Words Of Caution From A Pro If You're Considering Faux Paint Finishes

If you're looking to boost your home's resale value, skip on the faux paint finishes. Though these special effects have become more readily found in homes today, it's a trend that's quickly passing, according to some designers. Sara Malek Barney, founder of interior design boutique BANDD/DESIGN, shares, "Faux finishes that imitated Tuscan plaster or distressed textures were popular, but have had their time, and these finishes can now appear dated" (via Livingetc).

Faux painting is the process of transforming a surface using paint so that it looks like something else. For example, using paint to create a stone-like appearance on a wall, or perhaps making it look like it's tiled when, in fact, it isn't. Other finishes may resemble sandstone, fabric, grass, wood, or metal. While this trend was quite popular as a way to bring drama and dimension to a space, this type of look has since been overdone, according to the pros, and that means it's time to move on.

While experts like Sara Malek Barney may classify faux paint finishes as passé, you can still use paint to great effect. Paint in itself can be the most desirable way to transform a space due to its lower cost and the ease of updating it over time. Modern paint trends are well worth the investment if you like the look of them.

What's most in this year and into next? Color! Deep, rich color is one of the best ways to add value and a modern flair to a home. Skip the pastels and leave white out of the picture and instead look for deep reds, invigorating oranges and yellows, and calming, saturated blues. If you're not interested in dramatic color, however, choose a softer, lighter version of your favorites. Instead of bright pink, choose a soft lilac for a modern, elegant feel to the space.

But whatever color you choose, the advice is to forgo textured finishes and go instead for something more timeless. As Malek Barney notes, "To achieve a more modern and sophisticated look, consider using smooth finishes with complementary color palettes."

These faux painting finishes that seem to be fading from popularity didn't just bring with them color, though. They often included a variety of textures that created depth. Paint alone can be hard to use to create that same feel and unique touch to a room.

There are ways to create a more impressive feel with smooth paint, such as using unique color combinations that don't typically go together. A bright green wall coupled with blue shelving, for example, is certainly a character-building space, even if it doesn't have actual texture to it.

There are other ways to add texture, though, that can be meaningful and quite modern. Per Sara Malek Barney, "Explore other texture options like grasscloth wallpaper and decorative wall panels." You're not likely going to want to use any type of plastering to change up the space, however, as adding actual texture using drywall compound means the next time you update, you'll have a lot of hard work on your hands.