Wall Art: Trends in Wall Decor

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

So, now that you've set up shop or a home of your own....you'll likely want to make it look and feel, well, homey. And, when it comes to creating a "mood" we all know how important paint and wall art are for ambiance, attitude, and atmosphere. Here are just some of the hottest trends in what's home haute right now.

* Make your wall more "attractive": There are plenty of marvelous magnets with lots of personality out there. It would seem like such a shame to limit them to the fridge. Consider instead painting an area of your home, such as your kitchen or your work space an paint it with magnet paint and turning it into a display play for your "attractive" collectibles or a message center for family communication.

*Give your home space a little "class": Take a hint from the classroom and create a workspace (especially for the kids) with an oversized, wall chalkboard. Simply apply a coat of magnetic chalkboard paint to the wall and voila..the kids are ready to doodle, do their homework, or leave you messages in a place they just can't be missed.

* Patchwork Wall Art: Can't decide on a wall paper you can both live with...get a little of something you’ll each like...and get creative about creating a powerfully textured patchwork on your wall. Just remember to measure your space and get the right dimensions before you start....and remember to keep it simple and not choose patterns that compete.

* Sitting pretty: Create an inexpensive chair rail that will give you the freedom to decorate your wall differently on the top and bottom by simply using two shades of paint. Consider going lighter on top and bolder and darker on the bottom.

* "Picture Perfect": Invest in a few inexpensive picture frames or pull out some "leftovers" and arrange in a pattern on your wall. Make sure they all look like they belong together. You can do this by spray painting them a particular color. Make the initial layout on the floor or on a table first and make sure to keep spacing equal between them when hanging.

* Delicious Decor: Serve up some sophistication by hanging a feast of decorative dishes on your wall. You can find these tasty treasures just about everywhere and at a price you can afford.

* Graphic Design: Jazz up your place with patterns and graphics....but limit it to one wall or to a small space. For the best results consider linear prints, geometric patterns, thin stripes or tiny flowers.

* Word Art: Consider spicing up your wall with words. Strategically hang some letter, create some words or phrases, use your initials or put up your names.

* Stencil it in: From funky flowers to just about every pattern you can think of there's likely a stencil out there for it. Simply invest in your stencil(s), a stencil brush and some paint colors...then go Picasso on your wall.

* Mural, Mural on the wall: Paint a mural on your wall such as a world map. You can use this to teach kids about geography or to exhibit postcards and photos of places you've been to and those you'd still like to visit.

* Dare to be different with decoupage: Save on wallpaper by using scraps of leftover wrapping paper, magazines, newspaper, etc. Create an outline and design, first in your mind, then on paper....then on your wall.