Creativity & style — wall to wall

Swati Rai

For a festive décor overhauling don’t burn a hole in your pocket. With trinket and bric-a-brac décor shopping, a thing of the past, walls of the room have come to take centre-stage in gettinga home makeover. 

Why the wall?

Artist and interior designer Shuchi Khanna feels that one tends to usually forget decorating the walls differently while decking up the house in the festive season. “Wall is the first thing that one notices on entering a home. Apart from paintings of renowned artists one can also get the whole wall or a part of it painted with vibrant motifs and hues”. She shares that the art work should be chosen according to one’s understanding of the message that one wishes to portray, taste and most importantly the rest of the home décor. 

Chandigarh-based painter, interior designer and events organiser Rashmi Bindra sees the decoration of a wall as an effective way of giving a new look to the entire house. “Walls form an integral part of the architecture, which can be altered decoratively from time to time, to give an entirely new look without bringing about major architectural changes to the house. So, the easier way out is decking up the walls”.

Interior designer Punam Kalra considers walls, flooring and ceilings as important parts of home decor. “The right amount of detailing gives a lot of character to the space. Wallpapered, differently painted or paneled walls add on to the dressiness of any given space and provide the right background to furniture and artifacts”. 

Trending designs   

That’s decided now that walls have to be done up but what will come on the wall makes all the difference. From wallpapers to tiles and textured paints, but that’s mundane. Go with a new look of using acrylic colours, plaster of Paris to make 3-D designs to create DIY patterns on your walls. Throw in some fancy fairy lights and you’re set for the Diwali look. 

For DIY patterns don’t go too far, only till your favourite online social media site where you can download zillions of patterns to be inspired from — ranging from vintage to Goth to decoupage adornments patterns. As Rashmi suggests, “New trends come out each year, however, classic historical motifs, floral prints like lillies, engraved lotus on marble, butterflies, are the safe bets”. She also shares tips on making a selection of patterns that are evergreen, “Paisley, leaves borders, marigolds give us  the traditional ways of adorning the wall and never really go out of style”.  

Amongst the colours that are in vogue according to Rashmi are flouroscents, whites with a hint of greys and block print patterns depending upon the room and its use. “Going down the staircase, birds on a bare branch, silver detailing, with gulmohar flowers will aptly complement the flavour of the season”.  Punam, however, bets on the key feature of design- balance. “The right balance is very important — contemporary but not minimalistic, elegant and understated, not over the top, tonal colours with just a statement making colour is the go to design”. For a classic look she recommends deep hues in wood finish with soothing colour combinations to ensure visual longevity.  

Shuchi talks about the use of mixed medium to even re create a 3-D effect depending upon one’s taste. “Using PoP, acrylic colours and specialised glues one can recreate the look of a scene being played out in front of your eyes. It can be a great conversation starter too”. 

Long-lasting motifs

Designers will tell you to have your walls reflect your personal taste, something that matches the rest of your décor and is not jarring. Khanna adds, “Choosing a design that is neither too old in being in vogue nor too current will ensure its longevity”. Looking after the walls and the designs will go a long way in sealing your walls with a personal design stamp, this celebratory season!