Interior Design Ideas
A common trait in many higher end and well-designed homes is wall paneling. This can be very expensive in addition to being a daunting job to do yourself. Here are some simple ideas for unique wall paneling treatments that you can do yourself, or that you can hire someone else to do cheaply.
1. Textured wallpaper: There are many textured wallpaper patterns on the market that mimic wood paneling. There are also styles that are reminiscent of tin ceiling tiles and molded plaster. There is no rule as to how or where to use these products. The key to making them look like real wood or molded plaster is to install them in between two strips of molding, or beneath a chair rail. When shopping for these products ask for textured wallpaper, paintable wallpaper, Lincrusta, and Anaglypta.
2. Bamboo: Bamboo reeds are a highly versatile material as well as a replenishable wood material. They are an ideal creative paneling treatment as well. Then come in many thicknesses and sizes. Look for smaller reeds to use for wall paneling. Just install them directly against the wall using finishing nails starting in one corner and continuing down the wall. The only preparation step you will need to do is to cut them to the correct height for your project. If you are using them for a chair rail, use a thicker piece cut in half, lengthwise, for the header. You can use bamboo to panel the ceiling, a bar, or a wall. You can purchase bamboo flooring
as well, which can also be used for wall paneling.
3. Faux painting: Faux painting has become the wall finish of choice in the last decade. It is inexpensive, costing only the price of paint. It is also a great project for do-it-yourselfers. With the correct tools and painting instructions, you can easily mimic wood, tile, marble, malachite, plaster, or any other surface material you can think of. You can choose to take a class on how to do the finish you desire, or you can hire a faux artist to do it for you. If you later decide you hate the results, all you need to do is paint over it.
4. Fabric: Fabric is a great material that can be used to panel your walls. The simplest way to install fabric in panels is to purchase thin foam insulation boards, cut them to size and wrap them with the fabric of your choice. While wrapping your panels, check with the previous one to make sure your pattern matches up from one panel to the next. Once your panels are completed, just affix to the wall using two sided Velcro or double stick foam tape. This will make it easy to remove and change the fabric on the panels at your whim. Top off the fabric paneling with a nice wood trim. Using this process, you can panel the wall with soft material from leather and suede to denim and vinyl.
As you can see, the only limit to creative wall coverings is our imagination. You can affix any material to the wall that pleases you such as wall bark, tree branches and even a picket fence if you choose. Just keep your eyes open for new paneling ideas, then run home and try them.
