Written by Jane Armbruster, Relate Intern

Sick of plain solid walls? Is your room a blank canvas? Looking for a remedy? Look no further. Following are wall graphic treatments – great for adding chic edge to your living space.

No expense spared:

If you’re extremely lucky and money is no object, the best way to add graphic interest to your accent wall is with paper. For the past several years, wallpaper has been a big no-no in design; paint was king. But no more. Bold damask prints and textured wall coverings, like grasscloth, are the top trend in decorating.

They keyword here: luxury. And in recessive times, luxury is coveted – especially in home environments. So slap some elegance on your wall. What is damask (named after Damascus, Syria – city of origin)? It’s a design of abstract florals and paisleys, which form into a repeated pattern. Heavy damask papers can be costly, but papering just one wall is far less expensive than completing an entire room, which may even allow you to spring for finer products. To add texture and a hint of retro, purchase damask wallpaper in grasscloth, a woven paper with an organic feel.

On the Cheap:

Want to achieve this aesthetic without breaking your budget? A simple, inexpensive way to attain the damask accent wall is by stenciling. Most craft stores that carry decorating stencils will have damask patterns in different designs and sizes, allowing you to get the look. To add texture, or at least the illusion of it, use contrasting colors for your background and the design (for example, a light pink for the background, and a deep chocolate brown for your damask stencil).

If you feel like going the extra mile, add a top coating of translucent pearl to your damask stencil. This achieves a glossy, reflective visual effect, but is only recommended for cooler color tones. The pearl can also be applied on its own. If you prefer solid colors but want the texture, use the damask stencil with the pearl coating only. When it catches the light, you will have something truly beautiful.

With the right tools, the right assistance, a smidgen of creativity and a lot of elbow grease – you can easily get this fabulous wall treatment! Luxurious detail not your thing? Tune in for next week’s column when we’ll discuss modern wall graphics.