Have you ever stopped to look at a painted, blank wall and have a real reaction?
Painted walls have dominated interiors for decades. The process was straightforward enough – choose a color, paint it, done. However, something has been happening in American interiors. Gradually, and then very suddenly, texture is making a comeback. In recent years, homeowners are looking to add depth and dimension to interiors in many ways, whether by opting for plaster on open plan kitchens or a coffered ceiling in the family room.
Texture creates a feeling of craftsmanship and uniqueness that any color alone simply cannot achieve. It is much more than a decorative element because it adds another layer of character to interiors and creates a sense that some thought went into this decision. And this is why we decided to talk about the subject today.
In this blog post, we will discuss the reasons behind this trend, styles to follow, how to apply textures to ceilings rather than walls, how much texture can cost, and what options are available to homeowners.
Why Flat Paint Is Losing Its Appeal
However, the years of the pandemic transformed the perception of a home. All of a sudden, the living room turned into a workspace, a gym, a classroom, and a sanctuary. People began paying more attention to what was on their walls at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays. They did not always approve of the results.
While flat paints were easy and neat, they provided no decoration whatsoever. Textured wall finishes caught people’s interest when the owners began taking an active part in remodeling their interiors in those times. Since then, this trend has continued to gain popularity.
| 67%of designers say clients now request texture over flat finishes | 2.4×increase in “textured wall ideas” searches over 3 years | $8–40per sq ft average cost range for professional texture work |
There is also a resistance to the trend of “everything gray and smooth” that has prevailed over the past decade. Dwellings have started to become indistinguishable from one another: identical colors, finishes, and overall feel. Texture is the antidote to this monotony without needing a whole makeover.
The Wall Textures Everyone Is Talking About
However, not all textures are created equally. The former gives off a sense of rusticity and craftsmanship while the latter evokes architecture and elegance. Determining the texture style best suited for your home is the first step. Here are five finishes that have been making a lot of noise in the world of interior design recently.
Venetian Plaster
Smooth yet textured like marble with a polished finish. This one is great for entryways, bathrooms, and dining rooms since it exudes luxury.
Limewash Paint
Soft and mottled paint treatment that makes walls come to life. It works beautifully on the bedroom and living room walls.
Skip Trowel
Light plaster texture that catches light beautifully. Very popular finish choice among professional contractors.
Brick & Stone Panels
Bricks and stones either real or artificial add texture and warmth. Great for basements, feature walls, and media rooms.
Wood Slat Panels
Wooden slats either vertical or horizontal add texture and rhythm. Best choice for the office space and contemporary living areas.
3D Wall Panels
Three-dimensional wall panels are made of gypsum or medium-density fiberboard that casts shadows when lit up. Makes a stunning statement wall behind a bed or a sofa.
Pro Tip: Limewash and Venetian plaster are two types of texture that homeowners new to texturing search for the most; they give the look of luxury without being as difficult to apply as one might think.
The Ceiling Is No Longer the Forgotten Surface
Boxed ceilings, which are essentially grids of panels that recess into ceilings, have also had a strong resurgence, particularly in dining rooms and home libraries. They can complement any traditional or transitional house style. Similarly, exposed wood beams bring forth the same architectural feel but with a cozier touch. In contemporary houses, flat plaster ceilings with a slight textured finish create the impression of aged European styling that would work well with contemporary furnishings. Finally, for those willing to think outside the box, tongue-and-groove wood panelling on the ceiling adds a wow factor to the room.
“The ceiling is where the room gets its soul. Paint it flat white and the room never quite wakes up.”
— Common sentiment among interior designers
Choosing the Right Material for Your Space
Every material has its own personality that should fit into the room well. If you make the wrong choice here, you risk ending up with a decorated room rather than a completed one.
- Plasters can only be applied on formal surfaces: kitchens, entryways, and bedrooms.
- Limewash should only be used in light-filled rooms to showcase its changing appearance.
- Wood panels and slats work well in offices and lounges, but can dominate small rooms when overused.
- 3D Geometric panels are best used on one accent wall because of their bold look.
Duty is another important aspect to remember, you should always use moisture-proof finishes in kitchens and bathrooms. Otherwise, any effort put into decorating your walls might go in vain.
Before You Start: What Smart Homeowners Know
Not having a strategy before beginning a texturing project can result in inconsistencies and wasted funds. Several helpful tips will prove invaluable before you even touch a paintbrush to the wall.
- Always test any texture on a discreet portion of wall. Your texture will not only vary from sample, but it will appear differently on an entire wall surface.
- Lighting matters. Textures that look mild under lighting at your local home improvement store may appear dramatically different under warmer household lighting.
- Inspect your wall surfaces. Finishes such as Venetian plaster need clean, smooth surfaces. Any damage will become immediately apparent.
- Consider hiring a pro for ceiling work. The process is more difficult, messy, and hard to fix when done wrong.
Worth Noting: Lighter wall textures like skip trowel and sand finish are the easiest for first-timers to repair if damaged, and they blend naturally with spot patching. Venetian plaster and specialty finishes require matching skill to repair, so plan accordingly.
Final Thought
Flat paint will continue to exist and hold a certain relevance in interior spaces, particularly those which demand restraint and make way for other decorative elements like artwork. However, the ubiquity that characterizes the use of such paint throughout all interior surfaces may come to an end soon enough.
Surface texture creates a sense of memory for a space. This is evident in descriptions of a room being “different,” even though we may not always understand why. Texture provides a certain quality that cannot be captured through colour alone; the tactile nature of plaster, wood, panels, etc.
If your walls feel dull, there is hope of change coming soon.
FAQs
1. Is textured wall finish harder to clean than plain paint?
Most sealed finishes with plaster and limewash require cleaning with a simple damp cloth. If the texture on the walls includes 3D panels, then the surface will gather dirt in its details, so use a soft brush, rather than a cloth.
2. Can I apply texture over existing painted surfaces?
Yes, generally speaking. The wall must be clean, primed, and have no problems. Limewash, in particular, sticks much better to absorbent surfaces, although a primer coat is still advisable before that.
3. How long does a textured finish last?
With professional application, any plaster or Venetian finish should endure 20+ years under minimal care requirements. For DIY peel-and-stick panels, the time frame will probably range from 5 to 10 years.
4. Does texture work in small rooms, or does it make rhythm feel smaller?
The fact is that subtle textures such as limewash and smooth plaster are able to create a sense of depth but do not make a space feel closed-in. Large 3D panels and slats of dark wood should be used in spacious rooms only.
5. Which texture finish adds the most resale value to a home?
For sure, Venetian plaster and coffered ceilings will always attract customers’ attention in luxury segments. In today’s world, where people buy homes mostly based on listings, any interior needs to photograph well.
