Longing to get with the textured wall trend? Wallpaper or stucco are not your only options. Chalk Paint® can create some special effects, says its inventor.
Yes, Chalk Paint, which British artist and designer Annie Sloan pioneered in 1990, is not just for furniture. Back then, she was a working mother of three and needed a paint that could be applied, left to dry, and waxed, all in one day.
While homeowners continue to gravitate toward monochromatic interiors, —especially all-white — Sloan notes that layers of texture and tones are needed to add depth and comfort to a room. They create the illusion of a room being lighter, brighter and larger, she says. “Use nuanced shades, from cool to warm, for a softer, more flattering look than a single, pure white,” she says. “If you’re a fan of the modern rustic aesthetic, white-painted reclaimed timber creates a wonderfully cozy look.”
Her tip for a practical and cost-effective way to dip into pale flooring: paint the floorboards a shade of white or light grey. Just don’t forget a coat of lacquer on top to keep footprints at bay.
For a slightly more elegant look, layer earthy colours and textures to create an artfully antiqued effect. It’s a style Sloan especially likes for bathrooms.
“This is not a look for fans of uniformity,” she says. “It’s about movement, character and depth, where visible brush strokes and drips become a focal point, rather than a mistake. It’s particularly handy for uneven walls, allowing you to work with — and even celebrate — existing imperfections.”
To get the look:
• Start by painting an entire wall with a warm, rich colour. Once dry, apply a neutral shade in random areas.
• While the paint is wet, use crumpled newspaper to create rough patches.
• Taking a lighter colour, mix with a little water and use a cloth to wash over the wall, making sure to leave areas for the base colours to show through.
• Once dry, take your lightest shade across the top, building it up by buffing in circular motions for a cloudy look, then mix your paint with a little water and drip it along the top until drips cascade down the whole wall.
• Finish with Chalk Paint® Lacquer in matte to ensure your wall is water-resistant, especially in the bathroom. •
Photos courtesy of Annie Sloan
