From Texture to Trend: Finding the Perfect Wall Covering to Complement Your Style

In home design, we often focus on floors, furniture, and paint colors, but there’s a transformative element that can instantly elevate a room from ordinary to extraordinary: wall coverings. Far beyond the floral wallpapers of yesteryear, offering an incredible spectrum of textures, patterns, and materials that can profoundly impact a space’s ambiance and personality. Whether you’re in Indianapolis, Fishers, Crown Point, or any of the vibrant communities in Indiana, finding the perfect wall covering can be the key to truly completing your interior design vision. At ICC Floors Plus, we understand that every detail counts, and we’re here to guide you through the exciting world of wall coverings, helping you move from texture to trend to perfectly complement your unique style.

Why Wall Coverings are a Design Powerhouse

Modern wall coverings offer distinct advantages over a simple coat of paint:

• Depth and Dimension: They add a tactile quality and visual depth that paint alone cannot achieve.
• Pattern and Personality: Introduce intricate patterns, bold graphics, or subtle motifs that reflect your individual taste.
• Durability and Protection: Many wall coverings offer superior durability, protecting walls from scuffs and stains, especially in high-traffic areas.
• Conceal Imperfections: They can effectively mask minor wall imperfections, providing a smooth, flawless finish.
• Instant Transformation: A well-chosen wall covering can dramatically change the feel of a room, creating an immediate impact.

Understanding Texture in Wall Coverings

Texture is arguably the most impactful element of a wall covering. It’s not just about what you see, but what you feel and how light interacts with the surface.

1. The Power of Texture

• Subtle Textures (Linen, Grasscloth, Silk): These offer a refined elegance.
  • Linen/Fabric Weave: Provides a soft, inviting backdrop, often in neutral tones. It adds a sophisticated layer without overwhelming the space. Ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, or dining areas where warmth is desired.
  • Grasscloth: Made from natural fibers, grasscloth has an organic, earthy texture with subtle variations in color and weave. It brings natural warmth and an artisanal feel. Excellent for creating a serene, inviting atmosphere.
  • Faux Silk/Shantung: Mimics the lustrous, irregular weave of silk, adding a touch of luxury and subtle shimmer.
• Dimensional Textures (Embossed, Raised Patterns): These add a three-dimensional quality.
  • Embossed Vinyl/Paper: Features patterns that are raised from the surface, creating shadows and highlights that change with the light. Can mimic plaster, wood grain, or ornate designs. Adds architectural interest and can be paintable for custom color.
  • Flocked Wallpapers: Have raised, velvety patterns, creating a plush, luxurious feel. Often used in traditional or maximalist designs for a touch of opulence.
• Tactile Textures (Cork, Wood Veneer, Metallics): These are bolder and more sensory.
  • Cork Wall Coverings: Offer a natural, earthy texture with inherent sound-dampening qualities. Adds warmth and a unique organic element.
  • Wood Veneer Wall Coverings: Thin slices of real wood applied to a backing, bringing authentic wood grain and warmth to walls. Perfect for a natural, rustic, or modern organic aesthetic.
  • Metallic Finishes: While not strictly a texture, metallic wall coverings (gold, silver, copper) often feature subtle etched or embossed patterns that create incredible reflectivity and shimmer, adding glamour and sophistication.

Navigating Wall Covering Trends in Indiana

While timeless choices abound, keeping an eye on current wall covering trends can inspire fresh ideas for your Indiana home.

2. Current Trends in Wall Coverings

• Biophilic Designs (Nature-Inspired): Bringing the outdoors in remains a strong trend. Look for patterns featuring large-scale botanicals, lush landscapes, subtle leaf motifs, or organic textures like faux stone or wood. These create a calming and refreshing atmosphere.
• Geometric Abstraction: Clean lines, bold shapes, and abstract patterns in various scales. This trend works well in modern, contemporary, and even Art Deco-inspired spaces, adding dynamism and visual interest.
• Textural Neutrals: Moving beyond flat paint, this trend emphasizes subtle textures in neutral palettes (creams, grays, whites, soft beiges). Think grasscloth, linen weaves, or subtle plaster-look textures that add depth without overwhelming the space. This is a versatile trend that complements almost any design style.
• Bold Florals and Murals: Larger-than-life floral patterns or full-wall murals that create a dramatic focal point. These are often used on accent walls (see Blog Post 4!) to make a powerful statement.
• Art Deco Revival: Geometric patterns, metallic accents, and rich jewel tones are making a comeback, offering a sense of vintage glamour and sophistication.
• Subtle Metallics and Luster: Beyond full metallic sheets, wall coverings with subtle metallic flecks, pearlescent finishes, or a gentle sheen add a touch of understated luxury without being overtly flashy.

Complementing Your Style: Making the Right Choice

When finding the perfect wall covering to complement your style, consider these factors:

• Room Size and Light: Lighter colors and subtle textures can make a small room feel larger and brighter. Darker, bolder patterns might be better suited for larger rooms or an accent wall.
• Existing Furniture and Decor: The wall covering should harmonize with your existing furnishings, artwork, and textiles. Consider the scale of patterns – a large-scale pattern might overpower a room with small-scale furniture.
• Desired Mood: Do you want the room to feel serene, energetic, glamorous, or cozy? Texture and pattern play a huge role in setting the mood.
• Your Personal Aesthetic: Ultimately, choose a wall covering that truly resonates with your personal style and makes you happy to be in the space.

Transform Your Walls with ICC Floors

From adding subtle depth with elegant textures to making a bold statement with trending patterns, wall coverings offer an unparalleled opportunity to infuse personality and style into your Indiana home. By thoughtfully considering the interplay of texture, pattern, and current trends, you can select the perfect wall covering to complement your style and truly transform your space.

Contact us or visit one of our showrooms in Fishers, IN – Crown Point, IN – or our four Indianapolis, IN locations today! Let ICC Floors Plus help you redefine your walls.