Wall Finishes, Trends and Aesthetics
by Jonathan McGaha | 30 June 2010 12:00 am
Wall finishes have evolved from an aesthetic element meant to brighten and decorate a room to a finish that serves as more of a functional element in recent years. Whether a space demands an aesthetic touch or a functional one, one thing is for certain, the need for eco-friendly finishes is a growing trend. Dan Brandt, product manager at Elk Grove Village, Ill.-based MDC Wallcoverings, a leading global source for contract wallcoverings, coatings and specialty wall products, tells us about trends in wall finishes and what architects and designers are responding to now.
1. Why choose a wallcovering?
Wallcoverings are selected for a variety of reasons. The materials are primarily selected for their aesthetic appeal. Contract wallcoverings are offered in an expansive variety of colors and materials. Their ability to transform a space visually and also offer long lasting design solutions has always been their appeal. As the nature of construction changes, wallcoverings must adapt as well. Product development is an ever-evolving movement in terms of color trends as well as materials.
2. How are wall finishes sustainable?
The movement towards eco-friendly products has shifted considerably in recent years. Our responsibility extends from materials selected, improved manufacturing processes and end of life options. There has been a significant increase in the use of recycled material; both post consumer and post industrial. The industry has also adopted reclamation practices to offer end of life options for previously discarded materials. It is critical that we maximize the use of materials that can be replenished.
3. How have wall finishes evolved?
Wallcoverings are moving from a decorative finish to a functional finish. We are always looking to offer products that fit specific needs. Whether the space calls for wall protection systems, dry erase surfaces, areas for corporate branding, there are products to meet the demand. These products are often selected by architectural firms trying to meet the demands of their space. The need for these materials justify the cost as opposed to being value engineered off a project.
4. What trends do you see among wall finishes from your conversations with designers/architects?
Several trends are currently changing the landscape of traditional wallcovering. The green movement has been most notable. The need for eco-friendly products is being driven from both the end user as well as interior design firms. The economy has also had a major influence on the selection of wall finishes. Although high-end finishes are still being selected, there has been a need to be more fiscally responsible when specifying finishes. It is critical to offer products in all major categories, from low-cost performance paints to handcrafted specialty wallcoverings.
5. What types of wall finishes are popular?
The current demand is for textured finishes. Deeply textured wall finishes have the ability to completely transform a space. They are visually appealing and often allow the designer the ability to put their mark on a space.
6. What colors?
Color trends are constantly shifting; most notably in accent colors. We currently see a movement towards sophisticated metallic finishes. These are often deep classic bronze or an understated brushed aluminum. For larger spaces the warmth of earth tones continues to dominate the market.
7. What unusual wall finishes are available for designers?
The need to merge function with tight budgets has created the market for emerging product categories. Over the past couple of years there has been a sharp increase in the use of dry erase paint. MDC Wallcoverings distributes a product called tabrasa, which is typically sold as white, but is available in other colors. This product quickly and easily transforms a space into a collaborative workspace. The tabrasa product, which recently won a Bloom Award for its achievements as a sustainable product in interior commercial design, can be used on any paintable surface from entire walls or panels to columns, hallways or even over old and wornout chalk and dry-erase boards
8. What changes do you see coming to wall finishes in the coming years?
The green movement will continue to dominate the market so we expect technological advancements in the development of new materials. Additionally, the demand for digitally printed wall finishes has grown considerably. The digital printing process offers considerable flexibility in creating a custom look for a very small investment. Thus, companies are able to have a clearly identifiable space that speaks to their company image. As this product segment grows, price reductions in the process will make the category more accessible to all.
9. What questions should designers ask when picking out a wall finish?
When selecting a wall finish it is important to get a feel for the entire space. What is the space’s intended purpose? What other interior finishes (i.e. carpet, fabric, etc.) are being used? Is there a specific functionality that needs to be met? What are the end users design tastes? What external conditions might the space be exposed to (i.e. traffic)?
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