Walls 101

If you have received previous copies of our newsletter, you will know that walls and the aesthetics we bring to walls are  what we are all about. There have been times in the design process we have seen walls  assume a very low level of importance in the design mix and we have seen wall finishes become one of the first things that gets trimmed from the budget.  This can be a mistake -- for instance, we have seen people spend $30,000 on throw rugs yet have walls that look like "scadente" (loose translation - low quality).

Wall Fundamentals

1. To have a room you need walls. No walls = no room.
2. The walls create the space and the mood and feel of the space. Furniture by itself won’t do it. Here's a simple exercise -- get the concept of having a set of furniture, carpets, etc. in a space with plain white walls, and get how that feels. Now, add color -- get the concept of the walls in the room in different colors such as warm yellows and reds or cool blues, greens, etc. Now try it getting the concept of walls in different textures. Rough, cavernous walls. Straw walls, or tree bark,  or a glacier look.
3. A sleek shiny gold finish or corduroy or smooth marble or a bamboo type look, etc. in a room  is going to dramatically change the look and feel with each wall change. Color is good but only one dimensional --like the difference between having one speaker and surround sound.  Texture on walls gives you dimension and interest, as long as it is not ordinary or run of the mill.

Example - Art Deco, Chicago Style

This project, which we have written about in previous newsletters, is a good example.  This Chicago town home, set in a meticulously restored Chicago Art Deco building, (Palmolive Building) had great architectural features, stunning views and a beautiful dark wood floor throughout.  The homeowner and her designer chose opulent textures in jewel like colors for the fabrics, furniture and accessories -- and through Molto Bene, the walls. By choosing plaster wall finishes they set themselves apart from all the other spaces in the building and captured the heart of the Art Deco style. One of the main things about Art Deco that one notices was the craftsmanship involved. Everything about an Art Deco room involved a high level of detail and an imaginative way of viewing a space. This was one style that didn't rely on off white. (Our pictures, being two-dimensional when the wall finishes have more, don't fully capture the impact of these rooms.)

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Attention! Do you live or work in Atherton or San Rafael?

We are currently working on two large multi-room projects  -- one in Atherton on Green Oaks Drive, and the other in San Rafael.  If you would like an opportunity to see our work in progress, give us a call to set an appointment.

Just say no to off-white! For finishes for every decor, Call us today at our new number 925 606 0644, or email us at molto@earthlink.net.  

To see past newsletters, click here

      Molto Bene License No. 739710