Painting the walls in a home is usually just to provide a blank canvas or backdrop for interior design but when you want to create atmosphere, giving the walls more depth brings character and personality to the room.
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For most home decorators, painting the walls in a room is simply to bring colour or pattern into the space or just to provide a blank canvas or backdrop for any decorating to be done in the room. The purpose of these walls is not to intrude on the space or catch attention, but to just be. But when you want to make a room feel more comfortable and set a mood or atmosphere, you can use various decorating techniques to change the perception of walls and use them as decorating tools.
How do you create a feeling of depth with paint
Any artist will tell you that being able to create depth provides more feeling and detail to what is being painted. You can use this effect to make a room feel larger or wider than it is, to make a ceiling higher or lower, or to disguise unattractive elements. But how do you create depth with a painted wall?
The easiest method for creating depth is to use layered painting techniques. This can be by using paint colours in the same hue but different shades of light and dark. You can also use patterns to create visual illusions, add shadows, or incorporate textures - all of these can be used in different ways to add depth.
Look at how the following paint techniques can be used to bring depth to a room.
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1. Cementitious finishes
Plaster and cement-based wall finishes are popular as a method for finishing walls due to the eco-friendly composition and the natural look these finishes give to walls. You cannot deny that raw plaster or a cement finish is a contemporary look for the home. Cementitious finishes are also liked as an alternative to other methods that bring VOCs into the home. Cement-based finishes bring a wonderful texture and a range of organic hues that are cooling and calming.
2. Exposed brick
Love them or hate them, brick walls are excellent at bringing depth into any room, except perhaps a dark room with dark-coloured brick walls. But in rooms that receive plenty of natural light, brick walls bring colour, texture and pattern and enliven a room with warmth and personality. Even brick walls that have been whitewashed still have the rawness and depth to breathe character and life into the space.
It is a trend that has come and gone so many times but has endured centuries. Exposed brick is no longer considered a look only for industrial-style homes but is now featured in all types of homes. The look of exposed brick complements today's modern furniture styles with wood and steel accents. It is an eco-friendly option for homes that is also low maintenance.
3. Metallic wall finishes
For drama and opulence, nothing comes close to the effect of metallic wall finishes. Metallic paint has the ability to bring texture to a smooth wall and create the illusion of pattern without the effort. Metallic walls also add warmth in addition to elegance and they are the perfect finish for accent walls or rooms where you want to make a statement. With the launch of low-VOC metallic paints, home decorators have access to wall finishes that are sustainable and earth-friendly.
If you are in the process of decorating your home, consider some of the options for adding depth to walls rather than just a flat paint finish.
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