Modern design of the walls in the apartment

The initial stage of any repair includes finishing the "box" of the room: walls, ceiling and floor. Only after carrying out these works in the room can you arrange the furniture and decor. The design of the walls in the apartment is represented by numerous options: from the usual painting and to the original combined decoration with modern imitation of stone and textured plaster. The surfaces play the role of a canvas, against which the room furnishings can play in a special way. After completion of the main work on the design they put the final touches in the form of decor: paintings, photographs, bas-reliefs, panels. Consider in detail the features of the choice of a suitable finishing material, the rules for the use of each of them and decorations that will look unusual in the interior.

What to consider when choosing finishes

Finishing materials for each room must be selected separately. When buying, you should consider a number of factors:

• Environmental friendliness and hypoallergenic. Naturalness is now in fashion, although the development of technologies for the production of imitations and reached its peak. Quality PVC is no longer considered harmful to health material, but its fake, concocted in a hurry, when heated can release toxic substances into the air. A similar situation exists with particleboard, fiberboard, MDF. Shredded wood waste must be bonded with a special glue. If previously used a synthetic composition, but now manufacturers are trying to resort to natural resins.
• Cost The price plays an important role in the selection of materials for decoration, as repairs are limited by the budget. Expensive options, as a rule, are natural, have a long service life. Those materials that are cheaper are not suitable for every interior, and can quickly become unusable.
• Thermal and moisture resistance. These indicators are of particular importance when choosing materials for finishing the bathroom or kitchen.

• Terms of operation. Of course, any apartment owner would like the interior to maintain its gloss and appeal for a long time. The only exception will be creative people with changeable mood, who like to change the situation every few years, but this is expensive.
• Care of the material. External beauty requires constant care. Before you buy a finishing material, be sure to familiarize yourself with the subtleties of caring for it. Perhaps he is too sensitive to abrasives or household chemicals. In this case, each time you have to buy expensive formulations or polish the surface with delicate sponges. Not everyone will have time for extra housework.
• Compatibility with specific rooms. This nuance is extremely important especially for the kitchen and the bathroom. They are perfectly combined with tile, washable wallpaper, brick or stone, but they are absolutely not suitable for wood, which without special treatment will quickly turn into a rotting seedling 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.

Ways and types of finishes

Unusual design will be the highlight of the author's design. All the methods of finishing works that are performed with the walls can be divided into two types depending on the nature of the manipulations:

• Covering, that is, fixing on the surface of any elements. These include tile decoration, PVC panels, wooden modules (wall paneling), 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 ways. This information will be useful for those who intend to carry out repairs with their own hands, but do not know what type of finish will look beautiful and original.

Wallpaper

Wallpapers decorate the surface of walls in any rooms. The material has no restrictions due to the large range of species. It originated in parallel with the classical style and went hand in hand with it until the beginning of the last century. At this time, there are new technologies for the production of wallpaper, which allowed them to adapt to various areas: constructivism, modern, Art Deco, Provence, ethnic. If earlier the material did not intend to use in rooms with unstable microclimate, then its new types became more durable. Wallpaper is classified into the following types:

• Paper. The easiest and short-lived option. It is produced in two forms: simplex and duplex. The first wallpapers are single-layered and last for several years, as they are quickly erased and worn out. Duplex wallpaper consists 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 the paper allows air to pass through. Unfortunately, wallpaper absorbs odors, is afraid of moisture and quickly fade. Do not recommend the use of material for finishing the kitchen, bathroom, hallway.
• Flizelinovye. They are made from the same paper, but with a slightly modified structure. To make the wallpaper denser and stronger they added fabric fibers. Flizelinovy ​​wallpapers serve much longer paper, but at the same time retained all their advantages.
• Vinyl. The wallpapers have two layers: the bottom one is made of paper or non-woven fabric, and the top one is made of foamed vinyl. The option is durable, durable, may have a relief texture that will hide the flaws of the surface. Vinyl wallpaper can be washed, their paint fade very slowly, and thanks to the paper inside out, they also easily fall on the wall.
• Acrylic. They are created according to the technology of a similar technique for vinyl. The surface of the wallpaper is decorated with foam acrylic. Since the method of its application is point, the material can pass air. The acrylic layer is slightly thinner than vinyl, so it is considered less durable.
• Linkrust A special kind of double-layered wallpaper. It is made by applying to the fabric or paper base a mixture of crumbs of natural materials, which is brought to the state of a liquid paste using alkyd resins. Linkrust can be painted. It is durable, but does not allow the walls to breathe.
• Foiled. The original version of the dual-layer wallpaper. Their front side is covered with foil, which is applied an unusual pattern. Foil wallpaper is very capricious, they are difficult to glue. They highlight the defects of the wall due to the metallized surface and are expensive.

• Fabric They are considered wallpaper classics, the use of which is relevant today. Matter is breathable, but very capricious in the care. It collects dust and absorbs odors, does not tolerate high humidity, so the wallpaper is used only in the design of living rooms, bedrooms.
• Fiberglass. Wallpapers have a relatively low cost and are very hardy. Due to the presence in the structure of long glass fibers, the material allows the walls to breathe, does not accumulate moisture and is slowly covered with dust.
• Liquid. Innovative wallpaper sprayed over the surface of the wall and after some time, frozen on it, forming a neat crust. Wallpaper is very easy to use, because you no longer need to plant 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, cane, 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 can not withstand constant contact with moisture, and their value leaves much to be desired.

Separately allocate wallpaper. They can be represented by almost any of the above listed types, except for liquid, natural and linkrust. The surface of the photo wallpaper is decorated with a print.
It is important to know. There are special types of vinyl wallpaper, which are designed for staining. Their color can be changed up to 10 times.

Wall coloring

Although staining is considered one of the easiest ways of finishing, it is readily used even in expensive interiors, where laconicism is valued above all. The paint is suitable for loft, classic, Provence, pop art, Scandinavian, Spanish, rustic, Mediterranean, colonial styles, country music and eclecticism. It looks great both in the kitchen and in the nursery. In modern styles, the combined method is usually used when a room or studio is zoned using different textures: smooth paint and embossed plaster, wallpaper, brick or masonry. All types of coloring compositions are divided into four large groups:

• Glue. They include casein and dextrinated. This is a special kind of environmentally friendly paint, which is made exclusively from natural ingredients, not having in the composition of harmful chemicals. They do not tolerate contact with moisture, and therefore are only suitable for interior decoration. For example, painting the facade from the outside with glue paints will inevitably lead to their cracking and “slipping” from the surface.
• Aqueous or emulsion. These include acrylic, latex, dispersion, silicone and polyvinyl acetate. In the composition of paints there are pigments, a binder base and water, which form an emulsion. It is easily washed off with hands and clothes until completely dry, but it does not react to contact with water in the hardened form. Emulsion well fall on any surface other than glossy, and they are not recommended to apply to non-primed metal, as it can lead to corrosion. Paints dry quickly and do not exude an unpleasant smell. They are not resistant to frost, so you can not apply the compositions for the decoration of exterior walls in private homes. Paints almost do not fade, allow the surface to breathe.
• Silicate. Make mineral compositions on the basis of glass. They are mainly used for external work due to increased resistance to temperature extremes. Silicate paints do not fall on smooth surfaces: ceramics, metal, glass, stone, plastic. Ideal is their application on the plaster of the same name. Silicate paints almost never wash off. The term of their operation will be calculated over the years. Of the shortcomings of the composition, only the lack of ability to save the surface from moisture is noted.
• Alkyd. Paints are used to paint plaster, metal and wood. They are non-toxic and allow the surface to breathe. Make compositions based on alkyd resins. The group includes only two types: oil and enamel. The first ones are created on the basis of olive and used for external works, since during long-term drying the composition emits harmful volatile substances. Enamel made from varnish. They can be used in any premises, as the composition is not afraid of moisture. Paints have a nice gloss 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 initially plaster was used only to correct the surface of the walls before applying the base material, now it has been used as a finishing finish. It is classified into the following types:

• Mineral The material has a high vapor permeability, does not pass moisture and is durable, because it is based on cement, lime or gypsum. It is recommended to use mineral plaster for decorating concrete, brick or stone walls. Only basic white color of the composition is presented on the market. If you want to get a certain shade, then pigments are added to the plaster upon dilution. In addition, special additives are sold with glitter or stone chips for texture.
• Acrylic. It is based on synthetic polymers. Plaster has elasticity in the hardened state, therefore, when deforming the walls does not crack. High moisture resistance allows to use material for finishing of damp rooms (kitchen, bathroom). Initially, the surface of acrylic plaster is smooth, texture can be added to it manually or with the help of special additives that are sold in hardware stores. Unfortunately, it easily ignites, so it is not recommended to apply the composition to wood.
• Silicone. A relatively new material that does not allow moisture, has a high elasticity and vapor permeability, is capable of self-cleaning when used outside the house. The basis of the plaster are silicone resins. It is notable for its high cost, which pays off with a long service life (over 20 years). In terms of the number of color variations, the composition became a record holder, since there are more than 6 thousand of them.
• Silicate. It is based on liquid glass, which quickly hardens. Work with the material will require skill. Silicate plaster is durable, elastic, does not let moisture, but at the same time it is expensive and has a limited range of colors.

Now actual in the design of the interior is Venetian plaster. It is sometimes also called "seamless marble", as the composition imitates the surface of this particular stone. The plaster can be acrylic, silicate or silicone. It belongs to the textured types that are applied by spraying, using a roller or spatula. It is possible to get a relief thanks to fillers from a mineral crumb, or working with special tools. Plaster is considered a stylistic wagon and is suitable for most areas of design.

Wood cladding

Wood cladding is suitable only for rooms with a stable microclimate. Kitchen and bathroom wood finish is not recommended. Of the variety of material types noteworthy:

• Plywood. It has a rather dull surface texture, and therefore requires staining.
• Lining. Long modules are suitable for a 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, is used as a final finish.
• Bung. Soft, pleasant to the touch material allows you to create an incredibly comfortable, homely interior.
• Timber. The material has a coarse appearance, so it is used exclusively in a rustic style.
• Solid wood. Differs in high cost. Durable and durable material suitable for a line of classic styles.

You can even sheathe walls with different-sized boards that will have an original, textured look. This design is suitable for eco-style and Provence. In rare cases, the surface trimmed with thin wood sawing. Complement an unusual decoration with the help of the "track" 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 compositions. Depending on the production technology, tiles are classified into two large groups:

• Bikottura. The tile is subjected to double firing due to the application of an additional layer of enamel. Use the material for interior decoration.
• Monokottura. Subjected to one roasting. Some species are used for exterior decoration, as they have frost resistance.

The tile can have a protective and decorative layer of glaze. Such material has an attractive appearance and has a reflective effect. Also there are such varieties as cotto, monoporosis, granite, majolica, clinker. 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 are made of several types of clay and fireclay bricks. It is considered a high-quality alternative to natural stone.

Decorative rock

Decorative stone is used to finish kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms and hallways. The material has no restrictions in use. Quartz, acrylic look and porcelain stoneware, conglomerate possess high strength. Gypsum decorative stone is considered the only imitation that is afraid of moisture and mechanical stress. The material in comparison with the original 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 accented elements). Decorative stone has flexibility, has a rich assortment of colors and textures. It can even be used for finishing plasterboard partitions. The stone organically joins a number of ethnic styles: Spanish, English, French, Italian, Mediterranean.

Wall panels

Panels are considered to be a universal material that is used to trim walls, ceilings and objects of complex configuration (columns, pilasters, partitions, arches, niches). They are easily mounted, provide an opportunity to replace the damaged module with a new one without violating the integrity of the neighboring ones. If the panels are not damaged, then reuse is allowed. Depending on the shape of the material is divided into three groups:

• Sheet.
• Tiled.
• Rack.

Изготавливают панели из древесины, пластика или смесей на основе отходов лесной промышленности (МДФ, ДСП, ДВП). In the first case, the material can be used in rooms with high humidity only if a layer of protective wax is applied on its surface. MDF and MDF are permissible to use for finishing kitchens, but the chipboard is better left 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 manufactured with violations of technology.

PVC panels are suitable for modern styles, where plastic will look appropriate. MDF, particleboard and fiberboard are harmonized 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 works themselves are considered clean and do without a protective film on the floor and stained clothing. After finishing, drywall can be painted, plaster or wallpaper, covered with decorative stone. It is impossible to use only heavy materials as finishing, as the base itself has a low weight. For covering the bathroom and kitchen use a special moisture-resistant type of drywall. Finishing material is used for various styles: minimalism, high-tech, colonial, Scandinavian, modern, fusion and even Gothic or Moorish. Versatility is determined by the freedom to choose a secondary surface.

The use of moss in the design of walls

Making walls with moss seems insane, and completely in vain. This living organism will replace indoor plants and at the same time 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: the kitchen and the bathroom. Those are the premises for which you have to select a special finish. The wall of moss will become a stylish accent of minimalism, hi - tech, Scandinavian and eco - directions. Greens are never superfluous, as they bring natural notes to any environment. The textured wall can be created independently, but you will have to care for the living flora. There are ready-made moss panels on the market. From a biological point of view, he is already dead, but special impregnations allow you to keep the original appearance. Fitostenu additionally decorated with shells, twigs, cones or spruce needles. Moss, by the way, has long been used for caulking cracks in wood baths and in the exterior of Scandinavian country houses.

Wall painting, graffiti and drawing a picture using a stencil

Wall painting has been used for a long time. This time-consuming method of decorating the premises requires special skill from the artist. If you are deprived of talent, then the situation will save ready stencils. On them a contour is applied to the surface, which is then painted in different colors. For work use rollers, brushes, sponzhiki. The drawing can be any: romantic pictures for gentle styles (Provence, Roman), surrealism and psychedelic for constructivism, laconic avant-garde for the same direction and minimalism, hi - tech. Graffiti is applied to the wall using spray paints, markers or spray guns. For street art is characterized by the use of inscriptions or unusual, acidic images in the style of pop art. Graffiti is coming to the loft, hi - stream, futurism. It is possible to apply paint on various surfaces: wood, plaster, tile or stone. It is only necessary to properly select its composition.

Conclusion

With the wall decor begins the entire repair campaign. No wonder they say how you start the morning, and spend the day. Therefore, further work on decorating the room will depend on the proper finishing. Remember that for each room it is important to select the appropriate materials. Characteristics must be indicated on the packaging. Also pay attention to environmental friendliness and fire resistance. These qualities are displayed in certificates that are always attached to legal products from reliable suppliers.