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When it comes to choosing paints or wallpaper; the sky's the limit.
Paint and wall coverings are two of the best design tools for creating attractive, comfortable spaces in your new home. Paint and wallpaper make walls come alive, accentuate furniture and accessories, and help tie the overall look of a room together.
Paint
The versatility of paint makes it a popular choice for do-it-yourselfers and homeowners who want quick results. "Because paint isn't permanent, it's an easy and not very expensive way to make a dramatic change to a room," explains Jason Feldman, Home Depot's Director of Style, Innovation and Design. New formulations make the latest interior and exterior paints very user-friendly. "Paint has come a long way since its inception," confirms Kathy Henry, Marketing Communications Manager for ICI Paints/Glidden. "Lower VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and new formulations make paint more durable than ever." For the best results, Henry says preparation and priming is the key to achieving that professional look. You also need to choose the right type of paint and sheen for your particular project. "If you have a high traffic area, you don't want to use a flat surface paint that picks up marks," points out Henry. "A satin finish paint that provides a bit of sheen would be a better choice."
Wallcoverings
New textures, natural colors, and subtle designs make today's wall coverings a far cry from the frilly, garish prints that hung in your grandmother's house. For 2004, a wide variety of patterns are in style. "Some of the hottest designs are still the toiles," reports Paula Berberian, Creative Services Manager for Brewster Wall coverings. "They're a classic look, but the pattern is still very popular with homeowners." Tropical prints, botanicals, and animal prints are also extremely hot, and paisley and damask designs are also attracting attention. "Large-scale floral patterns, especially roses, are very popular and great in romantic spaces like bedrooms," adds Berberian. When choosing the right wallpaper for your home, consider the task at hand. "I think you need to choose what you like and choose something suitable for the room intended," suggests Cara Michelini, Design Director for Waverly Wall coverings. Solid-sheet vinyl or vinyl-coated wallpapers are good choices for a kitchen or bath, because of their easy- to-clean qualities and resistance to moisture and grease. More delicate wall coverings, like genuine grass cloth or silk, are better suited for spaces like living rooms and bedrooms.
Some of the latest wall coverings are also more user-friendly, allowing you to install and remove them faster than ever. Before you make your final selection, consider consulting with an expert. "I tell people to visit independent retailers because they have designers on staff who can help point the consumer in the right direction," suggests Berberian.
