Metallic finishes give focal walls stunning effects

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 27/08/2006 (6950 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

THERE is an allure to metallic finishes that is captivating. Silver, gold, bronze and copper in decoration have been enhancing interiors forever. Although the method in which we apply these shimmering metals to our rooms changes, their presence continues to gratify our taste for a little glamour. And although metallic paint and paper can be costly, you only require a small amount to make a big impact.

Focal walls have become very popular in home decor once again. Recently we have seen a return to wallpaper and with it a trend to larger-than-life images such as overblown florals and giant geometrics. While these would be too much for an entire room, they are striking as a focal wall. We are employing metallic finishes in the same way. Four walls covered in a metallic gold finish might be overkill, but one wall is stunning. There are natural focal walls in every room. In the bedroom, the wall behind the bed is the perfect place to add drama. Imagine midnight blue filtering through a silver glaze. A suitably finished wall can even take the place of a headboard. Pile up some exotic pillows covered in silky fabric and the scene is quiet and seductive. Dining rooms come alive with ruby red or burgundy walls. By applying gold or bronze as an accent over one wall, or in stripes around the room, the festive mood is heightened.

Light reflects off a metallic finish, producing an ever-changing landscape of shades and colour tones. I used this magical quality for the living room shown here to create a serene, yet glamorous mood. The base colour is dark taupe brown. A grid of large squares (22 inches) was measured and marked with a chalk line, and then alternate squares were taped off with low tack painter’s tape. Golden metallic glaze was rollered inside the taped off squares, starting in the middle of the square and feathering out so the glaze is not too heavy on the edges. This helps to avoid leakage. The colour play between the low and high sheens of paint and glaze as well as the golden tones in the glaze is mesmerizing. An easy chair slipcovered in white canvas layered with suede and silk cushions and a wool fringed throw provide more textural contrast for the senses to enjoy.

DEAR Debbie — About 10 years ago we laid a tongue-and-groove hardwood floor. It was stained a pale pink beige, which we felt was too light and painted the kitchen area a dark colour. The paint began to chip almost immediately. We’d like to paint the hardwood properly. What steps are involved?

— Royson

DEAR Royson — You will have to prepare the floor to insure that the paint can adhere properly to the wood. Begin by sanding. You don’t need to sand down to raw wood, but remove the old paint and any gloss. Sweep and damp mop to clean the floor and leave it to dry completely. Then apply a good paint primer and let it dry overnight. You are now ready to paint. Porch and Floor paint is durable and should give you a lasting finish. All paint will chip over time, so you might think about putting a small area rug down in high-traffic areas.

Debbie Travis’ House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Please e-mail your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.