Creative ways with textured walls
Bring a new element to your decorating scheme and add character, depth and warmth with textured finishes. Here are the latest looks
Add depth and interest with the latest wall finishes
Move over matt emulsion, there’s a new textural wall trend in town, and we can’t get enough of it. As a nation, our homes are getting smaller and simpler. New builds consist of basic box-shaped rooms, lacking the depth and charisma of period houses – so textured walls are a great, inexpensive and easy way to add in some depth and charm. We’re seeing a surge in natural, organic and raw-form finishes, bringing a rustic, relaxed feel, which is no surprise given that we’re spending much longer inside. So from limewash to concrete, and from high gloss to plaster, we’ve gathered the latest new ways to celebrate texture and revamp the look and feel of our homes.
Earthy palette
When we think of limewash, we picture exactly this. Limewash is a mixture of natural clays, minerals and pigments, creating a wash of various shades that appear natural and raw. It allows our walls to breathe, improves our air quality, reduces the risk of damp and has antibacterial qualities, too. It’s also bang on trend, so it’s the best time to make the change. Asri rattan headboard, £130; rattan arc floor lamp, £65, Habitat. For similar limewash paint colours, try Vanilla and Apple Blossom, each
£30 for 1ltr, Bauwerk
Colourful limewash
Now isn’t this a textural delight? If you love the raw form of limewash but don’t want to give up on a vibrant colour, paint companies such as Little Greene offer several of their regular shades in a limewash finish, too. This look was created by dabbing the paint on with a sponge rather than a brush, resulting in organic variations in thickness and shade. Oak rattan sideboard, £599; Scandi round oak mirror, £180, John Lewis & Partners. Pall Mall 309 limewash paint, £55 for 5ltrs,
Little Greene
High gloss
Glossy paints have a bit of a bad rep, but let us tell you, things are changing. Light reflective, easy to clean, super durable and lavish looking, they have a lot going for them. Mix and match with other finishes to add depth. Quattro 8 Loft White laminate flooring, £28.99 per m2, Carpetright.
For a similar paint, try Observatory No. 34 wood and metal gloss paint, £69 for 2.5ltrs, Mylands Paints
Trompe l’oeil
If you love the look of some of these raw-form organic textures, but daren’t trust yourself with a paintbrush or sponge, you can create the look with paper. There are so many wallpapers and murals that mimic the look of concrete, stone, plaster and limewash, not to mention wood and metal, so you can get the look with a simple roll. For a similar wall mural, try the grey textured concrete wall mural, from £30 per m2, Wall Sauce. Islington three-seater sofa, in Sleek Green, £949, Sofology
Smart suede
Crown has an entire paint range dedicated to suede, and we can’t get enough of it. Suede is soft, comforting and matt, making a room feel cosy and cocooning, while maintaining a contemporary edge.
For the best, most suede-like finish, apply using random multidirectional brush strokes all over your wall. Soft Grey Suede emulsion, £21.50 for 2.5ltrs, Crown
Texture unites
Textured walls can work to unite separate schemes. While different colours designate the kitchen and dining area, by using the same texture throughout, the whole space is cohesive. Here the paint was applied with a sponge, bringing a rugged look to a contemporary space. Knoxhult base cabinet, £117; wall cabinet, £70, Ikea. For similar paint colours, try Ellisfield and Cornish Clay Interior limewash, each £38.40 for 5ltrs, The Traditional Paint Company
Plaster master
Create a calming, Mediterranean-inspired oasis in your garden or dining area with plastereffect paint. Dilute chalk paint in water and apply haphazardly, then use crumpled newspaper to rub some away for that authentic look. Head to anniesloan.com to find out more. Scandinavian Pink chalk paint mixed with Paloma chalk paint, each £21.95 for 1ltr, Annie Sloan