The initial stage of any repair includes finishing the "box" of the room: walls, ceiling and floor. Only after carrying out these works indoors can furniture and decor be arranged. The wall design in the apartment is represented by numerous options: from ordinary painting to the original combined decoration with modern imitation stone and textured plaster. Surfaces play the role of a canvas, against which the background of the room can play in a special way. After the completion of the main design works, they put the finishing touches in the form of decor: paintings, photographs, bas-reliefs, panels. Let us consider in detail the features of choosing a suitable finishing material, the rules for using each of them and decorations that will look unusual in the interior.
Finishing materials for each room need to be selected separately. When buying, you should consider a number of factors:
Environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic. Naturalness is now in vogue, although the development of imitation technology has reached its peak. High-quality PVC is no longer considered a material harmful to health, but its fake, concocted in a hurry, when heated, can release toxic substances into the air. A similar situation has developed with chipboard, fiberboard, MDF. Ground wood waste is bound together with special glue. If you used a synthetic compound before, now manufacturers are trying to resort to natural resins.
Cost. Price plays an important role in choosing materials for decoration, since repairs are limited by budget. Expensive options, as a rule, are natural, have a long service life. Those materials that are cheaper are not suitable for any interior, and can quickly become worthless.
Thermal and moisture resistance. These indicators are of particular importance when choosing materials for finishing a bathroom or kitchen.
Terms of operation. Of course, any apartment owner wants the interior to maintain its gloss and attractiveness for a long time. An exception will be only creative nature with a changeable mood, who like to change the situation every few years, but this is unprofitable.
Material care. External beauty requires constant care. Before you purchase finishing material, be sure to familiarize yourself with the intricacies of caring for it. Perhaps he is too sensitive to abrasives or household chemicals. In this case, each time you have to buy expensive compounds or clean the surface with delicate sponges.Not everyone will have time for additional housework.
Compatibility with specific rooms. This nuance is extremely important especially for the kitchen and bathroom. They are perfectly combined with tiles, washable wallpaper, brick or stone, but are absolutely not suitable for wood, which without special treatment will quickly turn into a rotting nursery of fungus and mold.
Also take into account the aesthetic characteristics of the material: color, texture and texture. They are selected in accordance with the chosen style of the decorated room.
Methods and types of finishes
Unusual design will be the highlight of the author's design. All methods of finishing work that are performed with walls can be divided into two types, depending on the nature of the manipulations:
Sheathing, that is, fixing on the surface of any elements. This includes decorating with tiles, PVC panels, wooden modules (lining or timber), artificial and natural stone, brick, drywall.
Finishing by applying a composition that changes the natural texture or color of the wall surface. This group includes painting, plastering or painting.
And now in detail we will consider each of the methods. This information will be useful for those who intend to make repairs with their own hands, but do not know what type of finish will look beautiful and original.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper decorates the surface of the walls in any room. The material has no restrictions due to the wide range of species. It arose in parallel with the classical style and went hand in hand with it until the beginning of the last century. At this time, new technologies for the production of wallpaper appeared, which made it possible to adapt them to various directions: constructivism, modern, art deco, provence, ethnic. If before the material was not intended for use in rooms with an unstable microclimate, then its new types have become more durable. Wallpaper is classified into the following types:
Paper.The simplest and short-lived option. It is produced in two forms: simplex and duplex. The first wallpapers are single-layered and serve for several years on the strength, as they quickly wipe and fray. Duplex wallpapers consist of two layers, and sometimes have a relief. They have a reasonable price, are easily fixed on the surface and allow the walls to breathe, as paper passes air. Unfortunately, the wallpaper absorbs odors, is afraid of moisture and quickly burns out. It is not recommended to use the material for finishing the kitchen, bathroom, hallway.
Non-woven. They are made from the same paper, but with a slightly altered structure. To make the wallpaper denser and stronger, fabric fibers were added to them. Non-woven wallpaper lasts much longer than paper, but at the same time they retain all their advantages.
Vinyl. Wallpaper has two layers: the bottom is made of paper or non-woven, and the top is made of foamed vinyl. The option is durable, durable, can have a relief texture, which will hide the flaws of the surface. Vinyl wallpapers can be washed, their paints burn out very slowly, and thanks to the paper inside they also easily fit onto the wall.
Acrylic They are created using technology similar to that for vinyl. Foamed acrylic adorns the surface of the wallpaper. Since the method of applying it is spotted, the material can let air through. The acrylic layer is slightly thinner than vinyl, so it is considered less durable.
Linkrust. A special kind of two-layer wallpaper. It is made by applying to a fabric or paper base a mixture of crumbs of natural materials, which, using alkyd resins, is brought to a state of liquid paste. Linkrust can be painted. It is durable, but does not allow walls to breathe.
Foil. The original version of two-layer wallpaper. Their front side is covered with foil, on which an unusual pattern is applied. Foiled wallpapers are very moody, they are difficult to glue.They emphasize wall defects due to a metallized surface and are expensive.
Fabric. They are considered wallpaper classics, the use of which is relevant in our days. Matter passes air, but is very capricious in leaving. It collects dust and absorbs odors, does not tolerate high humidity, so wallpapers are used only in the design of living rooms, bedrooms.
Fiberglass. Wallpaper has a relatively low cost and very hardy. Due to the presence of long glass fibers in the structure, the material allows the walls to breathe, does not accumulate moisture and is slowly covered with dust.
Liquid. Innovative wallpapers are sprayed above the surface of the wall and after a while they freeze on it, forming a neat crust. Wallpaper is very easy to use, because you no longer need to spread glue, slap them not only the walls, but also the floor, carefully align each sheet.
Natural. These include wallpaper, the top layer of which is made of cork, bamboo, algae, reed, straw or jute. They are environmentally friendly, have a pleasant to the touch texture, repel dust, thanks to special compositions on the surface, and allow air to pass through. However, natural wallpaper does not withstand constant contact with moisture, and their cost is poor.
Separately emit photo wallpaper. They can be represented by almost any of the above species, except liquid, natural and linkrust. The surface of the photo wallpaper is adorned with a print. It's important to know. There are special types of vinyl wallpapers that are designed for coloring. Their color can be changed up to 10 times.
Wall painting
Although staining is considered one of the easiest finishing methods, it is readily used even in expensive interiors where laconicism is valued above all. The paint is suitable for loft, classics, Provence, pop art, Scandinavian, Spanish, rustic, Mediterranean, colonial styles, country and eclecticism.It looks great both in the kitchen and in the children's room. In modern styles, the combined method is usually used when a room or studio is zoned using different textures: smooth paint and relief plaster, wallpaper, brick or masonry. All types of coloring compounds are divided into four large groups:
Glue. Casein and dextrined are ranked among them. This is a special kind of environmentally friendly paint, which is made exclusively from natural components, without any harmful chemicals. They do not tolerate contact with moisture, therefore they are suitable only for interior decoration. For example, painting the facade from the outside with adhesive paints will inevitably lead to their cracking and “sliding” from the surface.
Water or emulsion. These include acrylic, latex, dispersion, silicone and polyvinyl acetate. The paints contain pigments, a binder base and water, which form an emulsion. It is easily washed off from hands and clothes until it dries completely, but it does not react to contacts with water in hardened form. Emulsion ones fit well on any surfaces except glossy ones, and they are also not recommended to be applied on non-primed metal, as it can lead to its corrosion. The paints dry quickly and do not exude an unpleasant odor. They do not have resistance to frost, so you can not use compositions for decorating the outer walls in private homes. Paints almost do not fade, allow the surface to breathe.
Silicate. Mineral compositions are made on the basis of glass. They are mainly used for external work because of their increased resistance to temperature extremes. Silicate paints do not lie on smooth surfaces: ceramics, metal, glass, stone, plastic. Ideal is their application to the plaster of the same name. Silicate paints hardly wash off. Their life will be calculated in years.Of the shortcomings of the composition, only the lack of ability to protect the surface from moisture is noted.
Alkyd. Paints are used for painting plaster, metal and wood. They are non-toxic and allow the surface to breathe. Formulations are based on alkyd resins. The group includes only two types: oil and enamel. The former are created on the basis of olive and used for external work, since during prolonged drying, the composition releases harmful volatile substances. Enamel made from varnish. They can be used in any room, since the composition is not afraid of moisture. Paints have a pleasant gloss.
Painting is considered the easiest option for decorating walls along with plaster. It is also often considered as a quick and cheap way for temporary repairs.
Decorative plaster
Although originally plaster was used only to correct the surface of the walls before applying the main material, now it has also begun to be used as a finish. It is classified into the following types:
Mineral The material has high vapor permeability, does not leak moisture and is durable, as it is based on cement, lime or gypsum. It is recommended to use mineral plaster for decorating concrete, brick or stone walls. Only the basic white color of the composition is presented on the market. If you need to get a certain shade, then pigments are added to the plaster when diluted. In addition, special additives with spangles or stone chips for texture are sold.
Acrylic It is based on synthetic polymers. Plaster has elasticity in the hardened state, therefore, when the walls are deformed, it does not crack. High moisture resistance allows the use of material for finishing wet rooms (kitchen, bathroom). Initially, the surface of acrylic plaster is smooth, the texture can be given manually or using special additives that are sold in hardware stores. Unfortunately, it easily ignites, therefore it is not recommended to apply the composition to wood.
SiliconeA relatively new material that does not allow moisture to pass through, has high elasticity and vapor permeability, is capable of self-cleaning when used outside the house. The plaster is based on silicone resins. It has a high cost, which pays off with a long service life (more than 20 years). By the number of color variations, the composition has become a champion, since there are more than 6 thousand.
Silicate. It is based on liquid glass, which quickly hardens. Working with the material will require skill. Silicate plaster is durable, flexible, moisture-resistant, but at the same time it is expensive and has a limited range of colors.
Now relevant in interior design is considered to be Venetian plaster. It is sometimes also called “seamless marble”, since the composition imitates the surface of this particular stone. The plaster may be acrylic, silicate or silicone. It belongs to the textured types, which are applied by spraying, using a roller or spatula. You can get a relief thanks to the fillers from mineral chips, or by working with special tools. Stucco is considered a stylistic all-rounder and fits most design directions.
Wall cladding with wood
Wood walling is suitable only for rooms with a stable microclimate. Kitchen and bathroom wood do not recommend finishing. From the variety of varieties of material, attention is deserved:
Plywood. It has a rather boring surface texture, therefore, requires staining.
Lining. Long modules are suitable for thematic decor for Russian, Scandinavian or rustic style, Provence, chalet.
Veneer. It is a thin sheet of wood. It has flexibility, original texture and color, used as a final finish.
Bung. Soft, pleasant to the touch material allows you to create an incredibly comfortable, home interior.
Timber.The material has a rough look, so it is used exclusively in a rustic style.
Array of wood. It has a high cost. Strong and durable material is suitable for the line of classic styles.
Sheathing the walls can even be with different-sized boards, which will have an original, textured look. Suitable design for eco-style and Provence. In rare cases, surfaces are finished with thin wood saw cuts. Complement the unusual decoration with the help of a "path" in the room.
Ceramic tile
Ceramic tiles are traditionally used to design kitchens and bathrooms. The material is moisture resistant, durable, resistant to household chemicals and abrasive compounds. Depending on the production technology, tiles are classified into two large groups:
Bikotura. The tile is double fired due to the application of an additional layer of enamel. Use material for interior decoration.
Monocottura. It undergoes one firing. Some types are used for exterior decoration, as they have frost resistance.
The tile may have a protective and decorative layer of glaze. Such material has an attractive appearance and has a reflective effect. Varieties such as cotto, monoporosis, porcelain stoneware, majolica, clinker are also found. The latter option has a particularly dense base, which is obtained by pressing. Clinker is one of the most durable types of tiles. Porcelain or gres is obtained from several types of clay and fireclay bricks. It is considered a high-quality alternative to natural stone.
Decorative rock
Decorative stone is used to decorate kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms and hallways. The material has no restrictions on use. Quartz, acrylic and porcelain stoneware, conglomerate have high strength. Plaster decorative stone is considered the only imitation that is afraid of moisture and mechanical stress.Compared to the original, the material has a lower weight, which allows it to be used both for decorating the entire wall and for partial finishing (the area around doors, window openings, niches or accent elements). Decorative stone has flexibility, has a rich assortment of colors and textures. It can even be used to decorate drywall partitions. The stone organically flows into a number of ethnic styles: Spanish, English, French, Italian, Mediterranean.
Wall panels
Panels are considered a universal material used to decorate walls, ceilings and objects of complex configuration (columns, pilasters, partitions, arches, niches). They are easy to install, provide the ability to replace a damaged module with a new one without violating the integrity of neighboring ones. If the panels have not been damaged, then reuse is allowed. Depending on the form, the material is divided into three groups:
Sheet.
Tiled.
Rack and pinion.
Panels are made of wood, plastic or mixtures based on waste from the forest industry (MDF, particleboard, fiberboard). In the first case, the material can be used in rooms with high humidity only if a layer of protective wax is applied to its surface. It is permissible to use fiberboard and MDF for decorating kitchens, but it is better to leave chipboard for living rooms and bedrooms. PVC panels are universal, they are characterized by durability, lack of sensitivity to moisture or temperature extremes and low cost. Of the minuses, only fragility and possible toxicity are noted if the plastic was made with violations of technology.
PVC panels are suitable for modern styles where plastic will look appropriate. MDF, particleboard and fiberboard are in harmony in technical directions, in which the use of wood surfaces is welcomed: classic, modern, minimalism, provence, country.
Drywall
The use of drywall is advisable in cases where the walls have obvious irregularities or you need to give the surface a special configuration. The material is easily cut, mounted, and the work itself is considered clean and dispenses with a protective film on the floor and stained clothing.After finishing, drywall can be painted, plastered or glued with wallpaper, covered with a decorative stone. You cannot use only heavy materials as a finish, since the base itself is light in weight. For covering the bathroom and kitchen, a special moisture-resistant type of drywall is used. Material finishing is used for various styles: minimalism, high-tech, colonial, Scandinavian, modern, fusion and even Gothic or Moorish. Universality is determined by the freedom of choice of the secondary surface.
The use of moss in wall design
Decorating the walls with moss seems crazy, and completely in vain. This living organism will replace indoor plants and at the same time it will help to create an unusual interior, where the green surface will definitely become a highlight. Moss loves moisture and shade, so the ideal places for it to grow in the house: kitchen and bathroom. Those rooms for which you have to choose a special finish. The moss wall will become a stylish accent of minimalism, hi-tech, Scandinavian and eco-directions. Greenery is never superfluous, as it brings natural notes to any environment. You can create a textured wall on your own, but you will have to look after the living flora. On the market there are already finished panels with canned moss. From a biological point of view, it is already dead, but special impregnations allow you to maintain its original appearance. The phytowall is additionally decorated with shells, twigs, cones or spruce needles. Moss, by the way, has long been used for digging gaps in wood baths and in the exterior decoration of Scandinavian country houses.
Wall painting, graffiti and stencil drawing
Wall painting has been used since ancient times. This time-consuming method of decorating the premises requires special skill from the artist. If you are deprived of talent, then ready-made stencils will save the situation. On them, a contour is applied to the surface, which is then painted in different colors.For work, use rollers, brushes, sponges. The drawing can be anything: romantic paintings for delicate styles (Provence, Roman), surrealism and psychedelicism for constructivism, a laconic avant-garde for the same direction and minimalism, high-tech. Graffiti is applied to the wall using spray paints, markers or spray guns. For street art, the use of inscriptions or unusual, acidic images in the style of pop art is typical. Graffiti goes to the loft, high-tech, futurism. You can apply paint on various surfaces: wood, plaster, tile or stone. It is only necessary to choose its composition correctly.
Conclusion
With the decor of the walls begins the entire repair campaign. No wonder they say that when you start the morning, you will spend the day. Therefore, the further decoration of the room will depend on the correct finish. Remember that it is important to select the right materials for each room. Specifications must be indicated on the packaging. Also pay attention to environmental friendliness and fire resistance. These qualities are displayed in certificates, which are always attached to legal products from reliable suppliers.
The initial stage of any repair includes finishing the "box" of the room: walls, ceiling and floor. Only after carrying out these works indoors can furniture and decor be arranged. The wall design in the apartment is represented by numerous options: from ordinary painting to the original combined decoration with modern imitation stone and textured plaster. Surfaces play the role of a canvas, against which the background of the room can play in a special way. After the completion of the main design works, they put the finishing touches in the form of decor: paintings, photographs, bas-reliefs, panels. Let us consider in detail the features of choosing a suitable finishing material, the rules for using each of them and decorations that will look unusual in the interior.
Content
What to consider when choosing a finish
Finishing materials for each room need to be selected separately. When buying, you should consider a number of factors:
Methods and types of finishes
Unusual design will be the highlight of the author's design. All methods of finishing work that are performed with walls can be divided into two types, depending on the nature of the manipulations:
And now in detail we will consider each of the methods. This information will be useful for those who intend to make repairs with their own hands, but do not know what type of finish will look beautiful and original.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper decorates the surface of the walls in any room. The material has no restrictions due to the wide range of species. It arose in parallel with the classical style and went hand in hand with it until the beginning of the last century. At this time, new technologies for the production of wallpaper appeared, which made it possible to adapt them to various directions: constructivism, modern, art deco, provence, ethnic. If before the material was not intended for use in rooms with an unstable microclimate, then its new types have become more durable. Wallpaper is classified into the following types:
Separately emit photo wallpaper. They can be represented by almost any of the above species, except liquid, natural and linkrust. The surface of the photo wallpaper is adorned with a print.
It's important to know. There are special types of vinyl wallpapers that are designed for coloring. Their color can be changed up to 10 times.
Wall painting
Although staining is considered one of the easiest finishing methods, it is readily used even in expensive interiors where laconicism is valued above all. The paint is suitable for loft, classics, Provence, pop art, Scandinavian, Spanish, rustic, Mediterranean, colonial styles, country and eclecticism.It looks great both in the kitchen and in the children's room. In modern styles, the combined method is usually used when a room or studio is zoned using different textures: smooth paint and relief plaster, wallpaper, brick or masonry. All types of coloring compounds are divided into four large groups:
Decorative plaster
Although originally plaster was used only to correct the surface of the walls before applying the main material, now it has also begun to be used as a finish. It is classified into the following types:
Now relevant in interior design is considered to be Venetian plaster. It is sometimes also called “seamless marble”, since the composition imitates the surface of this particular stone. The plaster may be acrylic, silicate or silicone. It belongs to the textured types, which are applied by spraying, using a roller or spatula. You can get a relief thanks to the fillers from mineral chips, or by working with special tools. Stucco is considered a stylistic all-rounder and fits most design directions.
Wall cladding with wood
Wood walling is suitable only for rooms with a stable microclimate. Kitchen and bathroom wood do not recommend finishing. From the variety of varieties of material, attention is deserved:
Sheathing the walls can even be with different-sized boards, which will have an original, textured look. Suitable design for eco-style and Provence. In rare cases, surfaces are finished with thin wood saw cuts. Complement the unusual decoration with the help of a "path" in the room.
Ceramic tile
Ceramic tiles are traditionally used to design kitchens and bathrooms. The material is moisture resistant, durable, resistant to household chemicals and abrasive compounds. Depending on the production technology, tiles are classified into two large groups:
The tile may have a protective and decorative layer of glaze. Such material has an attractive appearance and has a reflective effect. Varieties such as cotto, monoporosis, porcelain stoneware, majolica, clinker are also found. The latter option has a particularly dense base, which is obtained by pressing. Clinker is one of the most durable types of tiles. Porcelain or gres is obtained from several types of clay and fireclay bricks. It is considered a high-quality alternative to natural stone.
Decorative rock
Decorative stone is used to decorate kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms and hallways. The material has no restrictions on use. Quartz, acrylic and porcelain stoneware, conglomerate have high strength. Plaster decorative stone is considered the only imitation that is afraid of moisture and mechanical stress.Compared to the original, the material has a lower weight, which allows it to be used both for decorating the entire wall and for partial finishing (the area around doors, window openings, niches or accent elements). Decorative stone has flexibility, has a rich assortment of colors and textures. It can even be used to decorate drywall partitions. The stone organically flows into a number of ethnic styles: Spanish, English, French, Italian, Mediterranean.
Wall panels
Panels are considered a universal material used to decorate walls, ceilings and objects of complex configuration (columns, pilasters, partitions, arches, niches). They are easy to install, provide the ability to replace a damaged module with a new one without violating the integrity of neighboring ones. If the panels have not been damaged, then reuse is allowed. Depending on the form, the material is divided into three groups:
Panels are made of wood, plastic or mixtures based on waste from the forest industry (MDF, particleboard, fiberboard). In the first case, the material can be used in rooms with high humidity only if a layer of protective wax is applied to its surface. It is permissible to use fiberboard and MDF for decorating kitchens, but it is better to leave chipboard for living rooms and bedrooms. PVC panels are universal, they are characterized by durability, lack of sensitivity to moisture or temperature extremes and low cost. Of the minuses, only fragility and possible toxicity are noted if the plastic was made with violations of technology.
Drywall
The use of drywall is advisable in cases where the walls have obvious irregularities or you need to give the surface a special configuration. The material is easily cut, mounted, and the work itself is considered clean and dispenses with a protective film on the floor and stained clothing.After finishing, drywall can be painted, plastered or glued with wallpaper, covered with a decorative stone. You cannot use only heavy materials as a finish, since the base itself is light in weight. For covering the bathroom and kitchen, a special moisture-resistant type of drywall is used. Material finishing is used for various styles: minimalism, high-tech, colonial, Scandinavian, modern, fusion and even Gothic or Moorish. Universality is determined by the freedom of choice of the secondary surface.
The use of moss in wall design
Decorating the walls with moss seems crazy, and completely in vain. This living organism will replace indoor plants and at the same time it will help to create an unusual interior, where the green surface will definitely become a highlight. Moss loves moisture and shade, so the ideal places for it to grow in the house: kitchen and bathroom. Those rooms for which you have to choose a special finish. The moss wall will become a stylish accent of minimalism, hi-tech, Scandinavian and eco-directions. Greenery is never superfluous, as it brings natural notes to any environment. You can create a textured wall on your own, but you will have to look after the living flora. On the market there are already finished panels with canned moss. From a biological point of view, it is already dead, but special impregnations allow you to maintain its original appearance. The phytowall is additionally decorated with shells, twigs, cones or spruce needles. Moss, by the way, has long been used for digging gaps in wood baths and in the exterior decoration of Scandinavian country houses.
Wall painting, graffiti and stencil drawing
Wall painting has been used since ancient times. This time-consuming method of decorating the premises requires special skill from the artist. If you are deprived of talent, then ready-made stencils will save the situation. On them, a contour is applied to the surface, which is then painted in different colors.For work, use rollers, brushes, sponges. The drawing can be anything: romantic paintings for delicate styles (Provence, Roman), surrealism and psychedelicism for constructivism, a laconic avant-garde for the same direction and minimalism, high-tech. Graffiti is applied to the wall using spray paints, markers or spray guns. For street art, the use of inscriptions or unusual, acidic images in the style of pop art is typical. Graffiti goes to the loft, high-tech, futurism. You can apply paint on various surfaces: wood, plaster, tile or stone. It is only necessary to choose its composition correctly.
Conclusion
With the decor of the walls begins the entire repair campaign. No wonder they say that when you start the morning, you will spend the day. Therefore, the further decoration of the room will depend on the correct finish. Remember that it is important to select the right materials for each room. Specifications must be indicated on the packaging. Also pay attention to environmental friendliness and fire resistance. These qualities are displayed in certificates, which are always attached to legal products from reliable suppliers.