the perceived decline of physical family photo displays in the digital age. This organized presentation elevates the artwork or photographs, lending an artful edge to the decor. The versatility of grid walls is another key advantage. They seamlessly integrate into various home styles, including modern, minimalist, and traditional interiors, where symmetry can significantly enhance the overall aesthetic. Furthermore, once established, grid walls are relatively easy to update, offering long-term flexibility for homeowners. However, careful planning is crucial before installation. Designers recommend laying out frames on the floor to visualize spacing and avoid overcrowding. Consistency in frame sizes is paramount to maintaining the symmetrical appeal. The final layout of a grid wall can be customized to suit a room's specific needs, whether grouping pieces closely over a sofa or spacing them out above an extra-wide headboard. Regardless of the arrangement, maintaining equidistant spacing between frames is essential for precision and balance. Repetition is also key, with recommendations for using a group of four or more pieces of the same size to establish visual rhythm and structure. To minimize visual clutter, simple frames are preferred, allowing the displayed art or photographs to be the focal point. Designers like Zoë Feldman suggest black and white photography or art displayed in diptychs or triptychs for a clean, symmetric look that lets the art speak without distraction. While consistency in color palette, subject matter, or artistic style is advised to unify the overall aesthetic, some variation can also add interest, ensuring the grid wall feels thoughtfully curated and tells a unique story. #GridWalls #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DecoratingTrends #Symmetry #GalleryWalls #MinimalistDesign #TraditionalHomes #PictureFrames

The article explores the emerging interior design trend of grid walls, contrasting them with traditional gallery walls and offering insights from prominent designers. While gallery walls often feature a spontaneous arrangement of varied frames, grid walls emphasize uniformity, with identical, equally spaced frames creating an ordered, grid-like pattern. This design approach brings a sense of order and symmetry to a space, allowing for personal expression within a structured framework. Designers Bria Hammel and Nadia Watts highlight the visual intrigue and soothing repetition that grid walls offer, comparing their effect to that of wallpaper. Watts notes the 'quiet power in their order that truly anchors a room.' The popularity of grid walls aligns with a broader shift in design towards maximalism with a touch of tradition, seen in trends like color-drenching and skirted furniture. Unlike disparate displays that feed into a 'more-is-more' mentality, grid walls introduce a sense of decorum and sophistication. Danielle Domingues of Collins & Co. Interiors points out that grid walls refocus attention on the content within the frames, particularly family portraits, allowing them to be displayed in a timeless and elegant manner. This trend is versatile and suitable for modern, minimalist, or traditional homes where symmetry is valued. To create an effective grid wall, designers recommend careful planning. Bria Hammel advises laying out frames on the floor first to determine optimal spacing and emphasizes avoiding overcrowding while maintaining consistent frame sizes for symmetry. Marea Clark and Tami Ramsay demonstrate how the layout can be adapted to specific room needs, whether grouping pieces tightly over a sofa or spacing them out above a wide headboard. Precision is crucial, with every inch mattering. Nadia Watts suggests using a minimum of four pieces to achieve a balanced and intentional grid, with uniform frame sizes establishing visual rhythm and structure. To minimize visual clutter, simple frames are preferred, allowing the artwork or photographs to take center stage. Domingues favors slim 25-inch-by-25-inch frames from Pottery Barn for a sleek, modern look. As for content, Zoë Feldman suggests black and white photography or art presented in diptychs or triptychs to enhance clarity and allow the art to speak without distraction. Watts adds that consistency in color palette, subject matter, or artistic style helps unify the overall look, making the grid wall appear thoughtfully curated. Ultimately, the goal of a grid wall is to tell a personal story through an organized and aesthetically pleasing display. #GridWalls #GalleryWalls #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeDecor #SymmetryInDesign #PictureFrames #VisualIntrigue #DecoratingIdeas

The article discusses five paint trends that interior designers consider outdated and suggests modern alternatives. It highlights how paint, despite being a transformative and temporary decorating tool, sees trends evolve rapidly. The first trend identified as outdated is the use of white trim with colorful walls. Interior designers now prefer painting trim the same color as the walls to create a cohesive, larger-feeling space through "color drenching." While tonal contrasts for trim can still work, the specific combination of colorful walls and stark white trim is seen as basic and passé. The second outdated trend is the accent wall. Designers note that this approach is becoming less popular as homeowners move towards more balanced and cohesive color schemes. Instead of accent walls, the article suggests creating visual interest through other design elements such as artwork, textured wallpapers, or architectural details like doors, window reveals, or even ceilings. These elements can act as focal points without the disjointed feel of a single accent wall. Thirdly, painting ceilings white while walls are colored is also considered an old-fashioned concept. Interior designer Kelly Hoppen suggests painting ceilings the same color as the walls to create an illusion of greater space and height, ensuring a seamless flow throughout the room. A white ceiling is only recommended when the walls are also white; otherwise, an accent color on the ceiling is preferred for visual impact. The fourth trend designers are moving away from is faux paint effects, such as those imitating Tuscan plaster or distressed textures. While textured finishes have recently seen a resurgence, these specific faux effects are deemed dated. To achieve a more sophisticated and modern look, the article advises using smooth finishes with complementary color palettes. For those desiring texture, more classic options like grasscloth wallpaper or decorative wall panels are recommended as alternatives that will not date as quickly. Finally, geometric murals, particularly those with strong, angular forms, are no longer favored by designers. These designs are often perceived as DIY-looking and are a departure from the current preference for softer, more organic design elements. For individuals interested in murals, the advice is to opt for designs incorporating circles, arches, and waves. Alternatively, wallpaper with interesting patterns or textures is presented as a more modern and effective way to add depth, personality, and a unique touch to a space, serving as a focal point or contributing to a cohesive design scheme. #InteriorDesign #PaintTrends #HomeDecor #ColorDrenching #AccentWalls #CeilingPaint #FauxFinishes #WallMurals #ModernInteriors