When painting just isn’t enough, what are the options?

by Pamela McElroy

Pam Bjalme, partner, Painted Illusions

Marble walls reserved for the rich are a thing of the past. Today, just about anyone can enjoy the luxury and imperial décor of marble walls…well almost.

According to Pam Bjalme, partner of Painted Illusions, a custom paint contractor in Centre Hall, stone-finished or frescoed walls are becoming more and more popular in the State College area. “It is really cool stuff,” says Bjalme “It is generally new to the Centre County area. Before, this style was something that was mainly seen only in bigger cities.”

According to Bjalme, a stone finish is a plaster-like substance (minus plaster’s messy flaking) made of lime, marble and resin. The finished look resembles tumbled tiles with scattered pits and worn areas plus a tint to match the decor. Designs, such as leaves for example, can also be added. She describes the look as having the feel of a Renaissance or Greek-period wall. Sound like a hassle to clean? It’s not. After the work is complete, a finish is applied, so the new wall is durable and easily cleaned.

Another popular request, according to Bjalme, is suede finishes. After the walls are finished, they look as though they are covered with suede or leather. Generally, the colors most in demand for this type of paint are soft earth tones. “Suede finishes are also convenient because they can be painted over and over again,” adds Bjalme. So if your taste is something that changes with the seasons, a suede finish might be a good choice.

Mary Sorensen, independent painting contractor

A person’s home should reflect their personality, according to Mary Sorensen, who has been operating solely on word of mouth for the past six years. Sorensen recommends using “objects that reflect people’s interests and lives, and even ethnic backgrounds, as starting points for decorating ideas and color.” With this in mind, she advises to let subtle and less vibrant wall colors complement bold and expressive accessories. “Accessories can be changed seasonally, or at least more often than wall color, making them good candidates for color statements,” explains Sorensen.

When it comes to repainting the interior of a home, “a little research and preparation are the most important steps,” says Sorensen. She urges people who are considering trendy paint color and decor to go to the store with magazine clippings or colored pieces of a rug or fabric that they like for examples. Another way to “test drive” a new color is to make poster board-sized samples and hang them up for a few days. Be sure to view the examples from several different vantage points—as well as from connecting rooms—to determine impact. “Sometimes a room color will come to mind just by seeing it from another room,” says Sorensen.

Finally, Sorensen suggests contracting an interior designer for any big painting projects. “Especially if you are doing multiple rooms or moving into a new home, using an interior designer can often save people money in the long run,” she says.

John Porter, owner, Porter Brothers

“Top quality paint is very essential,” says John Porter. Homeowners need to consider the fact that the interior paint they choose will become a part of their everyday lives. This is the reason to choose superior paints and to consult the specialists.
Porter says that the most significant changes he has seen over recent years have occurred in color choice. While off-whites and beiges still remain a safe and popular color choice, bolder colors have been making a dramatic increase in customer demands. “I haven’t seen color choices as bright and as bold being requested since the 70s,” says Porter, who also adds that until the past few years, bright and bold colors were rarely considered and were sold at a snail’s pace.

Porter adds that lately, the most requested colors have been yellow-greens, such as avocado and olive, and lavenders. “One of my favorite color choices for a room is walls that are painted avocado green with the ceilings and the woodwork finished brightly white. It is very striking.” Although colors this bold and untraditional may seem to some as risky, Porter reassures that with careful planning and quality paint, the results can be quite satisfying, even breathtaking. – SCM