Using new paint techniques to spruce up your home walls

Walls have ears and a skin too to listen and fill the room with excitement.

The traditional notion of painting the entire house in cream and whites is slowly fading away, with interior designers inventing interesting ways to adorn the comfort of the space within our walls and using different materials such as glass, mirrors, wall hangings and various types of paints to liven up the space.

The just-concluded Kenya Home Expo showcased innovative ways to help homemakers bring out the beauty of within the four walls of their homes. Several home décor companies displayed their products with the aim of wooing customers. Some of the products that stood out were as follows:

Glass etching

The Impala Glass stood out with its glass etching, a creative art technique done on the surface of glass to add unique beauty and functionality. It is most common with bathroom glass and a new concept of using it on walls is quite intriguing.

They displayed a variety of products for walls. The company engraves designs on glass and mirrors to produce a beautiful and brilliant effect, making it appear classy. Moez Sangura recommends glass etching wall decors for a personalised beautiful look.

“It (glass etching) is the latest concept ideal for walls, it can be attached to a portion of the wall, or it can be used to replace the entire wall, it brings life to the walls with décor and class,” he says.

Textured walls

Sadolin Paints displayed a variety of textured walls patterns and designs on wall décor. The concept of giving the wall its skin was highlighted by the new Weather Guard Textured Emulsion.

“This is a simple new way of decorating your house, creating sophistication and giving a luxurious feel to your home,” said Carolyne Matere, a sales executive at Sadolin. “With silk emulsion on top, it gives an interesting glow to the texture,” she added.

Ann Kathumo, an interior decorator with Tiles and Carpet Centre says that textured paints embrace the creativity of an individual to manipulate its designs, making it a fun process as it gives your home an improved appearance.

“Textured wall painting is not restrictive, you can have it simple and clean or rough, use a texture roller or even create shapes according to your desire,” she says. She adds that one can equally seek the help of an expert for professional finishes.

Textured paint finishes can be used on walls and ceilings as a decorative technique.

Colour Pattern

Jotun Paints from Asia, displayed over 2000 hues to entice the Kenyan market. They took it a notch higher by daring customers to send a photo of their living room to their website for matching colour advice.

“A simple use of shades on walls can be an affordable way to spruce up the space,” advises Kathumo, “using colour patterns transforms the space without breaking the bank,” she adds.

Scented paints

This year, Dura coat introduced a fragrant range of paints available in three varieties of 7000 colours. The MD, Kamlesh Shah termed it as a major innovation in paint technology in response to customers’ demands.

“The Dura coat Fragrant paints is a major innovation in paint technology in response to an overwhelming demand by users to improve the smell of fresh paint, especially for those re-painting or redecorating already inhabited dwellings, those with young families, or those in offices,” he said.

Wall Hangings

Versatile Photographers showcased attractive art photography mounted in artistic frames. The photographs ranged from weddings, family, and fashion to events.

“These photos connect to the happy phases of human life,” said Sanjeev Dimitri, a customer at the photo stand.

Ms Kathumo says that creative photography gives a homely feel to the house. It can be used as an introduction to the family or as collective memories pieced together.

“Photography art is ageless, especially when looking for simple ways add style to your home. It is functional and decorative. Studios offer large quality photos that can cover a larger space. This makes art the centre piece in the house,” she says.

Most homes have family photographs placed next to the staircase or in the living room. Photographs of family members can date back from generations to smoothly transit to the present.

Paintings

A painting is one way of adding art to the walls of a house. Several artists hold regular exhibitions to showcase their art which are attracting more and more indigenous Kenyans. Ms Kithumo says that paintings add interesting focus for every home.

“There is variety to choose from when it comes to painting, from abstract images, African-themed, portraits and ones that represents a society’s culture. There is no excuse for not having one especially when they have a price range for every pocket,” she says.

If not sure how to hang your paintings for maximum effect, get help from a professional.

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